After such a nice time in Whidbey Island, I had thought I'd be ready to depart today (per my original schedule). I was awake at 0630 (no alarm) and spent time reading, doing puzzles and completing Duolingo exercises. Also, I bought airline tickets for my upcoming Viking Homelands Trip and communicated with my friends in Europe about the itineraries. Along the way, I made breakfast in my room. Outside, it was clear (with a high overcast), windless and temps were in the high 30s. Figuring that there was still time for more fun on the Island, I extended my stay at the Navy Inn for another night. With all morning Administrative tasks completed, I departed NAS Whidbey Island at 0930. I was running a bit behind (per the church's schedule) by that point but was able to attend Mass at St Augustine in Oak Harbor (0945 to 1030). The pews were filled with a very diverse crowd, including some folks who clearly were stationed at the Navy Base, and the building had a huge Parish Hall attached to it. Like so many of my other experiences with church during my Nomad Life, it was interesting to see the many local customs and try to keep up with the songs. After the service was complete, I drove south on WA-20 and started seeking out sites that I'd heard about in brochures I've been collecting over the last two weeks. To this end, I first stopped at the Price Sculpture Forest in Coupeville and went walking on the trails there (from 1040 to 1110). There was a lot of amazing artwork, some of which blended in with the natural surroundings. Also, the tall trees and cool PNW air made for some mist/fog effects that improved the ambiance. I next made my way along the east coast of Whidbey Island until I was completely passed Coupeville - near the Navy OLF, I got on WA-525. While continuing south down the Island, I made another stop at Greenbank Farm (1125), which I learned was actually an off leash dog area. There were some historical and biological information on signs there, though, and I learned about Lake Hancock and its slow retreat into a bog and/or field. Crossing to the west side of the Island, I made my way to Lagoon Point County Park (1135), where I got some spectacular views of Olympics - they were almost all visible and the line of snow-capped peaks on the other side of the Sound was breathtaking. I continued down the coast until I located South Whidbey State Park (1145). Once there, I realized that there weren't going to be any better views of the water or Olympic Range unless I walked all the way down to the water (from a high bluff). Not wanting to buy a park pass (for $10), I only stayed long enough to explore a short nature trail near the parking lot. After that, I resumed my drive to the south. I located another lighthouse, Bush Point Light, in a nearby residential neighborhood. The locals clearly didn't want me to park anywhere nearby so I had to take a photo of the building from my car (1205). I had better luck when I reached the nearby Frank D. Robinson Beach (1215). There was ample parking and I had nice views of the coastline, mountains to the west and activities in Mutiny Bay (saw a Bald Eagle grabbing fish and a huge Evergreen cargo ship transiting the Sound). The temps were in the 40s by this point and I enjoyed my walk on the sand. Nearby, I noticed that someone had parked a trailer that turned out to be a Portable Sauna! There were people using the "Good Medicine: Sauna Collective" and I learned more from the owner, Jamie (1995 AT Thru Hiker, trail name = “Freestyle"). His business sounded like a great idea for people (and I've seen them) who love the idea of a cold plunge in the Puget Sound. After saying goodbye, I continued down the west coast of Whidbey Island until I reached the Double Bluff Park & Dog Beach (1245). This place was VERY busy and I had to park a good ways down the road. From the beach, however, I could see the appeal: from this point, I had marvelous views of Mount Rainier and the Seattle Skyline! I didn't stay long but really enjoyed the nice weather while I took photos nearby. Back in my car, I decided I'd head over to Langley to resume my tour of their "adult beverages" and cuisines. On the way, I passed through Bayview Corners (a semi-historical shopping district) and passed the Deer Lagoon Grange (old meeting house). Arriving at Langley by 1305, I parked my car and started looking for the Langley Village Pizzeria, a popular eating establishment recommended to me by Zachary (brew-master for Double Bluff Brewing Company) during my past visit to the town. My first attempt to locate it (without using Google Maps) was unsuccessful - I walked into a bistro that seemed to advertise pizza. The lady inside was nice enough to point out the correct location to me - sheesh... I arrived at the correct business only to find the place packed. Sitting down inside seemed like a hopeless idea so I settled on the idea of getting my food to go - I chose a slice of pepperoni and one of mushroom and then went over to the bar to order a beer (1310). For some reason, there was a problem with the keg of Fremont Dark Star but I waited patiently on the staff to correct the issue. In the end, the bartender gave me the drink for free ("because you were so patient). Funny, it didn't seem like a long wait... After getting my pizza, I made my way outside and sat at a table on a high bluff above the Saratoga Passage. The pizza slices were huge, greasy and tasty - I can see why people love this restaurant! As I was finishing my lunch, I ended up talking with an older couple from Colorado - they gave me advice about my transit east (recommending Colorado as the best route). When my meal was complete, I started looking for another establishment that Zachary had recommended: the Misfit Island Cidery. This time, I used Google Maps and found it hidden among lots of other eclectic shops and touristy places. Inside, I found I was the only customer and had plenty of time to talk withe the "bartender", Cody (a school friend of Zachary). Starting at 1415, I sampled several "Fifth Element" themed drinks: Super Green, Fhloston Paradise, Multi Pass, Big Badda Boom (mix of Reaper in Paradise and Fresh Hop Island). I enjoyed all the drinks and even helped Cody make similar sales to other clients (mostly couples and groups of ladies). I was done at 1500 and walked down the street to visit the Langley Whale Center. The staff there told me that Gray Whales had been sighted nearby only a few hours earlier! Dang... After reaching the conclusion that my visit to Langley had been a success, I made my way back to WA-525 and started looking for the Whidbey Island Distillery. Upon arrival there, I (again) found myself to be the only customer. This gave me a chance to sample several (rye) whiskeys and berry liqueurs - all were very good. After trying five drinks, I decided to buy a small bottle of Loganberry Liqueur (1600). Before leaving South Whidbey, I made a final stop at Hierophant Meadery - I'd been seeing their drinks around the Island but had never tried any. The bartender there, Alec, took me on a tour (with little tasters) of all the drinks they had. Once again, the "small world" of the Island was clearly evident: Alex told me that he knew the guy at Whidbey Island Distillery and some of the folks in Langley I'd met. Also inside the Meadery, I met an Army Corps engineer lady (we had some interesting talks about bridges, dredging and ferries), learned about how I could use the Dump (from a local guy) and enjoyed the Island vibe. Strangely, a few people thought I lived on the Island and were surprised when I told them I didn't... Reluctantly, I got back in my car and started driving north on WA-525 at 1715. On the way, I called all three of my daughters and my dad - sadly, I had to leave voicemails for all of them. Back on WA-20 near Coupeville, I drove straight through Oak Harbor and arrived at NAS Whidbey by 1800. Once in my Navy Inn room, I organized, packed and made/ate dinner. I also made some reservations for the next night (in Edmonds, WA) and finalized plans with Eric O (Navy friend from the 1990s). During the course of the evening (1945), I had time for a work out in Navy Inn Fitness Center; over 20 minutes, I logged 4.10 miles on the stationary bike. For the rest of the evening, I watched movies - finally went to bed at 2300. It's been an amazing week on Whidbey Island and in the San Juans - I'll be sad to leave this place but it's time to get back to my Nomad Life on the Road!
