Growing up in a military (ish) family meant I spent a little time in various locations where my step-dad was stationed, or when he was overseas.  One that I’ve always remembered fondly, (as much as an 8 or 9 year old remembers when they are 40 (ish) years older) was Whidbey Island, Washington.  We lived in base housing, fished from the navy pier and deep sea for halibut, red snapper, rock and ling cod, (that sometimes were literally longer than I was tall) biked in the woods, hunted for snakes, climbed big rocks and trees, and basically everything that your average boy type kid might like.

I was kinda really looking forward to revisiting Whidbey while we are in the area.   I’m happy to say that it wasn’t a disappointment.  Like, at all.

The ride over the Deception Pass Bridge was beautiful, site-seeing in and a round the navel base was interesting.  We stopped for lunch at Seabolt’s Smokehouse, a likely looking local spot.  My sandwich was maybe the best I’ve ever had… or at least the best I can remember.  (Fresh, wild salmon BBQ with a quality cole slaw and onion ring on a fresh baked roll)  Kathy’s halibut and chips was not as great, unfortunately, so not a super ringing endorsement for the shop.

We hit what must have been the Navy’s F-18 test track, with 5 or 6 jets running an oval take off and landing pattern over and over (and over and over) again from Coupville Airpark, out over Admiralty Bay and back again.  It was a bit noisy.   (and by “a bit,” I mean we could barely hear each other when shouting)

Fort Casey (spelled wrong) was a place I actually remember visiting, and it’s a hell of a lot smaller looking when you’re an adult.  Still, cool history walking the grounds, and there was a nice lighthouse also.  We did get there later in the day and everything was closed, so no inside views – this time.  We toured a couple of campsites and future RVing spots for a longer future stay.

There were so many little ocean vista stopping points that it was almost overwhelming.  Too much to do.  It would be totally worth it to come back with a lot more time.  A day trip just wasn’t enough.