The Drrons shoot a killer and other delights.

[drron]

And a squirrel who was so unconcerned by our presence that even when I got closer and sat on the railing he wouldn't even turn around.

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Even a bunny rabbit.

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A couple of ducks flew in.

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And flowers but no orchids this time.

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So if you are ever travelling I-5 between Olympia and Tacoma take a short detour and spend some time here.
Now a couple of shots from the bus back to the dock.

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[drron]

But how did they Know about JT-not our JT but a fellow who was known in Townsville-

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Another area where logging is important.From the zodiac-

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Mrsdrron had remained on board and caught me leaving-

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She was amused by the number of craft that came out to look over the Explorer.This was the Thurston Sherriff's Department boat.It circled a few times.

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And a couple of elegant wooden boats.

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They continued coming.

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[drron]

But then I was coming back.

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But there were a couple more yachts before I got back to our suite.

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So then it was off to lunch and then hanging around waiting for the all day excursion to Mt. Rainier to return.So watched the scenery.
Then either the maddest or the most determined fellow to view the ship came past.

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[drron]

It turned out I made the right choice with the excursion.Those on the Mt.Rainier tour were very cold and didn't get above the cloud level so had no good views.
Finally the last zodiac returns and off we go.

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And then around a corner and in all it's glory-

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Mt.Rainier.

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Puget sound.

We passed ferries of all sizes and shapes.

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[drron]

But one thing dominated.

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Under a bridge.

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Past a train.

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A beautiful part of the world.And note the weather again.

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[drron]

Another ferry.

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And around the corner the same old mountain but now in the late afternoon light.

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And now the suburbs of Seattle.Some action on shore.

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[drron]

The sunset.

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Now we had to make a technical stop at Seattle.Ships are not allowed to discharge waste water into Puget sound so we must anchor off shore and pump the water into a barge.night has fallen.

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That night was the farewell dinner.Mainly seafood which we enjoy.

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Fortunately we weren't on an official table so I would go out on deck and take some photos.One other passenger did so as well.

 

[drron]

Was a clear night and the views great.

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It turned into one of the highlights.

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..

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[drron]

Quite a few large barges.

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One with a few boats on top.

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And Mt. Rainier at night.

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Turning the other way reveals the last of the sunset.

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And a Seattle icon.

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[drron]

And the last of Seattle.

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Sunrise the next morning sees us steaming towards Anacortes.

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It's not these spots.

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Maybe hiding behind here.

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Why yes.

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[RooFlyer]

But one thing dominated.

..

And when it blows, it'll really blow!

 

[craven morehead]

But one thing dominated.

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Under a bridge.

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Past a train.

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A beautiful part of the world.And note the weather again.

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Glorious surroundings !

 

[drron]

Yes when mt.Rainier goes off it could be spectacular.in the past the lahars have reached Puget sound.probably will kill off a few of TheRealTMA's favourite oysters.

However a few geologists are really worried by the Yellowstone Caldera.but they think it will give 100-1000 years notice of going bang in the night.

 

[drron]

The harbour Anacortes.

Some industry there.

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But once again perfect conditions for our zodiac ride.

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I was on the zodiac trip.Hoping to see an orca.I were on the second of the zodiac groups.
Whilst we being briefed and getting our safety gear on a pair of very wet English lads appeared.They had only just got into their kayak when it rolled.Great mirth tinged with a bit of apprehension from our group.It had been quite a while since I had been in a kayak.So wasn't very confident so very few pics.
It was a lovely day for it.

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That's one of our local guides.

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We did see a couple of harbour porpoise and a sea lion along with many birds.But no orca.

 

[drron]

At the dock in Anacortes I watched how to get your boat into the water.Not something a fellow who lives in an area of relatively low tidal movements is used to.

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Belts on.

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And away we go.

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[drron]

Mrsdrron went on the Fidalgo and Whidbey Island tour.it went to deception Pass state park which is the passage between those 2 islands and the Fort Casey state park.So her photos.

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Now she loves flowers.

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[drron]

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he people of the North west love their boats.

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And to go fast in them.

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The history of the passage.

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[drron]

Then off to Fort Casey.

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And it's big guns.

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More of the big gun.

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[drron]

The fort has great views.

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The fast ferry from Seattle goes by.

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Then there were birds.

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There is a bird in there.

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[drron]

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And of course flowers.

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And planes.

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The fort had disappearing guns-they could be lowered out of sight.

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Work was done in underground rooms preparing for firing.it took 100 men to man the 2 10 inch guns.

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