Deception Pass and Fidalgo Island Report - June 10 - 11, 2022

On Friday June 10th, the rain subsided, the clouds parted, and then the sunshine was bright for our social hike through the Hoypus Hill/Hoypus Point Natural Area Trails in Deception Pass State Park. The area features a picturesque seashore and its old-growth forest is one of the largest remaining in Puget Sound lowlands. The 5-mile loop hike had a highest point of 400 feet and a total of 600 feet elevation change. CAI members Gerlinde Gruber, Jackie Callahan, Patrick Callahan, Toni Williams, and Clarence Elstad were joined by members of the Il Punto! Seattle Italian-Conversation Group.

After the hike and unaffiliated with any organized group, the hikers participated in a cooks' gourmet potluck at a picnic area along the beach. Everyone brought great-tasting thoughtful dishes and accompaniments. A good time was had by all in the sunshine and light ocean breeze.

On Saturday June 11th, a 5-mile loop-hike route went from Heart Lake (elevation 338 ft) up Sugarloaf (elevation 1,044 ft), proceeding to the top of Mt. Erie (elevation 1,273 ft). A warm and relatively sunny day, the south slope of Mount Erie had groups of climbers and rappellers. Although the Cascade Mountains and Mt. Baker were obscured in clouds, there were good views of Mt. Rainier, the islands, and the Olympic Mountains.

Bart Pestarino hosted the events and thanks all participants for a great weekend.