By Jack Keyes

Clear skies and sunshine, brilliant blue water, tree-lined winding back roads, a gentle breeze, and thirteen great little cars. What could be more perfect for a spirited drive through the countryside of Whidbey Island? Throw in a soaring bald eagle in search of dinner and a couple of graceful deer for added interest. Such were the conditions experienced during the memorable tour put together on July 18th by Paul & Marianne Hatfield.

As always, it was a fun sight to see the line up of 356’s awaiting the 9:30AM departure of the ferry at Mukilteo. Needless to say, the cars drew a good deal of interest from the other folks cued up in the staging area. A lot of posing for pictures, as well!

Once off the ferry, Paul herded the group back into proper position and proceeded on our way, even though some of us refused to follow the well-prepared driving instructions! Perhaps we need to set up a couple of TSD rallies to sharpen our skills! Even then the best-laid plans went awry when we encountered a recently closed road on the tour route. However, thanks to Paul’s quick thinking and knowledge of the Whidbey terrain a few adjustments kept the group on track. Many of us thought it was just part of the scenic tour!

The route generally followed the west side of Whidbey Island with a couple of car-watching drives though the main streets of "downtown" Langley and Coupeville. Lots of great looks and comments from the tourists milling around the shops and galleries. Once we were again off the beaten path there were many occasions to view the vivid blue water and local wildlife including the white-crested bald eagle soaring above the sands. And luckily the encounters with the deer were only visual!

A stop at Greenbank Farms allowed the group the opportunity to sample and purchase some good local wines along with various cheeses and other goodies. Fortunately, our lunch desert included a slice of blueberry pie that was obtained at the Greenbank Café, generously supplied by Richard Shilling. On our way again, Paul led us by the Whidbey Island NAS up to our stopping point at Deception Pass State Park.

In light of the no-fee day at the State Park, we expected the worst when it came to parking and tables for dining. Nonetheless, our intrepid if not fearless co-leader, Marianne, staked out a great set of parking stalls adjacent to Cranberry Lake and the seaside along with some well-situated picnic tables. Over a spread of Sub sandwiches, chips, salads, soft drinks, and the aforementioned pie, all of us were well fed and ready for a nap. As usual, there was good conversation and sharing of stories. And thinking of how we may top this tour with all the great scenery and driving roads.