State Parks Offer Intriguing Options For Travelers
There are many things to do while visiting Seattle Washington that are either free or inexpensive. Many of the free things to do in and around Seattle are outdoor activities. Because of the incredible views and magnificent scenery in and around the area it makes perfect sense that several of these would be visiting the many state parks in the area. Keep in mind that not all state parks are free to visit but below you will find information on some that are. If you are a lover of nature and the outdoors then this should really get your blood pumping. Remember to bring along all the fun equipment that makes the outdoors fun. First of all there is Deception Pass State Park. This park has salt water, fresh water, camping, hiking, boating, spectacular views, and a few areas with playground equipment for the little ones. There are many activities available and appropriate for the island: hiking, horseback riding, boating, fishing, swimming, white water kayaking, diving, clamming, crabbing, bird watching, mountain biking, and simply viewing the wonderful scenery that nature provided. Next, there is Fort Worden State Park. Fort Worden was originally used to guard the entry into Puget Sound. Fort Warden became a state park in 1955 and remains a popular park and convention center. Convention and camping facilities are opened on the park year round and there is plenty to do to keep guests busy, happy, and entertained. In addition to the traditional hiking, biking, diving, water skiing, swimming, boating, and animal watching, Fort Worden offers baseball, basketball, softball, and volleyball facilities. If that isn't enough there is also a museum and incredible views that simply invite the photographer within to come out and play. Fort Flagler State Park Fort Flagler, like Fort Worden originally guarded the entryway into the Puget Sound. Also like Fort Worden, Fort Flagler became a state park in 1955. Fort Flagler still has

RIP Harvey
<p> Local-news site <a href="http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2010/07/cleveland_comic-book_legend_ha.html">Cleveland.com reports that comic-book writer, jazz critic, and curmudgeon Harvey Pekar died overnight at his home</a>: </p><blockquote> <em>Pekar, 70, was found dead shortly before 1 a.m. today by his wife, Joyce Brabner, in their Cleveland Heights home, said Powell Caesar, spokesman for Cuyahoga County Coroner Frank Miller. <br /></em> </blockquote><p> I can't help but think Harvey would be amused that his career's end was presided over by a guy named Frank Miller. </p><p> I got to know Harvey a little bit about five years ago while writing about comics for various publications. Harvey loved to talk on the phone, as he often depicted himself doing in his work. He never failed to remind me that he was always available to talk - <em>any time, </em>he would emphasize. </p><p> Harvey always depicted himself as a guy who was bothered by stuff, who got bound up in grouchiness by obsessing over this or that. In his unsparing self-observation he laid bare the mechanics by which he was capable of making himself miserable. Despite this, it seemed to me that by the time I spoke with him he had got beyond this. <br /> <br />What struck me about Harvey on the phone was his profound generosity of spirit. I don't think he saw it, and he probably would have been made uncomfortable by the observation. I do think the film <em>American Spendor</em>, starring both Harvey and the perfectly-cast Paul Giamatti, managed to capture that side of Harvey's personality at the same time as remaining true to the source material. I love the film; Harvey liked it too. </p><p> Goodbye, Harvey. I'm so glad I got to spend some time with you, over those long circuits. I did know you were always there, ready to talk. <em>Any time. </em>I'm sorry I didn't take you up on it as much as I should have. </p>
warm
<p> Summer, finally, after six months of sixty. </p>
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<p><br /> <div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><br /> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mwhybark/4776451830/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4080/4776451830_7b8d092295_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /> <br /><br /> <span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><br /> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mwhybark/4776451830/">photo.JPG</a><br /> <br /><br /> Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/mwhybark/">mwhybark</a><br /> </span><br /> </div><br /> ---<br /><br /> mike@whybark.com<br /> <br clear="all" /></p>


some of the original military structures that tell the proud history of this island. It is also surrounded on three sides by salt water. While there are many similarities between Fort Worden and Fort Flagler, the latter is only open for campers for part of the year. Day visitors are allowed year round, however. It is the stunning view of the Sound and the surrounding mountains, however that makes this park so spectacular. I hope you have the chance to visit. Finally, there is Lime Kiln Point State Park. This park is a 36-acre park that is only for day use. The park is located on the western side of San Juan Island and is an excellent location from which to watch Orca whales from land. In addition to whale watching you can go hiking, tour the lighthouse, and enjoy viewing various other wildlife here as well. Diving is possible here but very dangerous as the currents are quite strong. The lighthouse here still serves as a navigational aid for ships in the Haro Strait. While this particular park offers less in way of amenities it remains my favorite simply because of the lighthouse and the possibility of seeing whales while visiting. The months of June and July are the best for whale watching but any time during the months of May throughout September, whale spotting remains a possibility. While not everyone is interested in nature or experiencing the great outdoors, state parks such as these mentioned above make it much more enjoyable-especially when you consider the fact that there is no admission fees for visiting these parks. If you love the outdoors and nature as much as I do then you would probably have been more than willing to pay for the privilege of visiting any one if not each and every one of these parks. It is my sincerest hope that you will find something that is fun, frivolous, and most importantly free to do while you are on vacation. You know how the saying goes, "the best things in life are free".