Once summer settles in, bird activity throughout the West Sound region changes. The young of most species have left the nest and are exploring their world. The adults that worked to feed and raise their families are no longer guarding territories. The bird population becomes more fluid as it moves throughout the area following the […]
northwest
Posted inThe Outdoors
Fun Facts about the Great American Eclipse — and Where You Can See It
Are you still hoping to get a peek at the “Great American Eclipse” on Aug. 21? Millions of Americans will only have to drive 60 or 70 miles to see the total eclipse, according to the GreatAmericanEclipse.com website. NASA says that the totality path, “where the moon will completely cover the sun and the sun’s […]
Posted inCommunity News
Prepare for Excessive Heat, Fire Dangers This Week
Pierce County Alert — The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued an excessive heat warning for parts of the Puget Sound area this week. Temperatures are expected to be in the mid-80s to lower 100s on Tuesday through Sunday, and higher than normal temperatures may persist into next week. An excessive heat warning means that […]
Posted inHome
The Garden and Home of Joanne and Chuck Little
The heart of this story started 33 years ago with a young couple who fell in love with the expansive water and Olympic Mountain views from a 2-acre property on Bainbridge Island. Chuck and Joanne Little turned it from a summer home into a rental while they remained on the other side of the Sound. […]
Posted inFood & Entertainment
Canal Cookout an Adventure Outside the (Culinary) Box
Named by Forbes Traveler magazine one of the “prettiest towns” in America, Union appeals to summer vacationers and visitors alike. The breathtaking views, natural beauty, slow pace and recreational activities more than compensate for the off-the-beaten-path destination. But Lisa Leggett sees more than small-town charm. “There’s this certain style — I call it canal style,” […]
Posted inGarden
A True Cottage Garden ‘Hidden in Plain Sight’
High school sweethearts Marion and Steve Ekberg were born and raised in the Tacoma area, spending childhoods in the woods of Minter Creek and Fox Island. In 1972, they were house hunting, looking for a place to call home and raise a family, when they discovered an old house on about 2 acres on a […]
Posted inThe Outdoors
Enjoying Birdwatching from Aboard the Local Ferries
A ferry ride is an inexpensive way to do some birdwatching on the water. You don’t pay for an expensive guided tour. You don’t need to own or care for your own boat. Birding surprises often occur on many of the available ferry crossings throughout Western Washington’s “Inland Sea.” All ferry runs can produce good […]
Posted inPeople & Places
The Great American Eclipse
This is a banner year for rare, once-in-a-life-time astronomical events. In February, NASA announced the discovery of seven Earth-like planets orbiting their own sun, serious evidence that life may exist in outer space. Dec. 13 will bring the king of meteor displays — the massive Geminid meteor shower, which will make an appearance this year […]
Posted inAround West Sound
17 of West Sound’s Best Coffee Shops
If you love going out for coffee at a place where you can unwind, study or enjoy some music, you are sure to find it in West Sound. When I want to go to a coffee shop that has ambiance, sit on comfy cushion chairs and listen to live music, or sit on a terrace […]