Saturday was a gorgeous, warm day to be outside. As an occasional visitor to Whidbey Island, I've had family take me to Ebey's Landing many times over the years. But they've always started at the western parking lot along the water. And we've hiked the loop, up along the bluff and back down across the shore (roughly 3.5 altogether...I think).

Because of the map on this site, I got curious about the other end, where Ebey's Landing National Historic Reserve Visitor Center is. Now having seen it, if I'd settled here 200 years ago, as Ebey did, I'd probably have picked this post for my house too. The hilltop view is spectacular, and the current caretakers of these original buildings help keep this island's rich history alive and well. The walk from parking lot to the bluff point is a lovely, level, 0.8 miles along a well-heeled, mostly single-track dirt path. The flowers down the hillside on the ocean side were popping up and you can see Mt. Rainier and the Olympics in one, quick swivel of the head.

A great, quick stroll with little ones or elders -- with plenty of spots for a grassy picnic -- or pop in to Ebey's well preserved original home (open Friday, Sat and Sun) and see how the region's original homesteaders lived and thrived.