Sent September 24, 2005

Greetings from the Flatlander,

Hello everyone! We're expanding our website at www.southwhidbey.com to bring you more up-to-date information on Whidbey Island events and information on local destinations and attractions. 

For some of you, it may have been a while since you subscribed to receive email updates. If you no longer wish to be included on this list, instructions for removal of your email are provided at the bottom of this mailing. We'll be providing regular mailings about twice per month, with occasional unscheduled updates when new events are added to our Whidbey Island Events calendar.

Take care until my next update,
Debra Malmos, The Flatlander 

Subscriber Feature - September 24, 2005, Edition 01-2005

Whidbey Island "Spare Change" Adventure

Whidbey Island destinations appeal to many visitors due to the many beautiful area parks and recreation areas offering out-door camping... but, did you know you could actually plan a campout trip here with little more than a backpack and change for public transportation from SeaTac airport?  Whidbey Island's FREE Island Transit system will take you to most public island destinations... including South Whidbey State Park, a pristine forest park with hiking trails to the Western waterfront. When I was relocated back to the Flatlands (KS), I fortified myself with the thought that with little more than a plane ticket, I could make my way back to Whidbey.

So, if you are up for an adventure, here's how it's done!

  1. You're on your own getting to SeaTac Airport (or other Seattle location).

  2. Catch Seattle's Sound Transit bus system at SeaTac airport ($4.00) and they'll deliver you to the Mukilteo Ferry. (One transfer is required, about 4 blocks from Pike Place Market downtown, offering an opportunity for an "on-the-way adventure, if you're so inclined.)

  3. Catch the Mukilteo/Clinton Ferry ($3.60 walk-on fare) to Whidbey Island's south end Clinton Ferry Dock. (The ferry runs every 30 minutes on the hour and half-hour.) 

  4. Catch the FREE Island Transit to South Whidbey State Park. (Catch the "Route 1 NorthBound (NB) - Clinton Ferry to Oak Harbor, and tell the driver you're heading to South Whidbey State Park (Route 1 Southbound takes you back)

  5. That's it! Total time required to arrive at South Whidbey State Park... about 3 hours. Okay... we said this was an adventure, and if you are not used to driving in Seattle traffic, we're probably only talking about an extra hour. Transportation costs for coming and going for this adventure? About $15!  (Call ahead to make campsite reservations; a nightly camp site fee of $7 MAY apply.)

All the necessities can be found a short 2 mile hike to the Greenbank Store. The famous Greenbank Farm and Winery, is just across the road, and Meerkerk Gardens (has one of my favorite hiking trails) is less than a quarter mile just off the highway.

Good luck!
The Flatlander

P.S. The first person to accomplish this, and has the picture and story to prove it... I'll refund $20 just to see how it went!

Here's some related links:

Sound Transit Travel Planner - Search on SEATAC to FERRY TERMINAL -MUKILTEO

Pike Place Market - Optional downtown Seattle Adventure (If you stop here, I highly recommend the fresh roasted cashews, and fresh donuts (for next morning's breakfast).

Washington State Ferries - See Mukilteo to Clinton Schedule

Island Transit Schedules - See Route 1 - Northbound (Runs from Clinton to Oak Harbor with stop at the park.)

South Whidbey State Park - Call ahead for reservations

Greenbank Store - For the necessities of life.

Greenbank Farm - You simply MUST eat a piece of Whidbey Island Marionberry pie.

Meerkerk Gardens - Pristine forest walking trails; Check out my pictures!