“We didn’t realize we were making memories; we just knew we were having fun.” – Unknown

It was 6^th Grade Year that every kid looked forward to in Middle School. An entire weekend fieldtrip filled with campfire and forest fun? I was ecstatic when that weekend finally came! It was the first time I would visit Whidbey Island, and it was also the first time I would ever sleep outside of my home. I don’t even remember how I convinced my parents to let me partake in an overnight field trip.

But most importantly, it was the first time I would ever walk through a real forest as we explored all of Whidbey Island’s glory.

I had no idea the kind of spark it would light in my heart. I wish I had digital copies to show you all the photos I took that weekend. It was mostly photos of tall trees, ferns, moss, and moss-covered tree stumps. I still laugh looking through those photos! In them I captured nothing and everything. Or perhaps it was magic that only I saw…

Fast-forward to whatever years later, and I found myself finally planning an outing back to Whidbey Island with my sisters. All three of us had been fortunate to go to the same school for most of our elementary – middle school – high school years, and all three of us had gone to the same field trip during each of our 6^th Grade Year.

Though we each made our own memories with our middle school friends, it was one particular location that we often reminisced about –> Deception Pass! That mysterious historical bridge…the rocky beach…the tide pools. Everything had seemed so fascinating. Often times we would talk about going back to rediscover old ground.

And we finally did!

We had a lot of fun trying piece our foggy memories together. In between the chilly weather and getting lost, I think we pieced together and entire new set of memories. But that’s the fun of adventuring! Nothing will ever appear the same even if we revisit familiar places. Perspective is everything. Ever try reliving fun childhood memories? So many great times! 

…Below are photos and blurbs from our outing. Enjoy! =)

Love and Adventure,

Denise

I don’t even know what was going on in this photo. I think my sis was trying to push me down the ledge, hence the weird pose. Haha, jk. Love you sis!

——————————————————–

DECEPTION PASS, WHIDBEY ISLAND, WA

Initially we couldn’t figure out how to get to the beach below the bridge. So we kept driving and ended up at another side of the island, where this precious scene greeted us. Nothing like painting in the outdoors…

So then we finally turned around and made our way back to the bridge, determined to find our way to the beach.

The views from the bridge are so great!

A little cove.

We walked down the side of the bridge, still not finding a way to the beach …But at least Dandelion was enjoying her drive! :-D…and my two little sisters. Except they’re not so little any more. Le’sigh <3

After we crossed the bridge, we finally found the stairs to the trail!

Except we found no tide pools. Wrong time of day =)

My two little sissies. And all that driftwood goodness!

…oh, Washington beaches <3

But we had a good time enjoying the scenery and ocean fresh air.

The beach was not getting any sunlight and felt so chilly, so off we went…

After we left, we stopped at a historical ‘waterfront’ town (I don’t remember the name) and found this charming old building.

So I decided to snap some photos of my only willing victim…

My sissy – Alma.

Shawl by Earthbound Trading Co.

Thank you for stopping by! I hope winter has been treating everyone well. I am loving that the days are becoming longer! And following my last blog post regarding my health, I will be doing a follow-up post once I clear everything with the doctors. Thank you for all the well wishes and healthy vibrations =)

But for now…Stay blessed! <3

***

Know an adventurer that would love this post? Don’t be shy to share!

And of course, do comment below to let me know your opinions or simply share stories.  If you have any suggestions or would love to see other content on Of Wildest Heart, let me know!

Want to see more photos, recent travel updates, and inspiration? Check out my Instagram! Interested in working with me, or simply want to meet? Email me at ofwildestheart[at]gmail.com

Stay curious, wild hearts!

***