We just had one of those weekends where we didn’t travel very far from home, but still felt like we were truly getting away.
Skagit Valley is just an hour and a half or so north of Seattle. Its most famous claim-to-fame is the Tulip Festival that takes place every spring. The rural area is also spotted with adorably charming small towns, pastoral view after pastoral view, and its situated where one can take in the water to the west and Cascades to the east, including Mount Baker, all in one spot.
In need of a fall getaway, we made the quick trip to see what staying in a state park cabin, with a toddler, might be like.
Bayview State Park (also in the town of Bayview) is located on Padilla Bay with views of the larger town of Anacortes as well as the San Juan Islands. It’s a small state park made up of mostly cabins, campgrounds and RV spots, but it’s quiet, and it has an incredible beach.
You’ll hear much more about our trip, from the food we ate to the hikes and other adventures we got into, but I just love how we started off our weekend.
For one, we were relieved to learn it clearly doesn’t take nearly as long to setup “camp” at a cabin as it does when tents are involved. We also had a better plan: One person works while the other gives full attention to Bergen (2 years old). Then switch. No more thinking we can both set things up and “keep an eye on” the little guy. It just doesn’t work and it’s not worth the time we think we would save.
In what felt like no time, our beds were set, chairs and supplies were out, and food was organized (you’ll see we didn’t need much). And then, we were munching on appetizers, enjoying refreshments, and making our way to witness sunset on the bay.
In addition to rocks, Bergen has now added sticks to his collection habits, so you might imagine he was quite pleased at the selection. He was so content here, just wanting to explore and gather treasure after treasure.
Skagit Valley is also known as an incredible place for bird watchers. Here we had our first of many great blue heron sightings throughout the weekend.
Usually after awhile I’m told to quit it with all the picture taking, but this time, Slaed understood because every time we looked out, the sky had changed, and was showing us something a little different.
Where can YOU get away without traveling too far? Share your favorite destination, even if it’s just down the street!
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