Twelve Months at Fort Ebey
- Panoramas, Fortifications, Natural Nature

For a short while, the fort guarded the nation. For much longer, the park has guarded nature - and provided a place for people to play. Larger than most realize, it is easy to drive past Fort Ebey State Park; yet look at the informal spots hollowed out of the brush by the highway as hikers, runners, and bicyclists park to enjoy the extensive trail network. Head up the side road to the park entrance and find panoramas, beaches, fortifications, campgrounds, and more trails.

Fort Ebey was a fort built for World War II, and was returned to nature and parkland when it was no longer needed. The guns are gone, but their foundations and buildings remain, mostly camouflaged by embankments and shrubbery. Now, they guard views.

A broad bluff-top meadow provides a place to play, picnic, and maybe fly. Kites flown from the ground or hung in the air throw colors and motion into the scene. Bald eagles keep them company, and mostly stay out of the way.

Drop down to the beach, tide allowing, to play with the waves, sift through the sand, or wander around the fallen forest that is driftwood. Enjoy the work of child architects building driftwood forts. Puppy prints in the sand prove they helped.

Go the far end to a quiet lake surrounded by forest and its residents.
My few visits spread across twelve months are one small slice of a very long story, yet more than a single Saturday visit and therefore tell more of a tale.

Twelve Months at Fort Ebey is the tenth installment of a five year photo essay of Whidbey Island's nature. (Do the math.)

Tom Trimbath