Vetch Covered Hillsides

We hiked Ebey's Landing last weekend and the humble vetch is in full and glorious bloom. The hillsides are drenched in this purple, pea-like vine, its color linking sky and water in a continuous blast of blue.

Even on a dull, cloudy day, Ebey's Landing just north of Coupeville must be the most beautiful hike on the planet - along a steep cliff above Parego's Lagoon, and back on the beach. One direction you look out to vast blue sea, the Olympic Mountains,  Mt. Rainier to the south, and even the Seattle skyline on the clearest days.

Bridget surveys the lagoon and the view out to the sea - where the Olympics would be if the clouds weren't so thick... 

The very different view the other direction, over the rich farmlands, is just as vast and beautiful.....

 

  We've hiked the Ebey's Landing loop (takes about two hours) at all times of year, in deep fog, bright sun, and drizzle...last Sunday we ran into renowned gardener Cheryl Kamera and her husband Dennis - note Cheryl's gloves and earmuffs on July 4!! It was about 35 degrees colder last Sunday than it is today - what's with these see-sawing extremes?

I've seen cactus growing on these steep, dry slopes, wild roses scent the air a little later in summer, and the pines are so windblown as to appear sculpted in place. But never have I seen the hillsides so blue with vetch. 

Greg and Bridget stride along the cliffside toward the lagoon...

Comments

[Medical Advice]

beautiful view the colors of flower its so nice and lovely...also the dog..

[Karen]

You are right, that is one of the most beautiful places on earth. You are smart/lucky to live nearby! It is so magical. Love the vetch in its natural habitat, less so when it invades my garden!