Author: Peggy Hanson

I am a nature photographer and digital artist living and loving life in Sequim, WA.

Icy Weather Anniversary

I thought it was appropriate to post this today, since I photographed it February 7th of 2014, 21 years ago.

With a low of 18 degrees, it was a record cold day for Puget Sound which turned this and two other once flowing waterfalls at the Tulalip Resort Casino into walls of ice.

The resort, located in Quil Ceda Village, north of Seattle and 80 miles east of Sequim, is owned and operated by the Tulalip Tribes of Washington.

Located near the Seattle Premium Outlets (where I may have been shopping on this particular day), it’s a fun place to stop and not only try your luck, but to witness the forces of nature as well – that’s if you should be there on an 18 degree day.

Nest Watching

I love Sequim sunsets, especially when they’re silhouetted by an eagle’s nest as this one was.

Located on Towne Road, it’s set back a substantial distance, which makes it tough to get a good photo, even with a long lens. But therein lies the challenge not only for me, but for many other Sequim photographers.

From previous observation, our eagles begin mating in January, and since this nest was occupied last year, I’m suspecting that it will be again this year. So I’ve been watching daily for any nest building activity by the parents which in itself is entertaining, and if there’s a sunset to go with it, that’s even better.

The Eberle Barn

I don’t know the history or the current status of this Sequim icon, but I certainly enjoy seeing it everyday, and because I see it more as a work of art, I decided to treat it as such.

I hope you enjoy the end result and if you have some knowledge of the owners, etc., please share it with me, and thanks much!

A Tender Moment

It had been awhile since I’d gotten close enough to photograph our elk herd, which I consider to be the gems of our community. But I was fortunate to spot them yesterday evening and to share in this tender moment between two cows.

The anticipation of seeing them, both the cows and the bulls, keeps me enthusiastic about hauling my gear, bundling up and waiting for the right moment, although it’s hit and miss as to whether they’ll show up, or “pose”.

I love the challenge though and when I take out-of-towners to their typical spot, they understand completely, although they often ask, “why would anyone name this SCHMUCK Road”???

‘Sun’ Land?

Although I captured this photo in 2019, apparently, we’re due for our annual snowfall again soon, which brings the photo back to mind.

After arriving in Sequim in September 2018 after 30 years in nearby Renton, seeing over 2.5 feet of snow accumulate in February was a rude awakening – especially after being told “Sequim is so much sunnier than the rest of Puget Sound”; and “Sequim hasn’t gotten much snow in the last 20 years.” by the locals.

So after helping my hubby shovel it for hours and cursing our real estate agent under my breath, I took in on myself to make a statement of my displeasure by snowballing the SunLand sign at the entrance to our neighborhood.

But I did so before I complained to another resident about how surprised I was to see so much SNOW, when she relayed that she had just moved to Sequim from Hawaii – in order to escape the heat!

That’s when my whining stopped and I put myself in her place, but all the while dreaming of Hawaii…

Seattle to Bainbridge Is. via Ferry

Since we don’t always have the state of the art medical equipment and technology available to us on the peninsula, a trip to Seattle is sometimes the best option, and today, we were happy to transport a dear friend to the “big city” when she needed access to it.

Driving into Seattle is not for the faint of heart, but taking the ferry can be a breeze, especially on a cold and rainy night, like tonight. So although we drove over, while tackling heavy traffic, slick roadways and wacky drivers, we persevered and made it to our destination.

On the way home, we opted for the “scenic route” via the Seattle to Bainbridge Ferry, and were pleased to see the ferris wheel colorfully lit, reflecting on the water, making our journey back home so much more enjoyable, dry, and photo worthy, of course!