I feel like I’m in England each morning, walking the countryside near my mother’s house. Rolling meadows with grazing sheep, the sky big and beautiful, changing in each moment. Snowberries mixing with rose hips and Queen Anne’s Lace, adding to the palette of greens along the path.

What a gift to walk along San Juan Valley Road, even if just for a mile or so, and enjoy what the center of the island has to offer, without the hazard of walking directly on the road. The path, which hugs the King Sisters Reserve starting at Wold Road, is just the beginning of a plan by the Land Bank to continue the path all the way into Friday Harbor. A brilliant idea, in my opinion, allowing a safe and beautiful place for people to walk as well as promoting a healthier alternative to constantly driving into town.

I’m impressed with what they’ve done so far and hope the community supports them in their effort to connect the middle of the island with town. I feel it’s a step in the right direction.

Wendy Smith
Friday Harbor