May 30-June 1, a crew of 19 intrepid PNWS adventurers set forth from Portland to enjoy the wild arts of Whidbey Island, Washington. Advanced planning was required for this trip as the complexities included a five-hour drive, possible ferry rides, 3 Meal Team meals, including an extended version at our host’s house, camping, private tour, kinetic parade, and side adventures. Unfortunately, 12 people dropped out the month before, and they may be sorry when they see the photos!
Teri Fahrendorf began planning this extra extravaganza about a year ago, as the PNWS Board had to approve fronting the money to reserve a group campsite on August 30, 2024. She reserved Fort Ebey Vista Group Camp, and boy did it have a view! In December 2024 Teri began planning this trip, and a few non-PNWS sculptors were invited (but had to drop out). This was the second year Teri lead a PNWS campout and field trip. (Last year was at Maryhill. For 2026, Teri is taking a break due to her busy schedule.
Leslie Crist (President) and the PNWS management team are looking for somebody to take over planning for 2026. A simpler local trip has been mentioned. Perhaps camping at new member Carrie’s property near Estacada? Stay tuned!
Click here for the photos and videos. This is how our Whidbey trip went down:
Friday May 30 – the 19 adventurers arrived at camp, lead by Ami & Trent. Three driving options were utilized by members, and most avoided the ferries and drove around Deception Point. What a bridge and what a view! (Hope you’re not afraid of heights.) Shelly ended up waiting four hours for a ferry out of Fort Townsend as she didn’t have a reservation. At camp we enjoyed a rousing campfire till late, managed by our Fire Marshal, Shelly.
Sat May 31 – After a fabulous breakfast made by Marlena’s Meal Team, some of us hiked to the Fort Ebey bunkers where we were serenaded with eerily profound singing and music by Andy, Bob, Joe, and whoever else joined in. The views from the hike were fabulous, and Andy adopted 3 snails as temporary pets. At 2 PM we gathered at Price Sculpture Forest for a private tour led by founder Scott Price. Scott went into detail about who made each piece, and the history, thinking, technique and philosophy behind each piece. Afterwards we went straight to Scott’s house where we enjoyed the impossibly beautiful views. We met and mingled with about 15 local Whidbey sculptors, artists and volunteers while Ami’s Meal Team went to work creating a taco feast, augmented by food from Scott’s gang. Then, back to Vista Camp for sunset and another campfire.
Sun June 1 – After a fabulous breakfast made by Wayne & Jill’s Meal Team, we met up with Scott and his friends for a metaphysically eccentric sculpture parade lead by our Parade Marshall, Joe. Afterwards, some of the members went beach-combing for rock concretions and driftwood, as Whidbey Island is well-supplied and it is legal to take these from many locations. Then the long drive home, some by one of the two ferries, and some by driving around the impressive Deception Pass again.
Everybody had a wonderful time. I hope somebody will toss their hat in the ring to organize next year’s adventure. I will be happy to give advice if requested. FYI: 100%, the annual spring camping & field trip is the best way to bond with, and get to really know your fellow PNWS members!
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