DECEPTION PASS 2025

We have taken the Grandboys camping at Deception Pass for the past 4-5 years. And this would be the chance to get yet another Junior Ranger Badge!! And pins of animals earned for picking up trash in the park.

But wait. First we took them on a bike ride. We set up camp as minimally as we could for the first night out so the next morning we would have minimal break down of camp to then drive to our ride start. We would bike to Dockside Dog (again) for our lunch. Shelly and Lizette arrived in time for Shelly to join us for the ride. It was a glorious day and we had fun.

They each biked their age — 9 and 11 miles. (Actually they both rode 13 miles ;’-). We have had all the Grands ride their age ever since they learned to ride — age 3 or 4 I think. The challenge is that they need to bike those miles in the year of their birthday, as close to the birthday as they can. These birthdays are coming up in early September and early December. Close enough.

Here is 9 on the Tommy Thompson bridge.

Look for the weed poking out of the right sleeve to make the 11 for this one.

We stopped along the way for a rest break and look at the bay, and to climb some rocks!

Rounding March Point, Susan said let’s try this “short cut” road that will take us back to Tommy Thompson bridge. Ok, I said, if you really want to try it, but I know for a fact that there is quite a hill on this road.

And there was that hill where we had the winner of the polka dot hill climbing shirt. Those little legs are strong! Shelly is back there in the yellow, very proud of both boys to make it u the hill (with no motor!!).

Nearing the end of our ride, and that killer hill, they still had energy for the pump track.

Brothers passing each other.

And for climbing on the high wheeler.

After hot dogs, we headed back to camp for more fun, activities and games over the next few days (I counted them — 7 days!).

The boys worked on their Junior Ranger books so to earn another badge. They also worked at gathering trash to earn more pins (you can’t see the pins very well on their vests).

Completed booklets in hand, they listen to the Ranger.

Then they took the pledge to be good stewards of the park.

And they earn yet another badge.

So proud…

The pins are on his left side under the badges.

The Ranger rides…

They enjoyed other activities of rock climbing at the beach, some fishing from shore…

Making crafts— masks, tee shirts, bag hand puppets, and more.

There is always a giant ‘jenga’ game set up on the stage area, and anyone interested takes a few turns at it.

This time the younger one wanted to try sleeping in the tent — alone!

Here is his set up… all the important things.

The tent thing was marginally successful for two nights. The first was half a night, the second was a little scarier for him. He joined us in the RV after that. But a brave guy!

Susan showed the video of “Serengeti Rules” which is about the Keystone species so important to all natural life. The boys were engrossed in this hour long documentary. They have seen it before, but now are a little older to remember more of it.

They really enjoyed the watermelon that Shelly and Lizette had brought.

A Ranger led walk took us to the beach at sunset for a beautiful end of that day.

A few days after our arrival the family they/we had met last year arrived. Their kids are near the same age as ours, and the parent expectations of behavior are similar as well. It is a great connection and they liked riding bikes and playing with them again this year.

Thus ends another camping year with the Grandboys. Only one made it into this photo… We love you both. ❤️❤️. What will next year’s campout bring?! We’ll see.