I was fortunate enough to spend my summers (and as many weekends as possible) on Camano Island, located in the Island County portion of Puget Sound. My family owns a cabin on Driftwood Shores-- a small (one mile long) peninsula that separates Triangle Cove and Port Susan. Every possible moment was spent outside: walking along the beach, biking or rollerblading the small street, or in an ocean vessel of some kind. My favorite memories of childhood took place there, and it was where I truly discovered my passion for the Pacific Northwest. The environment was directly connected to summertime joy, and there were many epiphanies of 'connectedness' that took place near the water. Everything in that ecosystem was linked, and in such a small place, we could witness the ecosystem interactions and changes everyday.
With each new tide, kayak ride, crabbing endeavor, or beach walk-- Camano was constantly changing. I became passionate about environmental studies because I wanted to learn more about these complex systems and how humans impact them. My experiences in nature were directly tied to my interest in understanding it. On Camano Island, there was a sense of freedom that perhaps can be attributed to the carefree days of childhood summers. But I think on a deeper level, the freedom to experience nature through water color painting, rock collecting, boating, and simply reading on the beach were all instrumental in forming my appreciation for the outdoors.
To this day, my idea of a perfect summer day involves breakfast outside in the sun, a walk on the low-tide flats, some mid-day napping in the grass, working in my garden, throwing sticks for my dog in the water, crabbing for the night's dinner, a kayak ride, and a bonfire to end the evening. The best part about my childhood was spending all day outside, and never finding boredom in the beauty around me.
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