A little about us

I was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest -- in Ballard, to be exact. After my college summers working in National Parks, I spent forty years serving in Washington State Parks, my last park being Deception Pass State Park. After retiring, I stayed here, residing in Skagit County for the past 20+ years now.

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I raised a family in the many parks I worked at. They, and their children, are my pride and joy.

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After my first wife passed away a few years ago, I met a woman now named Kath Goldhartt. Together we explore the world and delight in the love we share.

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I wrote Exploring Deception Pass and Two Hands and a Shovel while at Deception Pass, and with Maribeth Crandell I helped write the Hiking Close to Home book and blog from 2019 - 2025. My efforts are now focused on this Skagit Wonders site and its blog postings. We are also involved with Transition Fidalgo, Skagit Land Trust, the Guemes Island Ferry Trail development, presenting various educational talks, and in any other way that we can contribute to this amazing community. And, of course, hiking, biking, kayaking, taking pictures and making movies, playing with grandkids, picking blackberries, and loving our friends, neighbors, and world.