by Jack Penland
Visit here, and you’ll get it. Main streets plucked out of yesteryear – real. Farms owned by families for generations – real. Pristine, uncrowded beaches – real. Forests with trees older than the United States – real. A rich military history that is still being written – real.
This place is one with extraordinary natural beauty and a significant human history stretching back thousands of years.
This is also a place where people live, work, and play.
“Keep it Real” is a call to honor our roots and preserve our rural lifestyle’s simplicity and honesty.
The simple vibe of being here attracts visitors from all over to de-stress from the city and discover the value of simplicity.
And all of that sometimes results in a conflict or causes damage to that natural beauty or some reminder of years gone by.
“Keep it Real” is a call to honor our roots and preserve our rural lifestyle’s simplicity and honesty. Here, on the islands, we strive to exist in harmony with the land, savoring the earth’s bounty and fostering a close-knit community spirit. Life here is not hurried; it’s shaped by the changing seasons, the tide’s ebb and flow, and the harmony of nature’s rhythms.
“Keep it Real” also underscores our commitment to protecting the pristine beauty and character of our islands. Our beaches, untouched by the relentless march of urbanization, are havens of tranquility where the only footprints are those momentarily etched in the sand. Our state parks, home to vibrant ecosystems, are an ode to the indomitable spirit of the wilderness, offering countless opportunities for exploration and contemplation.
“Keep it Real” is an invitation – to step away from the artificial, to immerse in genuine experiences, and to discover a place where authenticity is not just a buzzword but a way of life. It’s a call to explore Whidbey and Camano Islands, where this place still holds a sense of wonder and enchantment.
Jack Penland lives on Whidbey Island with his wife, Diane. Even though they’ve lived here for more than 20 years, they keep finding new adventures, places to explore, and food to try.
