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Outdoors
I’ve never been suicidal during the dark days of December, but there have been times when the light—or the grayish glow that resembles daylight—leaves the sky so suddenly, I’ve had to fight to convince myself it’s not cocktail hour yet. As we pass into the time when the sun is being bullied around by clouds and rain, and sunset comes way too early, it’s therapeutic to find alternate ways to illuminate your life. Read on, and go toward the light.
The active folks at Everybody Bike believe that just because it’s not summer anymore doesn’t mean you need to stay off the roads until further notice. To that end, they’re organizing a Superhero Lighted Bike Parade Dec. 7 in downtown Bellingham. Not content to simply have participants turn on their bike lights and call it a party, they’re hoping those who get in the action show up with additional decorations and lights on their conveyances, as well as optional superhero capes. Refreshments will be provided, and the ride will continue through downtown Bellingham, where the monthly Art Walk will be in full force—thus allowing more people to see the lights in action. When: 6pm Fri., Dec. 7 Where: The ride begins at the Public Market, 1530 Cornwall Ave. Cost: Free Info: http://www.everybodybike.com
If you happen to miss the caped crusaders cruising through the city, don’t despair. The Bellingham Yacht Club will be hosting the annual lighted Boat Parade Dec. 7 and 8 in the waters of Bellingham Bay, and there’ll be plenty of space along Boulevard Park, Taylor Dock, and the Bellingham Cruise Terminal—as well as from pretty much anywhere the waterfront nearby is visible—to view the seasonal spectacle that is guaranteed to make you get in the Christmas spirit. Contact the Yacht Club if you want to join the procession, or bundle up and watch from shore. San Juan Cruises will also be offering a cruise aboard the Victoria Star Friday night if you’d like a closer look. When: 6pm Fri.-Sat., Dec. 7-8 Where: Bellingham Bay Info: http://www.byc.org or www.whales.org
In the Skagit Valley, an additional seaside view can be seen Dec. 8 during the La Conner Lighted Boat Parade. Hosted by the Swinomish Yacht Club and the La Conner Kiwanis, the event begins at the Port of La Conner before turning south along the waterfront and ending up in Shelter Bay. When: 6:30pm Sat., Dec. 8 Where: La Conner Info: (360) 466-4902
If none of the aforementioned events helps fill your seasonal energy depletion, you may have to sign up for a dose of The Lights of Christmas. I don’t know if a human has actually counted the one million Christmas lights the annual event at Stanwood’s Warm Beach Camp purports to display, but even if it’s near that number, it’s sure to be impressive. In addition to the twinkly harbingers of happiness, those who show up can also expect live music, pony rides, a petting farm, live theater, food and beverages, train rides on the Polar Express, storytelling, and, if you so desire, a room for the night. If you play your cards right, you can stay well lit for days on end. When: Dec. 6-9, 13-16, 18-23 and 26-29 Where: Warm Beach Camp, Stanwood Cost: $9-15 (pay-what-you-can-nights happen Dec. 13 and 29) Info: http://www.warmbeach.com
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