By Martin Taylor
The well wishers look skywards. Photo by Martin Taylor. All rights reserved.
The Washington State Park system is celebrating its 100th birthday on March 19th this year. As part of the celebration, groups around the state are gathering to take photographs and make videos to illustrate their love of the park service. The local Orcas group The Friends of Moran organized a celebration and a photographic opportunity on top of Mount Constitution. On Saturday March 9, enjoying a beautiful sunny break from the long winter, a group of more than 50 Orcas Islanders gathered on and around the tower atop Mount Constitution. They sported placards spelling out “Friends Of Moran” and “Happy Birthday”. As they pointed their placards skywards and raised their arms and faces in celebration, a plane flown by Islander Brent McDonald flew by to the east. It carried local professional photographer Martin Taylor who captured the moment for posterity. The small plane took three passes past the tower before returning to Eastsound airport. It was a beautiful day and a beautiful Island moment created by locals, the spectacular park scenery with a dose of initiative and imagination. Below are some photos from the day. Some from the air and a couple from the ground. Pilot Brent McDonald generously donated his time, his plane and fuel to the project.
The tower amid a sea of trees and clouds.Photo by Martin Taylor. All rights reserved.
The clouds and cliffs create a dramatic scene. Photo by Martin Taylor. All rights reserved.
The tower atop Mt. Constitution in Moran State Park. Photo by Paul Kamin. All rights reserved
The small plane owned and flown by Brent McDonald. Photo by Paul Kamin. All rights reserved.
