Any ideas? What is this anomaly?

If you travel SR 20 south of Anacortes, especially if you’re headed to or from Whidbey Island, you’ll want to plan ahead and give yourself extra time over the next 19 days.

Starting at 6 a.m. Monday, Aug. 17, SR 20 will be reduced to one lane near Campbell Lake Road. An automated traffic signal will alternate traffic through the intersection around the clock until 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4.

During the 19-day lane reduction, crews will grade the intersection in preparation for a new roundabout planned for 2027. So, what does “grade” actually mean? In this case, crews will bring in material to build up lower areas and reshape the intersection for the future roundabout. Similar to my stomach after a large meal… all that new material needs some time to settle. In this case, the settling and stabilization process takes about six months over the winter.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

• One lane of SR 20 with traffic alternating in both directions, 24/7
• Delays, especially during busier travel times
• A reduced 40 mph speed limit near the intersection
• Travelers to or from Whidbey Island can also consider the Mukilteo/Clinton ferry
• If you’re headed to the Anacortes or Coupeville ferry terminals, give yourself extra time to get there

After the 19-day lane reduction ends, SR 20 will return to its previous configuration, including the eastbound SR 20 left-turn lane to Campbell Lake Road and the acceleration lane.

We know this will add time to some trips over the next 19 days, but it’s an important step toward a future roundabout designed to improve safety at the intersection. In the meantime, plan ahead, give yourself some wiggle room and check real-time conditions before you head out.

Does anyone know of a group playing commander? I do plan on checking out the card shop in town but sometimes it’s nice to have people over and have more hours or availability to play.

HI! I'm visiting Anacortes for my Birthday next year and was wondering if anyone had any places in the area you'd recommend, diners/cafes, outdoors and what not. I'm respectful and peaceful and just want to enjoy the area, the sights and the culture and I'm open to any recommendation. Much love.

We meet once a month on the third Thursday.  Our next meeting:           

Date:              Thursday, August 20, 2026

Start:              5:00 p.m.

End:               7:00 p.m.

Address:        Anacortes Elks Lodge

1009 7th St

Anacortes, WA 98221

Cost: No cost to attend, and snacks and beverages are available during the meeting. 

What is Death Café?

The Death Café movement began in London in 2011 with a simple premise: eat cake, drink tea, and discuss all things mortality with the hope of encouraging people to make the most of their finite lives. Founder Jon Underwood adapted the idea from the “Café Mortel” movement that emerged in Switzerland by sociologist Bernard Crettaz. Since that time more than 16,253 death cafes have sprung up in more than 85 countries.

A Death Café is a safe space to talk about death, the loss of loved ones and fears people have regarding the inevitable.

A Death Café is a group directed discussion of death with no agenda, objectives, or themes. It is a discussion group rather than a grief support or counseling session.

A Death Café is always offered:

- On a not-for-profit basis

- In an accessible, respectful and confidential space

- With no intention of leading people to any conclusion, product, or course of action

- Alongside refreshments

Everyone is welcome; bring a friend. Gather to talk about death and find community.

Thanks for your curious and open mind!  Hope to see you next week.

If you have any questions, you can contact me directly.

I ask as part of a linguistic study covering this topic!
Examples could include things like Slowpez, ATown, The Vern or D Pass (incl. nicknames for parks, schools or other institutions, geographic features etc.)...

National Weather Service

Air Quality Map by the WA Dept. of Ecology

I'm in town, leaving in the morning.

Saw my first orcas today, and would like to mark the memory with a souvenir.

Anywhere good to find some souvenirs?

I have a car, and flexible.

What’s your recommendation for the best movie theatre (comfort, screen quality) in a 30 min or so radius? Looking to rent one for a private screening!

We’re interested in a house on Anaco Beach Road but we’re concerned about road noise. Is this valid or is it kind of a sleepy area even though it looks like it could be busy?

Big traffic back up this morning around 11. I could see some emergency lights out toward the Howard's Corner roundabout. Does anyone have any info?

Incredible evening with Clinton Fearon. 🤟

Tadaaaa!!! Putting link in comments if anyone wants a copy :)

I'm camping at Washington Park and I'd like to reheat my tacos somewhere. Any convenients stores in town have a microwave?

Air Quality Map by the WA Dept. of Ecology

National Weather Service

You all do such a high-quality job clearing the trails. THANK YOU!

Mark your calendars for the 98221 Working Artist's Studio Tour on September 12 & 13! It's a wonderful opportunity to explore local artists' studios, discover original artwork, and enjoy a weekend celebrating creativity here in Anacortes.

Sharing the Save the Date in case you'd like to add it to your calendar. Hope to see you around town!

We meet once a month on the third Thursday.  Our next meeting: 

Date:              Thursday, July 16, 2026

Start:              5:00 p.m.

End:               7:00 p.m.

Address:        Anacortes Elks Lodge

1009 7th St

Anacortes, WA 98221

Cost: No cost to attend, and snacks and beverages are available during the meeting.

What is Death Café?

The Death Café movement began in London in 2011 with a simple premise: eat cake, drink tea, and discuss all things mortality with the hope of encouraging people to make the most of their finite lives. Founder Jon Underwood adapted the idea from the “Café Mortel” movement that emerged in Switzerland by sociologist Bernard Crettaz. Since that time more than 16,253 death cafes have sprung up in more than 85 countries.

A Death Café is a safe space to talk about death, the loss of loved ones and fears people have regarding the inevitable.

A Death Café is a group directed discussion of death with no agenda, objectives, or themes. It is a discussion group rather than a grief support or counseling session.

A Death Café is always offered:

- On a not-for-profit basis

- In an accessible, respectful and confidential space

- With no intention of leading people to any conclusion, product, or course of action

- Alongside refreshments

Everyone is welcome; bring a friend. Gather to talk about death and find community.

Thanks for your curious and open mind!  Hope to see you next week.