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Deception Pass Bridge is a marvelous feat of engineering for its time. It joins Fidalgo and Whidbey Islands. It is a beautiful place with hidden marvels and tragedies. The waters below churn with powers unchallenged. Many men have lost their lives without warning, and the whirl pools spin down to unknown depths. Most of these deaths are forgotten, no more than a mystery in the lost and distant past.
Why the name Deception Pass? The question has been asked by many, but less often has the question been answered. When the area around Deception Pass was discovered by Captain Vancouver on June 2, 1792 he mistook Whidbey Island for a peninsula. Four days later, while exploring in a small boat, First Mate Joseph Whidbey discovered the turbulent waters dividing Whidbey and Fidalgo. Proving Whidbey was an Island. Captain Vancouver later named Whidbey Island after her discoverer Joseph Whidbey. Deception Pass was named for originally deceiving them.
Deception Pass Bridge was envisioned by Captain George Morse in the 1850’s. However the bridge didn’t open until July 1935, ending dependence on boats for transportation between islands. Between these dates a small ferry system was run from Fidalgo to Whidbey.
During a trip with my Adventure Education class I was fortunate enough to sail under Deception Pass Bridge just like Caption Vancouver and his crew. The sea was as calm as glass, whirlpools and waves ceased to exist, we stood at the bow over-looking this magnificent sight.
Today, Deception Pass is a tourist attraction and parking lots are on both sides of the bridge. Trails run down near the water and you can hear the roar of the ocean. Deception Pass is located in Puget Sound, Washington, USA. When you visit Deception Pass take time to pause, and discover the unimaginable.
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