Kedda Keough

The sun is shining again in Mason County! While they are having snow storms on the East Coast, here in Northwestern WA, at least in my part of it, we are having a pretty day. Blue skies and sunshine.

Our waterfront properties are going to look pretty attractive to people if this keeps up. I've inserted a picture from one of our properties located on saltwater. This property is located on Skookum Inlet -- don't you just love that name? The people who live there love it, but they have two homes and have decided that they can really only live in one at a time. They get lots of wildlife visitors. The property has about 375 feet of waterfront, and 4.93 acres of land. The views are gorgeous. If you want to see more just go to http://www.sellingmasoncounty.com/16. Try the wildlife virtual tour for fun.

We have miles and miles of salt waterfront in Mason County. Hood Canal meanders through our county, and branches off in all sorts of interesting ways. Even if you don't live right on the waterfront, there are lots of ways to get to the waterfront to enjoy it.

There are many affordable properties right now. If you'd like me to send some examples, just email me and I'd be happy to do so. It is fun to show waterfront properties.

Mason County, in the area where I live, is particularly beautiful today. It snowed lightly last night, and then this morning the sun is shining, the skies are blue. The combination of this light white frosting over the ground, and the crisp sunshine is awesome. It won't last, but right now -- wow!

Those of us who live here know what it is to really live in Northwest Washington. We have the beauty of mountains, evergreen trees, rivers, lakes and the drama of Hood Canal. Hiking, fishing, golfing, crabbing, boating, shellfish gathering, diving, water skiing, walking, etc. are all within easy reach. It is also not far to the ocean for those who like beach combing and just walking along the edge of the world.

Some people get frustrated with Mason County because those who plan things around here are quite stubborn about holding on to the beauty of the region. They don't allow a lot of industry to move in, so many of the people who live here have to commute outside of the county to get to work. However, we have two casinos that employ a lot of people, the prison and timber industry that supply a base for workers. Still, you may need to be able to work in Olympia, Tacoma or some other town. There are several small businesses in our towns, of course.

Right now I have some listings that are located in one of the prettiest areas of Mason County. These properties have a view of Hood Canal, and are very close to two parks -- Saltwater Park and Potlatch State Park. Also within easy reach is one of the prettiest saltwater parks around -- Twanoh State Park. You can see these listings if you go to my Internet Flyer.

If you are thinking of moving to Northwest Washington, we have several properties in our area. We have view properties, waterfront on both lakes and saltwater, acreage parcels, residential in town, residential associations especially around our lakes, and even a few manufactured home parks. All income levels can find a home in our county. We are one of the most eclectic regions in Washington State.

A property I'm watching right now is this wonderful 4+ acre Hobby Farm that is just outside of town. This little farm is completely organic, and is fenced and cross fenced. If you are one of those people who like growing your own food, and selling the left overs at the farmers market, this place would be for you.

You never know who might come to visit when you live in Western Washington. Recently four wild turkeys dropped by my yard. I live in the midst of a neighborhood, so I was surprised by their visit. However, then I remembered that our lake community here in Mason County is bordered by timber land. As I told people in my office about these visitors I learned that the county had made a concerted effort to restock our area with turkeys. It must have worked.

We are used to seeing deer, of course, but not turkeys. Our regular visitors are also birds: mourning doves, goldfinches, purple finches, starlings, robins, blue jays, crows, humming birds, wood peckers, ducks, to name just a few. And of course, there are the usual wondering possums and raccoons (and neighborhood cats).

Our neighbors have claimed to see cougars now and again, but I haven't seen one. When I lived in North Snohomish county on the north fork of the Stillaguamish, we had frequent visits from bears as well as deer. I haven't seen any bears here yet.

You can often see coyotes or fox alongside the roads, as they travel quickly from place to place. But you need to look fast, or you will miss them.

I'd love to hear from you,and what wild life are visiting your yards here in Western Washington!

Western Washington has many delightful and scenic places to live. I've lived up and down the I-5 corridor, from up north in North Snohomish county, to King and Pierce counties. Each of these counties has its charms, though King and Pierce counties are getting a bit too crowded and congested for me. I've been living in Mason county for the last several years, and I like it here. Mason county is a truly beautiful part of western Washington state, with some of the best scenery around. While I enjoyed the snow covered mountains when I lived in Oso (North Snohomish county), especially views of White Horse Mountain, I love the combination of water and mountains here in Mason. Hood Canal coils its way through the county in a great bend, and other portions of Puget Sound loop and curl through the county in inlets and passages. I have heard that there is 900 miles of shoreline. In many places you see both views of the water, and of the Olympic Mountain range.

All the saltwater shoreline means lots of fresh shell fish -- oysters, clams, geoducks. You can buy direct from one of the shoreline "farmers" or go dig your own at a public beach. People who own salt waterfront can often also own the tideland rights.

Along with miles of salt waterfront about 80% of Mason county is classified as timber, open space and agricultural, so if you are a lover of trees, you will be well satisfied. This county used to be known as the Christmas Tree capital of the world. The timber industry continues to play a major role in the economics of the county. Then there are the many lakes, from huge lakes like Lake Cushman and Mason Lake, to tiny little lakes, like Emerald Lake, or Catfish Lake. (For a list of lakes go to Mason County Lakes).

Our lakes have communities nestled around them, taking advantage of lake side living. Some of these lake communities are Fawn Lake, Lake Cushman, Mason Lake, Timberlakes, Lake Limerick, Emerald Lake, Star Lake, Lake Arrowhead, Lost Lake, etc. Nearly every lake is stocked with fish. If you like waterfront, you will love Mason County. The big lakes have great water-sports... water skiing and jet skiing.

There are still many building lots available in the county, but many of the future available properties in Mason county will be limited to one house per 5, 10 or 20 acres. The Growth Management Plan for Mason County (plans are mandated for each county in Washington) is sort of a "no growth" plan, purposely written to slow down growth. While other counties are becoming more congested and troubled by traffic problems, our county is actually attempting to manage growth carefully. While this slow growth policy angers some, who would like to make more money on development, it also makes others happy. The plan greatly limits future commercial and industrial development. If you are a small entrepreneur, however, it is possible to have a "cottage industry" in the county.

If you desire to get away from traffic and congestion, give Mason County a try. You can drive for miles without encountering a stop light or a stop sign. Of course, sometimes we get stopped by the train, but most of us don't mind. Parking is free -- no parking garages or meters. Public transportation is also free anywhere in the county, and if you are living with disabilities call Dial-a-Ride and they will come and pick you up.

Of course, as you have probably figured out on your own, Mason County is one of the most commuter dependent counties in western Washington. Residents are used to driving to Olympia south, or Bremerton north, for work and shopping. These destinations are easy commutes. Many drive further, to Tacoma and sometimes all the way to Seattle.

There are several parks (see parks) to enjoy, salt and fresh water activities, hiking trails, clean air, and beautiful scenery in Mason County. You just might want to live here!