It has been nice weather for the last few weeks and the gate in the road to the summit of Mt. Grant was open to vehicles on a recent Sunday. The air was clear, so the views were great in all directions.

All week the same clear views have been exceptional, but the gate is closed weekdays so a bit of a hike is required to get to the top of the mountain. It’s not a long hike but it does have some rather steep parts, so be sure to take some water with you and allow an hour for a leisurely, mostly shaded, walk.

As an original Land Bank member of the Board of Directors in the early 1990s, I have warm memories of discussions about various properties and the different methods of obtaining and holding land for the use and enjoyment of county residents and guests. Those questions have been answered many times over the past 20-plus years, and the current partnership of the Land Bank and the Preservation Trust acquiring Mt. Grant presents a great opportunity for the public to have a personal stake in helping the people gain title to one of the finest hilltops on San Juan Island. Contributions to the Preservation Trust to help them fund their share of the total cost are welcome: You will be contributing to future generations.

George D. Steed

San Juan Islan