In some ways, the new webcam and the removal of the analog KVOS radio tower that stood sentry there since 1955, mark the end of an era. In other ways, it is a return to the past, as the removal of the tower will take the summit back to its original state.

“The webcam is on a new tower that is owned by the Department of Transportation and is not on the summit,” Rolf Eriksen, who calls himself the original lifetime Friends of Moran member, said. “The new digital KVOS tower is also not on the summit. The only tower that remains is the original stone Civilian Conservation Corps tower built in 1936.”

The webcam shows the original stone observation tower and its view. On a clear day, both Mt. Baker and Mt. Rainier south of Seattle are visible to people at the tower and those viewing the web cam. The cam pans, tilts and zooms to show a panoramic view from the highest point on the San Juan Islands.

The Friends of Moran and Moran State Park Web sites will provide access to the webcam images soon.

The Port of Orcas plans to add a link to their Web site so pilots can check the 360-degree weather, according to Port Manager Bea vonTobel.

The funds for the webcam were supplied by the Friends of Moran from money they raised in the gift shop on the summit.