The Pacific Northwest is our home, in large part, because of the scenic beauty and diversity.  From oceans to mountains to deserts, the NW is home to a great variety of landscapes.  From Seattle to Bremerton to Kittitas, its also home to large cities, blue collar towns, and rural farm communities - all within a few hours drive of one another.

Camera in hand, Chuck has recorded images from throughout the area and over the years.  A few of the images are presented here to give you a visual flavor of home.

The stark landscapes of Eastern Washington are often broken only by manmade intrusions.  This shot was taken in the Grand Coulees of Central Washington.

In marked contrast is the urban center of Seattle.  Taken on a typical "cloudy with sunbreaks" day, the skyline as scene from Gasworks Park still pales in comparison with the power of nature (both Lake and Sky).

Seattle wouldn't be Seattle without certain institutions, and Ivar's Acres of Clams on the Seattle waterfront is certainly one of those venerable elements of the City.

Just as integral a component of the Seattle area is the ferry system that connects the small hamlets of West Sound (OK, maybe small and mid-sized towns and cities) with the densely populated Everett-Seattle region.  And what better juxtaposition of NW icons than an arriving ferry and the Smith Tower!

But, in the end, it all goes back to our natural surroundings.  The trees, the water, the mountains.  Nature surrounds us - we just need to be sure to protect it from ourselves!