Thanks so much for the responses!
Lauri, I had to look up what the term 'banana belt' meant. In regards to the small town atmosphere, I am from a very small town in the Ozarks of Oklahoma, and have not been in a small town since I left. Sometimes I miss it, but sometimes I quite enjoy the offerings of a city. We are actually looking to be somewhere a little south of Oak Harbor, maybe even mid-island or somewhere towards the south end (not all the way down). Neither of us really want to be by the base and we heard that it's really only about a 40 minute commute from the bottom to the top. We have heard varying things about Oak Harbor and Anacortes, that are not all good. We have been told that the island has a bit of a drug problem in those areas. If we end up there, I may end up venturing over to the Cascades anyway, just have a look-see, and some actual warmth might be nice by that time. I have heard wonderful things about the San Juan islands, and it will be on our list! Thanks for the well-wishes!
Karen, We are kind of "up in the air" right now. It is seeming like we have about an 80% chance of going to Whidbey and a 20% chance of staying here. Things may change, but of course, we won't know until last minute. (you know how that goes).
Deb, Thanks for all of the additional info. Great tips, especially about the waterproof shoes and hooded jacket. Not an issue for us, in regards to the "touch and go's", we are used to it. I may have an issue with the grey days, but I might get used to it. I have lived in very sunny and warm areas for quite some time. If we are relocated, I can't wait to see snow, even if it only sticks around for a day or two. I haven't seen snow for years and years. You're telling me that the trees actually change colors there?
Palm trees and pine trees do not change colors, and that's about all we've got. In regards to the offer of local areas, I will definitely contact you about that when/if we arrive. I would love to see and explore those "off-the-path" areas. I have not ever dealt with them, but I think I would rather deal with slugs/snails than rattle snakes, coral snakes, scorpions, wild boar, etc.
