Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest I feel most alive surrounded by trees and breathing in the fresh mountain air.
When I am not working you will most likely find me spending time outdoors, volunteering with my church and exploring this beautiful planet with my family.
This is my place to share my passion for life and to encourage you to take time to find the extraordinary in your life.
All tagged San Juan Islands
Over Memorial day weekend we went on a five hour kayak trip with San Juan Island Outfitters. We left from their exclusive location in Roche Harbor and spent the better part of our day navigating around Henry Island. I have dreamt of kayaking in the San Juan Islands for such a long time, I was ecstatic to finally be doing so.
On San Juan Island there exists a beautiful lavender farm called Pelindaba Lavender. Although we visited before the lavender was in full bloom, we still enjoyed spending a quiet morning there. We walked the cutting field and demonstration garden, had a picnic, perused the gift shop and toured their farm to learn about their process and sustainable practices. Typically, the lavender is in full bloom in July which makes me excited to visit again this Summer. We have enjoyed picking up products from their Friday Harbor and LaConner shop for several years now, so it was fun to see the farm where the lavender comes from. Some of our favorite products are their lavender chocolate sauce, lemon lavender sorbet and lavender honey.
Over Memorial Day weekend, we stayed at the Earthbox Inn on Friday Harbor. Earthbox Inn is centrally located in town and only four blocks from the ferry terminal. It is close enough you could walk onto the ferry and enjoy a car free vacation as you walk or cruise around town on one of their free bikes. Earthbox Inn is an old motel which has been refurbished into a modern, chic, laid back place to rest your head. Even though we stayed over a holiday weekend, we found our room to be quiet and our bed to be among some of the comfiest we have ever slept in.
Roche Harbor is a great little day trip from Friday Harbor. A short little drive and you feel as though you have been transported to another place. The Hotel del Haro is a popular spot for weddings in the Summertime, but during our visit it was relatively quiet. We enjoyed delicious sandwiches, fish and chips and fresh donuts from Lime Kiln Cafe and then spent the better part of an afternoon walking around, soaking up the sunshine and looking at the various boats and yachts in the harbor.
One of the most beautiful places on San Juan Island is Cattle Point. Cattle Point is located at the south end of San Juan Island and consists of low rolling hills, and cliffs covered in prairie grassland. Cattle Point is a short drive from Friday Harbor and yet it feels as though you are miles and miles away from everything. On a clear day you can see all the way to Canada. The southern shoreline of Cattle Point has long gravel beaches, rock outcroppings and protected sandy coves; it reminds me of the California coast in many spots. Cattle Point is a prime example of how easily accessible some of the most breathtaking places are. A ten minute drive and a five minute walk later we were able to witness more bald eagles than I have ever seen at once in my life. Washington is such a beautiful state filled with rich diversity and plentiful beauty; I am fortunate to call this place home.
While staying in Friday Harbor we enjoyed a leisurely dinner at Coho Restaurant. The restaurant was intimate, the service attentive, and the food was delicious. The owners Anna Maria and Dave could be seen bustling about as they took orders, served food and chatted with guests. This is the type of place if you visit more than once they would remember your name, greet you with a sincere smile and treat you like their best friend. While chatting with Anna Maria in between courses I was reminded why I am such a big proponent of small businesses. I admire people like Anna Maria, who have carved out a life for herself where she can do what she loves on her own terms.
On our visit to Friday Harbor we went whale watching with San Juan Safaris. Although it was a little early in the whale watching season; Brian and his team expertly navigated us to see the whales. During our whale watching tour we came upon two transient whales who eventually met up with another two transient whales. One of the most exhilarating experiences on our tour was being able to witness one of the whales spy hop. Spy hopping is when a whale comes straight out of the water to look around and then goes back down. This was a thrill to witness and something I won't easily forget anytime soon.
Several months ago we planned a trip to San Juan Island. Little did we know back when we booked it our timing would be perfect and we would have spectacular weather all weekend. Since we wanted to stay in the heart of Friday Harbor, we decided to stay at the Bird Rock Hotel. From the moment we stepped foot into the Bird Rock Hotel we were given the royal treatment. Tory, the manager, was not only eager to share his love of the island with us, but fill us in on the best places to eat and things to do during our stay.
We love spending time in the San Juan Islands and Orcas Island is one of our favorite. Like all places we visit frequently we have generated a list of our favorite places to go and things to check out.
A couple weeks ago we enjoyed a picturesque weekend on Orcas Island. We stayed at the charming Turtleback Farm Inn and enjoyed solitude, rolling farmlands and excellent service. The Inn is located in Crow Valley and sits on the western side of Orcas Island. The proprietors, Susan and Bill Fletcher are energetic, friendly and as welcoming as can be. They simultaneously serve, entertain and engage their guests.
