I am fortunate to have a lovely friend (Beth) who lives on Orcas Island – the largest of the San Juan archipelago – and every year she invites another dear friend (Mary) and I to visit for a few days. There is always something new to do or see whenever we make the trek up.

I walk on the ferry to meet up with Mary in Seattle, if she’s driving or I’ll drive over to pick her up, if it’s my turn.  Then we head to Anacortes to take another ferry to Orcas. Beth always has a delicious lunch prepared for us, and her little dog, Spud, is ever ready to snuggle.

Orcas is a much loved vacation destination in the San Juan’s – a beautiful group of islands off the coast of Washington. It’s becoming a popular location as a second home for some and a permanent home for others. Yet there is still plenty of open space. Lovely green fields dotted with sheep, newly planted apple orchards, old growth forests, and hikes to amazing views of the neighboring islands.

This year we stayed three nights and – as we are all artists – had plans to work on our latest projects, take a boat ride and hike.  We managed to hike; but, though we talked a lot about art, there was no actual art making. 😊 There were new places to explore as well, so the boat ride didn’t transpire either. But we never tired of talking – and laughing!  And we finished a 1000 piece puzzle that we had begun last year!

We had a beautiful morning for our hike around Mountain Lake. The moss and fungus covered logs, mushrooms, new lime green growth and the sky reflected in the lake was a feast for our eyes; and the perfume of the evergreen trees was heavenly!

Orcas happens to be home to “the oldest studio pottery in the PNW” with a sweet tree house and an amazing array of pottery. To get there, you drive through an enchanted forest with trees so close to the road, you can almost reach out and touch them as you drive by. Orcas Island Pottery is a delightful spot on the west side of the island with, not only the beautiful pottery, but also gardens and a gorgeous view.

Mary’s son went to Camp Orkila (a YMCA summer camp) when he was in grade school, so we had to see how things had changed. No kids at the moment, giving us the opportunity to explore at will and walk on the beach. Mary found a great rock that I will carry with me on the Camino to place at Cruz de Ferro. (Not the one in the photo…😁)

Next up West Beach where we stopped for a picnic lunch on the dock – an inviting vacation spot with a row of rustic cabins right on the beach, a snack shop and opportunities for whale watching expeditions, clamming, fishing, beach combing…

Beth (and her husband, Mark’s) beautiful spot on the island has a fantastic view of the harbor & sunsets; an orchard of apples, pears & plums (which we feasted on, dried) and the most gorgeous PEONIES! 

Just a tease of the ‘things to do’ on Orcas.  If you go, be sure and check out the artwork by Beth on the reader board at the ferry terminal.

Thank you, Beth, for your always welcoming hospitality – and both of you, for another most relaxing and fun time. Looking forward to the next adventure!

life was meant for GOOD friends & GREAT adventures.