Waterfall on Orcas Island

Out here on Orcas Island, we pretty much have everything you ever needed.  You might have to check obscure places for things, like underwear at the Sporting Goods Store or shower curtains at Ace Hardware but you can find most things you need.

We have schools, plays, after school programs, playgroups.  We also have amazing hikes, lakes to swim in, and excellent fishing.  We have some the most amazing local food, top notch restaurants, and cute shops to browse after beach combing adventures.

Sometimes, I miss going to Target or other off island conveniences but mostly I find I have way less junk and more time outdoors during the winter and summer months.

If you need something you can’t find, ask a local and they will direct to where you can most likely find it (everything except a way to outsmart the ferry systems).

Every so often Mom and Dad need a night or day together without kids!  On Orcas Island, we have so many great restaurants and hikes that can easily be enjoyed during a bit a kid free time.

At The Funhouse, our staff person, Carly Morris is incredible with little people.  She crafts, takes kids to the beach, builds fort towers, and provides healthy snacks.  If you want to take advantage of a night out without the kids don’t hesitate to call Carly!  360.927.1603.  She is also available days and weekends.

If Carly is not available, call The Funhouse for other options. 360.376.7177

This week we went for the first time to Judd Cove.  This little treasure of a beach is located right outside of Eastsound. 

It was a gorgeous morning on this rocky beach.  We hunted for crabs, sandy treasures, and a tan.  The water was smooth, bright blue, and inviting as the tide came in.  It was the perfect August morning.

In 2008, the San Juan County Land Bank aquired the property.  They put in parking lot at the top and their is a little trail right down to the beach.  This added to our limited amount of public beach access on Orcas Island.

Recently we had history week at The Funhouse Day Camp. We participated in all sorts of interesting and educational activities.  The kids really enjoyed checking out all the different spots on the island and learning about the rich history of Orcas Island.

We went on a tour of the Rosario Mansion, Orcas Island Historical Museum and the Crow Valley Schoolhouse Museum.

“FEAST FOR ALL”
Classes for adults and teens!  Check out these great classes that are being offered to the public this year and will support the Farm and Sustainability for Teens (F.E.A.S.T.) Program.  This is a great opportunity for people to become involved in our local agriculture and other sustainable skills!  Below is a list of the classes.

This week The Funhouse Ninja Day Campers went to West Beach.  This is a beach and resort I had not explored before. 

This weekend is a flurry of great family activities.  The solstice parade starts at noon on Saturday and is by far my favorite parade of the year. 

The Exchange is a Non-Profit Recycling Education Organization focused on re-use, recycling, and waste reduction.  Islanders, families especially, benefit by stopping by The Exchange for clothes, art supplies, household items, and other useful items. People donate items for other people to use.

This Saturday they are hosting an Art Show on The Village Green from 10 am – 4 pm.  Specifically, art created from reusing material.  A Fashion Show, that is a part of the art show, will start after the parade.  See you there!!!

Summer Camps on Orcas Island

I was asked to put this together so we have a complete list of summer camps this summer. Please contact me with updates or other information. Krista at kabouchey@gmail.com.

Moran State Park continues to be one of our favorite spots on the earth.

Opening Day Fishing

A couple weekends ago we headed out to Cascade Lake for opening day fishing.  Every year, they stock the lake with rainbow, cutthroat, and kokanee trout.

Opening day fishing you are pretty much guaranteed to catch a fish.  Except for us, we didn’t catch a thing.

However, the weather was beautiful and we picniked at a sunny spot along the lake, peacefully canoed around, and fell in the water up to our waists.  I also got to run around the lake, which is a great 3 mile trail run or hike.  All in all a spectacular day!

For Mother’s Day, we headed up to Little Summit in Moran State Park

This weekend we went to The Tulip Festival in The Skagit Valley.  Even though we have had a cold spring and things are blooming much later than usual, we were able to get some spectacular views of the the infamous flowers.

Driving the tulip route, you drive past fields and fields of bright yellow or pink or other colored flowers.  These fields can be spotted from quite a distance and are really beautiful.

We went to Tulip Town, a tulip bulb farm in the Skagit Valley, to walk through the fields.  They offered face painting, tractor rides, bulb ordering, as well as, food and coffee.

All month there are events surrounding the festival.  Check out The Tulip Festival website for more information!  Our family, including grandma, recommend this family friendly event. Although not on Orcas Island it is easy to attend either coming or going from the islands.  You have to pass right by it on the way to the ferry!