Running on Orcas

Orcas Island has several fun running opportunities for families.  Fun Runs/Walks are a great way to enjoy the outdoors, get some exercises and sunshine and support a good cause.

DVSAS 2012 – 5K Run/Walk
Come support Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services of the San Juan Islands.
Saturday, June 9th, 2012 9 a.m.
Registration starts at 8 a.m.
Starts at Orcas High School. $15 Adult; $10 Youth; $20 with T-shirt. Contact DVSAS for registration information at 376-5979.

The “FC5” – Funhouse Commons 5K! Read more

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Summer Camps 2012

Summer Camps Abound (and Approach!)

Soccer, Arts and Music, Drama, Animal Husbandry, Horsemanship, woodworking…. the list is endless! And all in the beautiful Orcas Island setting… what more could a kid (or parent) want? This list is not absolutely complete — if you have a camp here on Orcas and would like to include the information, please contact the Funhouse.

Preschool Camps:

Orcas Montessori School Spanish Camp
For more information, contact thru their website at
www.orcasmontessori.org

July 30 - August 3: British Soccer Camp
Ages 4-6: 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.; 10:40 a.m. – 12:10 p.m. ($89)
Ages 6-14: Half-day 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.  ($120)
Register Online

Read more

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May is Art Education Month

May is Art Education Month, and the Student Art Show is an annual island tradition. The gallery walls of the  Orcas Center were full to bursting, showcasing artwork from artists ranging in age from kindergarten to high school. The exhibit’s opening began at 3:30 pm: the 5th and 6th graders of Orcas Elementary were able hosts, and students of all ages provided live music via violins and voice. A favorite activity at the exhibit is the artwork scavenger hunt, where kids search for specifics such as “shapes in oil pastel” or broader suggestions such as finding a favorite. There was also a bookmark-making activity for those who needed an instant outlet after so much inspiration. Read more

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Spring Peepers

Many of us have had the experience of losing sleep due to the noisy neighbors — yes, this even happens on Orcas. But before I completely burst your quiet-island-life bubble, let me name the culprit: Chorus Frogs.

It’s mating season for chorus frogs (also known as tree frogs) and every night the males do their best to impress the ladies with their song. Our house, situated just across the drive from a pond, fairly vibrates with the magnitude of it. Once in awhile, we flip the porch light just to startle them (a flashlight also does the trick) and the song stops abruptly for a few moments. Then, the first few brave “ribbits” tentatively test the waters, and the chorus starts in full again. Read more

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Spring Cleaning at Moran State Park

Spring cleaning of all sorts is happening all over the island (ok, except maybe in my kitchen). Work parties are popping up everywhere: in school yards, community gardens, and on beaches (remember, Earth Day is April 22). This past weekend, an enthusiastic group took on preparing Moran State Park for us locals and also the scores of tourists bound to show up very, very soon. Volunteers of all ages readied campgrounds and focused especially on the area around the new play structure.

Read more

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Baby Critters on the Farm

There are many, many things to delight Orcas Islanders’ winter-weary senses each springtime, but the most endearing by far are the baby animals!

Louie (loudest trumpeter of all the lambs on a local family farm) can assure you that lambs are the cuddliest. But wait, he must be biased. Read more

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Easter in Eastsound

Today Eastsound rang in Easter Weekend with an entire day’s worth of special events. There was not a cloud in the sky as families celebrated one of the first truly sunny days of the season. As I walked into town, the rumble of a tractor caught my attention. Yes, springtime hayrides through Eastsound. Read more

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We Have Everything!

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).

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Babysitters on Orcas

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

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Judd Cove

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.

 

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