Jul 192012
 

Here on Orcas Island, down below Turtleback Mountain is where you will find Turtleback Farm Inn.

We felt very lucky to have been able to spend some time here as well as meeting Bill and Susan Fletcher who are the proud owners of this beautiful farm and charming Farm House and Orchard House.  If peace, quiet and sweeping views are something you are after, this is the place to be.

On Island for over 20 years Bill and Susan take pride in creating an environment of complete tranquility for their lucky guests.  Susan’s gourmet breakfasts are also quite amazing from her breakfast crepes to corn waffles and many savories as well.

Flipping through Susan’s cookbook I am completely inspired.  She uses only the freshest local ingredients and the combinations of flavors that she develops, well, I could hardly wait to return to the Airstream to prepare some goodies.  In her book the recipes are clear, concise and the pages are full of so many cooking tips and funny little anecdotes that made me smile.  Deep history about Orcas Island also fills these pages and I can say that this book has a home in my handbag and I carry it everywhere.

How lucky we were to be able to be here.

“Can we go and see Chompers mommy?” B asked

On our way went to explore this magical place . . .


~ I prepared these ricotta tartines with inspiration from Susan’s cookbook

Easy peasy sweet roasted fruit:

The sweet roasted fruit was sprinkled with sugar and placed in a 400 degree oven for 1/2 an hour.  Cut the rhubarb so it creates a bed for the other fruits to lay on top of.  Take 2 cups of marscapone and a handful of chopped dried crystallized ginger and mix together in a separate bowl.  The longer this mixture sits in the fridge, the better :)  Once scooped onto the warm fruit it melts and turns this simple recipe into something amazing.

Bon appetit!

Jul 052012
 

“How many more days until we go zipping mommy?” B asked

Over and over, every day this question came from him.

Finally I was able to tell him that today was the day!

Yaaaaaaaay!”

I will admit it, I was nervous.  Heights are not something I am fond of.  As a matter of fact, I am quite terrified of them.

But do you want to know something?  It was AWESOME.  Thank you Zip San Juan for the memories and the most exhilarating experience.  Ever.

Our day started off with a very fulfilling breakfast complete with soft boiled eggs the way B loves to enjoy them.

“I’m so full mommy.”

Perfect — now it was time to go and catch our ferry.  We were “walk on passengers” this morning en-route from Orcas Island to San Juan Island where Bryan of Zip San Juan was waiting for us near the ferry landing.

“Let’s go!”


~ We were walk on passengers.  A nice change of pace.


~ Megan, Bryan and Candace — our awesome, funny and “make you feel comfortable” guides :)


~ This was the last line in the zip line series.  It was the “slowest” line of them all :)


~ A stewed berry dessert prepared in my Airstream kitchen for dessert that evening

After our Zip Lining experience we headed back to the ferry, but not before stopping by to say hello to Popeye down at the Friday Harbor marina.


~ Popeye, the local resident harbor seal.  She will capture your heart, forever.


~ Here in the Friday Harbor marina you can take a leisurely stroll and pick out your dream boat.  Which one would you choose?


~ Grilled tender lamb chops with rosemary buttermilk dipping sauce (I omitted the mayo and used non-fat Greek yogurt in place).  Basil oil vinaigrette (minus the chili) for the thinly sliced potatoes and red onion salad.  This was a dinner to celebrate our incredible day.


~ Home Sweet Home – West Beach Resort, Orcas Island.