{Chef Steve Debaste – The New Leaf Cafe, Orcas Island – Washington State }
May 232013
Apr 252013
This time, last year we took our Airstream to the San Juan Islands, specifically to Orcas Island where we camped with her at West Beach Resort. This island holds a very special place in my heart and I truly believe that if you visit, she will hold a special place in yours too . . .
Here is a link to ♥ ALL ♥ our outdoor and culinary adventures on Orcas Island :)
Nov 132012
Every. Single. Weekend.
Those are the days over the past summer that I was lucky enough to spend here in the San Juan Islands helping spread the word on J5MM about how lovely these islands truly are.
Hubby and B were even luckier. They vacationed here all summer and were always on time to pick me up at the ferry landing of whatever island we happened to be on. Our last island to spend time on was none other than Lopez.
“Mommy do you remember when we made the forts on Spencer’s Spit?” B asks me this over dinner last night.
Hubby and I glance up at each other and together our minds go back to that wonderful time. Continue reading »
Nov 092012
Ahh, the summer of 2012 in the San Juan Islands.
First Orcas Island, then San Juan Island and now we move forward to our last stop in these emerald green archipelagos: Lopez Island.
Or should I call it as the locals so fondly do: SLOWPEZ.
All of the islands share some form of commonality and we have come to the conclusion that a slow way of life is generally it. However, here on Slowpez – it is really just a bit slower. I think ♥ Continue reading »
Oct 162012
{Chef Bill Messick – Coho Restaurant, Friday Harbor – San Juan Island, Washington} Continue reading »
Sep 142012
Dear friends,
I apologize for being away for a while. You see, a lot has been happening and I can’t wait to share with you our big news! But first, I want you to know that our San Juan Island’s Airstream adventures continue. Superb restaurants, beautiful hikes, fun camp sites and hidden gems . . . not only are the islands beautiful in the summertime, but wait until you see how they are in the off season. You know, there is a little known secret that coming here in the off season is just as nice (if not better – we think!).
Our “Big News,” coming soon :)
xoxo
Aug 312012
It isn’t often where I can say that I feel like I’ve just been to the south of France, but on this day I most certainly could. From the moment you arrive at Pelindaba Lavender Farm on San Juan Island you are instantly transported.
Aug 212012
{ Chef Gretchen Allison – Duck Soup Inn, San Juan Island – Washington State }
As you slowly travel down a forested gravel drive meandering alongside a golden sunlit pond, you soon find yourself at Duck Soup Inn.
Situated in a fairytale-like forest setting complete with giant pine trees, twinkling lights and lanterns hanging here and there, you soon realize that your dining experience at Duck Soup Inn will extend beyond your dining table. Once again, we were amazed and rightly so.
Aug 152012
One thing that we have come to learn while spending time here in the San Juan Islands is that people take things pretty slow. No one is really ever in a rush and for us, that is very comforting.
We’ve spied these cute little candy apple red mopeds and scoot coupes all over San Juan Island and often wondered to ourselves what it would be like to have a ride in one of them. Taking life slow and really exploring the island is how I always perceived the experience to be. Of course B was always chiming in with his opinions.
“Oh mommy, it would be so fun!”
Could you guess how happy he was when hubby and I told him that today would be the day we would go and take a scoot coupe out for spin?
Pretty happy indeed. Continue reading »
Aug 092012
Today we are on the West Side of San Juan Island specifically at Lime Kiln State Park. Comprised of 36 acres, Lime Kiln is considered one of the best places in the world to view whales from land. I will tell you that it is spectacularly beautiful here. Sweeping views of Haro Strait with the whale’s swimming gracefully through the waters will definitely take your breath away if not put a tear or two of emotional happiness in your eyes.
The lighthouse and park are both run on a voluntary basis thanks to the “Friends of Lime Kiln Society.” Thanks to the society, the park and light house have remained in excellent condition. It’s a wonderful thing don’t you think to see people volunteering their time, for free, to help preserve history?