Nov 092012
 

Lopez Island in the San Juan Islands

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 ♥

We spend our first Saturday on island visiting the farmer’s market.  Full of colorful, organic bounties from all over the island we load up our sacks with goodies for dinner in the Airstream.

No sooner than we agree it was time to leave and head back to camp we hear in the distance the faint sound of  a helicopter approaching.  We look up into the blue sky and could hardly believe our eyes — a big and beautiful red, white and black Airlift Northwest helicopter (air ambulance) is making a landing right here in the village!  All at once everyone from the market approaches the street to watch.   The street is blocked to traffic and we are told to “stay back” as this beautiful helicopter comes in for landing.

We came to learn that these amazing Airlift Nurses and Pilots spend their weekends here, alternating between the islands to be “on call” for any life threatening emergencies.  This gives the residents and vacationers of the islands peace of mind knowing that help is there if needed.

As I help B into the helicopter, I can tell he is in complete awe.

“Mommy — I feel like I am ready to take off!” he tells me as he is strapped into his seat.  He. Is. Beaming!

Just outside of the helicopter there is a darling little girl with pigtails who is trying her best to be patient (while hopping from one foot to the other) to have her turn to sit in the helicopter.  B notices this and she smiles at him at which time he decides it would be a good thing to be polite and let her have a turn.  Out he goes and in she climbs full of excitement as we make our way back to camp at the Lopez Islander Bay Resort just a short minute drive away from the village.

We have a great spot up on the grassy hill where we are plugged in with our Airstream.  Campers surround us and new friends are made.  Down the hill to the left is the recreation facility which has a fantastic pool with sweeping views of Fisherman’s Bay and if you are in the mood, a state-of-the-art workout facility.  Bill, the fun loving and easy going guy who runs the place here tells me with pure excitement that he has “big plans” for it here.  He shows me the architectural drawings  of what’s in store and I am blown away.  Fully paved sites are coming along with some darling cabins that will be built.  It will be quite the place I can tell, but for now — we think it’s wonderful as it is and honestly, we wouldn’t change a thing.

We spend our day here playing outside, swimming and just soaking in the sun ♥♥

We have enjoyed many fun filled days here at the Islander from delicious dining at the restaurant to crabbing in the bay.  At night this resort can really rock with live music.  On one particular evening hubby, B and I listened to the band “Temporary Moorage”  where Bill himself enjoys playing the guitar.  I can tell you that we danced the night away!

Here’s a video from Temporary Moorage performing at the Tulalip Ampitheater

The following morning after a breakfast of baked eggs in the Airstream which I prepared in my kitchen with the most lovely view of the bay down below, we headed over to discover Iceberg Point.  It was here many moons ago when hubby introduced me to this part of our world and now we were looking forward to introducing it to B.

If you are a regular reader of J5MM and have been following our journey through the San Juan Islands I am sure that you can agree that there is so much one can do and see on these islands that even an eternity would not be enough time to explore everything.    It is with a heavy heart that I only have one last story about the San Juans to share with you.

♥ Please stay tuned ♥

Coming next :: A day at Spencer’s Spit and a Farewell Dinner ::

  8 Responses to “The Beauty of a Slow Life”

  1. Dearest Monica, the way you have written and described your adventures in the San Juans have literally brought me to tears many, many times. I spent many a year visitng these islands (Orcas in particular) and to be able to be transported back to them through your visionary talents is something I want to thank you for. I certainly look forward to your future travels.

    • Oh Robert, I can’t even begin to tell you how much your sweet, kind words have meant to me. I’m so happy that I was able to “take you back,” to the San Juan Islands!

  2. I feel sad that your San Juan posts are coming to an end! Do you think you will come back next year? Thank you for taking my husband and I along on your beautiful journeys and it is through you and your amazing photography and story telling that we have been able to feel as if we were “with you.” Looking forward to seeing where you will go next!

    • Thank you so much for your nice comment and compliments ♥ Making you feel as if you were “right there” with us is what I strive for :) Thank you again !!!

  3. No!!! Tell me it isn’t so! One last post? How will I ever get my San Juan Islands fix now?

  4. I came across your site through the Huffington Post and I must say I am truly taken with your photography and your writing style. Would you mind sharing with me what camera you use?

    • Hi BFrankie – thank you so much! I would be happy to share what camera I use although I firmly believe it is the lens that one uses that makes a difference in photography. My camera is the Canon T2i and my favorite lens is the 50mm 1.8!

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