Down the Road with Jumbo: June 2014

When Larry asked me if I'd like to go camping on Orcas Island, it seemed like a wonderful idea, since we'd been enjoying so much lovely, warm weather. As the day approached for our trip, the sunny weather had turned to gray skies and rain, and as a result my enthusiasm began to lessen. Our reservations were made, however, and the forecast for Monday didn't look too bad, so I soon found my anticipation beginning to grow. On Sunday evening, after returning from a great day with Mom and Margie at Angel of the Winds Casino, I pulled out a box and began putting together the food we'd be needing, while Larry got the camping gear organized in the storage shed. It's been a few years since I've been camping in a tent. Larry and Bud have taken their yearly motorcycle camping trips, but I'd forgotten how much stuff we'd need. Larry's great at fitting everything in just where it belongs, and soon he had my little car packed to the max. We left Clearview shortly after 7 a.m. Monday morning, June 16. It had been raining hard an hour or so earlier, but by the time we were ready to go it had dwindled to a drizzle, and we had high hopes for the sun showing itself as the day progressed.

Whenever we go on a road trip of any kind, our first stop is Starbucks. We don't like to take the time to make coffee at home. We then made a stop at Central Market for some Copper River salmon and a few other last minute items, and soon we were on our way towards Anacortes to get on the ferry to the San Juans.

Larry and Duchess waiting in the ferry line while I wandered down to the little cafe to get some bear claws to munch on.

The view from the ferry terminal at Anacortes...the derelict single pilings are what remain of the old cannery in this bay. We were happy to see the sun trying to peek through the clouds.

We drove aboard The Kaleetan, which is named for a mountain peak northwest of Snoqualmie Pass. We parked, took the elevator to the passenger deck, and walked outside.

Pelagic Cormorants at Anacortes Ferry Landing

While the ferry was docked for loading, we were able to observe the colony of cormorants that has made its home on the large pilings at the ferry terminal.

Pelagic cormorants, strictly marine and only on the west coast of North America, are considered solitary even when nesting, but that is definitely not the case here at the ferry dock. The dolphins and wing-walls that guide ferries into the dock are filled with perfect nesting spots for this small cormorant, and birds congregate here in large numbers to take advantage of them. Every so often one would raise up a little from the nest and we could see the eggs.

Every flat surface of sufficient size will be claimed...on top, under girders, along the sides- a Cormorant apartment complex.

While looking at the sky, a little Paul Simon popped into my mind...

Cloudy
The sky is gray and white and cloudy...

but we weren't going to let that put a damper on our day!

Looking at this photo of myself, I realize I should have taken the time to apply a little make-up that morning!

At least Larry doesn't have to be concerned about the wind making it a bad-hair-day!

Cruising through the islands...

We were standing at the front of the railing, the wind in our hair, just enjoying the beauty as we passed by, when someone called out, "There's an Orca!" Within a few minutes, the ferry captain announced that we would be stopping, since a pod of Orcas was directly in front of us. Wow!

I tried to get a shot as they emerged from the water, but the zoom on my little camera just wasn't powerful enough to capture them, nor was I quick enough!

If this shot is blown up big enough, the fins can actually be seen! It was an amazing experience - a first for both Larry and me!

Soon we were back on our way - and the sun was shining!

We made a brief stop at Shaw Island and then on to Orcas Island...

The madrona trees from the parking deck of the ferry as we approached Orcas Island...

Driving off the ferry onto Orcas Island...

We drove to Eastsound and wandered around town.

We walked behind the Episcopal Church and took these pictures.

And what a pretty church it is.

The grounds were surrounded by gorgeous flower beds. These roses were beautiful, and so fragrant!

We are all at a different place on the same path....

There was a beautiful labyrinth next to the church. A labyrinth is an ancient symbol for reflection and growth and is found in all spiritual traditions. We had a labyrinth at our Episcopal church in Castle Rock, but it was printed on cloth and only unfolded once a year. I'm sure this permanent one would be much more pleasant to walk, which Larry did. I've never walked the labyrinth myself. I've started a couple of times, but I was always too busy thinking about what I should be feeling to surrender myself to the path and pay absolute attention to the present moment. That is an on-going quest for me.This was a very peaceful way to begin our stay in this lovely place.

We walked a bit further down the sidewalk and enjoyed more amazing views.

Duchess needed a little beach time before we strolled on and explored a bit more of the town.

Now this is what a hollyhock should look like! I tried my best to grow them in Colorado, but they never got higher than my knees.

More gorgeous roses. The whole town smelled amazing!

We didn't go in the museum, but had lunch in the adjoining park.

I had prepared some hefty cheese sandwiches before we left home that morning. Larry stopped at the Co-op in town and got us some drinks - lavender soda for me!

We headed for Moran State Park where campsite 99 was reserved just for us...

It was pretty secluded in a little hollow, with lots of birds chirping to greet us.

We decided to explore a bit of the park before setting up camp.

We took the short hike to Cascade Falls..

What a pitiful sight! If I didn't have this cane I'd be waiting in the car while Larry & Duchess enjoyed the hike.

Larry walked all the way down to the falls. I was thankful that I had made it as far as I did with my arthritic knee. Luckily I had my cane with me. I wouldn't have been able to make it even this short distance without it.

Moss and more moss...

Next stop- 2,409-foot-high Mt. Constitution, the highest point on the San Juan Islands.

The views were breathtaking...

Larry climbed to the top of the tower. Constitution's unique stone tower was constructed by Civilian Conservation Corps crews in 1936. It's a facsimile of a twelfth-century Caucasus Mountains military fortification. The tower offers panoramic views of the surrounding islands, the Cascade Mountains and, if it had been a clearer day, a variety of Canadian and American cities. Inside the tower, a historical display shows the story of the tower's construction and the history of Robert Moran, the shipbuilder and former Seattle mayor who donated this land starting in 1911 and worked toward the development of the park, which was dedicated in 1921.

Looking through one of the windows...

I stayed below with Duchess.

Him taking a picture of me taking a picture of him.

Duchess getting tangled up.

Larry calling down to Duchess. She looked all around, but couldn't figure out where his voice was coming from. Don't know who these people are, but I figured if they could make it back down the hill, so could I.
And we saw them again on the ferry back to Anacortes.

Heading back down the hill to the car.

Next stop... Doe Bay. While we were driving there, I heard a "funny noise" in the car. I asked Larry if he heard that loud humming noise. He did, and said that as soon as he could pull over he'd look under the hood and see if he could figure out what the problem was. All of a sudden it occurred to me...

I'd heard that sound before - it was the inverter! We had it plugged in to charge up my camera battery. Duh! If I don't have something to really worry about, I can always find something! Once that mystery was solved, we continued on...

Larry had done some research on Doe Bay before our trip, and it was the main reason he wanted to visit Orcas Island. He thought their spa would be the closest thing to a hot springs that he was likely to find in this part of Washington.

We thought that we might stay an extra night and explore a little more of this magical place, but as it turned out, we didn't manage to do it this trip. It's definitely something to try to do sometime in the future, though!

Doe Bay was so beautiful - it looked like a painting and reminded me of some of the shots of Cornwall that I've seen while watching Doc Marten.

I loved the red phone for the guests.

Definitely a place to visit again! We'd love to stay in one of the yurts.

And we saw deer on the way out!

Back to the campsite - Larry puts up the tent...

Duchess is very curious about what's going on.

The finishing touches to the tent...

Larry bought me a surprise earlier... instant smores!

Duchess - not quite sure if she's OK with this camping business.

Larry checks out the Coleman stove that we bought at a garage sale a few years ago for $5. It could use a little work, but it'll get us through this trip just fine.

The tent is ready for occupancy!

Duchess wants to check it out!

She had to do a bit of rearranging of things until it was to her liking...

She moved my sleeping bag out of the way...

and made a nice little nest for herself. Now she remembers how much fun camping is!

Soon it was time to start dinner preparations. Larry put a couple of dollops of butter on the salmon, layered some onion and lemon slices...

and wrapped everything up in foil.

then on to the potatoes...

Slice them up...

Place them on the foil...

Add a bit of onion and salt and pepper...

and wrap it all up!

Now...to get the fire going...

This might take awhile. Would you mind pouring me a glass of wine, Larry?

making progress...

Time to put the salmon and potatoes on the grill...

Just waiting...

The tent looks so pretty with the light shining in.

Where'd Mommy go?

Down the road to the restroom... by the time I get back, dinner should be ready!

Everything seems to be done.

The salmon looks perfect...

as do the potatoes...

Yum!

Larry always thought he didn't like salmon until Matt cooked some copper river for us. It was so delicious that Larry is an avid fan now!

Duchess patiently waiting for her share.

Heating up the water for washing the dishes. Our deal was that Larry would do the cooking and I would take care of the cleaning up. Works for me!

Warming up the Instant S mores. The perfect ending to such a delicious meal!

Unfortunately, I think I breathed in a bit too much of the charcoal smoke that night, because I was up all night with horrendous heartburn! As a result, I didn't sleep very well.

I was, however, serenaded by what I believe to be a Western Screech Owl for a good part of the night, which was pretty cool!

We woke up bright and early Tuesday morning. Larry made potatoes and eggs for breakfast.

We packed up...

Saying good-bye to a campsite always makes me feel a little sad.

We wanted to explore the parts of the island we had yet to see, so drove to Deer Harbor. I loved the Madrona trees.

We arrived just as a float plane was taking off.

Bon Voyage!

Rosebud...

Deer Harbor Marina

This guy in the kayak was just pulling in as we walked down the dock. Some tourists asked him what kind of mileage he got in that thing, and he responded, "One mile per a peanut and jelly sandwich!" There were a lot of local characters hanging around on the dock.

On the way out of town Larry noticed this little cart parked in someone's yard. It was named "Rutabaga" - can't help but wonder what it's used for. In any case, it was pretty cute!

We drove around a bit more, finding more pretty places as we wound our way back to the ferry dock. I believe this is Sheep Island.

We were kind of hungry and wanted to pick up something to take on the ferry with us to eat, but decided that if we wanted to make the 12:05 boat we'd better not tarry...

This crow looked like he wanted to hitch a ride on this roofing truck, but flew away before we began to board!

Homeward bound!

We didn't see any Orcas on the way back, but it was pretty nonetheless!

We were both incredibly tired by the time we got back home. It was good to see all of our plants waiting for us, and I couldn't believe how much everything had grown!