Dear human: Orcas Island-Summer 2014-CH

Reunited!!! Carrie got into Seattle Friday evening and Saturday morning we started out on our first adventure of her stay in Washington. We took the ferry from Anacortes to Orcas Island. After getting off the ferry, and not really knowing where we were going, we drove into Eastsound (the main town area on the island). There was traffic and no parking, which we thought might be a typical summer day, but then we realized there was a parade happening... a summer solstice parade! What perfect timing- all sorts of island hippies including bucket drummers walk down the street. There were people covered in mud, people throwing glitter, and our favorite, a giant earth (carried by small children) followed by a big sun human. At the end of the parade, there was a farmers market with a DJ (to accommodate all the noodle dancing).
From there, we decided it was time to plan out our time on the island, as we only had 3 days. We had our minds set on renting kayaks and forging the open seas to Sucia Island, but after talking to some rental places and with all the recent kayakers being trapped by whales during their bubble netting feeding frenzies, we decided to take a guide. Naturally, we interrogated the shop employee at Sheerwater Adventures about the level of fun expected and who would also be on the trip (we have learned from many past adventures- if you have to go in a group, the people going matter). Carrie inquired if there were any hot guys going and we were in formed there was one "full blown woman" and one other couple. Oh well, we booked the trip anyway. Carrie also asked the employee if he would be her boyfriend. He was already taken, probably by the lady throwing glitter and we learned that there are more women than men on the island. :(

After lunch, we found our camping site in Moran State Park and set up our tent. We camped in the North End, which was nice, however the place to be is the "Midway" (it's right by the water). Even though we were car camping, we brought the backpacking tent (after our AZ trip, Carrie and I have slept in this small tent more than and me and my husband!) We hiked the Cold Spring trail to Mt Constitution which was about 8.2 miles. It was so beautiful with lots of fallen trees, moss, and green foliage everywhere. The top had a tower that you could see a beautiful view of Mt. Baker and Mt. Rainier. We were so lucky with the weather, it was very clear and we could see a beautiful panorama.

The next day, we met our kayaking group at West Beach Resort. The resort was very cute, a place I would love to go back to one day. It had camping space (with hookups), cabins, and platform tents to rent. The resort had a little store and water taxis available to Sucia Island. Sucia is only accessible by boat and is a popular camping destination. We kayaked the 7 ish miles around Sucia and were treated to views of bald eagles, porpoises, seals, starfish and blue heron. Our guide, Jeff, was great the seas were super calm. We gave him fair warning that we don't do well in groups and don't listen well either- he was a good sport. Afterwards, we tried some local beer at the Lower Tavern and enjoyed that atmosphere outside.

Our last day we climbed Mount Pickett (8.4miles round trip) which was actually more of giant mound. Not a great destination hike as there were no views and if there wasn't a sign, you would never know you were at the top. The trail continued on to Twin Lakes, but due to time, we turned around. The stinging nettles invaded the trail and we both got our share of them. We didn't see too much wildlife, but we did see an owl which was really cool. We treated ourselves to brunch at the Island Skillet, which was amazing. The local coffee is definitely worth a try!