springtide - 2015-16

WHAT’S INSIDE

OrcasIsland

* BEACHFRONT COTTAGES* RV+CAMPING* MARINA* ACTIVITIES KIOSK* STORE & SUPPLIES* FAMILY FUN

OrcasIsland

www.WestBeachResort.com877-WEST-BCH

DO

WNLOAD OUR APP

“IN TOWN”Downtown Eastsound!

A gallery of American Crafts, with a focus on local and regional paintings, glass, jewelry, pottery, and all manner of art from a long

list of artists! A “Must See” Orcas venue! (Next to Darvill’s)

Open all year (winter hours vary)

“THE CABIN” This 1866 Homestead Log Cabin features pottery from our own studio, plus works from over 80 artists! An always changing selection make us one of the region’s favorite galleries! Orcas Road (across from Golf Course). Open daily 10 to 5 (Seasonally)

CROW VALLEY POTTERY& GALLERY www.crowvalley.com

360-376-4260An island landmark since 1959!

THE ANNUAL POTTER'S FEST! • JULY 17 THRU AUGUST at “The Cabin”

Show opening reception: Friday July 17th, 4 to 7PM at "The Cabin". Naturally, live music and tasty treats too! With the varied works of over 50 potters... Crow Valley’s most awaited show!

OUR 18TH ANNUAL GARDEN ART SHOW! • JUNE 26 THRU JULY 12at "The Cabin"

Show opening reception: Friday June 26th, 4 to 7PM at "The Cabin". Live music of course, with Margie and Jeffri’s nibbles!Art For and About the Garden… an Orcas tradition!

Right Care, Right Here.When you need health care, it’s nice to know that

you can get the care you need, right here on the

island. PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center

is San Juan County’s only critical access hospital.

With primary care and specialty clinics, as well as

hospital services, emergency department and a

Saturday Walk-in Clinic, our caring providers are

here to serve you when you need it.

www.peacehealth.org/peace-island

SATURDAY WALK-IN CLINIC10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

1117 Spring StreetFriday Harbor, WA 98250

Post Office Box 889Friday Harbor, WA 98250360-378-2688 • VHF66Awww.portfridayharbor.org

Year-round services include:Pump-Out Vessel • Fuel Dock • U.S. CustomsWildlife Cruises • Airport & Seaplanes • Kayak RentalsDining & Provisions • Floating Restrooms • Showers Laundry • Chandleries • Yacht Brokerage Marine Repair • Courteous Service • Free Wi-FiMusic in the Park, Friday nights & Sunday afternoons

T.G.I.F. All YeAr lonG!

Pho

to/M

att P

rang

er

A Clean MarinaLeadership Award Recipient…

San Juan Island’s Favorite Corner — Since 1920 —

Painted by Lanny Little, the front of the store features the interior of the original pharmacy based on photos from

Al Nash Jr. Art donated by A&H Stores, owners.

210 Spring Street, Friday Harbor

• 378-4421 • Mon.–Sat. 9 a.m.–7 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Prescriptions • Souvenirs T Shirts & Sweatshirts • CosmeticsHallmark Cards & Gifts, Gift Wrap

Candy • Party WareArt, Office & School Supplies

Springtide 2015 / 16 5

ContributorsPublisher: Colleen Smith Armstrong Editor: Cali Bagby Columnists: Colleen Smith Armstrong, Cali Bagby, Russel Barsh, Audrey DeLella Benedict, Joe Gaydos,Meredith M. Griffith, Madrona Murphy, Bob Myhr, Rebecca Parks, Scott Rasmussen, and Dennis RyanAdvertising Sales: Colleen Smith Armstrong, Cali Bagby, Phil DuBois, Cherie Sarrett, Howard SchonbergerGraphic Artists: Scott Herning, Kathryn ShermanPublication Information The Journal of the San Juans: 640 Mullis Street, Friday Harbor, WA 98250 P: 360‑378‑5696, F: 888‑562‑8818 • www.sanjuanjournal.comThe Islands’ Sounder: 217 Main Street, Eastsound, WA 98245, P: 360‑376‑4500, F: 888‑562‑8818 • www.islandssounder.comThe Islands’ Weekly: 217 Main Street, Eastsound, WA 98245, P: 360‑376‑4500, F: 888‑562‑8818 • www.islandsweekly.com

ADVENTURE LOVE WHALES ISLAND LIFE HAPPINESS COMMUNITY FUTURE BEAUTY NATURE

Windermere Real Estate San Juan Island 50 Spring Street W | Friday Harbor Washington 98250 | 360 378 3600 office

www.BeOnSanJuan.com

CALLING THE SAN JUAN ISLANDS HOME … Whatever Your Reasons Windermere Property Specialists Are Here To Help

Relocation � Buying or Selling � Commercial and Investing � Rental Property Managment


By Joe Gaydos and audrey deLeLLa Benedict

Of the 3,000 Salish Sea marine invertebrates that you can easily see, you might pick a favorite. If you are fond of superlatives, the giant Pacific octopus might be your choice. How many suckers does it have? Isn’t

it inspiring that the female can lay 100,000 eggs and spend 9 months caring for them, only to die after the eggs hatch? If you favor economics, the geoduck or Dungeness crab might be good choices, as both are foundations for multimillion-dollar fisheries in the Salish Sea.

Those fascinated with history might consider the northern abalone, the Salish Sea’s only species of abalone. These gastro-pods have been harvested and eaten, and their beautiful shells have been traded by some groups of Coast Salish since time immemorial.

If you like diversity, you might pick a beautiful nudibranch, then pick another, and another. If you’re a foodie, choose the spot prawn. There is not a lobster in the world that will stand

up to the taste of a fresh, locally harvested spot prawn. And spot prawns are caught in pots, which minimizes the bycatch and destructive seafloor issues associated with shrimp harvest in other parts of the world. And if you are into cute, by all means choose the stubby squid. Invertebrates don’t get any cuter than this one.

© 2015 by Cloud Ridge Publishing. All rights reserved. Excerpted from “The Salish Sea: Jewel of the Pacific Northwest” by permission of Sasquatch Books.

Giant Pacific octopus. Brandon Cole photo

8 Springtide 2015 / 16

www.sanjuanisland.org • 360-378-5240

July 4Parade, voted one of the 10 best in the nation!

Pig War BBQ • Rock The DockFireworks – Biggest and Best Ever!

Saturday and Sunday July 11 & 1216th Annual Summer Art Fair

Art, music, library book sale and more!

October 1 - 31Savor the San Juans • www.visitsanjuans.com/savor

December 4Island Lights Holiday Celebration

Tree lighting and Christmas caroling

Mark your Calendar!

MARINE

Visit our Corner Shirt Shop!Complete Line of Fun & Original

Island T-shirts, Sweatshirts and Gifts

Great Selection of Fishing Tackle and Marine SuppliesCurrent & Tide Guides • N.O.A.A. & Canadian Charts

Travel Guides & Nautical Publications • Galley Accessories Camping Gear • Kayaks • Fishing Licenses • Discovery Passes

Sportswear for Men, Women and ChildrenPatagonia • Columbia • Pendleton • Kavu

Sperry Topsiders • Smartwool • Keen • MerrellNew Balance Shoes • Swimwear, Sunglasses, Accessories

and much more!

The Largest Full Service Supermarket on San Juan IslandFull Selection of Fresh and Frozen Meat & Fish • Fresh Produce

Service Deli • Outstanding Wine, Beer and Liquor Selection

Walking Distance (1 Block) from Moorage

Spring Street, Downtown Friday Harbor 360-378-4505

Use Our Outside Entry Elevator!

MARKET

www.sjctheatre.orgBox offi ce: 360-378-3210

Richard Lawson ConstructionLocally owned & operated Since

INDUSTRIAL • COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIALGravel • Shale • Ponds • DamsRock Bulkheads • Land Clearing

Road Building • Site Prep,Local Materials • Concrete

Pump truck availableLicensed, Bonded Insured

FREE ESTIMATESCONTRACTOR LICENSE #RI-CH-AL-C998P6

RichardLawsonConstruction.com • 378-4313 • 1165 West Valley Road, Friday Harbor


Very Successful Zip Line Park On San Juan IslandFacility is located on 40 acres in 6 parcels adjacent to Lakedale Camp-ground. Operating Since 2010. Property includes 2 ponds and front-

age on Bacon Lake. Additional Acreage Available.Present owners contract daily operations to a management company.

FOR SALE $695,000 or LEASEFor more information or a tour call 360-317-5743 [email protected]

Transient orca hunts a harbor porpoise in the Salish Sea. Robin W. Baird photo

By Joe Gaydos and audrey Benedict

Yes and no. Some will kill and eat other whales – a behavior noted by early whalers who created the epi-thet. We now know, however, that not all killer whales have this dietary preference. In some parts of the world, there are killer whale subtypes, or ecotypes, that special-ize in certain prey. The Salish Sea is home to 3 distinct killer whale ecotypes. Residents are the most well-known ecotype, and these whales prefer fish, specifically salmon. The marine mammal eaters are called transients. Members of the third and less well-known ecotype, offshores, are believed to be fish specialists that appear to have a preference for eating sharks.

Scientists have shown that the bet-ter-known resident and transient killer whales not only prefer different diets but also have genetic, behavioral, vocal, and morphologic differences. The offshore ecotype, which has not been studied as

intensively, is geneti-cally distinct from the resident and transient ecotypes, although it is more closely related to residents than tran-sients. Ecological spe-cialization – with ac-companying social and reproductive isolation of offshore, resident, and transient killer

whale ecotypes – has led to a divergence and one day might even lead to their clas-sification as distinct subspecies or species.

© 2015 by Cloud Ridge Publishing. All rights reserved. Excerpted from “The Salish Sea: Jewel of the Pacific Northwest.”

Residents are the most well-known ecotype, and these whales prefer fish, specifically salmon.


By Scott RaSmuSSen

It is always nice to find a place where you can get away from it all.

Even better when that place has an assortment of intriguing sights, invigorating activities and oodles of entertainment oppor-tunities close at hand.

On San Juan Island, you’ll find the best of both worlds. Yet its unique blend of scenic splendor and small town charm is just one reason why San Juan has long been a favorite “get away” for many. The list is lengthy.

Let’s begin out west. Situated closer to Canada than mainland U.S.A., the west side

of San Juan Island is where you’ll find those dazzling sunsets, myriad hiking trails, sweeping vistas and stunning views of the Olympic Mountains, Vancouver Island and the Strait of Juan de Fuca in between. It’s no more than a 15-minute drive from Friday Harbor or 45-minute bicycle ride, depending upon one’s personal prowess in the saddle and to which location or in which direction you’re headed.

The west side boasts more than 3,000 acres open to the public and nearly all the parks and nature preserves on the west side of-fer an opportunity to tip-toe along the shoreline. It’s here you’ll also find a state park with a historic lighthouse, an array of picnic

tables and an area devoted to land-based whale watching, as well as a coveted campground outfitted with mooring buoys and a boat ramp, and a national historical park divided into two large separate sections of land, one at the south end and the other far-ther north.

All told, the west side of San Juan Island boasts 30-plus miles of shoreline that dip down into the waters of Haro Strait, one of the more heavily traveled shipping lanes on the entire West Coast and a favorite hunting ground of the region’s resident and endangered killer whales. It’s also one of the sweetest spots on the globe in which to launch a kayak. Did you know that Bull kelp is edible?

At the north end is the picturesque, often bustling seaside vil-lage of Roche Harbor Resort, home of the historic Hotel de Haro and a lively marina that does double-duty as a U.S. Port of Entry. Prior to its emergence as a resort, Roche Harbor was the epicen-ter of the very first headline-grabbing commercial enterprise in the San Juans; the production of lime.

At the south end rest the sweeping prairies and bulky bluffs of American Camp, home to the island’s longest stretch of sandy, scenic, driftwood-laden shoreline, South Beach, and a ridge line trail that traverses the summit of Mount Finlayson and offers a panoramic view that stretches out over the water for as far as the eye can see.

Contributed photo.


ATMs• Big Store, 420 Argyle Ave.,Friday Harbor, 360-378-2424• Hotel de Haro, 360-378-2155• King’s Market, 160 Spring St., Friday Harbor, 360-378-4505• Little Store, 360-378-4422

Banks• Heritage Bank, 360-370-5641• Islanders Bank, 360-378-2265• Key Bank, 360-378-2111• Wells Fargo Bank, 360-378-2128

Dentist• Friday Harbor Dentistry, 360-378-4944• Bo Turnage, 360-378-4913

Ferry Information• WSF: 511 (in state), 360-378-8665 (Friday Harbor), 888-808-7977,www.wsdot/wa.gov/ferries.

Groceries• Friday Harbor Market Place, 360-378-3238• King’s Market, 160 Spring St., Friday Harbor, 360-378-4505• Roche Harbor General Store, 360-378-5562

Convenience stores• Big Store, 360-378-2424• Little Store, 360-378-4422• Spring Street General Store,360-378-4949

Laundry• Blue Sky Laundry Service, 360-317-7138• Roche Harbor Village, located on the north side of the wharf

Medical• Emergency 911(cell phone, 360-378-4141)• Peace Island Medical Center,360-378-2141• San Juan Healthcare, 360-378-1338

Public restrooms• American and English Camps• Friday Harbor ferry landing• Friday Harbor Marina• Jackson’s Beach• Lime Kiln State Park• Roche Harbor Village• Spring Street Landing• Sunshine Alley

Transportation• Bob’s Taxi and Tours,360-378-6777

• Classic Cab Company,360-378-7519• Friday Harbor Taxi,360-298-4434• Island Tours Taxi,360-378-4453• M&W Auto Sales and Rentals,360-378-2886, 800-323-6037• San Juan Taxi and Tours,360-378-3550• San Juan Transit, 360-378-8887, www.sanjuantransit.com• Susie’s Mopeds,360-378-5244

Towing• Island Towing, 600 Mullis St.,Friday Harbor, 360-378-7000

Travel information• San Juan Island Chamber ofCommerce, 360-378-5240,www.sanjuanisland.org• San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau,888-468-3701, www.VisitSanJuans.com

Veterinarian• Animal Inn, 360-378-4735• Harbor Vet Services, 360-378-3959• Islands Veterinary Clinic, 360-378-2333; 24-hour, 360-378-7818• Lighthouse Veterinary Housecalls, 360-378-4711

Outdoor Activities• Natural wonders (page 7)• Family Activities (page 29)• Farmers’ markets (page 34)• Camping and hiking (pg 28, 35)

Back over on the east side of the is-land, the jump-off point for the major-ity of island adventures, lies the Town of Friday Harbor. Founded in 1909 and still only slightly more than one-square mile in size, Friday Harbor is home to the ferry landing, the 11th busiest airport in Washington state and a publicly managed marina where the number of boats vying for moorage slips swells in summertime. The Port of Friday Harbor is also home to the local whale-watch fleet and one of San Juan’s most beloved celebrities, Popeye, a one-eyed harbor seal.

The only incorporated town in San Juan County, Friday Harbor is both the seat of county government and a public entity unto itself, with a mayor, a town council, a public works department, about 2,000 year-round residents and bears all the responsibility of any other municipal government does.

It is the commercial and cultural core of the island and home to a public library, bowling alley, movie theatre and a 285-seat performing arts center; a fitness cen-ter (with pool), four banks, an art museum and host of art galleries, and a multitude

of quality cafes, restaurants and cozy eat-eries to choose from. There farmers’ mar-ket that on Saturdays is open for business on an outdoor plaza located smack-dab in the heart of town.

The one noteworthy thing that Fri-day Harbor does lack, however, is a traffic light.

In fact, you won’t find a single traffic light at work anywhere on the 55-square-mile island, at least not for its intended use.

How about that for a get-away?

Where to find it

Courtesy of the National Park Service.

Widehand Hermit, Elassochirus tenuimanus. Susan Middleton photo

The Friday Harbor Film Festival – now in its third year – will be held on picturesque San Juan Island the weekend of Nov. 6, 7 and 8. And

according to organizers, this year’s festival promises to be even more fabulous, informative and insightful than the past two have been.

The festival will feature more than 30 award-win-ning documentaries and docu-dramas, including at least

two premieres. Films will highlight the Pacific Rim, the beautiful area of the world that we call home. In select-

ing the films to be shown, the organizers say their goal is “to entertain our film goers, inspire them to get involved in issues that speak to them, and enlighten them about envi-ronmental issues, social concerns and humanitarian efforts.”

Films will be shown in four island venues (all within walk-ing distance of the ferry) over the course of the Festival’s three days, and there will be a number of special events as well, in-cluding the very popular Filmmakers’ Forum. Film-goers will vote on their favorite films, and at the conclusion of the event, awards will be presented to the audience favorite, as well as to

the best films in each of the festival’s categories ("Tales from the Heart,” "Explorers and Adventures,” “Issues to Consider,” “Local Heroes" and short films).

Since its inception, the Friday Harbor Film Festival has be-come an event that is truly a community effort, with over 60 local businesses and organizations providing financial support and/or in-kind donations, and over 150 volunteers working both before and during the event to ensure that everything goes smoothly and film-goers have a memorable experience.

To help support long-term goals and mission, the Friday Harbor Film Festival Society has been launched. In becoming a member, you will help ensure that this event continues into the future, providing a unique opportunity for all of us to see a vari-ety of important, meaningful films. The society provides several levels of membership; for more info or to sign up for membership in the society, go to the website at www.fhff.org or contact Diana Stepita at [email protected].

More information about the festival can be found at www.fhff.org. To sign up for the newsletter, send an email to [email protected].

by Rebecca PaRks

With the ferry ride to Friday Harbor so spectacular, it’s hard to imagine that a visit to the San Juans can get any better. But believe it or not, there’s more to San Juan Island than its beautiful waters. The quiet town of Friday Harbor, a fishing vil-lage turned travelers’ mecca, offers many delights: shops, cafés, art galleries, a whale museum, a community theatre, and an art museum.

San Juan Islands Museum of Art, an unexpected delight on the second block of Spring Street, showcases an international roster of acclaimed artists. The IMA build-ing stands out as a work of art itself, built of an abandoned ambulance garage in the cen-ter of Friday Harbor. Started by a handful of gutsy art lovers who staged exhibitions from theater lobbies and vacant storefronts for 10 years, the structure opened in December with a show of glass by internationally acclaimed northwest favorite, William Morris.

From May 23 to August 21, Susan Middleton’s photographic prints will amuse and educate in an exhibit titled “Spineless: Portraits of Marine Invertebrates, the Back-

bone of Life,” from Middleton’s book of the

same title published this year by Abrams. The photographer, author and lecturer spe-cializes in portraiture of the rare and endan-gered. Summers spent working in Friday Harbor with the University of Washington Marine Labs inspired some of Middleton’s most splendid work: huge images of octo-puses and jellyfish reveal a close-up world of the marine invertebrates that represent more than 98 percent of the known animal species in the ocean.

“Colorful, quirky, quivery, spindly, spiky, sticky, stretchy, squishy, slithery, squirmy, prickly, bumpy, bubbly and fluttery, the in-vertebrates appear almost surreal, even alien,” Middleton says. She visually isolates each creature to best capture its individual character: resplendent sea cucumbers, ethe-real jellies, otherworldly nudibranchs and more. From the stubby squid to the frilled anemone to the white phantom crab, these images open our eyes to both the fragility and the resiliency of these species.

Running through the au-tumn months is an exhibition by watercolorist Michael Dailey, whose huge canvases share with

the viewer a rare appreciation for color and light. For 2016, IMA plans an exhibition of Morse Clary’s wooden book sculpture and much much more, with exhibitions chang-ing every three months. Admission is free.

Open 11 to 5 Thurs. - Mon. in summer, Fri. - Mon. in winter. 540 Spring Street, Friday Harbor, 360-370-5050, sjima.org.



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#1 Navy noise com-

plaintsThe noise from thou-

sands of engine tests and

training runs by new EA

18G “Growlers” and other

planes at Naval Air Station

Whidbey and Outlying

Landing Field Coupeville

has generated outcry this

year, mainly from Lopez

Island. The conflict has

sparked many community

meetings with the county

council, Rep. Rick Larsen

and representatives from

the Navy. Islanders are ask-

ing that the Navy conduct

sound testing in the islands,

informing the community

when there would be jet

noise, restricting flights

over the island and having

Congress require the Navy

to make a quieter engine.

The noise may be muf-

fled to a significant degree if

navy officials heed a request

of two senior members of

the Washington state’s con-

gressional delegation.

Sen. Patty Murray

and Congressman Rick

Larsen last week asked the

Navy to consider a fund-

ing recommendation ear-

marked for construction of

a so-called “hush house”

hangar at Naval Air Station

Whidbey Island, ground-

zero in a rising controver-

sy over the impact of noise

created by air and ground

testing of the naval station’s

fleet of EA-18G Growlers.

#2 CenturyLink � ned

for outageI n

A u g u s t ,

the Washington Utilities and

Transportation Commission

released its investigative

report on CenturyLink’s

November 2013 voice and

data outage in the San Juan

Islands. In the report, state

regulatory staff recom-

mended the commission

order more than $170,000 in

penalties against the com-

pany.A penalty would be in

addition to credits, totaling

$271,000, that the company

credited in February to

the accounts of customers

affected by the outage. The

company has also commit-

ted more than $500,000 for

system improvements to

ensure back-up service in

the event of a future outage.

The investigation found

that the 10-day service

outage resulted from

a severed underwater

fiber cable that separated

the Friday Harbor switch

from the CenturyLink net-

work. The investigation also

concludes that the company

violated state laws and rules

related to major outages,

as well as requirements

for communicating outage

information to the public.

#3 Superintendent

Evans resigns

In April, Superintendent

Bill Evens turned in his

resignation. To explain his

reason for leaving he cited

“some shortcomings of

late in our financial over-

sight functions, resulting in

significant negative impact

upon staff, and financial

resources… I am deeply

sorry that these shortcom-

ings have happened to the

district on my watch and as

the leader of the organiza-

tion, I accept responsibility

for them.”

Evans has served as

superintendent of the Lopez

Island School District from

2005-09, and most recently

from 2011 to present. After

submitting his resignation

the school board asked

him to stay with the goal

of restructuring the district

office and eventually hiring

a new superintendent with

more financial expertise.

Evans offered to go on a

month-to-month contract to

give the school board flex-

ibility in restructuring and

in replacing him.

The school board eventu-

ally released a statement in

October that they did have

a serious financial process-

ing issue a year ago. “We

discovered that issue, fixed

and reported it and hired

NCESD to do this work

ongoing. Moreover, recog-

nizing the changes we’ve

made, the state auditors put

us back on an every-other-

year audit schedule indicat-

ing they have confidence in

our new approach,” wrote a

board member in a release.

Evans now plans to stay

until the end of the school

year.

#4 Voters approve

Lopez School bond

In November, voters

approved Lopez Island

School District #144

Proposition No. 1 concern-

ing a $9.6 million capital

projects bond with 63.36

percent of the vote. Only

36.64 percent opposed the

bond.Taxpayer cost is estimat-

ed to be an additional $0.30-

$0.35 cents per thousand

dollars of assessed proper-

ty, or approximately $124 a

year for a $400,000 house.

This tax impact reflects an

estimated interest rate that

continues to be attractive

and below historical aver-

ages.According to school offi-

cials, Lopez School District

facilities are falling apart,

and district officials have

been worried about keeping

up with safety, health and

educational standards. The

bond represents significant

revisions from the $16.5 mil-

lion renovation project pro-

posed in 2013, which did not

meet with voter approval.

This new bond is approxi-

mately 40 percent less than

the original request, but

officials say it will provide

sufficient funding for critical

upgrades and renovations

to meet basic safety, health

and educational standards.

By reducing originally pro-

posed new additions and site

improvements, trimming

back on refurbishment of

classrooms and eliminat-

ing original plans for water

catchment for irrigation, the

district is able to present a

responsive revised request

to the voters.

#5 New sheri�

Deputy Ron Krebs, a

first-time candidate for

public office, ousted incum-

bent Rob Nou in a race for

San Juan County sheriff in

November.

Krebs, an eight-year vet-

eran of the force and former

deputy guild president, col-

lected 3,372 votes of 5,211

ballots tallied on election

night, earning 64.71 percent

of the Nov. 4 early election

returns.

For first-term incumbent

Rob Nou, the election night

results signal a decided

turnaround from the same

race four years ago. He

drew 66 percent of the vote

in 2010 to become the coun-

ty’s first new sheriff in more

than two decades.

Four years later, Krebs

made leadership and com-

munication, or the lack of

it, the centerpiece of his

campaign. He vowed to

mend and to restore lines of

communication within the

department and with other

agencies that regularly deal

with the sheriff’s office. He

pledged to create a stronger

bond between the depart-

ment and the public it

serves as well.

#6 Orca whales are

dyingWith four deaths in the

last 12 months and not a

single surviving newborn

for more than two years, the

fate of the southern resident

killer whales grew even

more precarious in 2014.

Then this winter, J-32,

a pregnant female of the

southern resident orca

whale community, was

found dead. Her passing

sparked a call to action for

a whale protection “no-go

The

WeeklyIslands’The

WeeklyIslands’The

Islands’

WeeklyVOLUME 38, NUMBER 1 • JANUARY 6, 2015

INSIDE Sheriff’s L

og

. . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . .

. Page 3

Winter Lecture Series

. . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . .

. Page 3

Business classes

. . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . .

. Page 4

www.islandsweekly.com

360-376-4500

Geor

ge W

illis

phot

o

LOPEZ LOBOS Varsity Basketball:

1/7 vs. Highland Christian –

Girls 4:30 p.m., Boys 6:00 p.m.

‘The Pack’

2015Wellness

Guide

Call 376-4500 and book today!

Publishes

Jan. 28, 2015

Wellness Guide is a

Publication of the Weekly,

Sounder and Journal

Sales Deadline

January 8

Andy & Dolly Holland

Spirit Award Potluck

2014 recipients

Carol Steckler

& Al Lorenzen

5pm potluck, 6pm program & music

Bring a potluck dish, place settings & cutlery

Lopez Center

Saturday, January 10thSpirit Award Potluck

Top stories of 2014Contributed photo

Naval Air Station Whidbey

Island anticipates arrival

of 10 new Growler fighter

aircraft, like the one shown

right.

SEE TOP STORIES, PAGE 5

Whidbey Island, ground-

zero in a rising controver-

sy over the impact of noise

created by air and ground

Proposition No. 1 concern-

ing a $9.6 million capital

projects bond with 63.36

percent of the vote. Only

36.64 percent opposed the

Taxpayer cost is estimat-

ed to be an additional $0.30-

$0.35 cents per thousand

dollars of assessed proper-

ty, or approximately $124 a

year for a $400,000 house.

This tax impact reflects an

estimated interest rate that

continues to be attractive

and below historical aver-

According to school offi-

cials, Lopez School District

facilities are falling apart,

and district officials have



bent Rob Nou in a race for

San Juan County sheriff in

November.

Krebs, an eight-year vet-

eran of the force and former

deputy guild president, col-

lected 3,372 votes of 5,211

ballots tallied on election

night, earning 64.71 percent

of the Nov. 4 early election

returns.

For first-term incumbent

Rob Nou, the election night

results signal a decided

turnaround from the same

Top stories of 2014Naval Air Station Whidbey

Island anticipates arrival

of 10 new Growler fighter

aircraft, like the one shown

by EMILY GREENBERGJournal Reporter

The newborn calf in J-pod is a welcomed addition to the population in peril, but only time will tell who its mother is.

The Center for Whale Research confirmed seeing and photographing 42-year-old J-16 with, presumably, her newborn baby, off the south shores of North Pender Island in Canadian waters Dec. 30. The baby, known as J-50, is the second calf to be born in 2014, after a two-year lull of no births among the southern resident killer whales.

The calf appeared to be healthy and energet-ic, swimming alongside its presumed mother. However, researchers immediately recognized some peculiarity surrounding its birth.

J-16 was not expected to be carrying a calf due to her advanced age and no other female has given birth at over 42 years of age in the four decades of demographic field studies of the southern resident orcas.

Researchers speculated that J-16’s daughter,

J-36, could be the mother. At age 16, J-36 is in her prime for breeding.

At the time the newborn was first sighted swimming alongside J-16, J-36 appeared to be missing. Ken Balcomb, founder of the Center for Whale Research, feared the worst.

“Thank goodness she was alive,” he said. “The issue of who is the mother of J-50 may be settled the next time we encounter these whales. Or, it may take some time.”

The birth of J-50 comes at the end of a rocky year for the southern residents. The popula-tion, which was declared endangered in 2005, suffered four deaths in 2014. The birth of J-50 brings it back up to 78, a 30-year low nonethe-less.

Oddities surrounding the birth of J-50 appeared to Balcomb and his team when they discovered that the newborn had teeth marks on its dorsal fin. This could indicate a difficult birth, in which another whale may have had to use its mouth to help pull the baby out of its mother’s uterus.

Balcomb said the baby also exhibited unusu-al behaviors in the first days after its birth. For the first week or so of life orca calves and their mothers usually maintain eye contact while swimming along. For the first month of life, the two are relatively inseparable.

Neither of these normal behaviors were displayed by J-50. He said the calf was seen swimming away from J-16 and had to be cor-ralled back to its presumed mother by other members of J-pod.

These behaviors could indicate that J-36 is the mother, and the calf was swimming away because its mother was several miles behind.

If J-36 is the mother, this would be her first known calf. But because orcas can spontane-ously abort a fetus, it’s impossible to rule out previous pregnancies.

While the nearly full-term pregnant female, J-32, was found dead in December with the first “known” calf was in her uterus, her ova-

SEE BAREFOOT, PAGE 5

by CALI BAGBYAssistant editor

Carly Bodmer wanted answers.Why would a teenager steal a

plane and fly it without any train-ing? Why would a young man break into strangers’ homes, steal from small businesses and live in the woods for long stretches of time? Why would he become a symbol of rising up against authority, why would he be called a folk hero by some and a criminal by others?

After three years of work and numerous interviews, Bodmer thinks her film answers these questions. But you may have to wait until the last scene in the documentary to get it.

“I was trying to make sense of the story,” said Bodmer. “I wanted more tangible answers to the ‘whys.’ I think I successfully answer the why.”

You can find out for yourself at the screening of “The Barefoot Bandit Documentary” at the Sea View Theater on Thursday, Jan.

15 at 7:30 p.m. The film was origi-nally shown at the Friday Harbor film festival and then at a Bahama film festival, creating a parallel with Harris-Moore’s own jour-ney starting with theft in the San Juans and ending with his arrest in the Caribbean. The documentary also had screenings in Olympia, Stanwood, Mt. Vernon, Portland

Colton Harris-Moore documentary to be screened on Orcas

SOUNDERTHE ISLANDS’ Serving Orcas, Lopez and San Juan County

WEDNESDAY, January 7, 2015 VOL. 48, NO. 1 75¢ islandssounder.com

How to reach us

Sounder deadlines

Office: 376-4500Fax: 1-888-562-8818Advertising: [email protected]: 1-800-388-2527, classifieds@ soundpublishing.comEditor: editor@ islandssounder.com

Display advertising: Friday at noonClassified advertising: Monday at noonLegal advertising: Thursday at noonPress releases, Letters: Friday at 3 p.m.

Publication of the Journal, Sounder & WeeklyIn partnership with the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau

Insidethis edition!

Plunging into the new year

J-pod welcomes newborn at end of December

Marty Zier photoMembers of Orcas Island Rowing jumped into Cascade Lake during the team’s annual “Polar Bear Plunge” on New Year’s Day. For more photos of community members braving the cold, see page 8.

SEE CALF, PAGE 6






it, the centerpiece of his

campaign. He vowed to

mend and to restore lines of

communication within the

department and with other

agencies that regularly deal

with the sheriff’s office. He

pledged to create a stronger

bond between the depart-

ment and the public it

#6 Orca whales are

With four deaths in the

last 12 months and not a

single surviving newborn

for more than two years, the

fate of the southern resident

killer whales grew even

more precarious in 2014.

Then this winter, J-32,

a pregnant female of the

southern resident orca








The newborn calf in J-pod is a welcomed addition to the population in peril, but only

The Center for Whale Research confirmed seeing and photographing 42-year-old J-16 with, presumably, her newborn baby, off the south shores of North Pender Island in Canadian waters Dec. 30. The baby, known as J-50, is the second calf to be born in 2014, after a two-year lull of no births among the

The calf appeared to be healthy and energet-ic, swimming alongside its presumed mother. However, researchers immediately recognized

J-16 was not expected to be carrying a calf due to her advanced age and no other female has given birth at over 42 years of age in the four decades of demographic field studies of

J-36, could be the mother. At age 16, J-36 is in her prime for breeding.

At the time the newborn was first sighted swimming alongside J-16, J-36 appeared to be missing. Ken Balcomb, founder of the Center for Whale Research, feared the worst.

“Thank goodness she was alive,” he said. “The issue of who is the mother of J-50 may be settled the next time we encounter these whales. Or, it may take some time.”

The birth of J-50 comes at the end of a rocky year for the southern residents. The popula-tion, which was declared endangered in 2005, suffered four deaths in 2014. The birth of J-50 brings it back up to 78, a 30-year low nonethe-less.

Oddities surrounding the birth of J-50 appeared to Balcomb and his team when they discovered that the newborn had teeth marks on its dorsal fin. This could indicate a difficult birth, in which another whale may have had to

by CALI BAGBYAssistant editor

Carly Bodmer wanted answers.Why would a teenager steal a

plane and fly it without any train-ing? Why would a young man

documentary to be screened on Orcas

J-pod welcomes newborn at end of DecemberJ-pod welcomes newborn at end of December

Members of Orcas Island Rowing jumped into Cascade Lake during the team’s annual “Polar Bear Plunge” on New Year’s Day. For more photos of community members braving the cold, see page 8.

TheThe

JournalSportsRivals from ‘Down Under’

rally to stretch win streak

PAGE 3

Island Scene

Tips to rid the winter

blues from the inside out

PAGE 9

As I See ItEconomic forces leave even established islanders

scrambling for a� ordable rental homes

PAGE 7

Weddings in the

San Juan Islands

Our 24-page special section,

offers ideas for an ideal island

wedding. Pick yours up today

or visit the Seattle (Jan. 10/11)

and Portland (Jan. 17/18) wed-

ding shows.

Publication of the Journal, Sounder & Weekly

In partnership with the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau

Winner of six 1st place awards in Washington Newspaper Publishers Association 2014 BNC, 17 in all

Wednesday,

January 7, 2015

Vol. 108 Issue 1

75¢

Journal sta� report

The Washington state Supreme

Court issued decisions on three

San Juan County cases Dec. 11.

Two cases involved land-use

appeals by Deer Harbor resident

Michael Durland. The third case

involved a 10-year-old rape case that

received a fresh look due to changes

in the rules regarding “open courts.”

Prosecuting Attorney Randall

Gaylord said that “in all three cases,

the position on the law taken by the

prosecutor’s office was upheld.”

The two cases filed by Durland

involved a challenge to a build-

ing permit on property adjacent

to his property. Durland filed the

first case directly in Skagit County

without appealing to the county’s

hearing examiner.

The trial court ruled that with-

out a ruling from the hearing

examiner there was no final deci-

sion to be appealed and the court

had no authority to hear the case.

The Washington court of appeals

in Seattle upheld that decision

and Durland then appealed to

the Washington Supreme Court,

in Olympia. The Supreme Court

upheld decisions of the lower

courts and awarded attorney fees to

Durland’s neighbor.

Durland simultaneously

Appeals fail at high court

The San Juan County “Point in

Time Homeless Count” of 2015

will be conducted Thursday, Jan.

29.Count organizers and vol-

unteers work with local fam-

ily resource centers, food banks,

churches, healthcare providers,

senior centers, libraries, the sher-

iff ’s office, and many other com-

munity support service providers

to conduct the count.

Initiated by the state of

Washington in 2005, the Point in

Time count is conducted at the

end of January each year.

Agencies not open on the day

of the count are authorized to

Groups gear upto counthomeless

Contributed photo / Center for Whale Research

The newborn orca calf, J-50, swims alongside its presumed mother, J-16. The whale was spotted for the first time by

researchers on Dec. 30, and appeared to be healthy. When sighted the calf was energetic & between 4-10 days old.

By Emily Greenberg

Journal reporter

The newborn calf in J-pod is a welcomed addi-

tion to the population in peril, but only time will

tell who its mother is.

The Center for Whale Research confirmed see-

ing and photographing 42-year-old J-16 with, pre-

sumably, her newborn baby, off the south shores

of North Pender Island in Canadian waters Dec.

30. The baby, known as J-50, is the second calf to

be born in 2014, after a two-year lull of no births

among the Southern Resident killer whales.

The calf appeared to be healthy and ener-

getic, swimming alongside its presumed mother.

However, researchers immediately recognized

some peculiarity surrounding its birth.

J-16 was not expected to be carrying a calf due

to her advanced age and no other female has given

birth at over 42 years of age in the four decades

of demographic field studies of the Southern

Resident orcas.

Researchers speculated that J-16’s daughter,

J-36, could be the mother. At age 16, J-36 is in her

prime for breeding.

At the time the newborn was first sighted swim-

ming alongside J-16, J-36 appeared to be missing.

Ken Balcomb, founder of the Center for Whale

Research, feared the worst.

“Thank goodness she was alive,” he said. “The

issue of who is the mother of J-50 may be settled

the next time we encounter these whales. Or, it

may take some time.”

The birth of J-50 comes at the end of a rocky

year for the Southern residents. The population,

which was declared endangered in 2005, suffered

four deaths in 2014. The birth of J-50 brings it

back up to 78, a 30-year low nonetheless.

Oddities surrounding the birth of J-50 appeared

Mystery blankets newborn

Odd behavior by calf causes

uncertainty over its parentage

State Supreme Court

rejects appeals in

three local cases

See NEWBORN, Page 4

See COURT, Page 4

See HOMELESS, Page 2

Winner of six 1st place awards in Washington Newspaper Publishers Association 2014 BNC, 17 in all

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By Cali BagBy

Robin Jacobson loves local history, whether she is help-ing people find their ancestors’ graves or digging up island ghost stories.

“People are fas-cinated with the unknown and the concept of death,” Jacobson said. “So

when you combine them, it is really a powerful thing.”As a local genealogist, she has spent years researching at the

San Juan Historical Museum and Washington State Archives online and in their Olympia office. She has also talked to local residents about historic buildings dating back to the late 19th century and other areas that may be potential haunting grounds for ghosts – not because she believes in ghosts, but because it is a way to engage people with history.

“Ghost tales passed down over time become valuable as part of the ‘lore’ of the building or site – distinguishable from what we know to be true,” said Sandy Strehlou, Town of Friday Har-bor historic preservation coordinator, who is also interested in uncovering ghost stories.

Jacobson and Strehlou’s research has uncovered local ghost stories abound – from eerie happenings at Rosario Resort to a hanging and haunting in Friday Harbor.

The Case of Alice RheemOrcas Island residents have spotted what is believed to be

the spirit of Alice Rheem, whose husband Donald purchased the Rosario Resort property in 1938. Rosario was Donald’s vacation home for 20 years, but Alice lived there permanently. According to Rosario’s General Manager Christopher Peacock, Alice was quite a character.

“She liked to party and was very playful,” he said. “I think her spirit is continuing that playfulness.”

Alice was known for driving into town on her Harley mo-torcycle, dressed in a red negligee, to play cards with the lo-cal boys. Most of the ghostly incidences at the mansion involve the sounds of high heels clicking across teak floors. When the mansion was shut down briefly in 2008, caretakers often heard someone moving about on the second floor only to find that no one was there. Another employee felt someone push in her chair, but she was alone in the room.

Peacock added that a paranormal investigation was once held at the mansion and a “high level of activity was found.”

The Case of Richard StraubIn 1895, Richard Straub killed Leon Lanterman on Blakely

Island. Straub, a school teacher with a history of anger man-agement issues, claimed he killed Lanterman while defending a teenager named Irving Parberry. After the incident Straub and Parberry rowed to San Juan Island and Straub confessed to au-thorities.

“It’s a really sad story,” Jacobson said. “He probably didn’t think he would be hanged.”

After the confession, Straub spent two years shuffling be-tween the San Juan Island and Bellingham jails. While in Friday Harbor, he stayed in the jail now located on the San Juan Histori-cal Museum grounds. Straub was tried at the Odd Fellows Hall, now the Whale Museum, and found guilty.

According to Jacobson’s research, some spectators viewed the hanging, the only one ever held on San Juan, from the sec-ond floor of the Odd Fellows Hall. That floor is where people now claim to feel a ghostly presence exuding a positive or neu-tral energy.

Jacobson said she doesn’t believe in ghosts, but she said if spirits did exist, Straub would have a reason to haunt the mu-seum at the scene of the trial, where he was found guilty. Jacob-son said there is another possible historical figure who could be haunting the museum: Sheriff Newton Jones.

“I’ve heard from descendants that he was never the same af-ter 1895, when Straub was hanged,” said Jacobson.

Soon after the trial, Jones’ wife died, and he moved off the island, never to return – at least not in human form.

The Most Mysterious CasesSome island ghost stories leave a lot to the imagination.

There was a house on False Bay, San Juan Island, often referred to as the Cry Baby House, which burned down sometime in the 1990s. Only a field remains – and the stories of a ghostly crying baby that once haunted the building.

Another tale with little historical connections is the sighting of a bride in an old-fashioned wedding dress on Roche Harbor Road.

Then there were reports of three teens looking “not quite alive,” also on Roche Harbor Road in the 1990s.

For Strehlou, who has never experienced a ghostly presence herself, her interest lies in the stories behind these sightings and the unanswered questions. Did Sheriff Jones really become a broken man after the Straub trial? Was there a bride that met her end on Roche Harbor Road?

“Ghost stories, tall tales and local lore are part of who we are as a community,” Strehlou said. “If nothing else, they are another of the countless shared experiences that make our place – this place – unique. When they are tied to a building or site, they give us another reason to recall history and to wonder about what came before.”


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Above: Mother Prioress milks a Jersey cow. Below left: Some of the Monestary’s cheese. Teri Gunstone photo

By Meredith M. Griffith

To hear Tari Gunstone tell it, everything be-gan with “The Cheese Nun” of Connecticut, Sis-ter Noella Marcellino.

“She’s a microbiologist, so she really knows her stuff,” says Gunstone, who has worked as a “cheese apprentice” at Shaw Island’s Our Lady of the Rock Benedictine monastery.

Marcellino shared her expertise with the Shaw monastery’s Mother Prioress (Mother Thérese), and now the outside world can enjoy artisan farmstead cheeses ripened from the raw milk of the monastery’s two Jersey cows. Keep your eyes open at island farmers’ markets for this treat.

Gunstone, a native of Portland, Ore., is a profes-sional photographer who chose an internship at Our Lady of the Rock as the path to a perfect summer.

“I’ve always considered myself a spiritual seeker,” she said. “There’s something about mo-nasticism that I’m drawn to; the self-denial of consumerism and the pettiness of the outside world is intriguing to me. I’m trying to make my life more contemplative and inward-focused.”

Gunstone hopes to someday create a book photo-documenting the monastic life in a wide

variety of monasteries across the country. And since her family used to summer in the San Juans on her parents’ boat, she knew the islands were a beautiful place to begin.

Based on Gunstone’s interests, the seven “mothers” of the mon-astery assigned her to cheese-making and car-ing for the monastery’s

Cotswold sheep during lambing season. Her fel-low intern, Holly Kemp, has been dubbed “The Fiber Queen” due to her interest in working with wool. The mothers also raise Highland cattle, al-pacas, llamas, chickens and turkeys.

Gunstone said she has really enjoyed the monastery’s approach to her internship.

“It’s been really amazing to experience the mothers’ learning to trust me and give me re-sponsibility with the farm work,” she said. “They really allow for a lot of autonomy with the work.”

She said the lack of micro-management has al-lowed her to grow and learn through trial and error.

Cheese was once traditionally aged in caves, but the monastery’s cave is too wet for cheese-making. So the mothers use a full-sized wine cooler to main-tain a steady 55 degrees. The simple farmstead cheese wheels are made using only “a bit of salt” and vegetable rennet, no mold or added cultures.

“The cheese just takes on the natural flavors of the milk that day and the molds that ripen on the outside,” said Gunstone. “Each one is different.”

It takes four gallons of milk to create three pounds of aged cheese, and though the cheese is made weekly, it must age 60 days before sale. The cheeses are regularly sold at the monastery and the Shaw general store.

Gunstone said she is enjoying her experience of the monastic culture.

“It’s a lifestyle and a community that almost feels like it could go extinct,” she expressed. “I think it’s a draw in my generation to get back to the root of things [and care] less about the rat race, and I think monastics do that really well.”

“Ultimately,” she added, “my favorite experi-ence is living on Shaw Island – to walk into the woods and be totally alone, or spend an after-noon at the beach totally by myself.”

Read more about nuns and cheese• PBS released a documentary about Marcellino entitled “The Cheese Nun” in 2006. • Find out more at www.amazon.com/The-Cheese-Sister-Noella-Marcellino/dp/B000FGG62K


By Cali BagBy

On Lopez Island you will find everything from rolling hills to a new skate park, to great live music to pristine beaches, and roads that cars must often share with flocks of sheep. Beyond what you see at first glance, Lopez has at its core a rich sense of community with its 2,500 year-round residents.

Visitors will find this spirit as soon as they get off the ferry since islanders known as “Lopezians” wave as a way to say hello to everyone, even strangers.

So do not be alarmed. Simply wave at every car you pass. You will have 15 miles to cruise and 63 miles of shoreline to explore. It only takes a 45-minute ferry ride from Anacortes to get to Lopez Island, which will give you just enough time to get a look at some of the beautiful scenery. Then it is just a four-mile drive to the village, the hub of the island. If you arrive on bike you can tour the flat terrain, which makes it a popular cycling destination for visitors from across the country. So popular that the island hosts the Tour de Lopez, an annual non-competitive bicycle tour through the scenic landscape of the island on the last weekend in April.

The spectacular beaches and views should be added to every visitor’s to-do list.

Odlin County Park and Spencer Spit State Park are great

places to enjoy a barbecue or a picnic while winged wildlife like bald eagles and osprey fly overhead. Iceberg Point, Shark Reef Park and Watmough Head offer solitude and beauty.

Lopez also touts a wealth of farmland: grazing sheep and herds of cattle, as well as farmers who feature such local products as Kobe beef, organic strawberries and grapes for wine.

Throughout the year look for different activities, like the fourth of July events, which include a renowned fireworks show, live music, a parade and more. Year-round you should check out a wide array of musical events at the Lopez Center for Community and the Arts, the Galley Restaurant and Lounge or the historic Woodmen Hall. Also, check the bulletin boards at the markets for announcements on a wealth of art shows, concerts and cultural and social events, which occur year-round.

Visitors can spend time browsing through the various shops and stop for lunch or have a coffee at one of the cafes or eater-ies. In the village, you’ll also find the Historical Museum, Thrift Shop, bank, community center, library, medical clinic, fire sta-tions, post office and skate park. In the center of the island, you’ll find Lopez School and the hardware and lumber store. Accom-modations on the island include a motel, bed and breakfasts, va-cation home rentals and three campgrounds.

Lopez Island offers the serenity of a small town, but also pro-vides enough activities to make your stay a memorable trip.

Anne Willis photo


Above: Hummel Lake. Below: A sheep in the countryside. George Willis photo

ATMs• Islanders Bank, Lopez Village• Lopez Village Market, Lopez Village

Ferry Information• Washington State Ferries: 511 in state or 1-888-808-7977

Fuel• Lopez Garage, 360-468-2228• Lopez Village Market, 360-468-2266• Southend General Store andRestaurant, 360-468-2315

Groceries and Supplies• Blossom Organic Groceries, 360-468-2204• Lopez Village Market, 360-468-2266• Southend General Storeand Restaurant, 360-468-2315

Medical• Lopez Island Medical Clinic, 360-468-2245

Pharmacy• Lopez Island Pharmacy, 360-468-2616

Restrooms• Ferry landing• Lopez Village and Odlin Park• Shark Reef Park• Spencer Spit State Park

Visitor Information• Lopez Chamber of Commerce, 360-468-4664, www.lopezisland.com• San Juans Visitors Bureau, 360-378-3277, www.visitsanjuans.com

Veterinary Services• Ark Veterinary Clinic, 360-468-2477• Community Animal Health, 360-468-2553 • Emergency 911 (for medical, fire and police)

Outdoor Activities• Natural wonders (page 7)• Family Activities (page 29)• Farmers’ markets (page 34)• Camping and hiking (pg 28, 35)


Toll free: 1-866-632-1100Email: [email protected]

Website: lopezislandrealty.com

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Lopez Island RealtyGary Berg, Broker-Owner

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Orcas Island 300 Seaview St, 360-376-5591 Friday Harbor 824 Mullis St, 360-370-5511 Burlington 1636 Walton Dr, 360-707-5550

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Located in downtownEastsound at the

head of East Sound Bay. Within walkingdistance of public

dock.

• Meat• Produce• Grocery• Fresh Deli• In-Store Bakery• Beer, Wine, Spirits• ATM and Lotto

Extended summer hours Mon- Sat 7am- 10pm & Sun 8am- 8pm (May 18th – September 12th)Regular business hours Mon- Sat 7am- 9pm & Sun 8am- 8pm

www.orcasislandmarket.com • P.O. Box 186, Eastsound WA • 360-376-6000


PERMANENT MOORAGE IN THE SAN JUANS

• New cement docks, very private marina• On-site security, full-time management• 30/50/100 amp shore power service• Wi-Fi, sea plane access• On-site yacht services• 40’, 50’, 110’ end ties

(360) 468-2077 • Lopez Island

By Scott RaSmuSSen

You can take it fast or you can take it slow.You can go the full distance, 31 miles

roundtrip, or you can call it quits any-where along the way, or whenever you feel the tug to retire from the roadway or the spirit moves. It may well be the “make-it-up-as-you-go” nature of the annual bicycle

tour hosted by Lopez Island, the Tour de Lopez, that makes this April event the true kickoff to the tourist season in the San Juans.

While Memorial Day has long been thought of as the official start to the sea-son, the yearly arrival of some 900 or so bicycle enthusiasts to the second small-est of the San Juans’ ferry-served islands

should serve to put that long-held notion to rest. Its popularity can’t be denied.

Sponsored by the Lopez Chamber, the Tour de Lopez, now in its 13th cycle, is a non-competitive road rally featuring four marked routes of varying distance: five, 12, 18 and 31 miles.

For more info or to register for the 2016 Tour de Lopez, visit www.lopezisland.com.


By Colleen Smith ArmStrong

People are often surprised to learn that Orcas Island takes its name not from the orca whales that inhabit the Salish Sea but from a Mexican viceroy, Don Juan Vicente de Guemes Pacheco Padilla Horcasitas y Aguayo Conde de Revilla Gigedo, a patron of Spanish explorer Francisco de Eliza who charted the islands in 1791.

The explorer must have been intrigued by the emerald isle, which is uniquely shaped like a horseshoe, has 56.9 square miles of rolling hills, numerous beaches and old growth forests.

Geographically, Orcas is the largest of the islands with a population of 5,387, making it slightly less populated than its neighbor San Juan Island.

Visitors to Orcas will find a number of bed and breakfasts, inns and hotels scattered across the island, all run by friendly residents. A variety of shops display the work of local artists, hand-made soaps, jewelry and more. The restaurants and cafes on Orcas offer a wide range of appealing cuisine that can satisfy virtually any palate.

Most of the island roads are rural and hilly, creating a scenic, and sometimes challenging, ride for cyclists while offering driv-ers easy access the island’s beauty.

The Orcas Island ferry landing is located at the south end of the western leg of the “horseshoe” that surrounds the body of

water known as East Sound – not to be confused with the town of Eastsound. The Orcas ferry landing hosts accommodations, restaurants, a gourmet grocery and deli, post office, small shops, a public dock, boat rentals, whale watching, a water taxi, car and moped rentals and a taxi service. To the east lies a woodsy residential area along Killebrew Lake Road. Turning left from the landing will put you on Orcas Road, a winding, scenic drive through the heart of the island, eventually leading to the town of Eastsound, the commercial center of Orcas, located at the north-ern end of the island.

EastsoundEastsound is home to an array of charming shops, restaurants

and specialty boutiques. You’ll find a public library, a historical museum, grocery stores, a pharmacy, restaurants and more. Eastsound is also a great place to rent a kayak or sign up for a whale watch tour right in town.

Three public parks line the northern and southern flanks of Eastsound. Buck Park on Mt. Baker Road has a playground, skate park and soccer fields. Orcas Center offers an eclectic variety of musical, theatre and artistic shows throughout the year. Heading south on Terrill Road, you will merge with the Orcas-to-Olga Highway traveling south along the eastern leg of the “horse-shoe” to a number of destinations including Rosario and Moran State Park.

Nate Feder photo


West Sound, Deer Harborand West beach

Let’s not forget West Sound and sunny Deer Harbor, which are on the southwestern prong of Orcas Island. West Sound features a cafe, a public dock and marina where float planes disembark. The small hamlet of Deer Harbor has lodging, a restaurant and two marinas offering kayak, boat and whale watching tours.

You should also visit the West Beach Resort, perfect for a family retreat or roman-tic getaway. Stop by the beach front patio and enjoy local beer, wine and gourmet ice cream.

West Beach Resort also rents kayaks, canoes and fishing gear.

Moran State Park & RosarioHistoric Rosario sits on the

beautiful Cascade Bay. The Mo-ran mansion was built in 1906 and is a must-see whether you are a guest or not. The mansion is a museum of Orcas history, including tales of a ghost in a red dress. The marina is a per-fect spot for wildlife viewing.

Just south of the Rosario entrance, Olga Road enters Moran State Park, a 5,252-acre park that features camping, five freshwater lakes and more than 30 miles of hiking trails. Park

visitors can also travel to the top of Mt. Constitution, the highest point in the San Juan Islands at 2,409 feet. A tower built by Civilian Conservation Corps in 1936 crowns Mt. Con-sitituion and offers breathtak-ing vistas of the islands, Mt. Baker and even Mt. Rainer on bluebird days.

OlgaContinuing south beyond

the park, you will arrive in the village of Olga. Visit the Orcas Island Artworks, Catkin Cafe and James Hardman Gallery in the historic Strawberry Build-ing. Obstruction Pass State

Park is located just another bend or two down the road.

Doe BayIf you stay on the main road,

you will soon arrive at the ham-let of Doe Bay, an historic re-sort with delicious food, cloth-ing-optional hot tubs, open mic nights, rustic accommodations and a charming general store.

No matter where you go on Orcas you’ll encounter stun-ning scenery and experience the island’s perfect mix of ex-citement and tranquility. Have fun choosing what to explore! For more information and maps of Orcas Island call 376-2273.

Solstice Parade on Orcas. Colleen Smith Armstrong photo

ATMs• Country Corner, corner of Ter-rill Beach and Crescent Beach Roads, 360-376-6900• Island Market, East-sound, 360-376-6000 • Islanders Bank, East-sound, 360-376-2265 • Key Bank, Eastsound, 360-376-2211 • Orcas Village Store, Ferry-Landing, 360-376-8860• Ray’s Pharmacy, East-sound, 360-376-2230 • Village Stop, East-sound, 360-376-2093

Convenience Stores• Cascade Bay Grill and Dockside General Store, Ro-sario, 360-376-2222 • Country Corner, corner of Ter-rill Beach and Crescent Beach Roads, 360-376-6900• Deer Harbor Marina, Deer Harbor, 360-376-3037• Village Stop, East-sound, 360-376-2093• West Beach Resort, West Beach, 360-376-2240

Ferry Information• Washington State Ferries: 511 in state; 360-376-6253 at Orcas Landing; 888-808-7977, www.wsdot/wa.gov/ferries. For ferry

reservations, go to www.wsdot.wa.gov/Ferries/TakeaFerry.

Groceries• Cascade Bay

Grill and Dockside General Store, Rosario, 360-376-2222• Island Market, East-sound, 360-376-6000• Orcas Food Co-op, East-sound, 360-376-2009• Orcas Village Store, Ferry Landing, 360-376-8860

Medical• Orcas Family Health Center, 1286 Mount Baker Rd., Eastsound, 360-376-7778• Orcas Island Family Medi-cine, 33 Urner St., Suite 5, Eastsound, 360-376-4949• Orcas Medical Center, 7 Deye Ln. (next to Orcas Center) Eastsound, 360-376-2561

Pharmacy• Ray’s Pharmacy, East-sound, 360-376-2230

Public Restrooms• Eastsound Village Square, Ferry Landing, Moran State Park, Orcas Island Library

Transportation• Orcas Island Shuttle and Rental Car, 360-376-7433, www.orcasisland-shuttle.com• Orcas Island Taxi,360-376-6900

• Orcas Mopeds, 65 Orcas Hill Rd., Orcas, 360-376-5266• San Juan Transit, 360-378-8887 or 800-887-8387,www.sanjuantransit.com

Service Stations• Country Corner, corner of Ter-rill Beach and Crescent Beach Roads, 360-376-6900• Crescent Service, Crescent Beach Rd. just east of East-sound, 360-376-4076• Island Hardware (gas/biodiesel), Crow Valley Rd. west of Eastsound, 360-376-4200

Towing• Eastsound Towing, 360-376-5855• Orcas Towing, 24-hr, 360-376-8697

Travel Information• Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce, Eastsound, 360-376-2273• San Juan Islands Visitor Bureau, Friday Harbor, 360-378-3277

Veterinary• Jill Bates, Eastsound, 360-376-2675• Orcas Veterinary Service, Eastsound, 360-376-6374

Outdoor Activities• Natural wonders (page 7)• Family activities (page 29)• Farmers’ markets (page 34)• Camping and hiking (pg 28, 35)


The shop offers a largeselection of women's cloth-ing, shoes, accessories, gifts

and jewelry. The store's owner hand selects treasured pieces each season to ensure

a truly unique shopping experience. 317-6958

The local source for all art supplies for kids & adults including paints, brushes, paper, canvas, markers,

pens, pencils, paint pens, scissors, calligraphy, origami, craft supplies

& project kits, scrapbooking, beads and fi ndings and candle and soap making supplies. Party supplies,

gifts for all ages, and souvenirs too. 376-4994

Moon GlowArts & CraftsScrapbooking • Beads • Stickers

Arts & Crafts Supplies

Open Mon. Thru Sat. 10:00-5:00 • Keep Inspired!376-4994 • 109 North Beach Road • Unit D2

Saturday May 2nd National Scrapbooking Day

All Scrapbooking inventory 30% OFF

Siren Boutique

11 A.M. - 4 P.M.109 NORTH BEACH RD.

EASTSOUND, ORCAS ISLAND

JEWELRY, CLOTHING,BEADS, ANTIQUES, FLAGSCHIMES & WORKSHOPS

MAKE YOUR OWN NECKLACE

By BoB Myhr

Whether a steep climb up Mount Constitution or a stroll along the side of a less-traveled road, opportunities to enjoy

a walk in the islands abound. There are never ending choices to get out and stretch your legs. Here are a few ideas and websites:

On Orcas, try the perennial well-marked favorites in Moran State Park: the level paths around Cascade or Mountain Lakes, or take the climb all the way to the lookout on Mount Constitution (parks.wa.gov/Moran). Over on the westside are the two new challenging, but view-rewarding, land bank hikes up Turtleback Mountain. The southeast Morning Ridge Trail provides a gentler initial grade and connects to the Ship Peak Overlook on the way to the summit and on over to North Trail/Waldron Overlook (sjclandbank.org).

On San Juan, beyond the sidewalks of Friday Harbor, the San Juan Island National Historical Park affords walking adventures at American Camp with sweeping views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca

and possible orca whale sightings. To the northwest, English Camp has trails to the open Parade Ground, through the woods, and up to the cemetery and breathtaking views to Canada from the top of Mount Young. Connector trails lead to Roche Harbor Highlands and the Mitchell Hill property (nps.gov/sajh/).

The quiet roads on Shaw are great for walking. From the ferry hike Blind Bay Road to Squaw Bay Road, and on to Indian Cove Road to Shaw South Beach County Park or to the end of Hoffman Cove Road (wta.org).

On southeast Lopez, the San Juan Islands National Monument lands of Iceberg Point or Point Colville and Chadwick Hill provide trails that emerge from quiet woodlands out to great views of Ad-miralty Inlet (blm.gov/or/districts). Or on southwest Lopez hike into Shark Reef Sanctuary (sanjuanco.com/parks), or head to cen-tral Lopez, and to the highest point on the friendly isle, Lopez Hill (lopezhill.org).

Our own fresh GELATI

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365 N. Beach Rd. Eastsound, WA 98245

ORCAS ISLAND

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365 N. Beach Rd.Eastsound, WA 9824WA 9824W 5

ORCAS ISLAND

Contributed photo


By Scott RaSmuSSen

Children and grown-ups don't always see eye-to-eye on what ingredients go into a

grand adventure. There are exceptions, of course, but it

is the rare 8-year-old who can maintain their interest for very long, or focus and decorum, during a tour of any historical museum, no matter how well the story is told.

Still, most parents also know there is no better day or cache of memories more heartwarming than of those outings in which every member of the family is excited, happy and engaged. So, it is with a good degree of confidence that we offer the suggestions below as places and activities where the entire family will find common ground. Orcas Island

The top draw for family activity on Orcas Island is Moran State Park. There you can rent a peddle-boat for an excursion out on Cas-cade Lake, lunch at the picnic tables, cast from the fishing dock or fol-low the trail to the "jumping tree" that leans out over the lake. There is a playground and a swimming area at Cascade Lake, so don't forget the shovels, buckets, snorkels and fins.

In Eastsound Village, Buck Park features a world-class skate-park, soccer and softball fields, playgrounds and tennis and basket-ball courts. The Village Green and Waterfront Park are both an ideal location where one can spread out a blanket, enjoy a picnic and kick back for a bit. Eastsound is also home to The Funhouse-Commons play center, which offers a wide array of activities for kids (for more on the Funhouse, visit www.thefunhous.org).Lopez Island

Known as the most forgiving island for bicyclists, Lopez Island's gentle terrain allows for leisurely rides, perfect if you are pulling a tot-trailer. You can comb the beach, romp in the woods or have a pick-up game on the softball field at Odlin Park, located about a mile from the ferry landing. Spencer Spit State Park, situated on the wa-terfront of Lopez Sound, is just a stone's throw away from Odlin. At the south end of the island, Shark Reef Park and Agate Beach County Park are both perfect spots for a picnic.

Lopez Village is home to a popular skatepark and Family Re-source Center, which offers an assortment of workshops for all ages, including sports camps, kayak lessons, art classes, daily outdoor ex-plorations and sailing lessons. For more about the resource center and its summertime offerings, visit www.lifrc.org. San Juan Island

The natural beauty of the island’s west side is sure to capture the imagination of every adult, and there’s enough room to roam and recreational opportunities to suit just about any child. At Lime Kiln State Park, you can watch for killer whales, tour the lighthouse or a take a trek on any of its many trails. South Beach hosts the island’s longest stretch of walkable waterfront and a lively surf, on some days, as well. A fox sitting in wait of an

• Full service � tness center o� ers training, group � t-ness classes, an indoor pool, hot tub and sauna

• Orcas CrossFit classes will help you achieve your � t-ness goals and reach limits that you didn’t think were possible. We are the only Cross� t facility on Orcas.

376-6361188 A Street • Eastsoundwww.OrcasAthletics.com

ShinolaJewelry

Goldsmith& Jeweler

172 North Beach RdEastsound, Orcas Is.

(360) [email protected]

OrcasIslandStanleySteamer.com

360-610-3562

Come to beautiful Orcas Island and experience touring in a 1912 Stanley Steamer,

as it was done 100 years ago. One hundred years ago the Stanley Automobile Company had developed the

most powerful and dependable automobiles made in America. For many years, Washington's mountains were home to a � eet of these machines.

SEE ACTIVITIES PG. 34


SALES & SERVICE TO ORCAS & SAN JUAN

• Competitive rates• On island staff 24/7 & emergency service• Free gas check• Free home estimates• Free tank replacement• Propane appliance installation & service• Ask about RINNAI on demand water heaters

Orcas360-376-22151593 Mt. Baker Rd. Suite AEastsound, WA 98245

San Juan360-378-2217205 Weber StreetFriday Harbor, WA 98250

www.sanjuanpropane.com

ORCAS ISLAND POTTERY

Over 60 years in business in West Beach areaOPEN ALL YEAR

10 am to 5 pmwww.orcasislandpottery.com • [email protected]

338 Old Pottery Road • 360-376-2813 • Eastsound WA 98245

ON BEAUTIFUL AND SECLUDED

WEST BEACH

Inspirational floral design & gifts with fla

ir.

18 Haven Road, Suite 110Eastsound, WA 98245 • (360)376-4580


By Dennis Ryan san Juans aRts CounCil

The islands are alive with art, as evidenced in the annual free, art studio tours (San

Juan Island: June 6-7, Orcas Island: August 14-16, Lopez Is-land: August 5-6) and programs offered at performing arts cen-ters on each of the main islands.

Year-round, galleries on the islands feature a full range of fine arts and crafts, many are associated with the sense of place qualities of the San Juan archipelago – a combination of the sea, unique land forms and the associated flora and fauna, the Pacific Northwest maritime climate and the history and arts of the native culture. In Friday Harbor, the San Juan Islands Museum of Art presents inspir-

ing and engaging exhibitions and lectures.

Local artists offer arts and crafts at the Farmers’ Markets. The Orcas Chamber Music Fes-tival is a year-long program, and Island Stage Left in Friday Harbor offers Shakespeare ev-ery summer and performances indoors the rest of the year.

Art MuseumsOrcas Island• Lambiel Museum, by ap-pointment, every day, 360-376-4544, lambielmuseum.org

San Juan Island• San Juan Island Mu-seum of Art, 540 Spring St., Friday Harbor, Thurs. -Sun., 360-370-5050, www.sjima.org• Westcott Bay Sculpture Park, Roche Harbor, 360-370-5050, www.sjima.org

Performing ArtsLopez Island• Lopez Center for Commu-nity and the Arts, 204 Vil-lage Rd., 360-468 2203, www.lopezcenter.org• Woodmen Hall, 4102 Fisherman Bay Rd., www.friendsofwoodmenhall.orgOrcas Island• Orcas Center, 917 Mount Baker Rd., Eastsound, 360-376-2281, orcascenter.org• Odd Fellows Hall, 112 Ha-ven Rd., Eastsound, 360-376-5640, www.oddshall.org

• Orcas Grange/Actors The-ater of Orcas, Orcas Rd., East-sound, 360-317-5601, www.orcasactors.com

San Juan Island• Island Stage Left, 1062 Wold Rd., San Juan Island, 360-378-5649, www.islandstageleft.org• San Juan Community The-atre, 100 Second St., Friday Harbor, 360-378-3210, www.sjctheatre.org

Galleries and StudiosLopez Island• Jean Behnke, studio and art consultant, by appoint-ment, 360-468-3893• Chimera Gallery, Artist’s Co-operative, Lopez Village, 360-468-3265, chimeragallery.com• Colin Goode Gallery and Studio, Thurs.-Sun. 10-5, 95 Village Rd., 360-468-4715,colingoodegal-lery.com• Gallery 10, Colleen James, open daily at noon, Lopez Village, 360-468-4910• Heart Days, 222 Cross Rd., May-Sept., 360-468-2913• Island Fibers, 4208 Port Stanley Rd., by appointment, 468-2467, islandfibers.com• Lopez Co-op of Fine Craft Artisans, 265 Lopez Rd., 360-468-3818• Lydia Arts, by appoint-ment, 360-468-4998• Christa Malay Studios and Gal-lery, 341 Shoal Bay Ln., 360-468-2159, christamalay.com

• Red House Pottery, Jeffrey Hanks, 94 Islandale Rd., 360-468-3028• Ron Norman Metal Sculp-ture, by appointment, 360-468-3642• Steve Horn Photogra-phy, Friendly Isle Building, Lopez Village, 360-468-2100, www.stevehorn.net• The Quilter’s Studio, Anne Dawson, 77 Village Rd., 360-468-4677• Windswept Studios to Fine Art, 783 Port Stanley Rd., windsweptstudios.com

Orcas Island• Crow Valley Pottery (The Cabin), 2274 Orcas Road, 360-376-4260, www.crowval-ley.com• Crow Valley Pottery and Gallery, 296 Main St., East-sound, 360-376-5260, www.crowvalley.com• The Gallery, 374 North Beach Rd.• Gayle Keith Ashley Gallery/Studio, 109 North Beach Rd., Eastsound Square, 360-376-3878, thecreativeedgegallery.com• Howe Art Gallery, 1/4 mile west of Eastsound, 360-376-2945• Orcas Art Studios, 1286 Mt. Baker Rd., Suite A4, East-sound. • Orcas Island Artworks, 6546 Olga Rd., Olga, 360-376-4408• Orcas Island Pottery, Old Pottery Rd., Eastsound, 360-376-2813

Cali Bagby photo

On Stage and On Screen… Orcas Center will entertain you!

Music • Dance • Theater • Live StreamingCheck out our season at www.OrcasCenter.org

In Eastsound, on Mt. Baker Rd.


www.westsoundcafe.com

West Sound Café

For Dinner Reservations 360-376-4440At the corner of Crow Valley Rd. & Deer Harbor Rd.Overlooking the Picturesque waters of West Sound

WaterfrontCasual

InnovativeDelicious

46 Prune AlleyEastsound

Open Daily376-4848

360-376-2135 • 296 Main Street • Eastsound

Orcas Island www.doebay.com • 360 376 8059

DOWNTOWN EASTSOUND ON ORCAS ISLANDMADRONABARANDGRILL.COM (360)376-7171

STEAKS • SEAFOOD BURGERS • COCKTAILS

THE KITCHEN

AT MADRONA

Open from 4 - 9 pmHappy Hour 4 - 5 pm

OrcasHotel.com(360) 376-4300

[email protected]

Outdoor diningFresh squeezed lime margaritas

Delicious Mexican cuisine!For dinner reservations please call

360.376.ORCA (6722)310 A St. Eastsound WA 98245


Wish everyone a safe Independence Day!Enjoy the public f ireworks displays!

We remind you � at pe� onal firewor� are again� � e � w.www.sjcfirema� hal.com

Wish everyone a safe Independence Day!San Juan Coun� Emergency Provide�

By Russel BaRsh and MadRona MuRphy

The most cherished scenic viewpoints in the islands are rocky outcrops and

sandy bluffs along our shorelines. Most of them are, or until recently were, wildflower meadows flush with purple, pink, yellow and red blooms from April to June. Our coastal meadows are disappearing, however. The very fabric that holds them together is be-coming lost.

Look closely at a relatively undisturbed island wildflower meadow, down beneath the leaves and stems, and you will find a continuous carpet of lichens and mosses. Along our arid south facing coasts and bluffs, this carpet will be thin, crisp and firm throughout the summer. At higher el-evations, along streams and in the shade of trees, the carpet may be thick and soft, often topped by pillows of crunchy paler green “reindeer moss,” which is actually a lichen.

Moss-lichen carpets are an essential part of the development and maintenance of wild-flower meadows in the San Juan Islands. Our landscapes are very young, covered by gla-ciers until less than 10,000 years ago. Gla-ciers scraped off vegetation and soils down to bare rock, which the ice ground down and polished. When the glaciers melted, lichens

were first to bring life to the bare rocks.Lichens are tough pioneers. Their leath-

ery bodies are made of fungi that can use very weak organic acids to de-mineralize rocks. Inside the fungal envelopes are gar-dens of captive algae and cyanobacteria that photosynthesize, fixing nitrogen and carbon from the air. As lichens grow, spread and age, they build a thin layer of organic ma-terials and nutrients, and retain water: a perfect habitat for mosses and, eventually, sprouting seeds.

Imagine the moss-lichen carpet as a liv-ing geo-textile that gradually covers bare rocks and shingle with a thin but very fertile habitat for wildflowers. Tearing this fabric releases water in summer and allows thin, young soils to be washed away in winter. An awesome field of wildflowers can turn back into bare sand and rock, reversing centuries of natural landscape development. It takes only a few pairs of hiking boots to damage a moss-lichen carpet irreversibly.

Wherever people tread, moreover, they

bring grass and weed seeds on shoes and clothing. If there is sufficient moisture, bare or scuffed ground quickly fills with grasses and the kinds of weeds that grow in lawns. Many popular scenic viewpoints in the islands are looking less like Salish Sea wildflower mead-ows and more like suburban lawns every year. The solution is simple: watch, photograph, admire, enjoy - but do not tread!

Wildflower meadows, bluffs and rocky promontories are breathtaking, but a few careless footsteps can rob future genera-tions of the opportunity to enjoy them. Help our islands’ native wildflowers and meadow-lands by staying on marked or well-worn trails. If you hear the crunch of lichens, or feel the soft “give” of a cushion of mosses beneath your feet, you are off-trail where your footprints will not only damage lichens and native wildflowers, but also attract other people to follow the same route.

San Juan County declared itself a Leave No Trace County in 2014. That’s not just about trash and toilets. Footprints should be left on trails, not on our wild gardens.

Russel Barsh and Madrona Murphy are researchers at Kwiáht, a Lopez nonprofit conservation science coopera-tive that monitors long-term change in terrestrial as well as marine environments around the San Juan Islands (see www.kwiaht.org).

Watch, photograph,admire, enjoy -but do not tread!

Left: A "living carpet" at Iceberg Point of mosses and lichens. Right: A flower meadow on Indian Island. Russel Barsh photos


ACTIVITIES FROM PG. 29

ORCAS ISL AND

Every Saturday from May thru Oct. • 10am - 3pm on the Village Green, Orcas Island

Visit us on Facebook! Or, for more information, call (360) 317-8342

The Farmers’ Market at the Village Green in Eastsound. Cali Bagby photo

unsuspecting rabbit on the prai-rie above the beach is a common

sight. False Bay is ideal for tide-pool tours that get even better when the tide is seriously low. The county park is a perfect place for a picnic, for beach combing and for flying a kite as well. English Camp and Mount Young offer a healthy mix of historical highlights and open space in which to stretch the legs, and the waterfront of Garrison and Westcott bays. At Roche Harbor Resort, at the island’s northwest end, you’ll find a park with playground equipment, a swimming pool (small fee for non-guests), tennis courts and an option of places to grab a bite to eat.

Lakedale Resort offers small boat rentals, fishing and a swimming hole that non-guests can use for a modest fee. And, close by is Zip San Juan, where you can buckle up and “zip” through a forest canopy and over lush wetlands.

In the Town of Friday Harbor is Sunken Park, ideal for a pic-nic and for shooting hoops, a bowling alley and arcade, at Paradise Lanes, and the county fairgrounds, which hosts a skatepark and a family park with a swing-set and playground equipment, too. Jack-son’s Beach, on the outskirts of town, features a long stretch of wa-terfront, more driftwood than you can shake a weenie-roast stick at and a public launch.

San Juan Island Park & Recreation District, more commonly known as Island Rec, offers a whole host of summer programs for children, teens and for adults as well (for more on Island Rec, visit www.islandrec.org)

There is an abundance of locally grown produce, island-made food and products. Browse fruits, berries, vegetables, eggs, condi-

ments and sauces, cheeses, pasta and breads plus gorgeous flowers and healthy nursery plants. Listen to live music while perusing the work of jewelers, potters, fiber artists, photographers and other artists. Lopez

The Lopez Island Farmers’ Market is held every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Lopez Village, next to the Lopez Center for Community and the Arts, from May 16 to Sept. 12. More than 40 vendors show and sell everything from produce to pickles, from prints to pottery – all of it produced by local farmers and artists.

For more info, go to www.lopezfarmersmarket.com.Orcas

The Orcas Island Farmers’ Market is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Saturday from the first weekend in May to the last weekend of September on the Village Green in the heart of Eastsound.

During October and through most of November, the market meets from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Odd Fellows Hall, on Haven Street just south of Main Street on the way to Madrona Point.

All items sold in the market are grown or crafted by Orcas Is-land farmers and artisans. The market includes produce, much of it organic, crafts, art, jewelry, clothing, pottery, food and drink ven-dors, and some of Orcas Island’s service organizations.

Everyone is welcome. Parking is where you find it. Public rest-rooms available on the park grounds. Leashed dogs are permitted.

For more info, visit www.orcasislandfarmersmarket.org or on Facebook

San JuanThe San Juan Island Farmers' Market is your source on Satur-

days for island produce, fine crafts and prepared foods. Stop by the market for fruits, flowers, herbs, goat cheese, eggs, tomatoes, jams and jellies, baked goods, sushi, sausages, sustainably harvested tuna, shellfish, grass-fed meats, and much more. New this season, they are featuring mushrooms.

The San Juan Farmers’ Market is located at Brickworks in Friday Har-bor. The San Juan Island Farmers’ Market is open every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., mid-April through the end of October. During the holiday season, it is open twice a month in November and Decem-ber plus the first Saturday in January, February and March. For a full calendar and more info, visit www.sjifarmersmarket.com.


By Cali BagBy

The San Juan Islands are the perfect place to pitch a tent. Most campsites are to-tally accessible and family-friendly. All you have to do is decide if you want a spot lake-side or near the beach. Take a look below to find a wealth of options.

To make a reservation at an island county park, vis-it sanjuanco.com/CAMP/parkreservations/. To make a reservation at a state park, vis-it parks.wa.gov/reservations/. You can also find out informa-tion about camping on outer islands at the above websites. Below is a list of main camp-grounds in the San Juans.

San Juan Island• San Juan County Park

– Located on the west side, this popular scenic park looks out over the Haro Strait and the Strait of Juan De Fuca to Vancouver Island and beyond. Park amenities include water, picnic areas, toilets, beaches and a boat launch. It has 20 campsites, and reservations are recommended from May-September (360-378-8420).

Lopez Island• Odlin County Park – Od-

lin is situated on the water-front, edged by a stretch of

beautiful sandy beach. Odlin boasts 30 campsites, toilets, water, a boat launch, a dock, a baseball field and a group pic-nic area, and is an ideal family campground. (360-378-8420)

• Spencer Spit State Park – Located on 138 acres on the north end, Spencer Spit has 16 mooring bouys and 37 camp-sites, including group camps and a water trail site, Spencer Spit offers water, toilets, picnic areas, hiking trails and kayaks for rental (360-468-2251).

Orcas Island• Moran State Park – Sta-

tioned on 5,252 Orcas Island acres, Moran State Park fea-tures five lakes, 151 campsites, 30 miles of hiking trails, 11 miles of bike trails, six miles of horseback riding trails, and a playground, as well as the scenic lookout atop Mt. Con-stitution. Kayaks, canoes and paddle boats are also available for rent, and both showers and restrooms are at hand (360-376-2326).

Shaw Island• Shaw Island County Park

– Overlooking Indian Cove on the southern edge of the island, Shaw Island County Park offers 11 campsites near and along the longest stretch of sandy beach in the San Juans (360-378-8420).


LopezMay• 20 Musical Theater Production by Lopez School, 7:30 p.m., Lopez Center, www.lopezcenter.org• 22 Lopez Artist Guild Art Open-ing, 5 p.m., Lopez Center, www.lopezcenter.org

June• 11 Tap Show, 4 p.m., Lopez Center, www.lopezcenter.org• 12 Tap Show, 7 p.m., Lopez Center, www.lopezcenter.org• 13 Tap Show, 7 p.m., Lopez Center, www.lopezcenter.org• 14 Tap Show, 2 p.m., Lopez Center, www.lopezcenter.org• 26 LIFRC Literary Fundraiser, 6:30 p.m., Lopez Center, www.lopezcenter.org• 27 Live Light, Live Clean Energy Fair, 10 a.m., Lopez Center, www.lopezcenter.org• 28 Grisha Krivchenia Piano Con-cert, 4 p.m., Lopez Center, www.lopezcenter.org

July• 3 Outdoor Concert, Abbey Road Live!, 7 p.m., Lopez Center, www.lopezcenter.org• 4 Used book sale, 9 a.m., Lopez Center, www.lopezcenter.org• 4 Fourth of July barbecue, 11:30 a.m., Lopez Center, www.lopez-center.org• 10 LAG Members’ Art Show, Lopez Artist Guild Art Opening, 5 p.m., Lopez Center, www.lopez-center.org• 10-11 Island Stage Left, Shake-speare Under the Stars, “Cymbe-line,” Lopez Island Vineyards, 8 p.m., www.islandstageleft.org• 19 High Tea Lopez Center fund-raiser, 2 p.m., Lopez Center, www.lopezcenter.org• 23 Worship at the Pavilion, noon, Lopez Center, www.lopezcenter.org• 23 Revival Night, 6 p.m., Lopez

Center, www.lopezcenter.org• 24 Worship at the Pavilion, noon, Lopez Center, www.lopezcenter.org• 24 Revival Night, 6 p.m., Lopez Center, www.lopezcenter.org• 25 Worship at the Pavilion, noon, Lopez Center, www.lopezcenter.org• 25 Revival Night, 6 p.m., Lopez Center, www.lopezcenter.org

August• 6 Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival on Lopez, 5:30 p.m., Lopez Center, www.lopezcenter.org• 9 An Over-the-Top Runway Show!, Trashion-Fashion 2015, 4:30 p.m., Lopez Center, www.lopezcenter.org

September• 4 Lopez Studio Tour Preview Gal-lery Opening Reception, 5 p.m., Lopez Center, www.lopezcenter.org • 5 Annual Lopez Island Studio Tour, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., various studios, www.lopezstudiotour.org• 6 Annual Lopez Island Studio Tour, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., various studios, www.lopezstudiotour.org• 12 Lopez Center’s 12th Annual Home Tour, 9 a.m., Lopez Center, www.lopezcenter.org • 13 Lopez Island Vineyards Harvest Festival, 9 a.m., Lopez Vineyards, http://www.visitsan-juans.com/events/lopez-island/lopez-vineyard-harvest-festival• 17 April Verch Stepdance Work-shop, 4 p.m., Lopez Center, www.lopezcenter.org • 17 April Verch Band, 7:30 p.m., Lopez Center, www.lopezcenter.org • 26 Get Funky Dance Party!, 7:30 p.m., Lopez Center, www.lopezcenter.org• 27 Lopez Island Vineyards Harvest Festival, 9 a.m., Lopez Vineyards, http://www.visitsan-juans.com/events/lopez-island/lopez-vineyard-harvest-festival

October• 1-31 8th Annual Savor the San Juans - A Medley of Food, Farms

and Art, various locations, for details see www.visitsanjuans.com/savor• 24 World’s Best Potluck LCLT Annual Harvest Dinner, 5 p.m., Lopez Center, www.lopezcenter.org

OrcasMay• 21 National Theatre Live, “Man and Superman,” 7:30 p.m., on screen at Orcas Center, www.orcascenter.org• 23 Center Stage Open Mic with Gordon and Anita, 7:30 p.m., Or-cas Center, www.orcascenter.org• 29 Ann Randolph, “Loveland”, 8 p.m., Orcas Center, www.orcas-center.org• 30 “The Bolshoi Ballet”, Ivan the Terrible, 6:30 p.m., on screen Or-cas Center, www.orcascenter.org

June • 4 Orcas Youth Orchestra, 7 p.m., Orcas Center, www.orcascenter.org• 6 Orcas Island Community Band, 7:30 p.m., Orcas Center, www.orcascenter.org• 7 Crossroads Lecture: Lisa Berg-man, 4 p.m., Orcas Center, www.orcascenter.org• 13 Love Letters Beyond the Veil, 7:30 p.m., Orcas Center, www.orcascenter.org • 19-20 One World Music Festival, 7:30 p.m., Orcas Center, www.orcascenter.org • 20 Summer Solstice Celebra-tion/Parade, noon, Eastsound Village Green, www.visitsanjuans.com/events• 26 Garden Art Show at the Cabin, 4 to 7 p.m., Crow Valley Pottery, 2274 Orcas Road, www.crowval-leypottery.com• 27-28 Orcas Island Garden Tour, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at six unique gardens, http://www.orcasisland-gardenclub.org/garden-tour.html

July • 3 Deer Harbor Independence Day Fireworks Show, Deer Harbor Dock, 7 to 10:30 p.m., www.visitsanjuans.com/events• 3-4 Orcas Museum Historical Days Celebration, Eastsound Village Green, www.orcasmuseum.org• 4 Fire and Rescue Pancake Breakfast, 7 to 11 a.m. at Eastsound Fire Station, www.visitsanjuans.com/events• 4 Pie Booth and Silent/Live Auc-tions, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Orcas Island Historical Museum, www.orcasmuseum.org• 4 Independence Day Parade, Eastsound, noon, www.visitsan-juans.com/events• 4 Lions Club Salmon Barbecue, 1 to 7 p.m., American Legion Hall, www.orcasislandchamber.com• 4 Eastsound Fourth of July Fireworks Show, Waterfront Park, 9 to 10:30 p.m., www.visitsanjuans.com/events • 8 Island Stage Left Productions, Shakespeare Under the Stars: “Cymbeline,” 8 p.m., Doe Bay Resort, www.doebay.com• 17 10th Annual Potters Fest, 4 to 7 p.m., Crow Valley Pottery, 2274 Orcas Road, www.crowvalley.com • 25 “Movement Graffiti,” 6:30 p.m., Orcas Center, www.orcascenter.org

August • 1 “Wild and Precious,” 7:30 p.m., Orcas Center, www.orcascenter.org • 1-3 31st Annual Orcas Fly-In and Antique Car Show, all day, Orcas Airport, www.portoforcas.com• 7-22 18th Annual Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival, Orcas Cen-ter, features world-famous musicians (visit www.oicmf.org, for details)• 8 Annual Library Fair and Book Sale, 10 a.m., Orcas Island Library, www.orcaslibrary.org • 14-16 Artists Studio Tour, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., for locations visit www.orcasartistsstudiotour.com

www.sanjuanjournal.com // www.islandssounder.com // www.islandsweekly.com


September• 1-3 Annual Wooden Boat Rendez-vous, all day event, Deer Harbor, [email protected]• 4-6 Martin Lund’s Orcas Island Jazz Festival, 7:30 p.m., Orcas Center, www.orcascenter.org• 6 17th Annual Steve Braun Memorial Triathlon, 8:30 a.m., Moran State Park, www.friendsof-moran.org • 6 Orcas Center Annual Golf Clas-sic, 9:30 a.m., Orcas Island Golf Course, www.orcascenter.org• 26 Whale of a Show: Orcas All-Kid Talent Show, 6:30 p.m., Orcas Center, www.orcascenter.org

October• 1-31 8th Annual Savor the San Juans - A Medley of Food, Farms and Art, various locations, for details see www.visitsanjuans.com/savor• 3 BodyVox: “Reverie,” 7:30 p.m., Orcas Center, www.orcascenter.org • 9-12 2nd Annual Orcas Island Film Festival, Orcas Center, www.orcasfilmfest.com

November• 7 TEDxOrcas Island, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Orcas Center, www.orcascenter.org• 14 Wild and Scenic Film Festival: “A Wild Life,” 7:30 p.m., on screen at Orcas Center, www.orcascenter.org• 27-28 The Olga Symphony, 7:30 p.m., Orcas Center, www.orcas-center.org• 28 Holiday Festival of Arts, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Orcas Senior Center, www.orcasseniors.org

December• 4 Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, 3:45 to 5 p.m., Eastsound Village Green • 5 Artisans Faire, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Odd Fellows Hall, www.oddshall.org• 5 Orcas Choral Society Holiday Concert, 7:30 p.m., Orcas Center, www.orcascenter.org • 6 Artisans Faire, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Odd Fellows Hall, www.oddshall.org• 6 Orcas Choral Society Holiday Concert, 2 p.m., Orcas Center, www.orcascenter.org • 12 Orcas Island Community Band concert, 2 p.m., Orcas Cen-ter, www.orcascenter.org

San JuanMay • 21-23 and 28-30 “9 to 5: The Musical,” 7:30 p.m., San Juan Community Theatre, www.sjcthe-atre.org• 24 Know Your Island Walk: Nich-ols Neighborhood and Sunshine Alley, 1 to 4 p.m., sanjuanisland-trails.org• 24 “9 to 5: The Musical,” 2 p.m., San Juan Community Theatre, www.sjctheatre.org• 25 The Met: Live in HD: “Caval-leria Rusticana” and “Pagliacci,” 7 p.m., San Juan Community Theatre, www.sjctheatre.org• 29-30 Celebrity Golf Classic and Salmon Barbecue, San Juan Golf and Country Club, call Becki Day at 298-0458• 31 The Birds of American Camp, 7:30 to 10:30 a.m., American Camp Visitors Center, www.visit-sanjuans.com/events • TBA Farmers’ Market, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Sat.), Brickworks Plaza, www.sjifarmersmarket.com• For 2015 summer events sponsored by San Juan Island National Historical Park, visit www.nps.gov/sajh/

June • 6-7 24th Annual San Juan Island Artists Studio Tour, 15 studios, 40 artists, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., www.sanjuanislandartists.com• 7 Barbershop Bonanza, 2 p.m., San Juan Community Theatre, www.sjctheatre.org• 13 San Juan Island Garden Tour, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., details at sjigardenclub.weebly.com/sji-garden-tour.html• 14 NTL’s “Man and Superman,” 2 p.m., on screen at San Juan Com-munity Theatre, www.sjctheatre.org• 14 Jazz at the Labs Benefit Dinner and Concert, 6 p.m., UW Friday Harbor Laboratories, www.depts.washington.edu/fhl• 20 Friday Harbor Art Market, 3 to 7 p.m., (Fridays through Aug. 29), Brickworks Plaza, www.friday-harbornow.com/artmarket.htm • 20 Dance Happy, 7 p.m., San Juan Community Theatre, www.sjctheatre.org

• 20 Annual Orca Sing Concert, Lime Kiln State Park, www.whal-emuseum.org• 20-21 Three Lakes Triathlon, 8 a.m., Lakedale Resort, www.facebook.com/sjimarathon • 22 King John, Stratford Festival, 7 p.m., on screen at San Juan Com-munity Theatre, www.sjctheatre.org• 26-27 Friday Harbor Chamber Music Festival, 7:30 p.m., San Juan Community Theatre, www.sjctheatre.org • 27 Know Your Island Walk: Lime Kiln State Park Visitor Center, 1-4 p.m., sanjuanislandtrails.org

July• Saturdays in July and August, Fam-ily Art Days, San Juan Islands Museum of Art, 540 Spring Street, www.sjima.org • 3 Summer Concert Series: Music in the Park, (Fridays at 5 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. thru Sept. 6), Port of Friday Harbor, www.visitsanjuans.com• 4 Old-Fashioned July 4th and Fireworks (games and events), Roche Harbor Resort, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., www.rocheharbor.com • 4 Fourth of July Parade, 10:30 a.m., Friday Harbor, Fireworks Show (dusk), Port of Friday Har-bor, www.sanjuanisland.org• 4 Fourth of July Pig War Picnic by Kiwanis Club, 11:15 a.m., San Juan Historical Museum, sjmuseum.org• 4 Rock the Dock dance, 6 p.m., Port of Friday Harbor, www.visit-sanjuans.com• 5 Abbey Road LIVE!, Beatles Tribute Band, 7:30 p.m., San Juan Community Theatre, www.sjctheatre.org• 9 Music on the Lawn, 6:30 p.m. San Juan Historical Museum, (Wednesdays, thru Aug. 6), www.islandrec.org• 11-12 Summer Arts Fair, 10 a.m., Friday Harbor (Court Street), www.sanjuanisland.org • 13 “Antony and Cleopatra,” Strat-ford HD, 7 p.m., on screen at San Juan Community Theatre, www.sjctheatre.org • 16 - Aug. 2 Island Stage Left: ”Cymbeline,” 8 p.m., Thurs. - Sun., Roche Harbor Resort, www.island-stageleft.org• 18 Blues Guitarist Albert Cum-

mings, 7:30 p.m.,San Juan Com-munity Theatre, www.sjctheatre.org• 18-19 14th Annual Lavender Fes-tival, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Pelindaba Lavender Farm, www.pelindabala-vender.com• 20 National Theatre Live: “Every-man,” 7 p.m., San Juan Commu-nity Theatre, www.sjctheatre.org• 24 Bolshoi Ballet: “Ivan the Ter-rible,” 7 p.m., on screen at San Juan Community Theatre, www.sjctheatre.org• 25 Know Your Island Walk, 1 to 4 p.m., meet at intersection of Roche Harbor and West Valley roads, www.sanjuanislandtrails.org• 25-26 National Parks Pig War Reenactment/Encampment, SJI National Historical Park English Camp, www.nps.gov/sajh• 27-31 Theatre Arts for Kids, Sum-mer Workshop for Teens, 10 a.m. to noon, San Juan Community Theatre, www.sjctheatre.org

August • 1 Shaw Island Classic, SJI Yacht Club, Port of FH, www.sjiyc.com• 1 Annual Fly-In and Open House, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Friday Harbor Airport, www.portfridayharbor.org• 2 Sheep to Shawl weaving dem-onstration and crafts, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., English Camp, www.nps.gov/sajh• 3-21 Musical Theatre Camp, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., San Juan Com-munity Theatre, 7:30 p.m., www.sjctheatre.org• 7-23 Island Stage Left, Shake-speare Under the Stars: “Cym-beline,” 8 p.m., Fri. – Sun., Wold Road, www.islandstageleft.org• 12-15 San Juan County Fair, Fair-grounds in FH, www.sjcfair.org• 15 Annual 8.8K Loop Run/Walk, Fairgrounds, www.islandrec.org • 22 Know Your Island Walk: Wescott Bay Trail, 1 to 4 p.m., English Camp, www.sanjuan-islandtrails.org• 22 The Paperboys, 7:30 p.m., San Juan Community Theatre, www.sjctheatre.org• 28 Fingerstyle master Martin Taylor, 7:30 p.m., San Juan Com-munity Theatre, www.sjctheatre.orgat English Camp.

SEE EVENTS PG. 40


By Scott RaSmuSSen

It juts out of the landscape like a bat-tering ram on the south side of city.

At the summit, some 1,300 feet or so, you can feast your eyes on panoramic views of the famed farmlands of Skagit Valley and on Whidbey Island further south, and over to the archipelago of is-lands to the west, the San Juan Islands.

But you needn't scale Mount Erie for a bird's eye view of Anacortes. Just a stone's throw from downtown rests Cap Sante.

Situated at the north end of the city, this bulky mound of rock banks south-ward to help create a protected har-bor that's home to a bustling, publicly owned marina and one of the largest commercial fishing fleets in Washing-ton state. There's a pullout at the very tip of the Cap, outfitted with a picnic area and highly prized parking spaces, where you can kick back, linger over the view and take in a lasting impression of the sights and sounds of Anacortes, its waterfront and the unique landscape that surrounds it.

Anacortes has long-been known as the Gateway to the San Juan Islands. It is home to the international ferry ter-minus that serves the San Juans and Canada's Vancouver Island, home to the city of Victoria, provincial capital of British Columbia. It is situated on island of its own, Fidalgo Island, named after Salavdor Fidalgo, a Spanish explorer and map-maker who cruised the area as part of an expedition in the late 18th Century.

But Anacortes is more than simply a pass-through or jump-off point for ad-venture in the Salish Sea. It is a bustling mini-metropolis that sports a vibrant and enduring cultural, commercial and scenic charisma all its own. It boasts 20 miles of saltwater shoreline, five fresh-water lakes, 3,000 acres of parks and forestland, and five marinas and busy

boatyards on all sides. Within the city's 14-square-mile

border, two square miles of which are water, 50 percent is either parkland or forest.

Anacortes is also the ancestral home of the Swinomish and Samish peoples. The Samish Indian Nation, headquar-tered on the city's main drag, Commer-cial Avenue, is a leader in regional salm-on restoration projects and operates an art gallery in Old Town featuring works of Pacific Northwest Native American artists. Today, the city is home to about 16,500 residents, roughly equivalent to the entire population of San Juan County.

Home of two oil refineries, Anacortes is a linchpin in regional economics as well. Tesoro and Shell together employ about 800 workers that collectively re-fine some 275,000 barrels of crude oil a day, much of it arriving on tug-escorted tankers from the North Slope of Alaska. Island Hospital, a general medical and surgical healthcare facility recently was ranked among the nation's 200 best "small hospitals," and employs some 500-plus medical professionals.

Here's a couple of historical facts that might prove of interest. Anacortes, founded in 1891, is named after its first-ever postmaster, Anna Curtis Bowman, wife of one of the first settlers to stake a claim on Fidalgo Island and one of the area's early entrepreneurs. The city's founding fathers at one time had hopes that Anacortes would be selected as the western terminus of the transcontinen-tal railroad. When those hopes were dashed, they turned to fishing and lum-ber production instead, boatbuilding would come later.

Whether it is art galleries, antique shops, museums, restaurants or music that floats your boat, it is alive and well in Anacortes.

SEE ANACORTES PG. 40Contributed photos


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• 30 Concours d’Elegance, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., San Juan Island Vine-yards, www.sanjuanconcours.org.• Labor Day Weekend Music Festival, 11 a.m., Browne’s Lumber Yard, Friday Harbor, www.visitsanjuans.com

September • 14 Community Salmon BBQ, 5:40 p.m., Lions Club, SJ Fair-grounds. • 19 April Verch Band, 7:30 p.m., San Juan Community Theatre,

www.sjctheatre.org • 26 San Juan Vineyards Har-vest Festival, 9 a.m., San Juan Vineyards, www.visitsanjuans.comevents/san-juan-island/harvest-festival• 26 Know Your Island Walk: Mitch-ell Hill, 1 to 4 p.m., English Camp, www.sanjuanislandtrails.org• 26 Relay for Life Fundraiser, 3 p.m., Fairgrounds, main.acsev-ents.org

October • 1-31 8th Annual Savor the San Juans - A Medley of Food, Farms and Art, various locations, for

details see www.visitsanjuans.com/savor• 3 Oktoberfest, Fairgrounds, 5 p.m., www.sanjuanisland.org• 3-4 Artstock: 10th Annual Fall Festival of Art, galleries and studio tours, www.visitsanjuans.com• 24 Know Your Island Walk: Lime Kiln Point State Park, 1 to 4 p.m., www.sanjuanislandtrails.org

November• Bite of the San Juan Islands, 1 to 4 p.m., Brickworks, www.visitsanjuans.com• 6-8 Friday Harbor Film Festival, Community Theatre and Grange

Hall, www.fhff.org

December • 3 Old-Fashioned Christmas Celebration, 5 to 8 p.m. at San Juan Historical Museum, www.sjmuseum.org• 4 Tree Lighting & Caroling, 5 to 6:30 p.m., Memorial Park, Friday Harbor, www.visitsanjuans.com • 5 Holiday Festival Theatre Fund-raiser, 5 p.m., San Juan Commu-nity Theatre, www.sjctheatre.org • 19 Lighted Boat Parade and Santa, 6:30 p.m., Spring Street, www.portfridayharbor.org

EVENTS FROM PG. 37

ANACORTES FROM PG. 38Below are a few signature Anacortes events:

• Anacortes Waterfront Festival: Combine a street fair with a boat show, and a car show, and a swap meet, and boat building dem-onstrations, and then add a whole lot of music and an assortment of food, and what do you get? Find out June 6 and 7.

• Shipwreck Day: an annual one-day flea market/citywide ga-rage sale held the third Saturday in July. Each year the city blocks off several downtown streets to accommodate this campy, large-scale community favorite.

• What the Heck Fest: a week-long event, Heck Fest coincides with Shipwreck Day and takes place at various locations through-out the city. At the heart of the festival is a community event, which

features a dinner show and a concert, while performers pop up at different venues to offer up their best in music, movies, literature and art.

• Anacortes Arts Festival: The main course of this annual weekend event is lots of live music and art in every sort of art form imaginable. It kicks off July 31 with a half-marathon, and a 10K and 5K run, known collectively as Art Dash, and culminates the weekend of Aug. 7-9.

• Oyster Run: Thirty-four years old and still kicking, The Oys-ter Run is, simply put, the largest motorcycle rally in the Pacific Northwest, and "hogs" are everywhere. Organizers estimate as many as 15,000 bikes or more tour the area as part of the most recent run. The 2015 Oyster Run is September 27.

For more information, visit Anacortes Chamber of Commerce at www.anacortes.org, or call (360) 293-7911.

Cherry Blossoms and a rustic barn, a bucolic scene on Lopez Island. Anne Willis photo

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springtide - 2015-16

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