lighthouse and lavendar

We wrapped up our trip with a visit to American Camp and to Pelindaba Lavendar Farm.  American Camp is home to a diverse landscape.  We first stopped at a lagoon.

The drive is so beautiful.  Here we are with a view of the Olympics.

Upon arrival at Cattle Point Lighthouse, we spotted a juvenile bald eagle perched atop.  I'm not sure you can really tell from pictures, but he was a big guy!

Not the most beautiful lighthouse, but the scenery makes up for it!

It was nice to spend some time in the sand.

Next stop: the lavendar farm.  We enjoyed roaming through the gift shop where we smelled, tasted, and experienced all that lavendar has to offer.  Mmmmmmm, I could have spend a lot of money in there but thankfully we mostly left with some nice mothers day presents.  Who knew lavendar could be used for so much?!  http://www.pelindabalavender.com/products

We'll have to return when the fields are in full bloom :)

Hope you enjoyed my re-cap of the lovely trip!

The Island Life, Continued

The Friday Harbor Marina offered some beautiful views and a peaceful stroll on several occassions through our trip.  We stayed at Earthbox Motel & Spa which was super convenient to restaurants and the ferry!

Here are a few photos from our strolls around town and through the marina:

Saturday was a big day: our 5 hour kayak trip.  My push-up training helped, but thankfully we were in a two person kayak trip so I could take a few breaks!  :) 

There was no shortage of scenery and wildlife.  We were very thankful for our guides Katie and Andrew from San Juan Outfitters and since we were the only two on the trip, it felt totally personalized!  We departed from Roche Harbor, headed South and around Henry and Pearl Islands and back. 

We had views of the Olympics and a bit of the Cascades.  Amazing weather and our first sunburn of the season!

Wildlife included canadian geese and goslings.

Kelp crab.  I even took a bite out of the kelp.  Ummmm, it tasted like salt, surprise surprise!

Chiton

Sea stars!

One of many bald eagles we saw!

Harbor Seals

Fox

We're almost there!

Needless to say, it was a nice way to spend our day.  We returned to Roche Harbor after a hearty Downriggers supper for more spectacular sunset views.

We toured the cute chapel:

Saw "Colors" flag ceremony:

And walked around the grounds:

what.a.day!!!!!!  :)





San Juan Get-away

Tyler and I had another magical trip to the San Juan Islands recently.  This time in celebration of his birthday.  What a beautiful weekend it was, complete with amazing weather and a lovely time.  Mt Baker was out in full glory.  Here is a view from the Anacortes ferry:

This was the view on the ferry ride home... (wow)!

Relaxing on the ferry!

Our first day included one of the most amazing meals of my life at Backdoor Kitchen in Friday Harbor.  Lamb sirloin, rice cakes and braised greens.  AMAZING!!!

After dinner, we headed west for a beautiful sunset view.  First stop was Lime Kiln State Park.  A lovely shot of the lighthouse, probably one of my favorites from the trip (or maybe ever):

a beautiful view of the Olympics

The Lime Kiln

The white rock is lime...

Next stop was a climb up Young Hill:

The beautiful sunset!

I'm pretty sure I wouldn't complain if this was my view every evening!

And that was day 1.  Stay tuned for more :)