Eastsound

Eastsound is the main town on Orcas Island. On Saturday, we went to lunch at a great Italian restaurant, explored, and went to the Farmer's Market. Orcas Island is famous for its produce. On Sunday, I went back to Eastsound and went to church. The Episcopal Church is wonderful--I was surprised to find such a thriving community on such a small island. On the first Sunday of every month, they have a combined service followed by a breakfast, so I stayed for that and visited. When they found out I was a law student, they introduced me to a lawyer in the congregation, who left her job at a big firm in Indianapolis to moved to Orcas and start her own practice. That is the life!

Doe Bay Retreat and Resort

This is where we stayed.

Mount Constitution

We also went to the top of Mount Constitution, the highest peak in the San Juan Islands. We got there just as the clouds were rolling in, so we got some good views, but on a clear day, you can supposedly see Washington, Canada, the Cascade Mountains, the Olympics, Mount Baker, etc, etc. We went to the top of the lookout tower, and saw an exhibit about the history of Moran State Park. A wealthy industrialist who moved to Orcas Island for his health donated the land for the state park, and during the Great Depression, a corps of workers from the east coast were shipped out to build roads and other infrastructure. There was a touching exhibit about their experience, including their surprise at being sent so far from home. When they arrived in Anacortes, some of them refused to leave the train to board the ship, thinking they were being tricked into leaving the country. They were finally convinced when some local girls arrived to see them off.

Orcas Island Hike

Kirsten, Leah, and I went camping on Orcas Island this weekend. We hiked around the Cascade Lake.

Gabby and the sweater

Here is Gabby making a bed out of my cardigan.