The field had been mowed and the fragrant hay was rolled up into huge circular bales, wrapped in white plastic, and stacked out of the way. The gate to the field was open with several acres for cars to park. In one corner there was a barbeque going full force and there were tables laden with food and coolers full of wine and soft drinks and water. The day was sunny and bright and many guests choose to relax in the white tent that had been rented for the event.

It was an island wedding, with guests from… read full article

For a true oyster lover – the purists, if you will – just thinking of eating fresh oysters can induce instant recall of the cucumber-fresh, briny meat fairly smacking of the sea and tangy minerals.
However, lovers of shellfish seem to be divided on the issue of whether oysters are better cooked or raw. I have concluded that categorically there are those who hate oysters and won’t eat them in any form, there are those who will eat oysters only if cooked, and then there are those who enjoy oysters on the half shell or really any… read full article

Few seafood delicacies draw such unanimous praise as the Dungeness crab. Named after the town of Dungeness on the Olympic Peninsula where the first commercial harvesting of this crab was done, it is the only commercially important crab in the State of Washington’s territorial waters. While crab measuring 10” across the back have been taken off the coast of Washington, the crab seldom exceeds 8” and averages just under 7” of shell width. The Dungeness crab has white-tipped claws and a brownish shell.

A versatile delicacy, succulent Dungeness crab has a distinctive, yet delicate and faintly sweet, buttery… read full article

Last Summer I heard about a local man who feeds the eagles every day in the late afternoon out by Roche Harbor. This kind soul picks up meat scraps from the local grocery store every single morning and has been doing so for over four years.

I had occasion shortly thereafter to be out at Roche and made a point to be at the intersection of Roche Harbor Road and Westcott Bay Road fifteen minutes prior to feeding time on a stunning early Summer afternoon. As I parked by the side of Westcott Bay Road, I suddenly became… read full article

I live on San Juan Island, but I have a second home in the wilderness without even a television or cell phone coverage. Lots of people have second homes in the San Juan Islands. What is it that makes a second home work? Here is what I think

1. A second home should be a different setting for you that will refresh your attitude and leaves you pleased to return to your first home. It also gives you a place to dream about and escape to when things at your first home or job get stressed. You can… read full article

The Bald Eagle is highly revered by Northwest Native American culture and their feathers are considered sacred. According to traditional Native American beliefs, the Creator made all the birds of the sky when the World was new. Of all the birds, the Creator chose the eagle to be the leader – the Master of the Sky. Since eagles fly higher and can see better than other birds, they are considered to be closer to the Creator than any other Earth creatures and therefore regarded as a messenger to the Creator. The eagle has the honor of carrying the… read full article

Consider visiting San Juan Island, WA.

What a beautiful place San Juan Island is to celebrate the 4th of July. You have your choice of watching the fireworks at Roche Harbor Marina or in the heart of town in Friday Harbor. Both are great places to kick back with your favorite beverage & people watch.

I started the festivities by watching our local parade with my dog, Brook. If you haven’t watched a local parade, you’re missing something; the energy is infectious. My day continued with our Pig War picnic’s great food, music and more people watching.

In… read full article