Author Archives: Sandi Friel

by | November 10, 2011 · 11:51 pm

Dining at Orcas Hotel – A Savory Step Back in Time

Posted by Sandi

Orcas Hotel - Orcas Island WA

Greeting you with all her glory

I chose to celebrate my birthday last week with a quiet dinner at the Orcas Hotel, the beautiful turn-of-the-century landmark you see when you arrive at the ferry landing. Although I frequent the Cafe for breakfast during ferry waits, I hadn’t been to the restaurant in several years.

Historic photo of Orcas Hotel, Orcas Island WA

Former owners of Orcas Hotel

I love her grand architecture, history, and tended grounds. Plus  Octavia’s Bistro / bar serves just the right blend of laid-back elegance. On Friday nights in the summer it’s hopping with live music and the menu turns casual. But on this off-season Wednesday night in November, the place is packed with locals just looking for a good meal. (Hint: Wednesday is Prime Rib night and reservations are recommended.)

Salmon dinner at Orcas Hotel, Orcas Island WA

Grilled salmon served with steamed rice, grilled asparagus and basil essence. Yum.

The Prime Rib Special includes Harris Ranch grass-fed all natural beef, tossed salad, baked potato, asparagus and yorkshire pudding. 12-oz cut for $28 or 8-oz for $22. Hmmm… A great deal but prime rib’s not my thing – I ordered the salmon and it was divine.

Dessert at the Orcas Hotel, Orcas Island WA

Who wants boring birthday cake when you can have a warm rasberry tart with vanilla ice cream?

If you really want to treat yourself, reserve one of the 12 boutique rooms to retreat to after dinner. They’re furnished with handmade quilts, antiques, books and island art, and two of the suites have balconies and Jacuzzi tubs for two. Rates range from $89 to $218 depending on time of year and room selected. In the morning meander down to the cafe for your complimentary breakfast in the cafe bakery, or enjoy a full breakfast in Octavia’s. Check for specials; this month they’re offering dinner for two when you stay in one of the jacuzzi suites.

It’s hard to believe this storybook hotel was once condemned and slated to be destroyed to make way for ferry parking. A group of islanders got together to purchase it, and eventually it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places and fully renovated. Like many island stories, this one has a happy ending — just the kind I like! 🙂

Looking to enjoy the simple life on beautiful Orcas Island?
Contact T Williams Realty  – we’ll help you find your way home.

Comments Off on Dining at Orcas Hotel – A Savory Step Back in Time

Filed under Community

Tagged as , , ,

by | October 15, 2011 · 4:28 pm

A Transplant Grows Native-Crazy

Posted by Sandi

In case you haven’t noticed yet, I’m a native plant buff. When I moved from Florida to Orcas I was excited to start learning about the extraordinary native plants here in the Pacific Northwest. Our property is sloped and rocky, partially wooded, with moss and deer everywhere. So gardening with natives has turned out to be both practical and rewarding. An even bigger benefit, though, is conserving and promoting biodiversity. (Read this article to fully understand why this is so important.) I thought I’d share a few of my most-used resources and links:

Wallace W Hansen Garden Planner

This hand-illustrated guide is no longer on the Wallace H Hansen website, but I have a pdf copy I can share.

My hard-copy library includes the following:

  • Wild Plants of the San Juan Islands – Atkinson/Sharpe
  • Gardening with Native Plants of the Pacific Northwest – Kruckeberg
  • Native Plants in the Coastal Garden – Pettinger/Costanzo
  • Landscaping for Wildlife in the Pacific Northwest – Link

I just had a fantastic onsite consultation this week with Michael Budnick and Laura Gibbons of Northwest Concepts. They are the go-to native plant landscapers in the San Juan Islands. I’m going to start implementing some of their ideas this fall and will post updates.

Got any favorite native plant resources? Please share!

 

Looking to enjoy the simple life on beautiful Orcas Island?
Contact T Williams Realty  – we’ll help you find your way home.

2 Comments

Filed under Gardening, Nature

Tagged as , , , ,

by | October 8, 2011 · 8:10 pm

Slideshow of Fall Color on Orcas Island

Posted by Sandi

Coming from Florida where it’s virtually one season year-round, I’m very attuned to (and appreciative of) the change of seasons here on Orcas. Spring and summer are wonderful, but Fall is my favorite.

In late September the pace slows and year-round residents reconnect after a busy summer. Days remain mild and light rains resurrect the mosses and replenish our aquifer. But I have to admit, it’s the eye candy that delights me most!

Here are a few of my favorite scenes (click on pictures to enlarge.) If you have any pics you’d like to share, I’d love to see them!

Looking to enjoy the simple life on beautiful Orcas Island?
Contact T Williams Realty  – we’ll help you find your way home.

3 Comments

Filed under Community, Nature

Tagged as , , , ,

by | July 21, 2011 · 6:54 pm

Sin City Secret: Backdoor Kitchen

Posted by Sandi

Orcas Islanders sometimes affectionately refer to Friday Harbor  as “Sin City” for its flashing lights, multi-story buildings and big-city feel. Of course it’s not a big and bustling city at all, but it seems so when compared to laid-back Eastsound.

A few years ago I got to know San Juan Island’s Sin City a bit better when my husband was assigned a story by Sunset Magazine. As part of the research, we sampled what locals consider to be the best restaurants. The Backdoor Kitchen became our instant favorite. Since then we’ve returned to celebrate special occasions; one of those was last night.

Warehouse at the Backdoor Kitchen, Friday Harbor WA

Behind this warehouse lies a hidden jewel

The Backdoor Kitchen is off the beaten path, hidden from view in an industrial area. If you aren’t looking for it or don’t know your way, you won’t find it. That – to me – is its first charm.

Secret Garden and nursery at the Backdoor Kitchen, Friday Harbor WA

The entry garden behind the warehouse

Across the warehouse parking lot, a stone path leads to a secret garden and outdoor dining patio. We had reserved an indoor table, but decided to enjoy our cocktails alfresco.

The Backdoor Kitchen dining patio - Friday Harbor, San Juan Island WA

The patio has several outdoor "rooms" for dining

From the list of 12 yummy specialty drinks, I chose the No. 6:  Ketel One “Ginger-Lemon Drop,” made with fresh-squeezed lemon and ginger syrup, served with a sugar rim. Bob – who rarely deviates from rum and coke – chose the No. 4: Ketel One vodka and mango puree muddled with fresh lime and topped with ginger brew.

Cozy Bar at the Backdoor Kitchen restaurant in Friday Harbor, San Juan Island WA

The oh-so-cozy bar at the Backdoor Kitchen

When the sun dipped I got a chill and was happy to move to our table inside. The dining room is small and intimate, with interesting art, a view of the patio garden and a window into the kitchen where magic is created.

Dining room of the Backdoor Kitchen - Friday Harbor, San Juan Island WA

The intimate dining room

The ambiance of the Backdoor Kitchen is so much to my liking that I would keep it on my favorites list even if the food was so-so. But here you don’t have to compromise: the food is fabulous.  

Bob ordered the salmon special; I ordered the Corn Masa Cake – topped with  sharp white cheddar, sliced avocado, green onions, and red cabbage salad. Neither of us offered the other a bite!

For dessert we treated ourselves to the fresh fruit crisp. Bob considers himself a “crisp connoisseur” and says positively this is the best he’s ever had.

Bellies full, we walked on the 10pm ferry. Although I have favorite restaurants on Orcas, there’s something extra special (and romantic) about riding the ferry with your sweetheart for a dinner date, especially when the destination is Sin City and the Backdoor Kitchen.

 

Looking to enjoy the simple life in the beautiful San Juan Islands?
Contact T Williams Realty  – we’ll help you find your way home.

2 Comments

Filed under Adventure, Community

Tagged as , , ,

by | July 14, 2011 · 1:22 pm

Our New Mayor is a Real Cow

Posted by Sandi

I’m not kidding! The newly elected mayor of Eastsound is April the Cow.

April the Cow - new Mayor of Eastsound, Orcas Island WA

April - Outstanding in her field and the new Mayor of Eastsound

Our annual mayoral race is actually a fund-raiser for Children’s House. This year’s election raised nearly $5,000 which helps support pre-school programs and infant care for working families.

The election is lots of fun because the animal campaigns are hysterical. April beat out six other contenders as write-in candidate. She’s run for office for the past two years, and this is her first victory. I was personally compelled to vote for her after reading her “mooving” letter to the editor  in Island’s Sounder.

April the Cow - new Mayor of Eastsound, Orcas Island WA

A one-horn cow - perfect icon for our one-cow town

April lives right in town where she’s been ruminating for 15 years. You can read more about her story here. To me, April the Cow and the whole mayoral race are a great example of our laid-back fun-loving island!

Note: Photos courtesy of cow-whisperer Teri Williams

 

Looking to enjoy the simple life on beautiful Orcas Island?
Contact T Williams Realty  – we’ll help you find your way home.

4 Comments

Filed under Community

Tagged as , , , , , ,

by | July 9, 2011 · 12:37 pm

Fourth of July – ‘Island Style’

Posted by Sandi

Before we moved to Orcas, Bob and I would vacation here during the Fourth of July. There were so many fun things to do – from pancake breakfasts to parades, fireworks to fairs and salmon BBQs. I had wondered if the novelty would wear off once we moved here. Not so! July 4th is still my favorite holiday in the San Juans!

The weather is nearly perfect and the holiday marks what islanders consider the true beginning of summer. Everyone gets in the spirit. The various communities synchronize their activities so there is something going  on for several days and nights.

A few summers ago, we started a tradition of going to Lopez Island with friends to see the Lopez Community fireworks display which has been hosted by local pyrotechnic volunteers for the past 20 years. We are hooked!  If you ever get a chance to go, here’s a peek of what you’ll see:

 [slideshow]
(photos by Bob Friel)

The reflection on Fisherman Bay doubles the impact and the show is phenomenal. The artistic of presentation is quite different from other shows you’ll see. In fact it’s drawn many rave reviews  from mainland newspapers.

This year we got to Lopez Village early enough to see the parade. What a hoot! Here are some shots:

2011 Lopez Island Fourth of July Parade

The parade theme was "the rock's red glare"

 

2011 Lopez Island Fourth of July Parade

Nearby Frost Island joins the procession

2011 Fourth of July Parade Lopez Island WA

Independence Day takes on another meaning for many islanders

Looking to enjoy the simple life in the beautiful San Juan Islands?
Contact T Williams Realty  – we’ll help you find your way home.

4 Comments

Filed under Community

Tagged as , , , , , ,

by | June 24, 2011 · 10:56 pm

A Mini Blonde and Her Keeper

Posted by Sandi

We promise this isn’t turning into a doggie blog, but I had to post these photos of Svetlana and her recent birthday present – a (still unnamed) mini-dachshund puppy. I’ve been dreaming of having a little snuggle dog just like this. I didn’t know they came as blondes too!

Svetlana holding new puppy
One happy girl and a lucky pup!

I met Svetlana in May 2010 when she moved into a rental house in Deer Harbor that Teri and I manage. She and Seth had driven cross-country from Philadelphia to Orcas to try out a 360° change in lifestyle. As it turns out, it suits them perfectly. They’ve made lots of friends and enjoy easy access to kayaking and other outdoor activities. Every time I see her she looks so happy. And now she has one more reason to smile!

Mini dachshund puppy

She was wiggling so much I couldn't keep her in the frame!

Looking to enjoy the simple life on beautiful Orcas Island?
Contact T Williams Realty  – we’ll help you find your way home.

5 Comments

Filed under Community

Tagged as , , , ,

by | June 20, 2011 · 12:37 pm

Summer Solstice Celebrated “Orcas Style”

Posted by Sandi

Saturday marked our 13th annual Summer Solstice Parade  in Eastsound. Colorful characters strutted their stuff  in an ‘Around the World’ theme, brightening the overcast day: 

Start Slideshow

2011 Summer Soltice Parade - Orcas Island

I love this town!

 

Looking to enjoy the simple life on beautiful Orcas Island?
Contact T Williams Realty  – we’ll help you find your way home.

1 Comment

Filed under Community

Tagged as , ,

by | May 30, 2011 · 2:00 am

Say Hello To My Little Friend

Posted by Sandi

Yesterday we had the thrill of spotting our first hummingbird nest of the season. It was about 15’ off the ground in the lower limb of a fir tree in our yard. We could see two beaks peaking out, and the nest was bulging so we knew they’d be fledging soon. I could hardly wait to check on them when I woke this morning.

Little Angel - a bit ruffled and not fully feathered

Sure enough, the peeps were gone. I spotted one on the fence being fed by mom, then saw him fly around quite well. But baby #2 was still up in the tree, near the nest. She looked a little wobbly so I decided to keep watch. It was a long way down, and we were in Murphy territory (Murphy is our giant Leonberger).

My heart skipped a beat when I saw baby #2 lose her balance in slow motion and feebly flap her wings to a soft landing below, a few feet from snoozing Murphy. At that moment I named her ‘Angel’ and called for Bob to banish Murph from the yard.

I reminded myself that fledglings are supposed to fledge (this I learned a few summers back after returning babies to the nest when I didn’t feel they were ready!)  Fine, but here was this tiny vulnerable creature in the middle of our path. I gently scooped her up and relocated her a safe place below the nest tree. Soon after, mom found and fed her. Ahh.

Little Bobby - a rufous hummingbird - ready for his first flight

What a wonderful Sunday it was, hanging out with my binochs, checking on Angel all day. It reminded me of my first summer here, when we watched ‘Little Bobby’ grow from a helpless raisin to a flying daredevil. Angel doesn’t appear to have all her feathers yet; I hope she fills in and makes it off the ground soon. Stay tuned!

Looking to enjoy the simple life on beautiful Orcas Island?
Contact T Williams Realty  – we’ll help you find your way home.

4 Comments

Filed under Nature

Tagged as , ,

by | May 25, 2011 · 6:56 pm

Shaw Island – So Close, And Yet So Far (For Some)

Posted by Sandi

Yesterday, Teri and I had a site visit with a client on Shaw Island and decided to add some sightseeing between ferries.

This gorgeous sandy beach is part of 60-acre Shaw Island County Park. There are campsites here too. I'll be back in the summer!

After our morning meeting, we picnicked on the beach at Shaw County Park. Like many parks in the islands, this is not only a pretty place but has some interesting history too.

The consummate planner of fun, Teri packed us a yummy picnic lunch.

 

We then made a mini tour of the island including the school and the historical museum. Our last stops were the the tiny post office and charming general store, which along with the ferry landing were run until recently by the nuns of Our Lady of the Rock.

All was going according to plan until we realized our 12:25 ferry never arrived. Why? Because there is no 12:25 ferry to Orcas!!! We had both misread the ferry schedule and the next ferry to Orcas wasn’t until 4pm!

After having a good laugh and promising never to make fun of newbie ferry confusion, we decided to keep moving, albeit in the wrong direction. We stretched our legs on the 12:40 ferry headed to Lopez and Friday Harbor, finally arriving on Orcas about 3pm. The peaceful ferry rides turned out to be the perfect opportunity to catch up on some of our business planning (and summer party planning too:)).

Ferry docking at Shaw Island, one mile from Orcas.

Once back on Orcas, I looked across Harney Channel to Shaw and had to smile at the fact it took us 2-1/2 hours to get home instead of 15 minutes. At least we spent our time on a ferry instead of a freeway. 🙂 I can’t imagine a better place to live!

 

 

Looking to enjoy the simple life in the beautiful San Juan Islands?
Contact T Williams Realty  – we’ll help you find your way home.

3 Comments

Filed under Adventure, Community

Tagged as , , ,