My post on Indian Island the other day reminded me of a notecard I have with a watercolor painted by my good friend Debi Madan. I’ve always admired her talent, and earlier this year she agreed to give me lessons! On Fridays we get together at various inspirational locations around Orcas – Crescent Beach, Crow Valley, my garden – and as she shows me the technical aspect of painting, I try to unleash my creative side. Maybe someday I’ll feel confident enough to post one of my creations. 🙂 Until then, look for more of Debi’s inspiring art in future posts!
Looking to enjoy the simple life on beautiful Orcas Island?
Contact T Williams Realty – we’ll help you find your way home.
Driving into Eastsound for the past 23 years I’ve noticed my view always gravitates to the south toward Indian Island to check out the tide situation. During low tide there are people that look like little ants exploring it. I’ve often thought “I want to do that!” Then I go about my day of business forget about the little rock.
The 1.25 acre island in Fishing Bay is only accessible by foot during low tide.
Well, researching for my recent post on its history kept this curious island lingering in my mind. I made a mental note to check the tide tables and get a closer look.
My son Eric accompanied me one morning as we started out from Eastsound Waterfront Park. The park itself is a wonderful spot to take in the long view down the dramatic fjord of East Sound.
The Ochre Sea Star comes in a variety of colors
We took a leisurely stroll along the emergent sandbar, then skirted the island’s perimeter to examine the many tide pools . Full of color and critters, each was fascinating and worthy of a long stare to notice some of the more subtle sea life.
There’s life on the rock itself too. The knolls are covered with wildflowers and in season, birds nesting. The day we were there we happened upon Canadian Geese nesting. I later found out there were Black Oystercatchers nesting too. It’s important not to disturb them; these are a sensitive ‘indicator’ species of ‘high concern.’
Indian Island was the first of three Marine Health Observatories in the San Juan Islands. There is important ongoing research being conducted there by scientists and volunteers.
Indian Island is another example of how we’re learning about and caring for our fragile ecosystem in the San Juans. I feel fortunate we’re able to enjoy its beauty and creatures up-close. And I won’t be waiting 23 years to go back!
Looking to enjoy the simple life on beautiful Orcas Island?
Contact T Williams Realty – we’ll help you find your way home.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
I’ve almost hit my 5 year mark as a breast cancer survivor and am proud to be a member of one of the most amazing groups of people. A funny thing happens after you’ve gone through this experience… you find yourself drawn to other survivors.
When you first hear your diagnosis, you feel scared and alone even when surrounded by family and friends. How will you get through this? Here on Orcas, a community of supporters quickly emerged to lift me through the challenges. I found new friendships that nourished my heart and healing. These people will be with me the rest of my long happy life!
Recently I was contacted by a couple who’ve just begun their journey with cancer. They’ve chosen to spend it on Orcas where they have a summer house. Naturally they had many questions and concerns about the logistics of treatment and medical care on the island. I began sharing my experience and information regarding my cancer care team.
The stellar crew at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance was my partner and guiding light. I also found that the medical opportunities available on Orcas and within our reach are limitless. If you want to learn more about my experience you can visit my TeriKicksCancer care page (send me an email to receive your login info).
My new friend is on her way to experiencing the loving arms of Orcas Island in supporting her walk of life and celebration of more birthdays.
Every day I thank the universe for the opportunity to experience breast cancer and all the positives it has brought to my life!
Looking to enjoy the simple life on beautiful Orcas Island?
Contact T Williams Realty – we’ll help you find your way home.
I’m not kidding! The newly elected mayor of Eastsound is April the Cow.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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:
It’s that time of year to start planning your summer barbeques. This zesty, melt-in-your mouth ravioli is one of my favorites — so easy to make and sure to impress! Using last year’s leftover dungeness crab, I make a big batch of ravioli and freeze them individually on a baking sheet before freezing them in a ziplock. To reheat I just throw them into a pot of boiling water for 3-5 minutes. As a variation to the crab filling I also use fresh spinach (see below).
Ingredients
Ravioli:
So much easier to make than it looks! The secret? Frozen wonton wrappers!
All-purpose flour, for baking sheet
90 wonton wrappers (two 12 oz. packages)
1 large egg, lightly beaten, for egg wash
Coarse salt
Crab Filling:
1 cup ricotta cheese (8 oz.)
1 cup lump crabmeat (8 oz.)
Coarse salt and fresh ground pepper
1/8 tsp red pepper flakes (this varies every time-depending on my mood)
Lemon Sauce for Crab Filling:
1 stick of butter (yep, the real thing)
2 tsp. lemon peel, grated
2 tsp. fresh lemon juice
Make filling: mix together ricotta, crabmeat, ½ tsp. salt, red pepper flakes.
Make the Ravioli: Lightly flour a baking sheet. Working in batches, arrange 4-6 wonton wrappers on a work surface; keep remaining wrappers covered with a damp paper towel. Brush wonton with egg wash. Mound 1 tsp crab filling in the middle of each wonton and top with another wonton. Press edges down all around wonton in a circular shape to seal. Cut out circles using a 2 ¼ -inch cookies cutter; transfer to baking sheet. Ravioli can be covered with plastic wrap and placed in refrigerator (up to 1 hour).
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (add a dollop of olive oil), working in batches, cook ravioli until they rise to the top, 2 to 3 minutes.
Meanwhile, make the sauce: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Melt 4 Tbsp butter, and heat until just bubbly and frothy. Transfer ravioli to skillet using a slotted spoon, along with about 2 Tbsp cooking liquid. Add 1 tsp grated lemon peel and 1 tsp lemon juice. Transfer to plates.
Garnish: chopped fresh chervil, chives, or green onion
Serving size: 4-5 ravioli per person
Alternate Spinach Filling:
1 package frozen spinach (thawed and drained) or fresh (cooked, cooled and drained)
1 c. ricotta cheese, ½ c. grated parmesan cheese. Mix well.
Tomato Sauce for Spinach Filling (can also use the Lemon Sauce):
Sauté chopped onion in ¼ c. olive oil, add chopped tomatoes, bring to a boil, salt and pepper to taste.
Place large spoon full of tomato sauce onto individual plates, top with ravioli.
If you’ve got an easy “go to” summer recipe to share, I’d love to hear it!
Looking to enjoy the simple life on beautiful Orcas Island?
Contact T Williams Realty – we’ll help you find your way home.
Tiny Indian Island in Eastsound, not to be confused with the Port Townsend island with the same name
It started at breakfast with friends at the Outlook Inn in Eastsound. The tide was low and the sun was shining in Fishing Bay across Main Street. The conversation turned to curious lore of the tiny island in view. Indian Island, as it is known today, was once called “Jap Island” (not just to us old-timers, but also to the US Bureau of Land Management!). Talk about politically incorrect! Before our time it was known as Victory Island. And at some point there were rumors of mining activity there. So what was the real story?
The title examiner in me (past life) began to go to work. A quick visit to harass my favorite title officer, Teri Nigretto, got me up to speed (her family has been here forever.) Apparently “Jap Island” got its name because a Japanese man use to live there in small cabin.
Teri and I then did an actual title search and found a deed recorded in 1981 for an Official Mining Claim by the Uptown Low Down Mining Company!
Deed recorded in 1981 by the Uptown Low Down Mining Company
None of the names were familiar and we’d never heard of anything precious being found there other than marine life. We concluded this must’ve been a group of good ole boys imbibing in some spirits when they looked out the window and had an idea to stake a claim. Whether they were serious about their endeavor or just having fun remains a mystery, but I did find proof that my breakfast partners weren’t full of hoo-ha!!
This may not answer all my questions about Indian Island, but now I’ve got a new nugget to toss out at the breakfast table. 🙂
Looking to enjoy the simple life on beautiful Orcas Island?
Contact T Williams Realty – we’ll help you find your way home.
Last Saturday while Sandi was looking after “Angel” the baby hummer, I was on my way toThe Bite of Orcas to benefit Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. But by the time I got to the Farmer’s Market at the Village Green, the line for tickets to the Bite was too long for my rumbling tummy. Hungry from a morning of showing property, I decided to head to my favorite regular vendors to start grazing.
Rob Kirby of Local Goods cooking up oysters
First course: Rob Kirby and Local Goods. I downed 3 yummy oysters and bought the week’s worth of organic coffee.
John Steward of Maple Rock Farm
Second course: Veggies and growing advice from John Steward of Maple Rock Farms. He’s always good for a conversation and will gladly add you to his list for weekly delivery of fresh produce.
Pizza Trailer - what a cool idea!
Main course: Delicious pizza from a new vendor sporting the coolest pizza oven built out of a repurposed trailer! I didn’t get a chance to get the story, but I now have a great excuse for returning – to make a new friend and enjoy more pie!!!!
I was happy to see the familiar flash of local color from Flo, the Queen of tie-dye. She’s inspired many of us to get in touch with our inner hippie. I would love to get hold of her technique!!
Cute boy and his horse from the pet parade
My favorite joy of the day — seeing the youngest cowboy and his horse from the Pet Parade. We’re lucky to have an active 4-H club -one of many activities for our island youth.
I’m so excited that the Saturday Market season has started. Even when there aren’t extra events like the Pet Parade and Bite of Orcas, I can always count on good nibbles, old friends and advice about which veggie to plant now or throw in that night’s dinner plan.
See you at the Market!!!
Looking to enjoy the simple life on beautiful Orcas Island?
Contact T Williams Realty – we’ll help you find your way home.
My post on Indian Island the other day reminded me of a notecard I have with a watercolor painted by my good friend Debi Madan. I’ve always admired her talent, and earlier this year she agreed to give me lessons! On Fridays we get together at various inspirational locations around Orcas – Crescent Beach, Crow Valley, my garden – and as she shows me the technical aspect of painting, I try to unleash my creative side. Maybe someday I’ll feel confident enough to post one of my creations. 🙂 Until then, look for more of Debi’s inspiring art in future posts!
