Visitors to San Juan Island and locals of Friday Harbor should not miss the Saturday farmers market. I was pleasantly surprised at the diversity of food, services, and activities available at the Friday Harbor farmers market. » Continue reading “Friday Harbor Farmers Market”

This photo was taken on the evening of July 3rd 2014. Spending the fourth of July in the San Juan Islands is a family tradition for many Pacific  Northwesterners.
» Continue reading “Friday Harbor movie theater preparing for the 4th of July parade”

A summer barbecue on San Juan Island would not be complete without fresh oysters. Residents of Friday Harbor and San Juan Island are lucky enough to have this world renowned oyster farm in their backyard.

» Continue reading “Stopping for Oysters at Westcott Bay Seafarms”

After our visit to Ruben Tarte State Park we found inspiration to visit the Pelindaba Lavender Farm on Hawthorne Road. We arrived about 5:30 p.m. in the evening on June 29th… the weather was a bit overcast so the photos are not too spectacular. Also the color of the lavender is not quite as purple as it can be a little bit later in the summer. We will make a point to stop back by there again on a sunnier day to snap off some awesome photos.

» Continue reading “Touring Pelindaba Lavender Farm”

Families visiting Friday Harbor will find this sunken park a nice little resource. It makes a great spot for the kids to explore and hang out while the adults get their shopping, dining, and browsing done around town. It’s located right above the Friday Harbor ferry landing on the corner of Harris & B. » Continue reading “Sunken Park is a fun spot for kids in Friday Harbor”

This great little coffee shop is located right next to the Friday harbor ferry landing. As with most coffee shops around these days they have free WiFi. The twist here is that they keep their WiFi on 24 hours a day and it is not security protected. So if you have the battery life you can feel free to sit out on their steps and surf the Internet. They have sandwiches, fresh juices, ice cream, wraps, all sorts of caffeinated beverages, postcards, multiple dining tables, an ATM outside, great views of the ferry landing, and great prices. And of course you cannot beat the proximity to the ferry landing. Many local islanders love to use their WiFi connection while waiting in their cars for the ferry. This place has been in business for over 14 years. They also have a nice selection of magazines and secondhand books for sale.

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I Wish to Go… Whale Watching! Make-A-Wish Foundation Grants its 4,000th Wish

Charles William Bebe, Jacques-Yves Cousteau and Dr. Eugenie Clark. Chances are that you may have heard of one of these famous marine biologists; however, four-year-old wish kid Colin knows them all.
Although he isn’t even in kindergarten yet, this energetic little guy is like a walking encyclopedia when it comes to all things under the sea. Diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia at 15 months old, his love of whales and marine life started at the age of two. At that time, he was already teaching his mom, Kellie, about whale sharks and sea life. Initially, she thought he was just talking about creatures that he had imagined. But it wasn’t long before she realized that he was actually stating fact, not fiction. "When he tells me something about sea life now, I believe him," said Kellie. 
It’s that love of the ocean that influenced Colin’s decision to go whale watching for his wish (our chapter’s 4,000th wish granted!).
After much anticipation—Colin would ask each and every day if today was his wish day—his magical day finally arrived. The minute he stepped off the ferry, Colin said it best when he exclaimed, "Let the games begin!" From that moment he was catapulted into celebrity status as flyers with his name, picture and wish story had been posted throughout the town. Everywhere he went, people stopped to give him the royal treatment. That VIP status continued aboard the boat when he was given a special proclamation on behalf of the Mayor, who declared it Colin’s Wish Day in Friday Harbor. Soon thereafter, his excitement peaked as the whale watching ensued aboard the San Juan Excursion’s flagship boat, "The Odyssey."
While out to sea, he and his family saw a pod of 19 orca whales, harbor seals, a bald eagle, sea lions and even two rare Minke whales.
This special day ended with a trip to the Whale Museum and a visit to the beach. Colin was as happy as a clam—or perhaps a whale!
For 23 years, the Make-A-Wish Foundation has had the privilege and honor of granting the heartfelt wishes of many children like Colin throughout our community. We’re proud that Colin’s wish marks our 4,000th wish granted and are so thankful to our community for its continued support.

Special thanks: Volunteers Kerry & Emily Volland and Susan Boothe
Thank you: San Juan Excursions, Friday Harbor Mayor David Jones, Council Woman Carrie Brooks
Video courtesy of TriFilm Productions
Photos courtesy of Suzanne Fogarty Photography 2009