As June draws to a close on San Juan Island, summer continues to pick up speed. Last week brought some sunny weather to the island and live music at The Doctor’s Office (a coffee shop—not an actual medical center), the Rumor Mill, and the San Juan County Fairgrounds. Cask & Schooner, a restaurant and pub in town, celebrated its grand re-opening after a multi-year hiatus, and downtown Friday Harbor was abuzz this weekend with visitors who’d come over on the ferry. We here at Outdoor Odysseys are just as excited as the visitors that the season has begun. This Saturday…
Island Visitors
Article about San Juan wildlife from the Seattle Times, brought to you by the folks at Outdoor Odysseys Kayak Tours.
A Day with the Whales: An Interview with an Outdoor Odysseys Guide
This afternoon I sat down with second-year guide Will Bingaman to talk with him about a trip he led earlier this week. Like most of our one-day trips at Outdoor Odysseys, the trip launched from San Juan County Park on the west side of the island, went south to Deadman’s Bay where the group stopped for lunch, and back north to the county park. Will met his four guests at the Friday Harbor ferry terminal on the morning of the trip. Two were from Australia, two from Chicago, and all had been sea kayaking before, though never in the San Juan Islands.
Southern Resident Orca Whales
The Orca, also known as the “killer whale”, is the largest species of the oceanic dolphin family (Family Delphinidae). This toothed predator is one of the most widely distributed sea mammals on earth, and can be found in all of the world’s oceans. Fortunately, Outdoor Odysseys offers eco-friendly kayak tours in one of the world’s best orca whale watching areas
San Juan Islands Wildlife and Marine Mammals
The inland waters of Washington are one of the richest marine environment in the world. It has been heralded as the second most amazing place to scuba dive in the world….second only because of the chilly 48 degree waters!
Stuart Island Apple Pear Crisp
One of the northernmost islands we paddle on our tours, Stuart Island is only accessible by boat. The island boasts numerous rocky, forested coves and inlets, sweeping views and numerous bald eagle nests. We use our trusty Dutch oven to bake this delicious dessert but you may also use your oven at home. Fruit 8 apples, unpeeled, cored & sliced 3 ripe pears, sliced and cored brown sugar (or maple syrup) 2 t. of vanilla cinnamon and nutmeg to taste Crisp Topping 2 C. flour 1 stick butter 2 C. oatmeal 1/2 C packed brown sugar (or maple syrup) Cream…
Jones Island Smoked Salmon Pesto Linguine
Another jewel in the Washington State Parks system, we frequent Jones Island on our 5-day “Eagles and Orcas” tours. Home of bald eagles and river otter as well as harbor seals and Dall’s porpoise, it boasts some of the most scenic campsites in the islands. It also has a species of prickly pear cactus – a true indication of the rain shadow effect of the islands. This entree is also a superb vegetarian meal – just omit the smoked salmon. Linguine noodles (3 oz./person) garlic 4 zukes 2 red or yellow peppers (not green -we’re looking for color here, folks!)…
Mexican Bean Salad
3-4 cans of black beans 2 cans of corn 1/2 red onion or 1 small Left over cabbage 2-3 roma tomatoes 1-2 cans of chilies 1-2 cans of black olives Cumin Chili powder Tapatio sauce Salt and pepper 1/2 lb. cheddar cheese 1/2 lb. Jalapeno cheese 1 jar of salsa 1-pint sour cream 1/2 tortilla per person Drain beans and corn. Chop veggies. Stir together with chilies, olives and spices. Serve on tortillas with cheeses, salsa and sour cream.
Greek Salad
3-4 cucumbers 4-5 stalks of celery 4-5 roma tomatoes 1 red onion 2-3 red, yellow or orange peppers 2 packages of feta cheese 1 can of Kalamata olives Dried thyme 3-4 limes 1/2 piece of pita bread per person Chop veggies. Drain olives and mix with vegetables and add crumbled feta cheese. Mix lime juice with thyme and stir into other ingredients. Serve on pita with fruit and cookies.
When is the best time of year for kayaking in the San Juan Islands?
With over 17 hours of sunlight, 70-degree days with a cool ocean breeze, and an abundance of migrating wildlife; it’s no wonder why summer is the most popular time to visit Friday Harbor and San Juan Island. Nestled in the rain shadow of the Olympic mountains, the island gets less than 24 inches of rain annually (with less than 6 of that falling in the summer months), making this climate arid enough for prickly pear cactus to grow on some of the islands. Summer new and full moons boast over 11- foot tidal exchanges, creating remarkably low tides that…