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…
When is the best time to see whales in the San Juan Islands?
The southern resident pods of Orca whales currently number over 80 individually identified whales in three separate pods. They are generally found in the San Juan and Canadian Gulf Islands between May and October when salmon, their primary prey, come from the ocean to spawn in either the Fraser River or the rivers of the Puget Sound. Late May, June and early July is the best month for seeing these magnificent creatures. However, mid to late July, August and September can also provide great opportunities for seeing Orcas. Last year the Orcas were making semi-regular appearances through mid-October. Ya never…
I have never kayaked before, is that going to be a problem?
No experience is necessary! Beginners are welcome on all of our Eagles & Orcas tours. Your safety is our number one priority. We use very stable double kayaks that tend to be wider and much more stable than single kayaks. We employ mature, seasoned guides who will give you a very thorough on-land orientation before you start your trip. You will learn the basics of kayak paddling including how to steer and fit the boat. We won’t get on the water until everybody feels comfortable with ocean kayaking techniques. Throughout your kayak trip, your guide is always there to give…
Are there age limits for your kayak trips?
We tend to approach the age topic on a case-by-case basis since not all folks have generic body sizes and capacities for activity. As a general rule, 13 to 14-year-olds are able to paddle the double sea kayaks. However, it really does depend on the individual. We have also taken paddlers out as old as 82. We have several triple kayaks that hold three people. In this case, we could put a younger person in the center cockpit, with the forward and aft cockpits occupied by older, more competent paddlers. We have taken out kids as young as 8 on…
Are the whales aggressive and will they tip or capsize my kayak?
While the name “Killer Whale” is a rather disturbing title, (trust me on this, I would not want to be a salmon in the water when they are around) they have shown no aggression toward humans. In the many years Outdoor Odysseys has been running sea kayaking tours on the west side, with literally hundreds of guests, we have never had any incident where the whales tipped over, breached, or made any antagonistic move towards our kayaks. Over the years many of our guests have had the thrill of their lives when whales have passed sometimes within 10 yards of…