Orcas Island Washington State
Summers in Texas are brutal. The heat index last week was 107. Yikes! It’s a bit cooler this week, but anyone who’s lived here for more than a year knows it will be back in the 100s soon. I figure it’s the price we pay for our gloriously long and beautiful falls and springs, and our short, usually-mild, winters. That’s not much comfort in July and August, however, and every summer since I’ve been here (10 now), I swear that “next” summer I’m going somewhere north.
Well, this year, I’m finally doing it. I’m heading to Orcas Island in the San Juan Islands off the coast of Washington State. I’m going with another writer and we’re going to spend two weeks writing, researching, and brainstorming.
I’m so excited about this, and I’m hoping someone here either lives or has been there to give us some tips: where to go, what to see, what definitely not to miss. So chime in below and let me know. Also, I’d love to hear what everyone else is doing to stay cool.
Pat Keelyn
P.S. Take a look at this place. Is it gorgeous or not? And can you imagine a better place to finish and polish a book? BTW — my first suspense novel, Blind Run, written under the name Patricia Lewin, spent a lot of time in the San Juan Islands.
Kayaking there is fabulous, but don’t stray too far from shore especially if the tide is going out (and don’t forget to wear a life jacket). Hike Mountain Lake Loop, the Cascades Falls Trail or Turtleback Mountain and be prepared to be awed! Check out Orcas Island Pottery if you would like a little (or big) souvenir to take home. If you enjoy sailing, Deer Harbor is the place to go to check that out. Bring a rain jacket (not an umbrella) and warmer clothes as the temps will max out in the 70s (they are currently in the 60s), it rains frequently (or mists) more often than not! Have fun and relax in the cooler temperatures of this little slice of heaven in the Evergreen State!
Susan, do you live on the island? I love these suggestions — especially the hiking and pottery store. I lived in Oregon for about four years, and so I’m looking forward to getting back to the NW — if even for a couple of weeks.