We visited Orcas Island today.  I was a sailing instructor/camp counselor those years ago at Four Winds/Westward Ho summer camp on Orcas Island.  It was one of the most fun summers I ever had and way back then vowed I would come back someday and cruise the San Juan Islands.  Well, here we are.  And the good news is that Ann is loving it as much as I did those many years ago.

We’re currently still anchored in Blind Bay, Shaw Island, but just a short mile dinghy ride to Orcas Village brought me back to those years ago when I arrived via my trusty Karmann Ghia (look it up!) and departed the ferry up the steep drive into a magical summer experience.

It all came back today.  Serendipity played a part.  We were originally just going to go over and get some groceries, but once there while poking around a bit we discovered we could rent a car for a half day and drive the island.  So, without another thought, off we went in our time machine also known as a Ford Taurus.  We went to East Sound, bought some sandwiches and then drove to the top of the island; Mount Constitution – about 2000 feet or so – and got to see all the way from Vancouver, BC to, well, almost Seattle, Washington, and then some.  Tomorrow we’re going to move to West Sound and actually (hopefully) anchor by the camp.  If we can find a decent spot, it will be fun to jump in the kayaks and paddle around my old stomping grounds.  From the looks of it so far, things haven’t changed too much.

Speaking of which, that’s what Ann did today after we got back from our adventure up the mountain.  Once back on Charisma, we launched a kayak and she paddled half mile over to Blind Island for a look around.  She found eagle mania.  Check it out…

Hasn't changed much in the forty years since I first pulled in.

Some great views of Puget Sound.

Ann's conveyance, "Charismatini".

Don't know who was more surprised, Ann or these geese!

Today's EagleCam on Blind Island.