Trip Report

The 39 participants made this multi-sport mini-camp a smashing success! Twenty-four kayaking, biking, and hiking trips were led during the four full days we spent at the Moran Environmental Learning Center on Orcas Island– wow! In addition, most folks attended an informative and interesting organ concert and slide show at Rosario’s Resort. And most watched the sunset from the top of Mt. Constitution on the Solstice; five folks woke up at 4:30am to watch the sunrise. Sleep was generally in short supply for most of the trip!

Some of the highlights:
- the ferry journeys to/from Anacortes and Orcas, Lopez, and San Juan islands
- stretching our limits by biking or paddling longer and harder than we usually do
- hiking Turtleback Mountain and in Moran State park
- the panoramas from mountain tops: many, many islands in the San Juans
- the wildlife: sea creatures, many eagles, herons, a fox, raccoon, orcas, swallows
- learning about the history of the San Juan Islands – lime kilns were important
- visiting various artists’ facilities on both Orcas and San Juan Islands
- seeing orcas from the ferry and the San Juan Island shore
- exploring the historical sites on San Juan Island - English and American camps, Lime Kiln State Park, and the area around Roche Harbor, including multi-million yachats
- watching 5 hungry baby swallows fed by their parents right outside the dining room
- the gentle doe who regularly wandered around our camp
- kayaking, canoeing, or swimming at the nearby lake
- seeing the sun rise and the sun set on the Solstice
- presentation by Marta, Friends of Moran State Park on the history and importance of the Salish Sea
- fabulous dinners prepared by Scott and Mandy Gilbert: wild salmon, vegetarian lasagna, fajitas, meatloaf/lentil loaf, and pizza
- access to a walk-in refrigerator and freezer; breakfasts, lunches, and cold drinks were easy

Thanks very much to the leaders who coordinated so many trips, especially those leading for the first time: Barb Beard, Anne Bonine, Jake Bradshaw, Margaret Essenberg, Richard Essenberg, Joella Ewing, Betsy Halpern, Scott Hovis, Richard Hughes, Janet Jacobsen, Daphne James, Diane Jeffcott, Brenda Kameenui, Lana Lindstrom, Lynn Meacham, Randy Sinnott, Diane Schechter, and Sam Tracer.

A huge thanks to the folks willing to be “leads” and work every day: Jorry Rolfe and her helpers for purchasing and setting out hors d’oeuvres; Darlene Mancuso – morning dishwashing; Barb Beard – evening dishwashing; Judy Ness - setting up and serving dinner; Richard Hughes – Java Brewmaster; and Sam Tracer – providing the wood and maintaining the camp fire.