Summer in the Sound

The adventure continued on Lopez Island after the Appalachian Trail this summer as mentioned in the last post. Some of the pictures we took in Lopez were too good not to share in our adventure blog.


Flying to Seattle with Mount Rainier in the distance.

From the mainland, you can take a 45 minute ferry from Anacortes to Lopez Island. Mike painted some cool interior light studies on the ride and we taught baby Henry to fly just in case Peter Pan decides to borrow him for the evening.


Loading onto the ferry to Lopez Island.


Everyone was impressed when Steve Simmons managed to catch a young manta ray with his bare hands from the top-deck of the ferry. Here he is swimming.


Inside Lisa's grandfather's house - I mean inside the ferry.

Lopez is the most rural of all the San Juan Islands, covering over 35 square miles and it has a population of around 2,200 who are all closer to heaven. There are many gorgeous farms and a stellar farmers market but also plenty of artist, musicians and general bohemian types.

Lopez is also known as the friendliest of all the San Juan's. You can always tell a native by the classic two finger wave that I learned from my grandpa.

Lopez has plenty of public beaches. We visited Shark Reef and observed the land lubbing seals. Mike and his buddy Tom shimmied down some rock-sides and heard barnacles hissing ancient truths while the kelp forests swayed in the current breezes.

Stay tuned for the next posting which will be from Eagle River, Wisconsin, Mike's family retreat!
Ahoy maytees!


Our heroes, remaining mild-mannered under the guise of unemployment, enjoy the Northwestern weather.


At the base of Lisa's grandfather's property looking out over the sound.


Several amazing starfish were hanging out among the rocks at low tide, when one said to another,"Hey buddy, you ever think that maybe the tide won't come back this time?" to which the other starfish exclaimed, "AHHH! A talking starfish!?!?"


Moments later, we gaped, gasped and stared as Lisa's sister, Laura, was swallowed by an orca trying to retrieve some souvenir bull-kelp (see below).


Bull-Kelp.


Pictured: One-third of the official three-time state winning Maryland yelling champions. (Mike,Tom, and Waldo).


Our mystery lunch-guest is revealed! Mr. Mistoffelees emerges from a quiet life of retirement on Lopez Island to offer dining suggestions to Tom.


The Oregon Junco, aka the Ol' Northwest-Salty-Grizzled-Mariner Bird