The Otter's Call

Captain Don Murray- Author of Pie in the Sky Adventures and Recipes

Last Thursday the sun peaked out and I got a call from the Otters. Now, they aren't really otters... Ken and I just call them Otters, 'cause they like to play. Today they were luring me with their siren song to the water - 'come play- come tootle around on the water with us- come out, the sun is shining!'

First Mate and Co-Author- Teri Murray

 What's an old kayak guide to do? I love the water, just being on the water, even when it's cold and raining... but, I had work to do... didn't I? Ken and I discussed it and decided that Jack, my water-loving father, would have said: 'Go! Go play on the water!'

So, down to the Dock in Deer Harbor I went, carrying my snow pants and wearing my mucklucks. Don and Teri, the Otters - had just arrived, loaded down with warm hats, scarves and hot coffee. Once again they were off on a Pie in the Sky Adventure!  This pair are professionals at having a good time, good food and good friends. Their lifetime of living and sailing on boats made my job so simple - just relax and have fun!

Off we went from Deer Harbor out towards Jones Island State Park, over to Stewart Island and then we were hailed by the friendly Coast Guard. They were out training their boys, who didn't look old enough to be out of high school, but obviously were. They put us through the routine and while hauling out life jackets and flares and important paper work, we were reminded why keeping a boat 'ship shape' is a good idea. The Fire extinguisher felt full but said empty, so we were kindly escorted to Roach Harbor. It was not until then, I thought of my camera...

Roach Harbor, San Juan Island

A nice little walk through Roach Harbor, a bit of fuel, a new fire extinguisher, and back on the water. Don was off to find his long time crab fisherman friend, hoping for a crab feed that night. He wasn't hard to find, hauling his pots right off the harbor.

Dungeness Crabs from Roach Harbor-Yum!

 Mission accomplished, we were off to return to Orcas, running ahead of the rain clouds.

And then running a bit faster...

We arrived back at the dock in Deer Harbor just as the hail began to fall.

Within an hour we were cooking crab at Don and Teri's...

What could be better than fresh crab caught hours earlier gently steamed and served with homemade cornbread?

Cracked Crab cooling with Ice Cubes

 Ken was obviously born under a lucky star, as he waits for crab found by Otters.

Looking for a slice of heaven on Orcas Island?  - give Ken a jingle at OrcasDreams - he should be working!

Gardening on Orcas Island

This may be the best spring for gardening I have ever seen on Orcas. Here are my tulips, this was taken about a week ago.. and behind the tulips are my peonies.. those bushes had as many as 75 blooms each last year!  The secret to my success.. well it's 100% pure, organic, composted Mustang Manure!  Yep, and we can supply some to you to- just give us a jingle.

See the heads coming on this Peony already?  So early, weeks early.  Back east in Ringoes I had two Peony plants they were on the south side of my home and I loved those babies, I nurtured them, I fed and watered them and they gave me about 5 or 6 blooms a year. Here on Orcas I put manure on top of almost solid clay and they flourish!

Perfect Tulips everywhere! Tulips thrive in the Pacific Northwest, that is why the Skagit is full of them, the cool nights and warm days make for perfect growing conditions and the blooms last for weeks. Today it's in the mid 60's and feels hotter in the sun. My lettuce are just starting to come up as are our beets and spinach. I have decided to only drink tea I can grow, no more imported tea, so I drink mint tea from the garden. Changes..

My peas are up and this am I ate a veggie omelet from my garden.with beet greens and chives.  If you are looking for a gardening spot on Orcas drop me a line! kate

Spring would not be complet without the return of the Hummingbirds!  Today is the birthday of my most glorious grandson Caleb. Happy Birthday dear one!  He's seven!