Off-Season on Orcas Island

Doe Bay has a reputation as a hippie hangout, but you have to be a rich hippie it seems to enjoy the pleasures of it. And for a a rich hippie, I’ll be honest, the cabins were poorly appointed: our stove did not work, lightbulbs were missing, plugs appeared broken.

Would I go back? Yes. It is a stunning location. Sitting naked, watching the howling storm in the hot tubs for hours was about as deeply relaxed as I’ve been in the last month of stressful house hunting. We did a bit of yoga, and the cafe, though more expensive than I would have guessed before hand, was excellent.

As the sun broke on our last day, we took the drive up to the lookout at Mt. Constitution. From the top you see many of the islands, the city of Vancouver, Mt. Baker, the Olympics, and in our case, clouds below. In a state filled with amazing natural scenery, this is one of the most amazing views I’ve seen.

I’d like to get the bike up to Orcas. The roads were narrow, and are signed with bike pullouts, reminding a bit of Nova Scotia where it appears that drivers are at least used to the concept of bikes on the roads.

Weekend in the San Juans