Spring has Sprung on Orcas Island - Finally!

2011-04-23T15:03:00.000-07:00

Blame it on groundhogs, La Nina, or "inconvenient truths." Whatever the reason, Spring has taken its sweet time arriving this year. But now that it's here, oh, how sweet it is! The sun is out and the thermometer is inching toward 60-degrees. Flowers are blooming, birds are chirping, lambs are frolicking, and we saw one of the first fawns of the season just yesterday. It's enough to make a Disney movie jealous.

One of our favorite things about Spring is the first Farmer's Market, which starts on Saturday, May 7th, on the Village Green. Most of the island is bound to turn out to pick up plant starts for their gardens, buy some fresh baby greens for dinner, meet old friends for lunch at one of the delicious food vendors, and find that perfect last minute Mother's Day gift for Mom. Thank goodness we're just a short walk from the Green - no need to find a parking spot!

Another favorite thing to do this time of year: Whale Watching! The Orcas have been very active around the San Juans early this Spring, and we trust that to be a sign of good things to come this season. There are also Gray Whales, Humpbacks, and Minkes in the area this time of year. As always, Outer Island Expeditions offers 10% off to all guests of the Eastsound Landmark Inn.

And if we had to choose one more favorite thing about this time of year (we'll make it quick... I think I hear Julie Andrews humming in the background!) it would be that the summer crowds have not yet arrived. Don't get us wrong - Summer is a fun-filled, and exciting time out in the islands, with warm temperatures, music and art festivals, and many great adventures to be had. But there's something to be said for having Crescent Beach all to yourself, hiking to the top of Turtleback Mountain and not seeing another human soul, or being the only kayaker in Echo Bay. Aaaahh, Spring...Finally...

Eastsound Landmark Inn, Orcas Island

Spring has Sprung on Orcas Island - Finally!