We went to Orcas Island again this year over the Labor Day weekend. We stayed at the same place we stayed last year in Eastsound. It's a little condo. The place has a pool, hot tubs, tennis court and is right on the beach.
It's beautiful and we wished we had a boat so we could use their slip. This is the view from the North end of the Island facing West. Way beyond the furthest mountain is Vancouver BC. I love this little island. If I could live here I would, but I don't see that happening any time soon...ahhh, well.
We did some fun things this year. We went swimming every day even though the water was freezing. That never stopped Alex who, it would seem, has an affinity to pain. Isn't he so cool in this picture? Totally awesome, right?
We went hiking and I was so thrilled to be able to join in. This is the first time I could do it in 6 years, since my feet have been bad. My feet didn't hurt! Yay, for Dr. Blahous!! I even wore my flip-flops and was fine even after 3 miles! I've come full circle it would seem!! This is my feet after the hike. Dirty, I know, but I'm wearing my sister Jenny's shoes that I found at my mom's house this summer and then stole. It was fun to think she was walking there with me. She would have loved it there. Sorry Mom (but not really)!! Isaac was his typical self on the hike. We had to do so fancy talking to get him to finish it. He was not impressed, but we had fun! He looks like he's in pain here, because, according to him, he is in pain. 
Olivia, Isaac and I did some beach combing. Livi loved finding shells, cool rocks and other interesting things. 
We also went whale watching again this year. I think I'm addicted the adrenaline of seeing them in the wild. While we were on the boat watching a pod of whales forage for salmon, all of a sudden a female orca came up and swam directly under the boat! When she came up for air just 10 or 15 feet from where I was standing I was able to get a quick shot of her swimming away. The captain of the boat, who's been doing this for 20 years, said he has only seen that happen once or twice. She literally came out of nowhere and it was really surreal to see her body so close underneath the boat. It was amazing!
I can't wait to go back next summer. It's kind of our family tradition we started and I hope we can do it for a long time. Here's some more pictures of the trip:
