Fragrance of fir and moss, mingled to perfection; owl calls, breaking the silence of the nights; quaint harbors; curious seals; soaring eagles; the smell of bonfires, kindhearted souls. The memories I take from the five weeks I spent on Orcas Island are special. This was my first visit to the west coast, so I experienced the vigor of exploring unfamiliar ecosystems and connected with nature in unique ways.

Kayaking the clear, cold waters along the rugged shores, and the intimidation of knowing one mishap could mean a struggle to survive; hiking the moss-covered trails, and the tininess of being dwarfed by the towering, old-growth firs; and connecting with the community, and the peace and quiet of rural living.

Taking a break from kayaking along the west shore.

Blood star

Sea anemone

The peeling bark of a Madrona tree

Turtlehead Trail on Turtleback Mountain

Banana slug

A group of kayakers on Point Doughty, a park accessible only by paddling

Sunset near East Sound

Kayaking along the west shore

West Sound Harbor

A view from Deer Harbor

A dock at West Sound

Buddha in a blanket

Sunset view from the west shore