The little foodie we were hanging with suggested we stop for a bite to eat along the way. You know what is really cool? Hanging out with like minded foodie people! No debate about whether to hit Subway or McD's. Not feeling awkward or uncomfortable about how you feel about food and having to explain that you just really can't stop at Taco Bell. I don't know...maybe it's just in our genes, but finding out the little cuzzies were all on the same page was an amazing surprise! It was even more fun that I didn't have to make any decisions at all! Little Foodie pulled into the parking lot of a really special food co-op in Skagit Valley. I'm jealous of food co-ops. We don't have those in my world. I've been to them in a few other states and longed for such a shopping experience. I understand there is one in the works in the big city I live by. It's been in the planning stage for several years now. I haven't given up hope. And so, we hopped out of the car and headed into this delightful co-op for a tasty lunch at the deli.
http://skagitfoodcoop.com/
After enjoying a leisurely lunch and snoop around this fun market we headed on our way. (While we were there I decided I want one of those stone crocks for water dispensing in my kitchen!) Stay tuned...
When you get to the ferry dock all the cars line up single file. Since you are going to wait for awhile everyone gets out of their cars and just hangs around until they call your ferry.
Um...does this look like weather you'd expect in the Northwest? Just sayin...
It was kind of exciting when it was time to board the boat. We drove on in the car. You can also walk on or take your bike on. Lots of people did that as well.
How 'bout those views people?! Really, I've never seen anything quite like it. I live in a desert!
We loved the ferry ride and the views and the cool fresh air. Could we have asked for better weather? Nope...
Getting off the ferry was easy and convenient. I was impressed with the ferry system. I'd do it again anytime! Bonus...the home we were "reunioning" in was really close to the ferry dock. We drove off the ferry, up a beautiful tree lined road and quickly turned down a foliage lined dirt road to our home for the next couple of days...
From our deck we could watch the subsequent ferries come and go. In the mornings when it was foggy we would wake to their fog horns blowing. I loved it!
More spectacular views from our deck. And, yes, that was OUR fire pit for our stay.
After we arrived and got unloaded and comfy we decided to dig in to some of our booty from Pike Place Market. A quick and tasty dinner was made with our chicken and cheese tamales. Topped with the bright red spicy salsa. The rental owners also comped us a bottle of wine. Well...we think they did and so we drank it regardless ;) Just a fun little tip for rental owners...when in Washington please provide wine from Washington! We aren't really complaining, but California wine? Ah well...it hit the spot with that yummy Mexican feast. I also broke out the little box of French macaroons. I should have bought more...:(
The next morning we headed into town to check stuff out...what a beautiful and quaint little island.
Booyah! What a fun surprise. Driving along the winding road we saw this little egg stand. There was a dozen fresh, free range and organic eggs just waiting for us! Just put some money in the box and headed off with our loot. How cool is that? I pretty much loved everything about this. It made my morning.
We ended up at this scrumptious little bakery. It didn't disappoint. I was a huge fan of the almond butter horns. (Yes, I made a few trips to this bakery while on the island...you would have, too!)
http://www.hollybsbakery.com/
Check out their website. There is a really great scone recipe you make with honey!
http://isabelsespresso.com/
We also visited this espresso cafe several times. You have to. You are in the Northwest. It is required you drink delicious comforting caffeinated drinks whenever available. Isabel's did not disappoint. The gentleman in line behind me said, "it's the best coffee joint on the islands". Good enough for me! Again, the barista makes the fancy little cream patterns on top of your beverage. Did you notice on their website everything is organic? This island is sooooo cool! Why isn't it like this everywhere?
You know what else? We had a great time cooking all of our fabulous food from Pike Place. We snacked on the freakishly good cheese and crackers from the cheese store and enjoyed the juicy colored grapes. We made the lovely brown eggs for breakfast and scrambled them up with chopped up leftover tamales and salsa. We rubbed and grilled our very own whole salmon on soaked cedar planks. We added fresh pasta dishes and fresh veggies we picked up at the local farmers market right on Lopez Island. We had a baked zucchini casserole with nothing but olive oil, butter, seasoning and zucchini. We sauteed the most amazing multicolored long beans we discovered walking among the booths. We grilled up the hand fashioned sausage links and added them to a fresh tomato marinara sauce we tossed with bow tie noodles. Was it hard or tedious or time consuming? Nope...it was easy and fun and fabulous.
Oh...what else would you expect? Of course there is a vineyard using organically grown grapes! Yep...you can do a wine tasting right in the little town.
We didn't just eat the whole time either! We explored and hiked and visited and giggled and stayed up till all hours. Just as a reunion should be...
The sprout had a great time as well. Nothing more fun than throwing pebbles in the water and looking at the little schools of fish.
Tide pools!
Local color! A great vibe on this island. (yes, that's a port-a-potty!)
A view from the top of the island. Beautiful...
And, a teeny sprout discovering a big wide world full of beauty and magic. I really, really want her to live in a peaceful world. I want her to have good clean food and bees and butterflies. I want her healthy and happy and joyful just like she is now. I'm willing to do whatever I can to make it a reality.
A sign hanging on the bakery wall on Lopez Island...of course.
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