Our last day on Orcas Island. Sunday morning was misty with occasional rain. Our plan was to have breakfast on our balcony, pack-up, and then go back to Eastsound to the bookstore before getting on the ferry for our return to the mainland. We had fresh squeezed orange juice, a yogurt parfait with strawberries and granola, pumpkin bread and scones. The Blue Heron Bed & Breakfast had been a wonderful home away from home. I know Carrol and Bogdan are looking to retire and have their beautiful home up for sale. I hope someone as friendly, professional, and accommodating buy it and run it as well as they do.
We were finally packed, car loaded, dogs in the car. Even though it was misting, the drive into town through the farmlands and woodland areas was beautiful.
This intriguing wind catcher hung between two trees by the side of the road. I thought it was very pretty and unique.
I am obsessed with taking pictures of old-fashioned school houses. This one was converted into the Deer Harbor Community Club building several years ago.
We were busy packing so we didn’t make it into town to attend the Emmanuel Episcopal Church. Combining the location at the edge of the Salish Sea, the historic building itself, plus the labyrinth makes this one of the most beautiful small churches I’ve ever seen. On my next trip to Orcas Island, I definitely will make time to attend this church. 
Next to the church is the labyrinth. This is a walking path for prayer and meditation and is a metaphor for walking the path of life.
Most of the stores were closed that we walked past; it was Sunday after all. There was a pet store that looked really fun, a health market and a bike shop that I would like to visit next time.
The Orcas Island Historical Museum was closed, but we peaked in the window. It looked like a nice museum with very unique and interesting artifacts from life on the island.
In the same area are two works of art. The great blue heron has a boy & girl and a raven carved into her back. In her mouth is a “red-hot rock.” This sculpture, depicting the Tlingit folklore of Creation, was carved by Tod Spaldi. It was bought and anonymously given to the historical society. Another carving, this of a totem pole, has been lovingly restored.
On this same common ground is “Stage on the Green.” This was a year-long project that was locally designed, built and sourced from the island. Even the huge timbers came from the island. What a wonderful place to watch a performance.
A beautiful, tranquil nature preserve is to the back.
It was continuing to rain and we were getting chilly. We took the path back to the main street heading for something warm to drink at the Darvill’s Bookstore.
Jenny Pederson bought the bookstore from her parents in 1985. They had purchased it in 1972 as a gift store and then later turned it into a bookstore. Jenny’s daughter, now 23, also helps out in the bookstore when she comes home from school. I just love a family owned business passed down through the years! In the back of the bookstore is a delightful, and very popular, coffee shop. Customers peruse through books while sipping a tasty drink curled up on the couch or at one of the tables. I ordered a hot chia tea latte with coconut milk. It warmed me right up!
The huge window in the children’s book area and the window behind the barista’s counter frame an ever changing picture of the Salish Sea, sea lions, soaring eagles and kayakers out exploring the bay. If I ever decide to pursue the life of a barista, I want to work here!
Our “Girl’s Weekend Out” on Orcas Island had been delightful. The escape from life’s normal hectic pace, had given us a respite of peace and tranquility in a place of astounding beauty. It was time to load onto the ferry and sit back to enjoy passing the pretty islands on our trip back to the mainland.
