Fighting for Survival in the Salish Sea

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1 Fighting for Survival in the Salish Sea South Whidbey Island Waterfall Resort Pacific Northwest Weather Patterns Cruising the Kenai USD $6.95 CAN $7.95 Holidays Island Style Holiday Gift Guide

2 Holidays Island Style 62 HARBORS

Experience the San Juans Holiday Spirit by Deane Hislop In the San Juan Islands, holiday celebrations are a blend of smalltown sensibility harkening back to a simpler time with the creative energy of

From the third week in November until the first of the year, visitors can take part in seaside village lightings, sing along to carols, and sip hot cocoa.

3 Experience the San Juans Holiday Spirit by Deane Hislop In the San Juan Islands, holiday celebrations are a blend of smalltown sensibility harkening back to a simpler time with the creative energy of communities rich in tradition and talent. It s an ideal time to leave the malls and crowds behind, and jump on a boat or seaplane to experience the holidays island style. From the third week in November until the first of the year, visitors can take part in seaside village lightings, sing along to carols, and sip hot cocoa. They can also shop for island art, crafts and foods at holiday bazaars, art galleries, boutiques and bookstores. Watch the colorful Christmas ships and excited children as Santa steps off the boat. Attend a holiday concert and enjoy the unique island holiday traditions. For us, there is no better way to enjoy the holidays than aboard a boat. Arlene and I have spent many past holidays aboard Easy Goin and the last couple years we have enjoyed Thanksgiving at Rosario Resort & Spa and Friday Harbor, the tree lighting and gift shopping in Friday Harbor, and celebrated New Year s Eve at the Islander Resort and Rosario Resort & Spa. Gone is the summer weather with the large crowds replaced with a small seaside village atmosphere and cooler temperatures. The Seaplane and Boating Destination Magazine HARBORS 63

In Roche Harbor, walk the grounds and docks at dusk to see the resort s buildings and

In the gardens, a six-foottall snowman glows and motion detectors bring to life

In the morning the docks may be covered with a frost that crunches with every step.

4 In Roche Harbor, walk the grounds and docks at dusk to see the resort s buildings and boats decorated with holiday lights. In the gardens, a six-foottall snowman glows and motion detectors bring to life otherwise motionless small dancing snowmen singing Jingle Bells. In the morning the docks may be covered with a frost that crunches with every step. On the hill above the marina is the majestic and historic Our Lady of Good Voyage Chapel, whose bells ring out Christmas carols over the harbor. 64 HARBORS

At Friday Harbor, spend the day visiting the many gift shops, art galleries featuring local artists and native art, clothing, books and wine shops that are spread throughout this charming seaside

At dusk, Spring Street, Friday Harbor s main throughfare, comes alive with twinkling lights, snowflakes hanging from streetlights, colored lights in the windows and a larger than life NOEL sign on

On the way back down the dock, take some time to view the many boats decorated with Christmas lights. Their reflection in the water enhances the enchantment.

5 At Friday Harbor, spend the day visiting the many gift shops, art galleries featuring local artists and native art, clothing, books and wine shops that are spread throughout this charming seaside community. At dusk, Spring Street, Friday Harbor s main throughfare, comes alive with twinkling lights, snowflakes hanging from streetlights, colored lights in the windows and a larger than life NOEL sign on the roof. The only thing missing from the holiday scene is snow, a long shot in the San Juan Islands where the December temperatures average 46 degrees. On the way back down the dock, take some time to view the many boats decorated with Christmas lights. Their reflection in the water enhances the enchantment. There is no shortage of Friday Harbor establishments ringing in the New Year with celebrations such as the American Legion Hall, Herb s Tavern, Rumor Mill and The Blue Water Bar & Grill to name a few. SAN JUAN ISLAND EVENTS: Nov. 23 & 24 San Juan Island Artisan Holiday Marketplace (Friday Harbor) Dec. 1 San Juan Community Theater Holiday Festival (Friday Harbor) Dec. 1 Island Lights Festival (Friday Harbor) Dec. 8 Brickworks Old-Fashion Christmas Market (Friday Harbor) Dec. 8 & 9 San Juan Singers Holiday Concert (Friday Harbor) Dec. 8 Roche Harbor Village Christmas Block Party Dec. 15 & 16 Salish Sea Ballet s Nutcracker Tea Party (Friday Harbor) Dec. 31 New Year s at Roche Harbor The Seaplane and Boating Destination Magazine HARBORS 65

Reservations are required for this popular island event. LOPEZ ISLAND EVENTS: Nov. 23 Lopez Village Holiday Lighting & Gathering Nov.

6 Lopez Village, Lopez Island, also gets into the holiday spirit with the village lit up with Christmas lights and its celebratory festivities. Down in Fisherman Bay, the Lopez Islander Resort is also decorated in the holiday spirit. They host a New Year s Eve dinner and party, with live music. Reservations are required for this popular island event. LOPEZ ISLAND EVENTS: Nov. 23 Lopez Village Holiday Lighting & Gathering Nov. 24 Jingle Bell Dinner Nov. 24 Lopez Preschool Annual Holiday Bazaar Dec. 15 Winter Solstice Concert Dec. 31 New Year s Eve Dinner and Party at Islander Resort & Marina 66 HARBORS

Orcas Island has no shortage of its own holiday events. A full calendar of activities takes place in the seaside village of Eastsound and at Rosario Resort and Spa.

The memorable meals featured seasonal vegetables, meats (including the turkey) and seafood from local farms and in-house baked desserts.

Dine, Play, Stay and Live. ORCAS ISLAND EVENTS: Nov. 22 Thanksgiving Buttet Dec. 1 & 2 Eastsound Artisan s Faire Dec. 1-31 Rosario Resort Festival of Trees Dec.

24 & 25 Rosario Resort Christmas Eve prix fixe menu Dinner with optional wine pairing Dec. 25 Rosario Resort Christmas Day prix fixe menu Dinners with optional wine pairing Dec.

7 Orcas Island has no shortage of its own holiday events. A full calendar of activities takes place in the seaside village of Eastsound and at Rosario Resort and Spa. Last year, we enjoyed delicious Thanksgiving buffet prepared by Rosario Resort s Executive Chef Raymond Southern and his team. The memorable meals featured seasonal vegetables, meats (including the turkey) and seafood from local farms and in-house baked desserts. We enjoyed the Thanksgiving experience so much, we returned for the New Year s Eve Buffet and celebration and enjoyed it as well. Reservations are suggested for both events. Dine, Play, Stay and Live. ORCAS ISLAND EVENTS: Nov. 22 Thanksgiving Buttet Dec. 1 & 2 Eastsound Artisan s Faire Dec Rosario Resort Festival of Trees Dec. 7 Eastsound Holiday Celebration & Tree Lighting Dec. 8 & 9 Rosario Resort Holiday Open House with complimentary cookies and cider Dec. 24 & 25 Rosario Resort Christmas Eve prix fixe menu Dinner with optional wine pairing Dec. 25 Rosario Resort Christmas Day prix fixe menu Dinners with optional wine pairing Dec. 31 Rosario Resort New Year s Eve Gala Seafood Buffet with celebratory champagne Dec. 31 Rosario Resort New Year s Eve Party Jan. 1 Rosario Resort New Year s Day Brunch The holiday season is a wonderful time in the San Juan Islands. For a complete list of holiday activities and where to moor your vessel, check out: visitsanjuans.com lopezfun.com portfridayharbor.org rocheharbor.com rosarioresort.com The Seaplane and Boating Destination Magazine HARBORS 67

JOYFUL CELEBRATIONS ON AN ISLAND PARADISE.

JOYFUL CELEBRATIONS ON AN ISLAND PARADISE. Let the festive season fill you with joy and share moments of Christmas spirit as you join us for a variety of celebrations. SWITCH ON THE CELEBRATIONS. You are