Around the rock….

Relaxing on the bench at Spring Street & First Street in Friday Harbor....

Let’s see what’s going on ’round here….

• It’s finally here – Relay for Life kicks off Saturday at the high school track, with a pretty good early week weather report (last year’s thunderstorms kinda make you look, right?) for the weekend. See you there, to cheer for the survivors and to remember.

Bonnie on the run at last year's Wags to Riches....

• Wags to Riches! It’s this weekend with a live band (The Fabulous Rhythmatics) – here’s more from this Bob about the Animal Shelter’s biggest fundraiser:

Bonnie shows off…she and other top canine talent will be featured this Sunday at the Animal Shelter’s Sixth Annual Wags to Riches fund raiser, which will again be held at the home and beautiful grounds of Bob and Lissa McDowell.

For the first time the event will also feature dancing to a live band, along with a gourmet dinner, wine and live and silent auctions.  Tickets are $75 per person, and are available at the shelter, 378-2158.

You know Amanda at Islanders Bank? Those are her cute toes, last night. She & Nate Smith are set to get married next month....

• Captains’ training: It starts in September, but it’s time to sign up now – Capt. Richard Rodriguez still has room in his class for training to become a captain. Here’s more from his website, and how to sign up.

And… Richard is underway this morning doing a story with KOMO 4 TV about Huckleberry Island – here’s more on that.

• Tidepooling with the National Park Service! Ranger Kelsey Kennedy has more:

The National Park Service will be leading several tide pool walks throughout the rest of the summer. The schedule is as follows: July 26 at 9 am, Aug. 10 at 10 am, Aug. 25 at 10 am, Sept. 6 at 9 am, and Sept. 20 at 10 am.

It's always cool to see Rene's bright smile at Market Chef each day....

Walks meet in the American Camp parking lot and include a half-mile hike to Grandma’s Cove. Raena Parsons, a recent graduate in Outdoor Recreation from Eastern Washington University, will discuss the various life forms found in the intertidal zone and give attendees the opportunity to explore the tide pools for themselves. Magnifying glasses, guidebooks, and other tools will be available to aid in individual exploration.

Grandma’s Cove provides an enjoyable experience for all interest levels due to its rocky outcroppings, protected waters, and sandy beach. Intertidal species commonly found at Grandma’s Cove include anemones, tide pool sculpin, mussels, shore crabs, hermit crabs, barnacles, and various seaweeds.

“Tide pooling is a great way to get out and enjoy the diversity of ecosystems that the national park has to offer,” Parsons said.

Walks run about an hour and a half, are free, and open to the public. Wear sturdy footwear and bring water and sunscreen.

For more information contact Parsons via email at [email protected].

Gretchen (left) is working at Whidbey Island Bank AND the Visitors Bureau, with Robin Jacobson

• Robin at the San Juan Islands Visitors’ Bureau has some more help – here’s the scoop (I saw her & Gretchen at last week’s Chamber of Commerce meeting, which was held at Naknek Charters & San Juan Marine. It’s a great opportunity for her to learn from one of the best marketing people around:

A new employee has joined the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau as the part time marketing assistant. Many islanders know Gretchen Staehlin from her other job at Whidbey Island Bank. She is an active member of Soroptimist and the Whidbey Island Bank’s Relay for Life team captain. She graduated in 2003 from Friday Harbor High School and got her B.A. in Sociology from Western Washington University in Bellingham.

I love the sign at Friday Harbor Espresso....

• Quote for the day: ‎”Land was created to provide a place for boats to visit.” – Brooks Atkinson

• There is still room at camp, but this is a great time to sign up! Here’s more from Bill & Rita:

Hi, Ian,
Hope all is well and you are enjoying the summer!  We have 2 day camps left: Camp Shining Sun (July 26-29) and Camp Sun, Moon & Stars (August 2-5).  Here’s more info on our website: amentsummercamp.com. Hope to see you soon!
Have fun!
Bill & Rita

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