Like new electric range, Bissell carpet cleaning machine, deep Fiberglas bath tub, antique pump organ w/hutch, Christmas items, boating items (flares, dinghy fenders, line, etc.), men’s shoes (size 13 in good condition), women’s clothing, Tupperware, books, queen bed frame, queen headboard, sheets, towels, small furniture, movies, kids’ Keens and Bogs, bedding and miscellaneous interesting things.

Come see! Directions from Friday Harbor: Take Guard Street past OPALCO.

Take the next right turn at the Foxhall sign onto Kelsando Circle.

Drive around the circle to shop at multiple sales.

Saturday, July 23 from 8 am to noon.

This just in from the Town of Friday Harbor.  Tucker Avenue will be closed tomorrow, Thursday July 21.  Local access will be interrupted…

Road Closed

Tucker Avenue Reconstruction Project – Phase 1

Project task(s): The Contractor will pour concrete curb and gutter on both sides of the street. Crews will start with street intersections, then proceed to driveway entrances in preparation for new sidewalk.

Local Access Interruptions: Residents and businesses are asked to anticipate a single interruption to vehicle access lasting approximately 3 to 4 hours. This interruption will occur during regular construction hours as crews work past driveway entrances. The Town or Contractor will attempt to notify effected building occupants at least one hour prior.

Please prepare for this interruption by moving your vehicle outside of the construction zone. Work will occur as quickly as possible. Cement will require a minimum of 2 hours to dry and cure. The Contractor will install ramps when and where possible.

Street Closure: Tucker Avenue will be temporarily closed throughout the day on Thursday, July 21, 2016 between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. for equipment operation. Southbound traffic should anticipate 20-minute delays when open.

Detour: Traffic will be rerouted using Harbor Avenue, in addition to the established detour route. Flaggers will advise drivers when use of Harbor Street is appropriate. Vehicles are asked to help ease congestion by using the detour route.

Male Western Bluebird (Sialia mexicana) – Contributed Photo

A note from the Library…

Don’t miss out on this informative introduction to birdwatching in the San Juans, July 20 at 7 pm. We will also launch our Library birdwatching backpack kits, replete with field guide and binoculars. So fly on down to the library tonight!

News from SJCT…

Canadian Trio Tiller’s Folly – Contributed Photo

Acoustic powerhouse trio Tiller’s Folly brings their Celtic and roots styles to San Juan Community Theatre on Saturday, July 23 at 7:30 p.m.

For more than a decade, this Canadian group-turned-historians has been producing original music and memorable live performances across many states, provinces and countries—making their mark in the progressive roots movement. Peter North of the Edmonton Journal calls the group “a national treasure.” The group’s latest CD, Stirring Up Ghosts, was nominated by the Western Canadian Music Awards for Best Roots Duo/Group Recording of the Year.

The trio features vocals and classic songwriting from Bruce Coughlan; virtuoso musical layers by award-winning multi-instrumentalist, Nolan Murray; and a driving foundation laid down by bassist vocalist, Laurence Knight. More information on the artists is available at www.tillersfolly.com.

The Business Partner for Tiller’s Folly is Heritage Bank. Tickets are $22 for adults and $11 for student reserved: $5 student RUSH is available at the door. The SJCT box office is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to

2 p.m. Tickets may also be purchased on-line at www.sjctheatre.org

Sheila Harley from San Juan Island Fire & Rescue sends us this profile of volunteer firefighter Dan Tracy…

Dan Tracy Volunteer Firefighter – Sheila Harley Photo

Firefighter Dan Tracy finally settled at the South end of San Juan Island in 1998 with his wife Sandie. Their two children were already grown and on their own.

Dan received his Masters Degree from San Jose State College and Naval Postgraduate School in California and was well aware of  San Juan Island because he was a Commissioned Officer and physical oceanographer scientist for NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) who’s job consisted of taking readings of the tide flow in the area of Puget Sound, contributing to the development of the Tide and Current Tables  that so many Islanders use on a regular basis.

After working for NOAA for 21 years Dan retired in 1993. He worked as a Captain for the Washington State Ferry System for 11 years, working temporary assignments on the Interisland ferry route. “When the weather was good”, he said,” I had the best office view in town!”.  ” In the fog it was a challenge; and surprising when you break out into clear skies and see 10 small boats following the ferry.”. Continue Reading

J-52 Sonic with J-36 Alki – Katie Jones Photo

Remember last year’s Orca baby boom? One year later and thanks to photographer and naturalist Katie Jones we catch up with J-52 named Sonic and his mom J-36 called Alki. Sonic was Alki’s first offspring and was the third calf born to J-Pod in a three month period last year. Not all Orca calves survive their first year. It is great to see them doing well!

To see more of Katie Jones photography link to: Spyhopper Travels Photography

The Bee, Cleaned Up and Ready to Launch – Greg Hertel Photo

From the Washington State Recreation and Conservation office…

Washington Boaters Reminded to Clean, Drain, Dry Boats to Stop Invasive Species

OLYMPIA – As summer weather heats up in Washington and boaters prepare for more adventures on the water, the Washington Invasive Species Council would like you to remember: Clean. Drain. Dry.

Invasive species are non-native animals, plants, microorganisms and pathogens that can out-compete or prey on Washington’s existing wildlife, harming the environment, human health and businesses. They come to Washington on car tires, on boat hulls and motors, on hikers’ boots, by wind and sea and many other ways. Some of the worst live in the water.

“There are many ways that we accidentally introduce and move invasive species from one waterway to another,” said Justin Bush, executive coordinator of the Washington State Invasive Species Council. “The best way to prevent introductions is to remember the mantra ‘Clean-Drain-Dry.’

“Preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species is serious business,” Bush said. Researchers estimate that invasive zebra and quagga mussels alone cost the power industry more than $3 billion, and industries, businesses and communities more than $5 billion nationwide over 6 years.

Continue Reading

San Juan County requests citizen participation…

The County Council is searching for San Juan County citizens to fill current and upcoming vacancies on various boards and commissions. Additional information about each committee is available on the County’s website at: San Juan County Boards, Commissions and Committees

Persons interested in serving on a board or advisory committee should fill out an Advisory Committee Application or Contact the Council Office at: (360) 378-2898 Email:[email protected] 

The following is a list of current and upcoming vacancies:

Agricultural Resources Committee
Position #9– 3 Year term
WSU Ext Non-Voting Rep– 4 Year term
Position #12– 4 Year term
Position #14– 4 Year term
Representative. Position #15– 4 Year term

Agricultural Tax Advisory Committee
Position #3– 1 Year term
Position #1– 1 Year term
Position #4– 1 Year term
Posiiton #2– 1 Year term
Position #5– 1 Year term

Continue Reading

From Merri Ann Simonsson at Coldwell Banker…

The second quarter results which complete the first half of the year for San Juan Island were very similar to 2015 as the real estate dollar volume reflected a decrease of 1% over the same period. The first half volume for 2016 was $56,700,175 as compared to $57,435,820 in 2015. The number of transactions was also down with a 4% decrease.   This is almost a mirror of the first half of 2015 as compared to 2014, same period, when the dollar volume was an increase of 2%.

Overall, San Juan County’s volume of $109,335,541 for the first half was down 3.5% with 258 transactions in 2016 as compared to volume of $113,235,425 in 2015.   The number of transactions in 2016 is down 11% for the County. Similar dollar volume with a decrease in transaction number is an indication of fewer but higher priced property sales.

If anything, our market has been extremely consistent since 2014 with higher priced properties being sold, which is partly due to the low inventory levels for homes listed below $400,000. Continue Reading

Bald Eagle Release – Chris Teren Photo

From Wolf Hollow this morning…

Back in May, a Bald Eagle was found in the False Bay area with a steel trap on it’s leg. Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehabilitation Center managed to capture the eagle, and rehab it for nearly two months. Today it was successfully released back in to the wild – minus one talon thanks to the trap. After a short flight and test landing, the eagle seemed to be fine and adjusted to being in the wild, and flew off into the dissapating fog.

Bald Eagle – Chris Teren Photo

Peggie Duffle Crowned with Lavender – Peggy Sue McRae Photo

This weekend was Pelindaba Lavender Farm’s 15th annual Lavender Festival. The event, Co-Sponsored by the San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce, showcases a multitude of ways to use the aromatic herb.

Madeline Marinkovich Selling Lavender Ice Cream – Peggy Sue McRae Photo

Among the culinary uses is lavender ice cream. Sunday also happened to be national ice cream day (yep, since 1984 the third Sunday in July is national ice cream day). It made sense to me check out the Lavender ice cream at the Festival.

Madeline Marinkovich described the three flavors; Lavender Vanilla, Lavender Chocolate Chip, and Lavender Lemon Sorbet. I decided on the Lavender Lemon Sorbet and can report it was a delectably refreshing summer treat. Madeline explained that Pelindaba sends their own organic lavender over to the creamery on Lopez to be made into ice cream.

Drawing a mixed crowd of both locals and visitors I met Peggie Duffle from Arizona. Wearing a crown of lavender, Peggie said the last time she was here the farm was just a few rows of lavender. She said she’d thought about making a return visit ever since.

Among the artisans booths there was a crafting area set up for festival goers to create their own crafts. There I found local crafter Madison Miller hard at work creating a very pretty and aromatic lavender wreath.

Thank you Pelindaba for a lovely summer event!

Madison Miller Creating a Lavender Wreath – Peggy Sue McRae Photo

Pet of the Month, Max – Contributed Photo

Ahhh, pardon me good sirs and madams….would you care to engage in a delightful pastime in which you toss a round object and I run off and fetch it and return it to you….. for recreation and merriment? If so, please contact me here at the Animal Shelter in Friday Harbor. I think we’ll have a cracking good time. My name is Max and I patiently await your arrival. Cheerio.

To ensure students get a healthy start to their school year, PeaceHealth Peace Island Medical Center is offering no-cost immunizations, well-child checks and sports physicals on an appointment basis to children ages 5 to 18 on Wednesday, Aug. 10, and Thursday, Aug. 11, at the medical center, 1117 Spring St. Call 360-378-2141 to schedule an appointment.

Additionally, well-child exams may be scheduled concurrently with a sports physical, if desired. There will be no charge to patients nor a copayment expected for well-child checks, though insurance may be billed, if available.

Children younger than 18 must be accompanied to their appointments by a parent or legal guardian.

Sunrise at the Lavender Farm – John Miller Photo

John Miller’s photograph of morning mist and lavender serves as a timely reminder that the 15th annual Lavender Festival is happening this weekend. The Festival today and Sunday includes tours of the farm, a cutting field for visitors to harvest their own lavender, demonstrations of the many uses of lavender in crafts and cooking, and more. Parking and admission are free and Kubatana Marimba is providing music.

For more details link to: Pelindaba Lavender Farm

Island Trail – Contributed Photograph

The Roche Harbor Trails are now part of the National Recreation Trail system.   Join the Roche Harbor stewards and trail builders for hike starting at the parking lot at the “Y” intersection of Roche Harbor Road and West Valley Road.   The hike will be in woodlands and meadows.    Families are welcome but please leave all dogs that are not necessary service dogs at home.

Roche Harbor Trails continue to be improved and supported by a team of volunteers from the north end of San Juan Island and the owners of Roche Harbor Resort for the use of resort guests and the general pubic.   Over nine miles of trail are available from the Roche Harbor Village – the hike on the 23rd will feature trails mostly on the southern end of the property over a mile from the village.    Roche Harbor Trails were one of six trail systems awarded the National Trail designation by the National Park Service and the American Hiking Society this year.

Saturday, July 23rd at 1:00 pm   

Inside: One Woman’s Kayak Journey Through the Inside Passage

Kayakers, sailors, adventurers, and those who’ve journeyed along the Inside Passage to Alaska should make sure to attend Susan Conrad’s book talk and slide show at the Library on Wednesday night, July 27, 7:00 pm. You’re sure to be inspired.

INSIDE: One Woman’s Journey Through the Inside Passage is a plucky adventure memoir about a woman in a small boat on a big adventure along the coast of western North America. It’s the story of a physical and emotional odyssey through an alluring, perilous, and healing coastal landscape. It’s also a story about confronting fears, solitude, crushing exhaustion—and grief.

Susan Conrad shares the magic of this beautiful coastline, along with her challenges and triumphs, experienced from the cockpit of an 18-foot sea kayak. On the way, she paddled marathon distances for weeks on end, forged friendships with quirky people in the strangest of places, and pretended not to be intimidated by 700-pound grizzly bears and 40-ton whales. In doing so, she imparts a stronger connection to the natural environment and motivates folks not only to explore it, but to cherish and protect it. Whether she’s floating in a magical world among whales and icebergs, or paddling wildly with fear at her back, she take readers along for the ride and inspires them to take chances, pursue their dreams, find their own truths, and realize their full potential. Continue Reading