Smores, novels and perfect wooden boats, oh my!

Sitting for the course of almost four hours at a place called Olga Bay located on Orcas Island, Mike and I perched in the sun watching the tide and and read almost half a novel each. It was so indulgent and self-fulfilling we both wondered if we shouldn't be finding something more productive to do.

While we sat I watched out of the corner of my eye as a couple--not too conspicuous or loud, just seemingly at peace--milled about in the small general store nearby and walked the grassy area overlooking the bay. At one point I even commented to Mike because they seemed just so perfectly in tune with their watery surroundings. Despite their understated dress of rolled linen pants, flip flops, scruffy beard and straw hats, Mike joked that he was probably a young (30-something) exec. and she might be a week-day business wasp, both owning an inconspicuous fortune and just here for a vacation from the fast track. Chapters passed and suddenly we heard the dull clunk of oars against the side of a wooden boat. On looking up we saw two people in a wooden dingy rowing out into the bay and toward one of two anchored 30-foot-ish sailboats. It was the couple. "Don't say a word," Mike was exclaiming. "It's just so perfect it makes me sick! The only thing that could make this any more perfect would be if they unrolled the sails and set off into the sun setting on the horizon." Well...they didn't unroll the sails but we did watch them set off into the distance. All the while I couldn't help but wonder: what secret make-a-living life were they sailing home to? Or were they?

The camping on the island was incredible. The best I've ever seen. We were at a loss without having a kayak there to help us navigate the awesome lakes or one of the many bays and inlets. (Note to self for next time.) There are miles and miles of lush hiking trails that lead to amazing views. It is the type of place you just want to put in your pocket and pull out as you need it when the pace of the year starts moving too fast...it's a place where time feels as if it doesn't exist.