Where are Brad and Karen?: Washington Trivia

Here's some trivia about the state of Washington.

The state motto is: "If it isn't raining, it will be. Soon."

And so that's what we came across today, our last full day in the San Juan Islands.

But it could hardly dampen our enthusiasm, even though it forced the cancelation of our (nearly) full-moon kayak trip.

We put on our rain jackets, headed to Eastsound for some creamless seafood chowder and wild morel pizza, then to Moran State Park for a short hike to Cascade Falls.

And then to the Rosario resort, where we hot tubbed, pooled, and listened to a pipe organ show (far better than it sounds).

Since our departure ferry is at 7:15 tomorrow morning, tonight was spent tidying up and packing.
Along with an '08 Patricia Greer Cellars reserve pinot and a salad of local organic greens. All while parking our butts on the sofa and watching our last Orcas Island dusk unfold before us. Even with the sunless grey texture of tonight's sky, it's still an unbelievable view as the Salish Sea darkens, and the lights of the nearby islands begin to twinkle.

So as we say goodbye to Orcas Island, we will always remember the things that make it so special:

The incredible scenes from our patio and living room as the sun set slowly in the Western sky. (We call this the Land of the 10 p.m. Sun, not quite the far enough north to be the Land of the Midnight Sun, which we experienced in Iceland a couple years ago.)
The laid-back feel of just about everything. There's no rush hour. Everyone drives the speed limit. And everyone is courteous, friendly and helpful.
The focus on health and wholesomeness. Most of the food is organic and fresh from the local farms.
The Honor System. Local farmers put their products on tables next to the road. Take what you want, and leave the cash in the box.

The next time you hear from us, we'll be on Cape Cod ... so here are a few photos from the past few days.

Cascade Falls