Lummi Island Weekend Getaway

Waaaaaay back in June, we were all set to spend the weekend on Lummi Island at one of the off-site houses owned by Willows Inn. Not too shabby, eh? 

What's that saying about "the best laid plans of mice and men"? Little did we know when we made the reservation that we'd wind up in a global pandemic that nixed just about every travel plan known to man... including our stay at the Beach House. Sigh...

We worked with the wonderful folks at Willows Inn and re-booked our stay for last weekend and were thrilled that we were able to keep it this time. Hurray!

The kids didn't have school on Friday due to a teacher in-service day and I have a crazy amount of PTO to burn, so took the day off. Once Eric was done with work. we packed up the car and headed north. Aside from some Friday evening rush hour slow downs, the drive was uneventful (thankfully).

We got checked in just before 6 PM and were settled in at the Beach House shortly thereafter.... just in time to take in the gorgeous purples and pinks of sunset. The house is mere feet from the beach (hence, it is called Beach House... duh) and the view could not have been better! We had nothing but water and islands and beach as far as the eye could see. Just to our left across the water was Orcas Island. The little island straight across the water from the house is a wildlife reserve and beyond that, a smattering of other San Juan islands.

The theme for the weekend was "unplug and relax" and we did just that. We took many walks along the beach, played games (Pass the Pigs, Taco vs. Burrito, Sorry, cribbage, and gin rummy). Annika watched the entire Back to the Future trilogy... but only after spending about an hour and a half organizing the house's toy/game closet. ("But Mom, this IS how I relax!"... uhh... ok!)

Eric reading while Annika watches "Back to the Future"

Conor found a pair of binoculars almost as soon as we set foot in the house. It was a rare moment for him not to have them around his neck or up to his face... just to see what was far away. He spotted a bald eagle almost immediately (good eye, Conor!). While walking on the beach on Saturday, I also saw a bald eagle (dubbed "Conor's eagle" because he first spotted it) and was able to capture some photos of it on Sunday. Win!

Conor's bald eagle

Conor and I had a great walk together on Saturday. We saw many beautiful rocks and shells, not to mention a variety of birds. He climbed rocks and helped me keep an eye out for orca whales ... sadly, we never saw any. 

My beach-walkin' buddy

Conor and the binoculars... weekend buddies

This was the first time all year (I think) that we've gone anywhere. It felt so good to get away from home and just be. Yes, we are together all of the time, but at home, we are together all of the time in real life. This weekend was being together while enjoying vacation mode. We didn't have a to-do list that was any longer than "enjoy the weekend". 

I'm thrilled that I thought to bring my camera along with us. The scenery was astounding and offered many, many, many photographic opportunities. I think one or two of the photos might be seen on display in our house fairly soon. Bonus!

View from our deck

Heron

Northbound view of the beach and Beach House

Beach dogs!

Taking in the view while reading under a cozy blanket

Beach to the south (and Orcas Island beyond)

I realized at some point during the weekend, we didn't hear a single car sound or siren the entire time we were at the Beach House. Instead, we were surrounded by sounds of crashing waves, birds, and a few boats. Really, there was nothing to complain about in terms of the soundtrack!