| Camano Island Community Info |
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ON TO THE ISLAND! Camano Island, a 'bedroom community' to the West of town, is accessed only by traveling through Stanwood; and is a favorite residential area for retirees and people employed in cities as far away as Seattle. Favorite pastimes on the island include relaxing, beach combing, watching wildlife - including eagles and whales; boating on Saratoga Passage; as well as enjoying the spectacular sunsets over the Olympic Mountains. No only is there breathtaking view real estate on the west side of the island; but also on the North, South and East side as well. Central Camano Island soars high above the Sound and in many of these areas fantastic views can be had from those lofty locations. Bird Watching Camano Island has been named, by the Washington Audubon Society, one the state’s best areas for bird watching. There are 125 species recorded at Iverson Spit alone, including Bald Eagles, Chestnut-backed Chickadees, Rufous Hummingbirds, Caspian Terns, Loons, Brant, Peregrine Falcons, and Long-Tailed Ducks. Hiking and Walking The many state and county parks, as well as DNR lands, provide many walking and hiking trails, with varying degrees of difficulty. Sea-Kayaking For the more adventurous, a featured activity is sea kayaking at several of the inns on the island. "Malibu Two" Ocean Kayaks are available for registered guests to paddle along the shores of Saratoga Passage. Whether novice or expert kayaker, one can experience the beauty of the Puget Sound at "see-level". Each kayak is tandem, seating two people. Art Galleries Many artists are located on Camano Island and open their studios and galleries for the public to browse and shop. Inns on the island feature the works of such artists as Suzanne deCillia, Marie Mulliken, Jack Gunter, Marc Boutte, Maxine Englund, Durwood Lapham, Shirley Ibara, Peter Jensen, Byron Bratt, and Bernie Webber. Beach Walks The beach located in front of the deluxe waterfront rooms is just steps away. It offers up-close views of marine life and sea birds. Enjoy beachcombing and tidepool viewing on the shores in front of the inn. Massage Experience Hot Stone Massage. It is an ancient healing art that can be traced back to early Japanese, Arabian, and Polynesian cultures. Now being currently “rediscovered”, it is referred to as pohaku in Kauai. In this therapy, naturally smooth, dense, black basalt stones are heated in water and applied with oils. They can be placed on and under the body but mostly are incorporated into the massage while held in the hands of the therapist. Their deeply penetrating heat can be applied to the whole body and/or targeted to symptomatic areas. This produces a comfortable release of muscle tension resulting in improved circulation and detoxification. The treatment is energetically grounding and profoundly relaxing. North to Tulip fields, Daffodil Fields and La Conner Head north from Stanwood on the back roads and meander through the scenic Skagit Valley to the quiescence of natural splendor. Nestled in the emerald forests of cedar and fir with the Swinomish channel lapping at its shore, the Arts and Crafts hamlet of La Conner invites you to remember a slower pace and gentler time. Founded in the 1880’s, La Conner continues to beckon visitors and residents alike to take a leisurely stroll along the channel. You will appreciate the architectural uniqueness and authenticity of its shops, fine restaurants and art galleries, because no two are alike. Upon entering, a hearty hello greets you and an invitation to browse. Take a self-guided walking tour of sculpture art and feast your eyes on the likes of the “Apple Tree,” by Garborg, “Eye of the Beholder,” by Hom, “Fish Bridge,” by Niemi, and the interactive “Spirit Wheel,.” by Swinomish Tribal member Kevin Paul. Touch the wood, brass, steel and concrete and feel the history of these artistic pioneers. Winter brings migrating birds. Spring blossoms with daffodil and tulip fields, and summer welcomes boating and other outdoor recreational activities. La Conner boasts a high volume of tourists year round, located only one hour north of Seattle and 25 minutes south of the San Juan Island Ferries. |
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