Another View of Orcas Island

One of Two Lakes Over Blakely Island

So A and I were invited to take a ride on the coolest biplane on Orcas, but really maybe the best on earth, given our surroundings.  Rod, has an amazing grace,  history and ease as a pilot, I envy him for that.  He called and said, looks like a perfect day, would you and A like to fly.  I said, are you kidding, of course, so I picked him up after school and we drove to Rod's hanger.

October, not July, mind you, it was still, clear and as close to perfect as possible.  Like not even cold, or perhaps even warmer than the ground.

Inn at Ship Bay From Above

Needless to say, I can highly recommend a trip with Rod, www.magicair.com,  you will not have any regrets, especially if you can pick a day of perfect Orcas Island weather.

2012 Heirloom Tomatoes

Heirloom Tomatoes

We have officially crossed the 400 lbs. threshold in heirloom tomato production and we are far from being finished for the year.  The Japanese Black Trifele, Green Zebra and Orange Persimmon have been personal favorites this year.  Great fruit production and awesome favor.

July 2012

What does this mean?

Mt Entrance Fist Pump

Two power outages during dinner service, big views and trying to get Genny, our Mangalitsa gilt, pregnant.  We have been quite busy this July.

More Mangalitsa

Mangalitsa Coppa

This is the reason why we go through the trouble, expense and commitment of raising our own Mangalitsa Hogs.  Truely unmatched in flavor, nearly the color and richness of beef.  These are two very large and well developed coppas, napes or necks.  Each was almost 10 lbs.

Chervil, The Under Utilized Herb

Garden Chervil

Related to parsley, Chervil is a very delecate annual herb with a faint anise or almost licorice flavor.  Most often used in fish or egg dishes.  It likes the cool climate here on Orcas, especially if you can sow it in a spot where it has partial shade.  We often overlook our Chervil this time of year in favor of the fresh Basil and Tarragon, even though it is at it's prime.

Last night we served Sockeye Salmon as a first course with a garnish of Chervil, Radish, Castelvetrano Olives and Lemon, tasty light and fresh.

Sockeye & Chervil, Radish, Olive Salad

Sugar Snap Peas

With truely glorious weather and warmer temperatures recently, we have seen a massive burst of garden growth.  The Snap Peas are mature, basil looks great, lots of herbs, Garlic, favas, and the list goes on.

First batch of Tomatoes in the ground yesterday.  

This year we have; Heirloom black, Brandy Wine, Green Zebra, Persimmon, Lopez Red(Our given Name), Sungold, Golden Nugget, Pineapple Stripe(not sure of the real name) and Japanese Black Trifele (collected seed from a gift plant last year).  They are all trellised and ready to grow.

Young Heirloom Tomatoes

We have moved our three hogs out onto nice pasture land at Stonebridge, in an area where John at Maple Rock Farm is developing, only 1.2 miles from the Inn.  It looks great and the pigs love it, they are grazing on the grass and digging up the whole area.  The idea is that we move the pen every couple of weeks, cultivate the area and plant a cover crop.  So far so good, no breakouts and very happy pigs.

Happy Pigs

Muddy Pig with a View

Genny, our half Mangalitsa - half Berkshire contemplating the view.  She will be bred this fall or early winter, hopefully to pure Mangalitsa.

Classic Orcas Island

Just Another Day