Marysville, Arlington and Guemes Island

This post will span two days, as there's not much to showcase today! However, by the end of the post you will likely be very tired of seeing plant and produce photos. 😁

Our day began at the cozy Arlington Farmer’s Market, which may have been small in size, but it certainly packed a punch with its intriguing booths. What really caught our attention was the impressive number of young entrepreneurs showcasing their talents. From colorful bracelets and handmade cards to enchanting paper flower bouquets and delicious baked treats, crafted and sold by kids. What a fantastic learning opportunity for them!

One standout moment involved a remarkable young man named Luke on the autism spectrum. He had created beautiful painted cards, which he then had reproduced for sale. With his mom by his side, he confidently packaged his creations and practiced his transaction skills, giving the right prices and making sure to provide correct change to his customers. Here are just a few of his artistic designs!

Additionally there was eye-catching produce. 

And pottery

And mushroom man selling healthy mushroom products. 

After exploring the Arlington Farmer's Market, we made our way to a charming little bakery where I set my sights on the last slice of carrot cake that was both dairy-free and gluten-free. However, after completing my purchase and watching as the cashier retrieved a container from the cold case, she suddenly discovered that what she had left  was actually regular bread pudding, not the delightful DF/GF carrot cake I had hoped for! What a letdown! Meanwhile, Cathie happily snagged a bread-on-a-stick treat while I received a refund.

We then meandered through Arlington Hardware, a quaint historic building brimming with an eclectic mix of everything from exquisite gifts to birdseed. Once our curiosity had satisfied itself, we hopped back into the car and headed toward Marysville, eager to join in the festivities of the Strawberry Festival.

Sea cabbage

I’m not really sure what type of ivy this is. The leaves were huge!

Dappled willow

We made our way back to the Box Outlet where Connie and Cathie returned some clothing items. Afterward, we quickly stopped in the grocery outlet, where Connie eagerly selected a Goldilocks Creeping Jenny plant and a few snacks to accompany her. Our next stop was Chan Thai for a leisurely late lunch, a treat we had all been looking forward to. 

Cathie and I both opted for the delightful Thai Basil, though our spice levels varied; Cathie’s was a fiery 3 pepper heat, while I chose to keep it milder at 2 peppers, which turned out to be just right for my palate. Connie, meanwhile, savored a plate of Pad Thai, which was equally delicious. 

As dawn breaks tomorrow, we’ll embark on an adventure to the sprawling Everett Farmer’s Market. Once we’ve explored, we’ll make our way back to Anacortes, where a different ferry will lead us to the shores of Guemes Island.

Can you feel the continuity in our journey (farmer’s markets, ferries and islands)?

We arrived at the Everett Farmer’s Market a few minutes before it “opened” but a crowd was already forming. 

I’m afraid there would be a significant financial toll on my finances if I lived in an area surrounded by such a plethora of  certified organic produce. 

The yellow pitcher plant traps insects using a rolled leaf, which in this species is a vibrant yellow in color, and up to over a meter (3 ft) in height (although 50 cm, 20" is more typical). The uppermost part of the leaf is flared into a lid (the operculum), which prevents excess rain from entering the pitcher and diluting the digestive secretions within. The upper regions of the pitcher are covered in short, stiff, downwards-pointing hairs, which serve to guide insects alighting on the upper portions of the leaf towards the opening of the pitcher tube.

Nepenthes, also known as monkey cups or tropical pitcher plants, are carnivorous plants native to Southeast Asia. They are known for their unique cup-shaped traps and striking leaves. Nepenthes have modified pitcher-shaped leaves that trap insects and other prey. The pitchers are filled with digestive fluid to catch bugs.

Fresh peony bouquets - more my speed I’m afraid than the pitcher plants above. 

Honey and more honey 

Less than an hour later the crowd has swelled into a formidable mass and, purchases made, we are going to the car. 

The next destination is the Guemes Island ferry terminal, where a brief, five-minute journey across the shimmering water awaits. Soon, we'll find ourself on the serene shores of the island, ready to explore its hidden treasures

Guemes Island is just across the bay in the photo. We must first queue in line, and given the limited capacity of this small ferry, there is a possibility that we may not secure a spot on this one but be waiting for the next.

Yay we made it on

Guemes Island is a small island in western Skagit County, Washington. It is located north of Fidalgo Island and the city of Anacortes, and is accessible only by private boat and by the Guemes Island ferry operated by Skagit County.

Guemes Island was named after the Viceroy of New Spain, Juan Vicente de Güemes, who commissioned an expedition that revealed the islands to Spain in 1794.

Young’s park is our spot!

Our lunch location is incredibly scenic

And we have quite the spread 

Just so you can see what we’re gazing upon

Much driftwood

Seaweed lines the shore, green strands caught in the tide, nature’s simple art. 

A tethered boat undulates with the rippling waves. 

I’ve walked as far as I can go down this stretch of beach so will turn and walk to the other end. 

Driftwood sculptures

The Island has a rural character with limited facilities.

Some of the island’s beaches are public but most beach access is private. There are also two parks: one in the middle of the island known as Schoolhouse Park, and another, Young's Park, located on North Beach near The Guemes Island Resort (which is where we stopped for lunch and to walk along the beach). It was very peaceful and serene and I thoroughly enjoyed our time here. 

Peonies about to burst open

Cathie and the tiny door

Back on the ferry to Anacortes for one last stop: The Snow Goose. 

Mural in Anacortes 

Cascade mountains

Rumors of Snow Goose ice cream had been swirling around us like a sweet, tantalizing breeze. I assumed we were headed to a quaint ice cream shop. Little did I know, it was so much more!

There were baskets

And very pricey metal pieces

And flowers galore!

And berries 

Beautiful produce

Packaged foods

Seafood

And more plants.

Mediterranean spurge

Purple clematis

And finally, what we waited in line half an hour for…the ice cream. From top left - mocha almond fudge and toffee coffee crunch (one scoop split), in the cone - mocha almond fudge and latte chip (one scoop split), and on the bottom - coconut sorbet (gf/df) one scoop. 😳

My verse for today:

“Put on then, as God’s chosen people, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness and patience, bearing with one another and if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other as the Lord has forgiven you.”  Colossians 3:12-13, ESV

Life is full of situations where we have to interact with other people and we are presented with a choice: how are we going to treat them? At times, kindness may not be our instinctual response because kindness often requires sacrifice of some sort on our end.

Sometimes kindness requires us to put aside our pride and humble ourselves. Other times it may take time or energy. It may require us to get out of our comfortable circle of friends or immediate family to include someone we’re not as close to. It may be as simple as listening to someone instead of thinking about what we’re going to say or do next. However, kindness is worth what it costs. The Bible prompts us many times to treat others with kindness and love throughout our lives.

“Let all that you do be done in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:14 

ESV

Kindness is a way for us to show love and keep the command to love others. Sometimes kindness may be valued by others. Other times it may go unnoticed or even unappreciated. Our kindness should come from a genuine place of love, not expecting a reward but instead striving to please God and care for others.

“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” 1 Peter 3:8-9, NIV

Unfortunately, not everyone will treat us with the kindness and consideration that we would hope for. In fact, dealing with difficult people is a part of life. Even though we cannot control how they act or treat us, we get to choose how we treat them. Our actions toward others should overflow with love and forgiveness because God loves and has forgiven us.

Sharing kindness with those who are not showing us the same respect is not easy. Fortunately, we have the Holy Spirit to help us as we struggle with being loving or having self-control. 

Our kindness and the way we treat others can be a reflection of Christ to those who do not believe and an example to those who do. Showing kindness, despite the situation, should be a goal for us. This way we can grow and become more like Jesus.