If I had to pick one place on the planet to spend my remaining days, it would be Lopez Island. Thankfully, I am not having to do that, so let’s just call it my favorite place to visit. And it’s spring. Still a bit chilly, but generally nice and sunny. Just lovely.

We walked around the village after our arrival Thursday, visiting the Thrift Shop and walking by the soon-to-open Fine Mess Bakery. And by soon-to-open, I mean Friday!

After breakfast Friday, we walked into town again to catch the Fine Mess Bakery opening scheduled for 8am. There was a line outside – not yet open when we arrived at about ten after. Margo, the new owner, came out at one point with a tray of sample goodies to help the waiting.

The doors opened just about 8:30 and the line inched forward slowly as people moved inside to look at the offerings and place orders. Nick chose a blueberry scone and I picked a cardamom knot. We also purchased a jar of peanut butter (made in Lynden) upon the urging of the very nice woman in line ahead of us (haven’t tasted it yet) and coffee. All was delicious.

While waiting, we talked with the owner, Jeff, of Lopez Island Coffee Roasters, in line with his small son Jeffrey. (Mom works at the bakery.) He bought the roastery a bit ago, after sailing to Lopez and deciding to make it home.

Before returning to the boat, we extended our walk to see the newly refurbished restaurant The Galley. Parts are still under construction but I think they reopened a while ago. The place looks great! This eatery was an old haunt of ours but has been closed for years. (Refurbishment plans gone awry.) It’s open only for dinner now so we’ll save a visit for a meal for another time.

The restaurant has a dinghy dock and two buoys.

We’ve spent our time on boat tasks and took a nice paddle out to the spit.

New food truck at the old gas station:

We left Fisherman Bay Saturday morning and made our way to Deer Harbor, Orcas Island. Smooth water. Had a nice paddle under the bridge and into the estuary.

Nick uncovered the dinghy and ran the outboard to make sure it’s all ready to go for the season. He also gave it a nice clean and polish – looks like new!

Home Sunday. It’s Spring Break in Tacoma so we’ll spend the week with Mac. We plan to head out on a longer Gulf Island trip soon.