island secrets
Blue Fox Drive-In
The United State has roughly 338 drive-in movie theaters that are currently in operation. There are only five remaining in the State of Washington. One of them, the Blue Fox, on Whidbey Island, is less than twenty miles from our Cave Art Press office, and the $6.50/person entrance fee makes it worth it the drive! They're open year-round, rain or shine. Plus, they hand-make pizza for a reasonable cost, they have an arcade and a go-kart track, and Astro is welcome to tag-along with the family!
According to an obituary in the Whidbey News-Times, the Blue Fox was built and owned by Woodrow "Woody" Cecil, along with his wife Charlotte and their partner George Dickson. Blue Fox first opened its doors in 1959 with spaces (and speakers) for 259 cars. |
In 1988, Darrell and Lori Bratt purchased the theater. Unfortunately, by the year 2013, Hollywood was making the final move to digital, which meant that all theaters and drive-ins around the country had to do the same. Many small independently owned businesses went bust over the "upgrade." To remain in operation, Darrell and Lori raised funds through merchandise sales during 2012 to buy the necessary $80,000 digital equipment system. Though they were originally worried about having to relying on a computer system, rather than a film projector film, five years have passed without a problem and the screen quality is vastly improved. Couple of tips: -Get there early -No outside food or drinks (remember, the Bratts are still paying off the upgraded system) -Front 3 rows are for small cars only, no trucks or SUV's See you at the movies! See what's playing: http://www.bluefoxdrivein.com/ YouTube drone video of Blue Fox: https://youtu.be/6Zmu1vqXdtM |
Friday Harbor Whale Museum

Spring is right around the corner, and after the winter we've having, we're more than ready. We're finally enjoying intermittent, but promising, sunlight, a few budding trees, frisky cottontails emerging from their winters warrens, and we're sharing an exciting secret-a baby boom, a BIG baby boom! Word has it that the gray whale migration from California north to Alaska might be one of the largest yet. Also in our waters are resident and transient orcas, humpbacks, and minke whales.
Here on Fidalgo Island, we're lucky to have three whale-watching tour companies. Island Adventures has been in operating since 1996, and Mystic Sea Charters began their tours almost two generations ago. Both tour companies guarantee whale sightings. And if you're into birding, this is an opportunity to see long-billed murrelets, bald eagles, Arctic terns, tufted and horned puffins, surf scoters, pigeon guillemots, rhinoceros auks and more.
Both tour companies sail from the Cap Sante Marina at Seafarer's Memorial Park, located only a few blocks from Anacortes's downtown historic district. Visitors can park at the marina for easy access to boarding. Go to their websites for information on schedules, ticket prices, and whale reports:
Island Adventures
Mystic Sea Charters
Deception Pass Tours is located on Highway 20 Spur right before the Deception Pass Bridge
. Captain Brett, a U.S. Coast Guard certified captain, will take you along the shores and waters of the surrounding area. As tour passes through the waters of Deception Pass look for bald eagles, seals, porpoises and maybe an occasional whale. Here's their website:
Deception Pass Tours
Here on Fidalgo Island, we're lucky to have three whale-watching tour companies. Island Adventures has been in operating since 1996, and Mystic Sea Charters began their tours almost two generations ago. Both tour companies guarantee whale sightings. And if you're into birding, this is an opportunity to see long-billed murrelets, bald eagles, Arctic terns, tufted and horned puffins, surf scoters, pigeon guillemots, rhinoceros auks and more.
Both tour companies sail from the Cap Sante Marina at Seafarer's Memorial Park, located only a few blocks from Anacortes's downtown historic district. Visitors can park at the marina for easy access to boarding. Go to their websites for information on schedules, ticket prices, and whale reports:
Island Adventures
Mystic Sea Charters
Deception Pass Tours is located on Highway 20 Spur right before the Deception Pass Bridge
. Captain Brett, a U.S. Coast Guard certified captain, will take you along the shores and waters of the surrounding area. As tour passes through the waters of Deception Pass look for bald eagles, seals, porpoises and maybe an occasional whale. Here's their website:
Deception Pass Tours
ACT Theatre
Anacortes Community Theatre
Are you looking to take your special someone on a fun date night? Are you aware that Anacortes has a wonderful community theater? Since 1964, Anacortes Community Theatre (ACT) has served the Anacortes community and the wider Skagit Valley by presenting consistent and high-quality live performances on their main stage and in smaller productions. Just in time for Valentine's Day comes their production of Enchanted April, adapted from the novel by Elizabeth von Arnim and directed by Trey Hatch, an actor on ACT's stage since the 1990's. |
Enchanted April
Sweet-natured Lotty Wilton is suffering depression from the bleak London winter coupled with an oppressive relationship with her pompous solicitor husband. When she sees an advertisement in the paper to rent a castle in Italy for the month of April, an idyllic spot "for those who appreciate wisteria and sunshine," she jumps at the chance to escape her downtrodden existence. Sensing an instant kinship with fellow housewife Rose Arnott, a severely angelic woman with sorrows of her own, Lotty persuades her along on the adventure. Seeking to reduce the costs, the two ladies find Caroline Bramble, a beautiful and exhausted socialite, and Mrs. Graves, an overbearing widow, to round out the party. As the month passes, verdant sun-drenched San Salvatore works its magic on each sad and hardened heart, healing grief and bringing hope. And with the arrival of two chastened husbands and one attractive young artist, romance blooms again. Enchanted April runs January 27- February 17, 2017. Anacortes Community Theatre |
A Nest in the Mountains
Le Bersend, France
Let me begin by saying, "Please don't wake me from this dream because it's amazing!"
I have a pretty incredible job, like all jobs there are difficult times like having to accompany my bosses, Don and Réanne, to the French Alps two years in a row. Where I am the Sherpa, chauffeur, chef, care-giver, shopper, partner in crime and now I can say grave-digger (seriously—but we’ll save that story for another time.) Yes, it's a hard job and I am the one lucky enough to do it. We have been all over France. But spent the majority of our time in Savoie in the Rhone Alps, just above Beaufort in a small, small (I really mean it) small village called Le Bersend in a gîte (pronounced "jeet" meaning chalet) run by a wonderful woman, Brigitte Chardin, a very good friend of Don and Réanne's. The gîte was built in 1884, near Arêches, a well-known family ski area. It is quite roomy and the views from the balcony are simply breath-taking. The gîte sleeps a family of four and is beautifully appointed. The kitchen provides all necessary utensils and equipment. Click here for pictures of the inside of the gîte. There is a small casino (grocery store) in neighboring Beaufort or you can stop in Albertville at the Géant (the “Giant” casino---think Fred Meyer but with way better cheese) to stock up on food and wine before traveling up to the gîte. |
There is a never-ending host of outdoor activities all year round in the region. Hiking, mountain biking, swimming, cross-country and downhill skiing, snowshoeing, camping, hunting, caving, and paragliding. If you enjoy slower activities, shop and dine in the village of Beaufort or downtown Albertville. Even better, simply hangout on the balcony with a glass of wine, some amazing cheese and enjoy your view. From May through October you can visit Plan Mya, a gîte in the high alps and eat a lunch of fondue and snails! Plan Mya is a spring through fall destination gîte with an open floor plan with bunkbeds designed to allow weary hikers and cyclists a much-needed respite. Plan Mya is owned and operated by one of Brigitte’s good friends and they serve amazing food so just ask her for directions or better yet, invite her along! The easiest way for you to book your trip to Le Bersend is to fly into Geneva or, if you prefer, Lyon, France and either rent a car or take a train to Albertville, from there, you can take a bus or taxi up to Le Bersend. I suggest renting a car for the freedom it will allow you. Here is a link to book your visit with Brigitte at her beautiful gîte, "Un nid au coeur des montagnes" ( translation: A nest in the mountains), in Le Bersend: Book Now Or email: brigittechardin@wanadoo.fr And please enjoy the array of photos I took from our last two trips! If you have any questions feel free to contact me: cmiller@caveartpress.com |
The Cupola
Cissy: There's a rite-of-passage in Anacortes, that everyone in the know---knows. It's not discussed openly--maybe reminiscing after a couple cocktails---but anyone who's been kissed before the age of twenty (circa 1985 - 2012) probably did so by sneaking up into the Cupola. Back in my youth (I spent many a summer here and on Lopez), kids also sneaked up to "the top of the world" to have parties which most likely led to a few stolen kisses. I know for fact that some of my adult friends who grew up in the area would still continue to do so, if the new owners hadn't placed security cameras in every corner. I understand the new owners actions completely. The Cupola would still be a place of youthful chaos and depravity that it was in the mid 1980's. Insurance costs and fear of lawsuits have taken the joy out of many past generations rite of passage party/make-out spots but the Cupola still offers the only and thereby finest 360 degree views of downtown Anacortes. You can also bring your glass of wine up from the bar and if you're not camera shy, steal a smooch from your sweetie. Kathleen: Before the security camera days, I went up to the cupola dressed in a 1950s pencil skirt, snug sweater, and long red wig to have my photo taken to promote of one of my first mysteries. While up there, I decided to change into another outfit for more photos (taken by my husband) when a woman came up during the transformation. She screeched and ran downstairs, proclaiming there were two weird people in the Cupola. My husband snapped a few more shots and we swiftly left before anybody came up to investigate. Bret Lunsford, Anacortes Museum Maritime and Education Curator: The McNaught Building was constructed - without a cupola - in 1890 at 8th Street and I Avenue. The cupola was added as part of the 1985 renovation of the structure into the White Gull Inn, which was later renamed The Majestic. Anacortes Museum research files: http://anacortes.pastperfectonline.com |
Madrona Grove Sculpture Exhibition
You might have noticed the wooden mother and baby giraffe sculptures near the Anacortes Art Depot. They made the news a few months ago when a wind storm blew them over. They are up again, but they're not alone. If you haven't seen the Madrona Sculpture Exhibition it's located on the grounds of the Anacortes Depot Art Center, you have until December 31. It's an art exhibit you don't want to miss. It features the following twelve sculptures by Washington artists. Little Dove by Tracy Powell, LaConner, Washington 4-Up by Jan Hoy, Coupeville, Washington Walking Triad Fountain by Leo Osborne, Anacortes, Washington Giraffes by Joe Treat of Bow, Washington Ziggy by Mindi Katzman of Seattle, Washington Silent Watcher VI by Lloyd Whannell, Freeland, Washington Visionary by Roger Small, Burlington, Washington The Servant by Roger Small Continental Drift Number 2 by Steve Lloyd, Anacortes, Washington Tango in Cortes 1 by Richard Nash, Oak Harbor, Washington Glow by Dale Reiger, Greenbank, Washington Birdwatchers by Polly Purvis, Seattle, Washington The exhibition is made possible in part by grants by Windermere Real Estate and the Anacortes Arts Festival. |
Tokyo Japanese Restaurant Réanne September 2017
Most of the island secrets we share are those of our favorite outdoor locales: The Beaver Pond, Meerkerk Rhododendron Gardens, and Rosario Beach, for example. Last month, Mike the Dog shared his favorite strawberry shortcake place and set us on a culinary track. This month it's Réanne's turn to reveal her secret place--Tokyo Japanese Restaurant at 818 Commercial Avenue in downtown Anacortes. But the real secret is not just the fabulous Japanese dishes owner Su Jin Ho serves; it's the exquisite Korean dishes that she's added to the menu over the years.
Su was born and in raised in Korea and moved to the USA in the 1980s. When she came to Anacortes and opened her restaurant in 1993, she wasn't sure how folks would react to Japanese and Korean food.
"Back then Anacortes was a meat and potatoes town," Su says. "At first, people were scared to try our unusual dishes, thinking we served only raw fish." But it didn't take long to develop a loyal clientele. Réanne and Don Douglass have been dining at Tokyo since it first opened.
For the last twenty-four years, Su has been treating Anacortesians to excellent dishes—recipes she learned to cook from her mother in Korea. The night we dined at Su’s restaurant, we asked her to bring us her favorites. We started with some Fire Bomb---spicy jalapenos stuffed with tuna and cream cheese and deep fried, followed with her miso soup to calm our palettes. Then came the big surprise—unagi (fresh water eel) served on a hot, sizzling platter. Sprinkled with green onions and glazed with a sweet/spicy drizzle, the eel was tender and sweet, and unlike anything we’d ever eaten. Next came a traditional Korean hot-pot, Soon Doo Boo—a spicy tofu stew garnished with raw egg. We ended our evening with kimchi pork served with sautéed onions and mushrooms.
The last secret we’d like to share is Su’s homemade kimchi made from fermented cabbage, radishes, chili peppers and other vegetables. The fermentation produces a healthy bacteria that aids digestion. Su recommends eating kimchi every day. With the dozen varieties she makes, this is easy to do. Her kimchi is for sale at the restaurant, the Anacortes Farmers Market, and her family's other establishment, Anacortes Food Coop at 2308 Commercial Avenue.
If you’d like to share your island secret, email us at info@caveartpress.com
Su was born and in raised in Korea and moved to the USA in the 1980s. When she came to Anacortes and opened her restaurant in 1993, she wasn't sure how folks would react to Japanese and Korean food.
"Back then Anacortes was a meat and potatoes town," Su says. "At first, people were scared to try our unusual dishes, thinking we served only raw fish." But it didn't take long to develop a loyal clientele. Réanne and Don Douglass have been dining at Tokyo since it first opened.
For the last twenty-four years, Su has been treating Anacortesians to excellent dishes—recipes she learned to cook from her mother in Korea. The night we dined at Su’s restaurant, we asked her to bring us her favorites. We started with some Fire Bomb---spicy jalapenos stuffed with tuna and cream cheese and deep fried, followed with her miso soup to calm our palettes. Then came the big surprise—unagi (fresh water eel) served on a hot, sizzling platter. Sprinkled with green onions and glazed with a sweet/spicy drizzle, the eel was tender and sweet, and unlike anything we’d ever eaten. Next came a traditional Korean hot-pot, Soon Doo Boo—a spicy tofu stew garnished with raw egg. We ended our evening with kimchi pork served with sautéed onions and mushrooms.
The last secret we’d like to share is Su’s homemade kimchi made from fermented cabbage, radishes, chili peppers and other vegetables. The fermentation produces a healthy bacteria that aids digestion. Su recommends eating kimchi every day. With the dozen varieties she makes, this is easy to do. Her kimchi is for sale at the restaurant, the Anacortes Farmers Market, and her family's other establishment, Anacortes Food Coop at 2308 Commercial Avenue.
If you’d like to share your island secret, email us at info@caveartpress.com
Ala Spit Cissy August 2017
What I enjoy most about this trail is that it only takes 20-30 minutes to hike around the entire spit. It's sandy beach gives you an extra workout---we usually go twice around and let Mike (the dog) burn up his energy with a good swim. On a clear day the views of Mount Baker, Mount Erie, Fidalgo Island, Hope Island, and the inner part of Puget Sound are spectacular.
Launch your kayak or paddle board from here, enjoy and explore the area from the water. Clamming and salmon fishing are popular off the spit. Make sure to have your license! Ala Spit is also a favorite birding spot, so bring your binoculars and guidebooks.
Launch your kayak or paddle board from here, enjoy and explore the area from the water. Clamming and salmon fishing are popular off the spit. Make sure to have your license! Ala Spit is also a favorite birding spot, so bring your binoculars and guidebooks.
From the Farm Mike July 2017
Normally I would say my favorite spot would be the Community Forest Lands on Fidalgo Island or the Dog Beach on Whidbey, but as a timely seasonal favorite I like to take my humans to "From the Farm" out on Josh Wilson Road. They bake their own shortcake and trust me, when I've cleaned up the crumbs my humans dropped---there is not another shortcake west of the Mississippi that can compare. So delicate on the inside with just the right amount of crunch on the out, fresh strawberries and a scoop of vanilla ice cream---"oh heaven" (that's the term I hear the humans use.) Best part you can buy berries and shortcake and do it yourself at home.
Click on their name for directions and more information about From the Farm
Click on their name for directions and more information about From the Farm
Deception Pass Don June 2017

Deception Pass, I know, is no secret. The views of the Olympics on a clear day can't be beat. I used to hike all over the park but now as age sneaks up behind me---I just passed my 85th birthday--- I keep to the maintained trails in the park, which allow me to enjoy the beach, woods, lake and mountain views.
One of great treasures and attractions of the park that endures is the sea-side gnarled 850-year-old ancient Douglass-Fir. Maybe I like the name and the fact its as old and gnarled as me. I like to imagine what that old tree has seen and lived through...early native children through modern children from all across the globe climbing and playing on its limbs. I love taking my grandchildren to marvel at it---hell, I marvel at it every visit.
My favorite time of year to go with my walking partner is mid-winter. I feel as if the park is all mine. There are usually one or two cars in the parking lot and by the time we leave there are none. Of course the jet pilots will zoom by low, running training courses from the very nearby base but the times and days are fairly regular and we nearly have the schedule figured out to avoid them. I do have to admit the "Sound of Freedom" will deliver a pure jolt of exhilaration and adrenaline as they nearly break the sound barrier overhead but plug your ears when they do.
There are 1.2 miles of ADA hiking, roughly thirty-eight miles of hiking trails, and three miles of bike trails.
http://parks.state.wa.us/497/Deception-Pass
One of great treasures and attractions of the park that endures is the sea-side gnarled 850-year-old ancient Douglass-Fir. Maybe I like the name and the fact its as old and gnarled as me. I like to imagine what that old tree has seen and lived through...early native children through modern children from all across the globe climbing and playing on its limbs. I love taking my grandchildren to marvel at it---hell, I marvel at it every visit.
My favorite time of year to go with my walking partner is mid-winter. I feel as if the park is all mine. There are usually one or two cars in the parking lot and by the time we leave there are none. Of course the jet pilots will zoom by low, running training courses from the very nearby base but the times and days are fairly regular and we nearly have the schedule figured out to avoid them. I do have to admit the "Sound of Freedom" will deliver a pure jolt of exhilaration and adrenaline as they nearly break the sound barrier overhead but plug your ears when they do.
There are 1.2 miles of ADA hiking, roughly thirty-eight miles of hiking trails, and three miles of bike trails.
http://parks.state.wa.us/497/Deception-Pass
Meerkerk Gardens
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April 2017 Kathleen |
If you watch birds enough you’ll realized that they are creatures of habit. Every spring I look for a certain junco to visit my feeder. The bird is easy to spot because it has an unusual white smudge on the left side of its tail feathers. It first appeared four years ago and since then has become a regular.
At Seafarer’s Memorial Park, I always look for black oystercatchers along the shore. They arrive in mid-winter and seem to like that small stretch of beach. I usually see two, sometimes three, but this year their little flock has grown to five. Black oystercatchers are easy to recognize. They have plump, black-brown bodies, pink legs, and a long, orange beak. But it’s the harlequin duck that’s on my must-see list. It also appears near a certain shoreline of Fidalgo Island in the winter. Comment if you know where this brilliantly-painted bird is found? |
March 2017
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