birthday at the rosario resort, oct 02 

 

 

Rich surprised me with a romantic birthday weekend at the Rosario Resort on Orcas Island in the San Juan Islands. What a wonderful surprise when I found out we were getting there via seaplane!


Waiting for the arrival of our seaplane at Kenmore Air Harbor I wrestled the passengers for an opportunity to sit in the front! Here's our pilot Ready for takeoff! Floating bridges over Lake Washington Heading out to the San Juans No Caption
No CaptionA Washington State ferry One happy camper! There's the resort! A beautiful day for a seaplane flight In 1906, when shipping magnate and ex-Seattle Mayor Robert Moran was told he had one year to live... ...he decided to build a dream house in which to enjoy his remaining time on earth.
Luckily for him, he outlived his doctor's prediction and enjoyed a long life... ...of relaxation in this incredible natural setting. This is where we thought we were staying... but instead Rich and I found... ...a resort whose hey-day had come and gone. In fact, we were under the impression we would be staying in the mansion... ...but here's where we stayed instead: an old 70's style apartment house on the side of a hill. We were about 30 years too late. Rich said the resort reminded him of the resort in the Catskills like the one in the movie Dirty DancingNo CaptionNo Caption
Welcome to Rosario Resort! This is Bill, the concierge who looked like he was from the movie "The Shining."The view from our room overlooking Cascade Bay. Rich and I both thought the room was pretty dumpy, but the view was great! We had some interesting (and noisy) visitors! Inside Rosario Resort (it's a museum now) No CaptionThe Music Room on the second floor features a 26 rank Aeolian player pipe organRobert Moran built this cliff-side playhouse for his kids
No CaptionA statue from the battleship U.S.S. Nebraska The grounds of Rosario We spotted lots of deer throughout the island Exploring the town of Eastsound Rich throws apples across the road to a hungry cow... ...the apple-loving cow thanking Rich
No CaptionMoran State Park No CaptionNo CaptionA stone observation tower built by the Civilian Conservation Corp in 1936 usually provides panoramic views of the surrounding area... ...but we saw nothing but FOG!No Caption
The town of Olga, WA No CaptionNo CaptionNo CaptionA sea otter hanging out on a dock at Obstruction Pass No CaptionNo Caption
No CaptionNo CaptionNo CaptionWashington State ferries Approaching Kenmore Air Harbor located on the north end of Lake Washington No CaptionThere's our plane, back safe and sound