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Windermoms Quarantine Activities
When it comes to the struggle of entertaining quarantined kids, Windermere moms get it!
Like many of you, we have spent the last few weeks cooped up in our homes with our families and have been trying desperately to keep entertained. Through the weeks our “Windermoms” have discovered their favorite activities to do with their kids and want to share them with you!
Rock Painting
One of my daughter’s favorite things to do is painting. And she loves to paint anything and everything! So I introduced her to painting rocks! We love to look for painted rocks when we are out and about and she wanted to make some for us to hide when we are at parks and on trails. During this time where parks and trails have been closed, we have enjoyed painting them and talking about all the fun we will have hiding them in the near future. This is an especially great activity for a rainy day. – Rachel Bennett
Cooking Together
My family has really enjoyed cooking together. My kids pick a theme, research the recipe they want to make, and they each are responsible for a portion of dinner. It’s been great together time and they are loving being challenged with recipes we’ve never made. – Marissa Evans
I was born and raised in Italy and food has always been a profound part of my life. In everyday life, families gather around the table and enjoy each other’s company over the delicious homemade meals prepared. For most of us, it’s like an art and I find joy when I’m able to recreate for my son those traditional dishes my mom prepared for me when I was little. I always find comfort and relief in cooking, especially baking. The smell of freshly baked bread always brings back memories of me and my mom baking several loaves of bread in our country home. Sliced with homemade olive oil, oregano, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes … yum! Fresh ingredients, colorful dishes, great company, and a bit of wine. What’s not to love? – Simona Groves
Our favorite activity since we’ve been in quarantine has been cooking. We’ve made everything from coffee drinks, pizza, cookies, scones, macaroons and my daughter picked out a recipe and made Teriyaki chicken for dinner. A lot of times we will think of things to make and be like “oh, we do not have time,” well now we’ve found the time to make or try all kinds of different cooking and baking. She FaceTimed a friend who was guiding her through making macaroons. I’ve always loved to cook and bake, so sharing that with her is fun! I feel like cooking together helps her to learn to cook and cooking is an activity the whole family can benefit from. – Kate Hauter
Hatching Chickens and Starting a Garden
During this stay home with my daughters (16 and 19) it’s been such a change for our family with no sports or school. We decided to do something we have always wanted to do but never had the time. Hatching chickens from eggs and starting a huge vegetable garden. The quarantine made the 21 day wait time for babies go quickly and we even decided to do another round. 🐣 Working together to plan and plant our garden was a big and rewarding task! Loving my time with my girls. – Konni Smith
Getting Outside
Play Outside! Embracing your inner child during this stressful time can be so uplifting! Jump-rope, laugh, play, kick the ball around, collect rocks, or just go on walks with your kids! Being outside makes it all better; from taking turns doing tricks on the trampoline with photos-ops to just laying on the grass or on the bow of a boat watching cloud formations… it’s all an innocent diversion to the daily stresses of working/schooling from home and the constant bombardment of news. Enjoy! – Jennifer Wynn
I absolutely enjoy outside time with my son! Since he was an itty-bitty infant being outdoors has been an integral part of our relationship. Outdoor space was what brought us to Washington state and Whidbey Island. I wouldn’t give up my son or my lifestyle here for anything. – Anita Johnston
My littles and I are soaking up the sun while running and playing tennis! We especially enjoyed building a backyard fire pit, roasting marshmallows, and backyard camping together. – Kareena Gonzalez
We have created a challenge for our kids to walk every bit of trail in the Fort Ebey/Kettles Trail system. We downloaded and laminated a map for each of them from the Island County Website (CLICK HERE).
They are planning out the day’s walk, learning to navigate, reading a map, collaborating, and getting physical activity. They are also finding new species of plants and trees on their walks and bringing home samples to ID and glue to our big poster board for us to refer too and quiz the kids on. It might sound serious but it’s actually super fun and has been a neat challenge! – Kristen Stavros
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Best Places on Whidbey For Whale Watching
Discover the Best Places to Whale Watch
When it comes to natural wonders, Whidbey Island is unbelievably blessed. With expansive undeveloped areas, nine state parks, and views that take your breath away, it’s hard to imagine it could get any better.
But it does!
In addition to our incredible outdoor opportunities for explorers, we are one of the few places in the world where land-dwellers have an opportunity to get a glimpse of some spectacular mammals of the sea. Puget Sound’s cold and nutrient-rich water makes it the perfect place for whales to roam. Although you could spend the money to board a whale-watching boat and find the mammals out on the water, boats aren’t always required when you’re on Whidbey.
Below are the top 5 places to see whales from land on Whidbey!
West Beach
At the west-most point of Oak Harbor lies a stretch of beach beloved by wanderers and sea life alike. With wide-open views and miles of ocean just off the shore, it’s not hard to see why West Beach is one of the best places to see whales near Whidbey.
Penn Cove
The nutrient-rich water of Penn Cove cultivates a thriving ecosystem for small and large sea life. It’s this sea life in the form of ghost shrimp and fat seals that attracts the attention of gray whales and transient Orca alike. It’s not uncommon for the residents of Penn Cove to see a gray whale’s tail break the surface of the water as they dig in the mudflats for shrimp or a full-on chase between a stealthy Orca and a seal.
Hidden Beach
What this public beach lacks in amenities it makes up for with view and privacy. On a sunny day, beach-goers have the opportunity to see Camano Island sitting peacefully across the Saratoga Passage and – if they come at just the right time – maybe even a whale!
Lagoon Point
Just north of this charming seaside community is a county park boasting nothing more than public access to the Lagoon Point community beach. Luckily access to the beach is really all you need to catch a glimpse of traveling orcas or scavenging grey whales.
Seawall Park
Hidden below the streets of downtown Langley is a quaint little park with beautiful art, well-maintained landscaping, and a spectacular view of the Saratoga Passage. Onlookers often have the wonderful treat of seeing a whale pass or even watch them feed in the massive ghost shrimp beds. If you do, don’t forget to ring the Whale Bell!
Bonus: Your own back porch?
Can you say “waterfront property”? Yes, please! Our beautiful island has many waterfront homes and properties with beautiful views of Puget Sound. How amazing would it be to sip coffee on your own patio while enjoying pods of orca passing by or gray whales feeding on the beach right in front of you? If this sounds like your dream, give us a call today!
Now, remember, if you do see a whale you should report it to the Orca Network! Reporting sightings to the Orca Network helps with scientific efforts and helps other whale watchers like yourself!
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Cycling Wondrous Whidbey
The adventures available on Whidbey never quite seem to end. Between wondrous hikes, quaint local shops, and astounding historical buildings there never seems to be an end to what this island has to offer. You might just start to believe Whidbey Island is perfect and we can’t say we disagree.
Among Whidbey’s countless opportunities is one for the more athletic individuals – cycling.
Whidbey Island is FILLED with amazing roads and trails perfect for individuals whose preferred method of transportation is two wheels. The centralized location of highway 20 and 525 draws motorized vehicles away from roads near the water, making them ideal for cyclers! Enjoy breathtaking views of the sound while flying down the rolling hills of the island or testing your resolve while going up them.
In fact, cycling is so popular that the island has its own club. The Whidbey Island Bicycle Club was formed in 2010 to “support, promote and educate about cycling on beautiful Whidbey Island.” Through the years this group has teamed together with other island organizations providing resources to island cyclists (like this amazing Whidbey Island Bike Map!) including some pretty great cycling events. The best place to find their events is through their Facebook page.
Each summer cyclists come from all over Puget Sound to ride the Tour de Whidbey (on August 17th this year). With four different routes to choose from, this beloved island tradition is perfect for all cyclists regardless of their skill level. New riders can enjoy the short 10-mile ride circling Crocket Lake, while experienced riders with a passion for pushing the limits can test their skills with the POWER route that covers the entire perimeter of the island. To bring this event full cycle, all proceeds benefit Whidbey Health Medical Center.
Ready to gear up for your own cycling adventure and not sure where to start? We’ve talked to our resident cycle enthusiast and got the 411 on where to start:
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Visit Skagit Cycle
Located in downtown Oak Harbor on Pioneer, Skagit Cycle is a blessing to all Whidbey Island cyclists. The employees are knowledgeable and eager to help. Simply spend a few minutes with any sales associate and you will soon be out the door with exactly what you need to get your journey started. Check them out here.
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Safety First
A dangerous mistake made by one too many riders is not taking proper precautions. Biking without a helmet or proper attire is a large risk that can cost your life. Make sure when to wear a helmet properly fitted to your head, clothes that are bright and easy to spot, and include proper reflectors/lights on your bike if you are going to be riding at night.
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Try Crockett Lake
Crockett Lake (near the Coupeville ferry and Fort Casey) is a great starting point for any new cyclist. The low traffic roads and relatively flat area provide a ride that eases newcomers into the activity while still enjoying some spectacular island views. When you’re done grab an ice cream or meal at Callen’s Restaurant across from the ferry terminal.
So, get out there! You’re sure to have a wheel good time.
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