I T I N E R A R Y | S H O R T H O P S
CLAMS WITH BACON &
GARLIC One of the easiest foods to prepare , clams simply need a pot , a lid and some moisture . But the natural brininess of this beautiful bounty is taken to the next level with the addition of white wine , garlic , and bacon .
This recipe yields more broth than one might expect , a fact that welcomes a crusty loaf of bread . Proportioned to be an appetizer for four or five people , quantities can be adjusted to serve larger crowds or provide a main course .
30 littleneck clams 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 3 strips bacon , cut into lardons 1 medium-sized shallot , diced 4 cloves garlic , diced 1 cup dry white wine 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth 1 tablespoon butter ¼ cup parsley , chopped , for garnish 1 loaf crusty Italian bread , for serving
Scrub each clam under cold water to make sure that there ’ s no sand on the exterior . Fill a large tub with cold water and allow the clams to soak for an hour to release any sand trapped inside .
In a large , heavy ( preferably cast-iron ) pot with a lid , add the olive oil and bacon and render the fat from the bacon over medium heat . About halfway through the process , add the shallot and garlic . When crispy and golden brown , increase the heat to high , stir in the wine and broth , and reduce by about a third .
Add the clams to the pot , and cover . ( The clams should open up after only a few minutes ; at this point they ’ re done cooking so you should turn off the heat .) Stir in the butter until it melts , divide the clams among serving bowls , and ladle the liquid over them . Garnish with parsley as desired , and serve with bread .
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Obstruction Pass Trail : Saltwater Shoreline Paradise
One of the few public beaches on Orcas Island , Obstruction Pass State Park spans 76 acres and offers more than one mile of saltwater shoreline .
THE PARK ’ S CRESCENT-SHAPED COVE is particularly unique , in that its beach is a made up of ocean-smoothed pebbles — a stark contrast to the rugged and jagged rocks found throughout most of the San Juan Islands coastline . Located at the southern tip of Orcas Island ’ s eastern horseshoe , it is home to nine first-come , first-served primitive campsites .
From the parking lot , you could take the center trail and cut straight to the water . It ’ s a relatively short . 6-miles ( 1.2 miles round trip ). But for a more scenic route , the slightly longer 1.4 mile ‘ trek ’ treats you to more forest-filled adventures .
From the parking area , you ’ ll pass through a stile . The trail will fork to your right or head straight . To reach the water faster and enjoy a smaller incline on the return , go straight .
You ’ ll almost immediately start descending into an open forest , rich with Douglas-fir , western red cedar , and madronas . Throughout the hike you ’ ll see interpretive panels that offer context about the area ranging from plants to geological features .
The trail continues past the first campsite and to a fence-lined bluff where you ’ ll enjoy views of Obstruction Pass and Blakely Island across the way . Following the bluff left , a small beach access trail will appear on your right . Head down to explore the beach at your leisure .
As you ’ re ready to continue , follow the beach access back to the main trail . Back on the trail you ’ ll scramble up a somewhat exposed section of rock . A large brown sign with an arrow pointing into the woods indicates a trail inland . This is where you turn left and back towards the parking lot .
A gentle climb will take you back through a similar , though less trafficked rout , known as the Highlands Trail . The slight incline will ultimately end with a final descent into the first junction point and then the trailhead . Distance : 1.4 miles , round trip Elevation Gain : 232 ft . Dogs : Permitted on leash Difficulty : Easy to moderate Trail Type : Loop Trail Pass : Discover Pass ( required ) david burn photo kenmoreair . com
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