Tucked at the southern tip of San Juan Island,
Cattle Point Lighthouse is perched upon a
windswept hill, offering stunning views of the
Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Below, whether you’re big or little, it’s hard
not to smile when you’re in the San Juans.
gazed with wonder at all the leaves
blowing in the wind and birds chirping
in the trees. And my husband relished
in his time spent roasting local Westcott
Bay oysters on the grill.
As parents to young children we both
cherished our evenings of uninterrupted
conversation as we lingered around
the fire while our children slumbered
in their beds just a stone’s throw away.
One morning, during our visit we made
souvenir matching tie dye t-shirts for
the kids. On another, we had a memorable
encounter with an owl who decided
to pay us a visit to our log cabin on a
nearby tree.
In the afternoons, we explored the
property and tried to pick out the best
camping site to try on a future visit later
this summer. In the evening, it was a
toss-up between piled high bowls of ice
cream or s’mores in the backyard after
dinner.
If I had to sum up our visit at
Lakedale Resort in two words it would
be: simple pleasures. We spent a little
time exploring the island, but mainly
we were happy to stay put on Lakedale’s
property.
During our visit to San Juan Island we
made certain to dine on the things we
crave like The Bait Shop’s fish and chips
during a picnic lunch at Fourth of July
beach or barbecuing our favorite oysters
for dinner accompanied by a heaping
salad and warm bread to sop up all the
briny goodness.
We took note of all the wildflowers
we spotted as we walked to Cattle Point
Lighthouse and spent an afternoon
searching tide pools and writing in the
sand. We talked by the fire pit until late
into the night when the stars dotted
the sky, rode bikes through the property
and most importantly, partook in
the goodness of each other and our
surroundings. At the end of the trip, I
realized we had not been tempted once
to turn on the television during our stay.
And that, my friends, is a sure sign of a
time well spent.
I have visited Lakedale Resort on
numerous occasions. Each time I have
left with a solid memory I hold dearly.
I had my first glamping experience on
their property, in a canvas cottage and
my first grilled oyster. (My mind was
blown!) I tried a water bike with my
son for the first time, made my first tie
dye shirt and stayed in my very first
yurt.
Lakedale Resort has been dubbed
by many as a summer camp for the
whole family. But it is equally enjoyable
as a romantic weekend getaway, girl’s
weekend or church retreat. As soon as
you set foot on the property, you will
feel your heart rate slow and your desire
to pick up your phone decrease, unless
of course it is to take a photo or two to
capture the blissful weekend you just
experienced in a little slice of paradise
called Lakedale Resort.
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