Imagine on Orcas Island Festival

I thought that Beloved trip was going to be the last of my major travels for the summer, but the universe provided me with an opportunity to experience something new, only 3 days after returning to work after the 2 week solo camping trip!  My dear friend and international festival buddy contacted me about a volunteer opportunity at a festival she always speaks highly of.  Working with a team called Sanctuary, they had one spot open and she felt I'd be a perfect fit (provided I get the time off).  I figured why not!  She didn't think I was actually going to follow through as it was short notice and I have anxiety around last minute travel, especially festivals.

Well, I emailed the coordinator and expressed my interest in the spot.  He was happy to have me provided I can get time off work, which at this point I felt like I was asking a lot after my major trip.  My boss, the amazing human he is, told me to go for it!  So planning began, flights were booked within an hour of approval and the next adventure began.  I was going to be going to Imagine on Orcas Island!

This was the first time flying to a festival.  I needed to coordinate gear loans from other people, transportation from Seattle to Orcas Island and back.  I wanted to pack light to not have to check bags, and I was going for 5 days in the Northern end of Washington on an Island, with high chance of

Portland from the air

rain.  I had two weeks to get it all set plus work a full time job!  Hooray for pushing my comfort levels (this sort of thing was one of my New Years resolutions)!

The flight over was quick (a little less than 2 hours in the air) and the views at night were beautiful.  On the flight to Seattle I got a lovely shot of Portland form the sky, also saw a forest fire that was pretty large burning in Northern California.  Fire season is pretty much over thankfully, this year was bad.

Rout from SEA-TAC to Doe Bay Resort

The ride to the island and tent was secured pretty quickly as I met a lovely woman at Beloved, who is friends with my amazing festival buddy and offered (She was also part of the Jade Dragon Tea service crew).  Got linked into the ride share group and started posting.  Waiting, hoping and nothing for the first week.  I was a week out and found out that my tent was going to be going away on Sunday with my ride to the festival... Uhoh!  No shelter for a night, and still didn't have a way back to SEA?!  I was starting to plan for hitchhiking across the island to hop the boat, then take a bus at this point.  In the end I was able to secure a ride back, and that person knew the gal driving me to the festival and we decided that she would loan me her tent.  So I had a home for all the nights at the event and a ride to the airport.  I won't lie I was stressed for the first few days after seeking a return ride, but settled and let the process happen.

So the festival!  Getting there once everything was coordinated was easy.  A two hour drive from SEA-TAC airport to Anacortes, a beautiful coastal community in Northern Washington.  We stayed in an Air BnB for the night so we could catch the early ferry to the Island as my travel mates had a 10 am volunteer shift to get to on Thursday morning.

The ferry ride was fun.  It had been over 15 years since I had been on one.  Reminded me of taking the Ferry back home in Halifax Nova Scotia across the harbor, granted that ride was much shorter and didn't transport cars.  The views were amazing, and the air was crisp and cool.  The sun was rising as we made our way across the water through the San Juan Islands that dotted the area.  I kept an eye out for Orcas, but saw none on the ride over.  The boat was full of people on their way to the festival and we met several on the journey along the way.  I grabbed a tasty breakfast on the boat and was treated with a random act of kindness from the person in front of me who paid for it (unexpected and an amazing gesture).

Arrival on the island was easy, we were able to get off the boat fast and on our way.  We made a quick stop in Eastsound which was a half way point from the Ferry to Doe Bay Resort, to pick up some food stuff and other needs.  Cute little town, maybe next time I can check it out more.

Arrival at the festival was smooth, got checked in as a volunteer and dropped my things where I was going to be camping with the group of people I was communicating with online.  Located the spot I was going to be working and helped set up the Sanctuary space, met my fellow team members and started my weekend.

View from Doe Bay Resort

The Doe Bay Resort is a lovely place for sure.  Right on the water, beautiful space and lots to see.  They have a bath house space with three hot tubs that look over the bay, a lovely sauna room that is not too hot (was around 150F when I was in there) and outdoor showers.  There is a cafe on site to get food, a general store so you don't have to take off to get things you forgot (maybe a little more expensive, but convenient for sure).  There are several spaces to rent (yurt, cabins) and a communal kitchen for people to use as well.

The sanctuary was a lovely space to warm up on the rainy days and spend time with the team when we were not helping people.  We had a beautiful sound healing with one of the artists who was on site doing sound healing.  I enjoyed copious amounts of tea and amazing conversations, sang with people and danced barefoot in the mud.  I even went as far as swimming in the ocean (it was about 50F and raining)!  I enjoyed the groups they had playing, the art they had up and the vendors they brought in.  Everyone came with good intentions and helped make the place amazing.  So much love and kindness extended to everyone by everyone!

Downed apple tree with Altar Space

The festival was beautiful.  This year there was a tragedy on Thursday where one of the volunteers got into a car accident and passed away.  Prior to her passing there was an altar setup for her at the base of a beautiful old apple tree.  Probably the biggest apple tree I've seen in my life.  Growing up in Nova Scotia Canada, where there are lots of apple orchards, this one far surpassed the size of the trees there.  I could not get my arms around this monster.  The evening she passed away the tree fell over.  Everyone was sad to see it go down.  Many people helped collect the ripe apples on the ground that fell.  The owners of the resort will try to resurrect the tree to keep it going as it is the oldest apple tree on the Island!

Return from the event on Monday was not hard.  I had a different person driving me back to SEA-TAC.  We stopped at the thrift shop on the island to peek around.  Some cool stuff.  Because I had no space, I didn't grab any of the things I really liked.  Blessing and a curse when it comes to packing super light.  Didn't see any Orcas while on the island or ferry, but did see a mink fishing, otters (a mom with 3 pups), lots of birds and a porpoise.

Overall I would attend again.  Getting to and from the island can be a little difficult if you don't plan in advance.  Reserve your ferry pass ASAP if you are taking a car, or grab one to barter a ride over to the event and back.  Onsite teams did an amazing job of shuttling people to and from parking lot with gear.  Wait times were not long, but also the event is under 1000 total!

As of now there are no further plans for travel in the next month.  October is the time of year I stay home and volunteer for a haunted house.  I spend my evenings and weekends scaring people.  As my coworkers put it "This is your Christmas".  Yes, it is like my Christmas.  Halloween is a month, not a day.

Till the next adventure!

Sarah

Road Trip Part 3 (Final Post)

Third and final post for the adventure.  The return trip post festival was quiet, easy and amazing.  Load out from the festival was organized chaos as expected.  I wanted to leave by noon, didn't get out until 3pm, but I had a feeling that was how it was going to go and just rolled with it and helped people with their things as I waited (support the community!).

My first stop post event was Bandon to stay for the night at the Bandon Wayside Motel which has a little RV park and camp ground in the back.  Lovely place for sure!  Not too far off of 101, clean place, well maintained and friendly hosts.  I found this site through a website called HipCamp (Like Air BnB for camping) for about $20 for the night.  Hot showers, laundry room and space to cook with your camp stove.  Would visit again for sure.

Crashed out early that night as I was tired from all the gear movement and driving.  I took off for the longest leg of my trip which was Bandon OR to Fort Bragg CA.  about 7 hours of driving.  I broke it up with a few stops, one random stop and one planned stop.

Bee on flower

First stop was Samuel H Boardman State Park for a break to stretch my legs and see the coast.  I only took one photo here of this lovely bumble bee on a flower.  The place was pretty, had some lovely walking trails but due to time and the planned stop I wanted to do, I couldn't stay long.  Perhaps next time!

Fern Canyon

Elk on the Beach

My next stop was several hours away but worth the visit.  Fern Canyon is high on my must see items every year I do this trip.  Eight miles down a dirt road through some amazing redwood forest that takes you down to a beach. is a place that looks like it is plucked from a fairy tale.  Be aware that driving this road, there is a point you have to drive through a stream.  My Kia Rio was able to handle it, but if you decide to not drive through the water, you can park and walk about 1/2 a mile to the canyon itself (I frequently see people who drive their Prius through the stream without issue).  The tall canyon walls cut out from a stream over hundreds of years, tall trees growing off the top of the walls, which are covered in ferns and moss is a site to see.  Water trickles down in spots in gentle falls of water that look like diamonds falling from the sky.  The hike is about 1.5 miles to complete the loop, I generally stick inside the canyon and explore the beach.  On the beach one can find wild elk roaming and resting in the sand in small groups.  Keep your distance as they are large and can be very dangerous.  Sometimes you will see them wandering the trails near the mouth of the canyon as well.  If you go down to the water, keep an eye out for seals and porpoises swimming and playing in the waves.  They are a joy to observe.  With any beach visit be cautious and aware as the ocean here can be dangerous.

After an hour or so at this beautiful location, I ventured off to my next camp site.  The campground I stay at in Fort Bragg is not a state park.  Wildwood Campground has been my stop the last 3 years and I enjoy the people there.  Some people are off put because it is a long term RV park, with some camp sites, but it is quiet, clean and well maintained.  The people running the place are kind and helpful if you need assistance.  The tent sites are located near hiking trails, have fire rings, picnic tables, water and restrooms near by.  To book you have to call and leave a message.  There is no online booking for this site.

Low tide at Glass Beach

I spent two nights here at this location, exploring Fort Bragg and mentally prepping myself for the return to the Bay Area.  Wednesday there was a farmers market I found with some amazing produce and products made by local artisans.    I visited Glass Beach to enjoy the water and a unique feature in this area.  The beach itself does not have a lot of glass on it due to years of people taking glass despite there being signs saying not to take the glass.  I also make a point to go to Cowlicks Ice Cream Parlor which has a super unique ice cream that is not found anywhere else.  Mushroom ice cream made with a local type of mushroom called a sugar cap.  The ice cream tastes like maple glaze West Coast Brewing company.  They have a Berliner Weisse I like to get which is the Cherry, however this time of year is when they run out.  More often than not I get the last glass off the last keg. If they are out of that the Passion-fruit Peach is also great.  Later in the year they have a Cranberry Quince version.  These are seasonal, so be aware.
like you would find on a doughnut.  If California does not have a lot of rain in the wet season, they can not harvest enough to make it.  This happened a couple years ago, but this year they had some!  Worth a stop to try it.  The last place I always stop at is

View from Camp Site #3 Orr Hot Springs

After the run around town I settled in for the night and got ready for my last destination.  Orr Hot Springs is a magical restful place where you can camp or rent a room.  I prefer to camp as the spots for camping are restful and quiet, not far from the springs and spots 1-3 have 8x8 foot platforms to set up your tent.  I suggest having a smaller tent for this (no bigger than a 3 person).  If your tent is larger site 4-6 can accommodate those, however they are not on platforms.  Besides the springs, the
site has hiking trails, live music on certain days, full kitchen to use, dining room and even culinary herbs in the garden to cook with.  To book you need to call and leave a voice message.  They will get back to you pretty quickly!  Be aware this is a clothing optional resort.  If you have no issue with nudity, this place can be fun.  Kids are welcome but they have rules that are posted on their pages.  No food can be purchased near by, so bring all that you need for food and drink.

The last night out was blissfully sweet.  I spent time in the sauna (200F), cold plunge pool, the medium temp pool (about 105F) and the star gazing tubs.  The smoke from the fires near Ukiah was not affecting the view, I was blessed to have been able to see the Milky Way and even a few meteors from the Perseid meteor shower which was towards the end of the window (July 17th - Aug 24th).  Mars was low on the horizon in the East and all was well with the world as I soaked in the beauty of the last evening out.

The trip back from the springs were uneventful.  I stopped at Anderson Valley Brewing Company to grab an assortment of cans to bring home.  This is one of the brewery I go to frequently when I am in the area.  I love that you can do a build your own 6 pack.  Lots of options in the tasting rooms and Brewery tours at 1:30pm (I arrived too late to do the tour the 5th time in a row).  I will make it eventually.

This concludes the three part download of my adventure camping for 2 weeks solo.  I learned that I am capable of doing this amount of camping solo and LOVING every moment of this.  I remembered how much I missed the quiet of nature and not having to interact with people.  Don't get me wrong, I enjoy human connection, but we all need a moment for ourselves to recharge and find our center.  I recommend this kind of trip, maybe not as long, but a few days of solitude and self reliance can be really boosting to the heart and soul.

If you missed Part 1, you can find that Here
If you missed part 2, you can find that Here

Post Trip Update Part 2 of 3

I decided to break the post trip blog into a few entries as the trip was two weeks and I did do a lot of things.  So welcome to part 2!

I left my camps site at Seal Rock later than I wanted, but I was not in a rush.  I will probably stay at this site again as it was lovely, though it was bare bones, it had what I needed which was peacefulness in nature.

I arrived at the festival grounds for check in around 12:30, which was still before the event had opened the box office for general attendees.  They were working hard to get vendors and performers in the gate first (rightfully so).  Arrival and departure days are always the hardest.  The team coordinating are trying their best and despite most of the attendees being "love and light" shiny people, they get short and frustrated despite the volunteers best efforts with the massive influx of human bodies, cars and gear (remember to breathe my friends).

Once they started the official check in for general Thursday entry people, it seemed to move smoothly.  The mad rush to site, park and to find your home for the weekend begins!  I have written a guide to make your arrival for Beloved Festival easy if you ever want to go. The link to the guide is HERE

Secret lake lit up at night

The location I camped this year was Eve's Orchard.  Located behind the stage and near the Oasis which has lovely live music throughout the day.  My vantage point I could see how long the lines were for the showers, and had a quick hop to the restrooms, vendors and main stage which I could hear faintly.  The community of people around me were wonderful again.

The weekend was full of growth, learning, singing, dancing and yoga.  Heart opening challenges and lots of beautiful sunshine and interactions with people.  This festival is said to be one of the best in the country, and I can understand why.  Between international music acts, big name headliners, amazing food and talented artists, there is something for everyone, even the children who have access to amazing activities!

Favorite things I participated in:

Jade Dragon tea space.  Have a cup, meet a friend!

Solsara event encourages human connection without words, active listening and human connection.  They hold an event daily at this festival and I try to do every one.  It's a beautiful way to start the day.  I've cried, laughed, held space for others processing things and appreciated human connection without expectation.  This group does heart opening events which push comfort levels for some (especially those who feel they may be socially awkward) and help you look deep within yourself as well as truly see the person in front of you without using words.  I always love to attend the event that Larry and Carrie do every year.  The community is blessed to have them.

Vulnerable Rally was a new thing this year.  Not really on the schedule, but a renegade event hosted at the art gallery.  This event challenged participants to write down a fear, self doubt, self defeating thought, addiction or something they dislike about themselves.  We then stood in silence in pairs and held space for each other.  We cried, laughed hugged and let each other know that we recognize that pain and their strength to open up about that.  We are taught we need to be strong and not show weakness in this world, but doing this was therapeutic.  I attended the rally twice over the weekend.  I cried.  I addressed my issues with intimacy and my past of abuse by partners.  I held space for those who felt they were worthless, less than everyone, too busy to notice important things and past emotional pains they still carry.  I posted one of the signs I held on my Instagram with a description talking about my experience, you can read it HERE

Honey from Benjamin Pixie

Benjamin Pixie of "The Pixie Traveling Medicine Show" on bees and the importance to our world as
well as what amazing things they provide for us to consume.  His talk was educational, enlightening and all around amazing.  I'm a fan of honey, and understand the importance of our little pollinator friends.  He also provided samples and tastes of different things that can be made from a healthy hive.  Highly recommend finding a local presentation if there is one.



Favorite Music I listened to or boogied down to:

The Polish Ambassador & The Diplomatic Scandal were an obvious go to as they were one of the bigger name groups attending the event.  Their set was awesome and definitely had the festival dancing and having fun.  I was glad to have been able to dance and watch the crowd play and dance as well.

Blackalicious played while I was enjoying tea at the Jade Dragon tea wagon.  The set was definitely getting the crowd up and enjoying the vibe.  Would love to see the amazing duo again.

Youssoupha Sidibe was unknown to me until this event.  I always find new groups to listen to thanks to Beloved, it is one of the things I cherish about this place.  Always something new, always a surprise and never a disappointment.

Jaya Lajshmi & Ananda always does amazing music and yoga.  This year I attended the Saturday Morning Kundalini Yoga and Meditation with live music preformed by the group.  A great wake-up and energizing class to get the blood flowing and the mind ready for the day.

You can find the full lineup of workshops and groups on the Beloved Facebook page if you want to explore the offerings they had.  Maybe one year I will teach my herbal medicine class there.  I just need more exposure and experience before I take on such an endeavor.

I could go on about so much at this place, but will end it here.  Next post will be about the return trip and wrap up of this two week adventure that really transformed the view of myself and my capabilities.

If you missed Part 1, you can find that Here

Planning for August

So plans continue for the August trip.  I've decided I'm going to change how I've done this trip in the past.  This is year 4 of this 2 week excursion living out of a tent and saying good bye to the craziness of the San Francisco Bay Area.  I like to say I am becoming a feral human for 2 weeks, living in the woods and shunning big cities.


This years change will be using a new website I discovered last year called Hip Camp.  The website, like Air BnB, is home and land owners who provide spaces to rent to camp on.  Amenities vary from site to site.  Some are super primitive where you have nothing but a spot to camp, others come full service with Wi-Fi, showers and laundry on site.  Not all sites are for one person or group.  Some have several spots to rent.


I've scoped out several spots for each location and as of now the cost of camping will run me about $200 total for each night I am camping before and after the festival I am attending.  A grand total of 10 nights at about $20/night, some sites are less than $20.  This is far better than the $300+ I used to spend on state camping sties.  This will be a fun exploration.  I will be camping close to the same locations I have in the past.  Change of scenery is always fun!


Once these are secure I will start my meal plan and share it with you!  For those curious, here is a general rout of the trip.  Total of 1,323 Miles with general markers of where I am going to be.