The day finally came - our soon to be 17 year old granddaughter, Grace, was coming to spend a week with us. We have been looking forward to her visit so now it is time to let the fun begin. Once she got on board and settled in her stateroom we untied the lines and headed out to Blind Bay on Shaw Island. Kayaking was first on the list. We paddled the short way across the bay to Blind Island which is a popular stop for the long distance kayakers to camp for the night. It is a very small island so it didn't take long to explore and enjoy the view across to Orcas Island. Next day we went to shore and took a long hike through the Ellis Preserve. Along the way we checked out the tiny Shaw Island library and the one room school. Before paddling back to Wayward Wind we enjoyed an ice cream bar from the General Store. Next day was a ferry ride to Friday Harbor to see the sights and eat ice cream. And then it was on to Stuart Island. We walked to the lighthouse, climbed Tip Top Mountain, shopped Stuart Island style, dinghy ride around Satellite Island, kayaked, beachcombed, and explored Satellite Island. After a few days it was time to return to Anacortes where we had a picnic at Washington Park and took a drive to Mt. Erie. And of course ended the day with ice cream. Each night we played cards, told stories, and laughed a lot. Sadly it was time to take Grace to the airport. But the fun wasn't over yet. We stopped in Seattle to ride the Big Wheel (a large ferris wheel), explore Pike Place Market, and have lunch. It was a busy week and one we will remember with love. (To see the pictures of the week go to the gallery and check out Grace's Week)