San Juan Safaris has been having terrific luck with J-Pod sightings lately. Yesterday they counted about 20 individual whales, including a new calf and legendary Ruffles, one of the largest of our San Juan Island resident Orca males. There’s really no sight quite like seeing Ruffles’ six foot tall dorsal fin surfacing and submerging. Jeanette, the San Juan Safaris naturalist, explained today that Orcas are voluntary breathers, so they exhibit unihemispheric sleep. This sleep pattern allows half the brain to sleep while the other half stays awake. Fascinating stuff from the folks at San Juan Safaris, who have a trip going out of Friday Harbor today at 12:30.

This month, ELEMENTS hotel & spa will become Earthbox motel and spa. Our new name reflects our heritage as a vintage motel while celebrating the natural elements that inspire us to re-invent, re-imagine and provide san juan island’s most creative, fun and unexpected lodging experience. Join us this fall to become part of the friday harbor hybrid hotel revolution.

By popular demand, EARTH BOX hotel & spa room service is now provided by Backdoor Kitchen, San Juan Island’s multi-ethnic gem.

Backdoor is one of those rare, authentic places where diners discover a perfect marriage between setting, service and quality.  Somewhat hidden in Friday Harbor, tucked in among the plants and landscaping of Green Man nursery just a few blocks from EARTH BOX hotel & spa, Backdoor Kitchen has nevertheless risen to the top of the San Juan Island food chain by providing consistently excellent and creative meals and drinks in a setting that is quintessentially San Juan Island.  Ask almost any islander where to find the best food, appetizers, drinks, deserts, setting, service…Backdoor Kitchen is a virtually unanimous choice.

Dinners are available for delivery to your door during Backdoor Kitchen’s normal hours of operation, which vary seasonally; or walk just a few blocks to experience the full effect.  Visit the Backdoor Kitchen website for hours and menus.

Sample the wine and cuisine of Italy’s Piemonte region with a special dinner, prepared by chef Madden at STEPS wine bar & cafe, Friday Harbor’s cutting edge dining experience.

Wednesday, February 6, 6:00 PM

$100 per person (includes tax & gratuity)

(360) 370- 5959

Sample the wine and cuisine of Italy’s Piemonte region with a special dinner, prepared by chef Madden at STEPS wine bar & cafe, Friday Harbor’s cutting edge dining experience.

$100 per person (includes tax & gratuity)

For reservations call (360) 370- 5959