Ho! It looks like a month off left Chef Madden rested and inspired for the new year. The new menu is out, at long last. You can view it HERE, but take heed: viewing this link can cause hunger pangs insatiable anywhere but Friday Harbor on San Juan Island. Steps exquisite cuisine is available for in-room dining at EARTH BOX San Juan Island hotel & spa, or just three blocks away at the cutting-edge Cafe. Reservations at 800-793-4756 or ONLINE.

This month’s report begins with a wonderful announcement: Samish (J-14) had her 5th calf, designated by the Center for Whale Research as J-43. This calf was first seen November 6th by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Fisheries research team. If you haven’t seen the video of mom and J-43 go to www.whalemuseum.org and click on **News Updates** then click on 11/9/07 King 5 Cameras Film J Pod With New Calf Near Alki Beach (video follows ad). In the beginning of the video you can see Samish with Riptide on her right and new baby J-43 surfacing between them. Keep watching and see if you can find when the calf surfaces again. It’s a great short video of this new calf and of J Pod. Toward the end you will see Blackberry (J-27) and Mike (J-26) too!….

The full report is available to members of the San Juan Island Whale Museum’s Orca Adoption program.  Visit the Whale Museum Online to join today and receive full reports monthly via email.

EARTH BOX hotel & spa room service from Steps Wine Bar and Cafe is on hiatus all December while the crew takes a well-deserved vacation. You won’t go hungry, though, because there are nearly 2 dozen other dining options within a four block radius of EARTH BOX. Our knowledgeable, friendly front-desk staff are dying to turn you on to some exquisite cuisine. Steps will re-open with a bang for a fantastic New Year’s Eve champagne dinner. Space is limited, so reserve today at (800) 793-4756 or ONLINE. View the Menu.

EARTH BOX San Juan Island hotel & spa offers a creative, imaginative blend of retro-motel vibe, slick, modern interiors and inspired freebies like a wifi blanket over the entire property, ipod docking radios in our new Sky Places, our heated indoor pool, jacuzzi, sauna and fitness studio, as well as a broad range of spa treatments at our Lavendera Day Spa.

Among our most inspired offerings is room service by Steps Wine Bar and Cafe. This New Year’s Eve, ring in the new at Steps instead of in your room, to experience Friday Harbor and San Juan Island’s festive dining experience. View the Menu. Reserve today at 800-793-4756 or ONLINE.