A needed nature break before getting ready for our upcoming events at the gardens, I hiked the Skyline Trail on Mt Tahoma / Rainer with a couple of good friends this past weekend.
Although a very popular and crowded park, it’s worth going for the incredible views and wildflowers. Also, in a heart warming way, it reinforces the kindness of people as well.
We passed so many positive and engaging folks on the 5.5 mile loop trail which took us 7 hours, with many stops.
I went for the wildflowers but got so much more from the hike. There were literally millions of white erythronium ( trout lily ) on many of the slopes as we started to ascend higher. I wish I’d gotten a better photo before my phone died as they were the most breathtaking of all – both the quantity and pure white beauty of their blooms.
There were only a few patches of the yellow erythronium compared to the enormous drifts of white ones.
Even the low bushy willows had their own flare with the catkins getting so puffy.
A delightful surprise was this marmot who came bounding across the snow towards the hikers – probably hoping for handouts.
I was amazed we made the whole distance as it was a challenge since we are not serious hikers. The elevation gain and views well worth the slow pace.
The mountain wore it’s hat all day but the rest of the air was clear.
Caitlin of Whidbey Herbal at last years market will be back
After a much needed nature break I’m gearing up towards our big upcoming Summer Arts & Crafts Market.
Saturday July 29th ~ 10 am – 5 pm
Sunday July 30 ~ 10 am – 2 pm
At this point there are 10 new vendors, along with many popular ones from last year.
I have photos from many of the folks on the website so you can look over in more detail the work that will be available.
Don Wojenski with his woodwork will also return this year.
Matt Dillon will be here on Saturday selling something delicious to eat as well as cider and wine. He’s also making a dinner for the folks that sign up for the Food & Flower class. Brita is teaching flower arranging at 4 pm on Saturday followed by a totally yummy dinner by Matt with good wine.
A single selection of photos of work that will be at the market representing all 26 vendors are below.
Click the link above to see a more complete array.
Handmade chocolate by Aubrie Day
Britta Culberson – Terrastoria jewelry
Erin Vanhee – Trillium Medicine – herbal remedies and oils
Handmade glass bead jewelry by Margie Burr
Useful and wonderful blacksmith items by Joey Guerra
Lovely body products and perfume from Karen & the Sweet Sisters team
Kate Endle – graphic arts, jewelry and books…
Jamie Connors – embroidery on clothing and more
Laura Knaub- ceramics
Sheila Carbon – Her last 6 bird baths as she passed last year.
Mary Fisher – Maemae clothing and lunchbags
Caitlin Stanton of Whidbey Herbal with essential oils, perfume and room sprays
Lisa Anderson – paintings
Penny Clayton – photographs and paintings
Erica Hanson – totes and aprons – super durable and fantastic
Ida Gianopulus – flowers fresh and dried flowers – including wreaths
Mike Frickberg – woodwork – boards, wine racks ….
Lori Kane of Ritual Mischief with a huge selection of plant based body products ( also featured in a new edition of Whidbey Life magazine )
Greg Warnick – ceramics
Don Wojenski – wood turned bowls and containters
Don and his group will also be playing Jazz on August 6th! See poster at end of email.
Berit Bardarson – jewelry
Cat Bodynk – ceramics
Siri Bardarson – drawings / prints
Renee Boyce of Freeland Art Shack – intricate painted rocks & jewelry
Tammi Sloan – My Brown Wren – jewelry
Kirstin Clauson – The Herbal Workshop – soaps, oils, sprays
OTHER EVENTS at Cultus Bay Gardens
Tom’s self-serve produce stand is open now and the peppers ( mild to hot ) are coming on strong. Tomatoes are just starting so there will be some at the stand as available. Eggplant as well as some unusual zucchini, that are better then the more common ones, are showing up in the stand now too.
Whidbey Island Music Festival will be performing on our curved porch Saturday July 15th with a concert called Spanish Nights.
Tekla Cunningham ( director ) playing at one of last summers concerts here.
Tickets for this Saturday can be bought on Whidbey Island Music Festival website. There will also be a Bach Cello Concerto concert here on August 13th – check their website for those tickets.
August 6th Don Wojenski, Dale Stirling, Dr Bob Wagner & Bruce Towne will be playing jazz. Pay at the door and bring a blanket, chair & umbrella if desired. It’s a sunny front lawn and the guys play on the curved porch which has great acoustics.
Saturday August 19th we welcome a new group to our gardens – the Townies – playing Americana music, covers. This should be fun and great for families. Also a pay at the door and bring your blanket, chairs, umbrella or what you need for comfort in the lawn.
Busy weeks ahead for sure.
Hope many of you can make it to the market and some of the music.
Mary Fisher
www.cultusbaygardens.com
7568 Cultus Bay Rd
Clinton WA
360-579-2329