Hey, its: Thursday, October 16

What's Going On Today?

Orcas Today: Thursday, October 16th

Orcas Island Film Festival
October 15th-19th at Various Locations
Now in its 11th year, the Orcas Island Film Festival celebrates and promotes the art of cinema as a catalyst for connection, creativity, and cultural understanding. OIFF is dedicated to amplifying diverse voices, inspiring critical thought, and bringing communities together through the transformative power of storytelling.

Spirit of Drumming Group
October 16th at 1:30pm at Orcas Senior Center
Discover the joy of drumming with the Spirit of Drumming Group at Orcas Senior Center on Thursdays! This beginner-friendly group focuses on exploring the elements of drumming. There’s no cost to participate—just bring a drum and join the fun! Everyone is welcome! For more information, text Ezekiel Barr at 360.376.3033.

CommuniTEA Night at Wildflower Apothecary
Thursdays from 5:00-8:00pm
Join us at Wildflower Apothecary every Thursday from 5-8pm for CommuniTEA night! We will have a weekly herbal tea offering by donation. You’re welcome to bring instruments, crafts, songs, & stories to connect with your island community & our herbal allies.

Orcas Alcoholics Anonymous Weekly Meeting
Thursdays from 5:30-6:30 at Benson Hall
Emmanuel Episcopal is hosting a weekly Al-Anon meeting with Zoom option for those unable to attend in person. Zoom: Meeting ID: 873 8608 8448 Passcode: 881858

Yoga Class with Susie Frank
Thursdays at 5:30pm at the Orcas Senior Center
This slow-paced session focuses on foundational yoga poses, conscious breathing, and supported postures designed to ease stress and improve flexibility, strength, and balance. The class is ideal for beginners or anyone seeking a more mindful, accessible practice. Props are used to ensure safety and comfort. Participants are encouraged to bring a mat, blanket, and bolster or pillow if available; a limited number of extras will be provided. The class is led by Susie Frank, a long-time Orcas Island resident and certified instructor who has practiced yoga since 2009. A sliding scale donation of $10 to $20 is suggested. For more information, contact Susie at 360.298.4484 or sissooz@yahoo.com.

Open Mic at Doe Bay Cafe

Thursdays at 6:30pm
Doors open at 5:00pm, music at 6:30pm!

Get out and Hike

Little Summit Trail – Difficult

2.2 miles. 430 feet elevation gain/loss Little Summit rests above Mountain Lake on the eastern side of Mount Constitution. The Little Summit Trail starts at one of the best picnic vistas in Moran State Park, with several tables for visitors to relax on as they enjoy views of Mount Pickett and the south sound. The trail continues along the sloping ridge of the mountain towards the summit through variable terrain populated by switchbacks, ant hills, and ancient Lodgepole Pine growth. Several vantage points along the trail offer breathtaking views and photo opportunities of eastern Orcas Island, including Mountain Lake and Twin Lakes, and the waters of the Salish Sea. Take the mid-way cutoff towards the Cold Springs Trail for further hiking or continue the ascent towards the summit and see the best view in the San Juan Islands.

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A Bite Of Orcas

New Leaf Cafe – By Howie

Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day. Period, full stop, buck stops there, you get the idea. Though I don’t garner the opportunity to savor a good breakfast often, it warms my heart, body, and soul when I gain said opportunity. Our previous restaurant on the list had to be pushed back due to unforeseen circumstances, but it made for a wonderful brunch in the end. My esteemed colleague and I set sail for a early-afternoon adventure of the taste buds, and if you couldn’t tell by my praise, it was a fine voyage indeed! New Leaf Café is a restaurant located in one of the three buildings belonging to Outlook Inn, one of the premier places to stay for a visit on the island. They have gone through several Iterations and have since settled to doing Brunch and Dinner. However, due to the times we live in, Brunch is the only meal they could serve this season, but we, as food connoisseurs, were not deterred from this fact, boldly striding into the calming atmosphere of New Leaf Café with our heads high, and our appetites… uh… also high? We were hungry, okay? While my esteemed colleague opted for one of his favorites…

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