IT’S A SOGGY SUNDAY on Center Island, continuing a moist and cool spring throughout Western Washington. Halfway through May, Seattle has already recorded 2 1/2 times its historically average rainfall for the month.
Other than the extreme crankiness among Washingtonians who will wave their GORE-TEX-swaddled arms and shout that we get enough friggin’ rain in November, there’s good news and bad news.
The bad news is that invasive grasses and weeds are loving it. My little half-acre of paradise is looking like the 12-year-old kid who hates haircuts after spending a summer with his grandfather who doesn’t see too good. We’re talking shaggy.
The good news is that the wildflowers are going nuts, too. If you get a chance to take a hike soon at Iceberg Point on Lopez, Turtleback Mountain on Orcas, Young Hill on San Juan Island, or just about anyplace in the islands with an open meadow and occasional sunshine, prepare to be wowed. Blue camas flowers, golden buttercups, pink sea blush, chocolate lilies and more have been outdoing themselves this month. I need look only as far as the rocky knoll behind my cabin.
Rain, rain, go away. Soon. But thanks for watering the flowers.
This post is also available on audio. Listen to my Cantwell’s Reef podcast.
Cantwell's Reef 
Wow inspiring descriptions and photos. Leaves me yearning to see the wildflower extravaganza in the islands again. . I went to Yellow Island when both camas were blooming along with the chocolate lilies. Super!
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Wowsers, looking forward to your boating saga of the inner passage !
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I just spent five days on San Juan and Stuart and yes, the wildflowers – and weeds – are abundance overflowing! Now back on my island, and yes! So tired of November’s continuing rain! Great photos.
Sent from my iPhone
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I would pay good money to actually taste blue camas root. It’s a common story of native foods, but never have I actually seen it on a menu… or anyone’s plate.
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