BLM: Lopez Island

Lopez Island, Washington

I have been coming to Lopez Island since about 1970. Let's face it: the islands have always been a very "white" place, although more and more Hispanic families have moved to Lopez in recent years. Thus I was astonished (and pleased!) to find Black Lives Matter signs all over Lopez on this most recent trip. And particularly moved by this memorial to African Americans who have died at the hands of law enforcement. THIS is part of what people mean when they say "this time it's different." Yes, there is a LONG ways to go but if BLM can make it to Lopez (and all over small town America!), I think it's a sign of hopeful things to come.

Re-connecting

Lopez Island, Washington

Yesterday afternoon as we were waiting in the ferry line in Anacortes, I heard a familiar name called over the loud speaker: "Will Blank Blank please return to the ticket kiosk for a lost item." Now, this person's name is not so unusual, but I was pretty sure it was him. No answer at first when I texted, but several hours later I got confirmation: yes, it was him.

Later that evening we met my friend and his son down at Fisherman Bay harbor as them disembarked from their boat. So much fun to re-connect after several years--and especially in the middle of socially isolating global pandemic.

And, as another bonus, he gave us some freshly caught shrimp to try. I tried my hand at peeling them (ouch, those guys have sharp edges!) and cooking them, too.

A wonderfully pleasant surprise all around!