Now more than ever we crave a change of scenery. From long and sometimes isolating days of working from home, to wrangling children, whipping up countless meals and everything in between. Over these past few months our homes hastily transformed into schools and gyms to offices, restaurants and libraries. With all this time spent at home you wouldn't think we would need a break, but we do!

There is something so invigorating about hopping aboard a Washington State Ferry and setting off to visit the San Juan Islands. I cannot think of anything quite like the thrill of salt air rushing through your hair or seeing all manner of watercraft cruise by to make you enthusiastic about where you are fortunate enough to call home. And if you are insanely lucky you might even spot an orcas, seal, sea lion or bald eagle on your journey. After an hour and a half drive and hour long ferry ride or short forty minute flight you might as well be a world away.

When I think of life's simple pleasures I immediately think of delicious food, breathtaking scenery and invigorating company. During this unprecedented time in our country there is nothing quite like stepping away from the endless barrage of news, a weekend of fresh air and partaking in some much needed self care. After enjoying a little rest and relaxation you will savor with every fiber of your being the change of scenery.

With greater flexibility for mid week travel we are finding ourselves less constrained by a typical work week. After taking back all those precious hours we used to spend commuting we are finding more time to not only do the things we love, but cultivate our relationships with the ones we love. With all this rushing around momentarily paused we have established a new sense of belonging amongst the close knit ranks of our family and most trusted friends.

After months of our lives being boiled down to the bare essentials of eat, sleep, work, repeat; we are thrilled at the possibility of traveling not so far from home these days. When we decide the time is right for us to go away we do so seeking the comforts of home. We seek a space to meal prep (or to foster your newfound love for baking banana bread) to spacious living spaces where everyone can sprawl out to work or lounge as the day requires.

Now that social distancing has become a part of our vernacular, the wide open, sparsely populated places with ample amenities will be what we crave. On San Juan Island there exists such a place called Lakedale Resort. From log cabins and canvas cottages, to yurts, camping and the more traditional lodge room Lakedale Resort has a little something for everyone.

Lakedale Resort is situated on eighty two acres of expansive property with three lakes and enough space to stretch your legs, ride a bike, paddle a canoe, try your hand at a water bike, resurrect your love for tie dye, bird watch, and roast marshmallows all while easily social distancing. Lakedale Resort is a property comprised of soaring trees, pine needle filled pathways, lily pad strewn lakes and very few people as far as the eye can see.

During my family's recent visit to Lakedale we enjoyed our time in a lakeside log cabin. The log cabin was spacious for our family of four and consisted of two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a full size kitchen, a dining area, a family room, a covered back porch and a lakeshore fire pit and picnic table. My young son reveled in having free range of the property on one of their free bike rentals, my nine month old baby girl gazed with wonder at all the leaves blowing in the wind and birds chirping in the trees and my husband relished in his time spent roasting local Westcott Bay oysters on the grill. As parents to young children we both cherished our evenings of uninterrupted conversation as we lingered around the fire while our children slumbered in their beds just a stone's throw away.

One morning, during our visit we made souvenir matching tie dye t-shirts for the kids, on another we had a memorable encounter with an owl who decided to pay us a visit to our log cabin on a nearby tree. In the afternoon, we explored the property and tried to pick out the best camping site to try out on a future visit this Summer. In the evening, it was a toss up between piled high bowls of ice cream or s'mores in the back yard after dinner.

If I had to sum up our visit at Lakedale in two words it would be: simple pleasures. We spent a little time exploring the island, but mainly we were happy to stay put on Lakedale's property. During our visit to San Juan Island we made certain to dine on the things we crave like The Bait Shop's fish and chips during a picnic lunch at Fourth of July beach or barbecuing our favorite oysters for dinner accompanied by a heaping salad and warm bread to sop up all the briny goodness.

We took note of all the wildflowers we spotted as we walked to Cattle Point Lighthouse and spent an afternoon searching tide pools and writing in the sand, we talked by the fire pit until late into the night when the stars dotted the sky, rode bikes through the property and most importantly partook in the goodness of each other and our surroundings. At the end of the trip, I realized we had not been tempted once to turn on the television during our stay. And that my friends is a sure sign of a time well spent.

I have visited Lakedale on numerous occasions. Each time I have left with a solid memory I hold dearly. I had my first glamping experience on their property in a canvas cottage and my first grilled oyster (mind blown!), I tried a water bike with my son for the first time, made my first tie dye shirt and stayed in my very first yurt.

Lakedale Resort has been dubbed by many as a Summer camp for the whole family, but it is equally enjoyable as a romantic weekend getaway, girl's weekend or church retreat. As soon as you set foot on Lakedale Resort's property you will feel your heart rate slow and your desire to pick up your phone decrease unless of course it is to take a photo or two to capture the blissful weekend you just experienced in a little slice of paradise called Lakedale Resort.