Some of the literature we read referred to Orcas Island as the "Emerald Isle". It is a unique horseshoe or "saddlebag" shape. This shape gives the island miles and miles of coastline and numerous little bays to explore. We decided to start on the west side and work our way north, then, time permitting, go eastward. First stop was here to Deer Harbor via Westsound. Westsound was basically a corner store and a cluster of beautiful classic homes. Nothing huge or too fancy but all seemed to blend perfectly with the Island. Deer Harbor, a center for whale watching, sailing, and kayaking trips, is called a hamlet and it isn't much bigger then that. Originally inhabited by Lummi Indians, European-Americans began settling here in the 1880s. There isn't much to suggest Deer Harbor has been around that long but it does have a friendly quaintness making it most attractive. Deer Harbor is more than a tourist stop. It is a working community as the fishing boats anchored in the harbor suggest.
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