Observe Eagles and Orcas and Savor Good Eats by the Sea in Washington
What could be better than observing orcas in the wild and then returning to camp to watch a fiery sunset while savoring a glass of wine and enjoying delicious Northwest cuisine? Outdoor Odysseys elevates the role of backcountry cooking to a fine art with their menu selections featuring fresh foods, organic and seasonal produce and scrumptious desserts. In fact, enjoying the pleasures of sea kayaking combined with dining on freshly–cooked gourmet cuisine is an unexpected highlight of many of their trips. Past clients seem to agree and many offer accolades to the outfitter’s commitment to serving quality foods that greatly enhances the enjoyment of their guests.
Using only the freshest ingredients, including homegrown organic produce and locally procured ingredients, Outdoor Odysseys has been refining and expanding its menus since its inception in 1987. Back then founder, Clark Casebolt was among the leading pioneers to offer guided sea kayak trips in the San Juans. And he continues to innovate today, adding touches that enhance the guest’s experience and move him closer to his ideal of running a “green” business. Produce for guests’ lunches sometimes comes from his organic garden, which he continues to expand, or from small local farms on the outer islands that cultivate organically grown vegetables. It’s all a part of Casebolt’s philosophy of blending ecotourism with organic nutrition and sustainable living. “People are becoming more discriminating about the foods they eat and put into their body. Marrying great tasting cuisine using fresh locally grown ingredients with a fun activity such as sea kayaking combines the best of both worlds,” claims Casebolt.
On all of Outdoor Odysseys’ adventures guides/chefs create specialties using Dutch oven cookery that highlight the natural flavors of the region. A typical day on an Outdoor Odysseys tour may include French toast, blueberry and apple pancakes served with fresh fruit, for breakfast, burritos, tabouli, hummus, bagels with cream cheese and special spreads and fresh vegetables for lunch, and freshly made smoked salmon pesto fettuccine and spinach lasagna for dinner. The desserts are delicious, as well, and include berry/apple crisp, double chocolate fudge brownies and flan with a dash of Kahlua on top. The upscale cuisine and variety of menu selections often leaves guests wondering how Outdoor Odysseys can create these delectable dishes in the middle of the wilderness.
Dutch oven cookery is one of their trademark specialties although Clark admits that convincing skeptical guests sometimes does take some doing. “Few of our guests are thrilled with the prospect of lugging a heavy Dutch oven around in their kayak until they see what great tasting food these contraptions are capable of producing.” The emphasis on quality, freshness and variety and the unique experience of enjoying gourmet cuisine and scrumptious desserts within the wilderness contributes to what make Outdoor Odysseys trips in the wildlife rich waters off the west side of San Juan Island memorable.
Since 1987 Outdoor Odysseys has specialized in sea kayaking in the wildlife rich waters off the west side of San Juan Island. They offer a wide selection of single to multi-day trips and departures. All tours depart from San Juan Island, just a scenic two-hour ferry ride from Anacortes, Washington. Out of town guests can reach Anacortes by car or a two-hour van shuttle from Seattle-Tacoma Airport. For more information on all of their adventure vacations, including a free color catalog, call Outdoor Odysseys at (800) 647-4621, or email them at ceekayaker@aol.com You can also browse their web site at www.outdoorodysseys.com
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June 24, 2004
Posted in: United States NorthWest