Hello blog readers! My name is Anna. I’ve been the Operations Coordinator at Outdoor Odysseys for the past two and a half years. This year I am transitioning out of the role and becoming part-time alumni/ part-time training consultant/ part-time business hype woman.
During my time at Outdoor Odysseys I’ve fielded thousands of phone calls, run countless van shuttles, and helped plan too many fun parties and guide dinners. I’ve also thoroughly enjoyed my time living in Friday Harbor. Here is my favorite “must see & do” if you find yourself on island during the summer:
- Westcott Bay Shellfish Company has one of the BEST lunches in town. Oysters on the half shell are you kidding!? With compound butter or Mignonette, absolutely amazing!
- Pizza from Bakery San Juan is always an awesome quick lunch. (Pro tip: they sell them in the freezer section at the Marketplace ~local secret…shhh~)
- My all time favorite is Market Chef. Their deli case is what my dreams are made of. Sandwiches out the wazoo that will put anything you would have made at home to absolute shame. In fact, the pantry item section single-handley supplied my personal kitchen with all the exquisite tastes I needed when I was a full time Islander.
- Lastly, come spend an evening with us Kayak Camping or doing a Bioluminescence Paddle. We’ll queue up the sunset and some of the freshest camp cuisine you’ll experience in your lifetime. Believe me when I say you’ll never do another trip like the one we offer at Outdoor Odysseys!
The unofficial motto here at Outdoor Odysseys Sea Kayaking, started by our legendary founder Clark Casebolt, is “Happy Guides Run Great Trips”. The reason we all keep coming back to Outdoor Odysseys is so much more than working for a guiding company.
Anna preparing to paddle into the sunset- both literally & metaphorically!
As I reflect on my time working here, I realize I wasn’t just your typical Office Logistics Coordinator. I was the person that helped guides pull it all together. You need an extra loaf of bread for lunch on Day 2? I’ll bring it to you. Need help planning your menu? Let me help. You need to talk about your life? I’m here to listen. Do you need days off for an emergency? I’ll help move mountains to get you where you need to be.
This summer, I am stoked to pass the torch to Jason Tracer. He was born and raised on the shores of the Salish Sea in Port Townsend, Wa. After studying Cultural Anthropology at Western Washington University, Jason embarked on a 22 year odyssey in Alaska where he danced between managing remote off-grid eco-lodges, carpentry work, and exploring the awe-inspiring beauty of wild Alaska. I have no doubt he will work to make Outdoor Odysseys the best it can be!
Jason’s spirit of adventure has led him all over the world!
It’s a family here through and through and that’s what keeps people around. So to all the staff that I love so dearly – thank you. You’ve made working here an absolute dream.
Keep Dreaming Outdoor Odysseys,
Love, Anna