I have been traveling here and there – first a trip to the San Juan Islands, followed by a brief getaway to Santa Barbara.  Both were lovely, especially because it was the first time Howie and I have been away alone on a “real” vacation in a very long time.  The trip to the Islands was fun and relaxing with a bit of adventure thrown in for good measure.  I went zip lining for the first time.  I am not exactly what you would refer to as a thrill seeker.  Not by a long shot.  And although zip lining on San Juan Island pales in comparison to the adrenaline pumping versions, say, in these videos, nevertheless – I did it!  And for that, I was very proud of myself.  We also went on an intoxicatingly beautiful sunset whale watching expedition.  To my delight, we saw whales galore – plus bald eagles, deer, and other wildlife that inhabit the many islands throughout Puget Sound.  Crashing through the deep blue waters of the Sound, the boat’s mist moistening my face, the sun setting in the distance, I felt humbled as a human in that serene and peaceful place, where I was a visitor and the fishes and birds were at home.

We decided to spend the last day of our trip meandering the many, many, fruit farms, dairy farms, bakeries and antique shops that dot the map between Anacortes (the town where you catch the ferry to the Islands) and Burlington, WA.  I bought way too many baked goods – more than any human could have eaten in a week’s time – but I always use the excuse that I need to indulge in a variety of items so as to experiment for my blog.  Our explorations also turned up some fun and interesting bakeware treasures while rummaging the “antique” (junk and antique can sometimes be used interchangeably in this case) stores in the area.

Sometimes the best part of a wonderful vacation is in coming home.  I’ve heard it said that the perfect vacation is when you have had a great time but you are also ready to go home.  Such as it was when we came to the end of our second trip.  We had a fabulous time but I missed my own bed, shower, and the general comforts I’ve created within the walls of my home.  Most of all, I missed my kitchen.  I was eager to get my hands back into some flour; to stir, shape, fold.  A craving for chocolate and a desire for  immediate gratification led me to these scones.  Warm, comforting, and housing pockets of melted chocolatey goodness – these are not your typical scones.  If too rich for breakfast – try one with your afternoon tea.  Thinking outside the box, it occurred to me that these would make a delicious base for shortcake. Top with berries and whipped cream and you have an impressive but easy summer dessert.

Source:  Adapted from Rachel Ray’s EveryDay Magazine