Once a year I head to a place that I think is pretty magical. It's so magical that some really great people whom I like spend a lot of time there writing books. Don Miller, Anne Jackson and Len Sweet (who also calls it his home). I have the opportunity each year to head up there because of my connection with George Fox Seminary and the Doctorate of Ministry that I did there a few years back. The seminary is incredible at being forward thinking and they realized last year that pulling back together some of the graduating students is a good thing and would pay off in great ways. So, a great cadre of thinkers was put together for a few days to do just that, think. And they invited me. 
One of my best friends Jeff and I have made this our yearly pilgrimage and both of us are committed to doing this as long as they are planning on having us. Jeff is on the pastoral team of this really cool church in Laguna Beach, California. He and I have been friends almost 20 years and he's one of the greatest thinkers I know.
I haven't written books like many of my friends who have spent time here but I will say that every time I go to Orcas I feel smarter, deeper and wiser. It may just be that it's because of the people I spend time with or it may be that this is a sacred space where there is a connection with God and ourselves that is just different and deep. These times with Len and the rest of the cohort are incredibly valuable to me and life giving as well. It's almost as if I feel I can just sit and absorb so much and it makes me a better writer, pastor and person.
I should also say that I grew up in Washington and called Whidbey Island my home for my whole growing up years. It's just south of the San Juan Islands and is a pretty cool place to be from in my mind.
Enjoy!