San Juan Island

Leaving Portland, we had to make a very early departure to be on time for the ferry from Anacortes, WA to San Juan Island. This early morning pack-and-go became the theme for days when we were to travel by ferry, especially on mornings like this one when we had a few hours of driving before we reached the terminal. 

We arrived in Friday Harbor and made our camp at the Lakedale Resort. The resort has a nice new lodge on the lake, and accommodations include rooms, upscale tent-cabins, an Airstream trailer, and lakeside campsites. Scout was particularly pleased with our campsite as it was directly next to the water, and there was plenty of swimming to be done while we relaxed.

San Juan Island is a great place to explore by bike, as the traffic is slow and the hills are mild. One afternoon we cruised out to a nearby vineyard and enjoyed some wine in the sun. While the wine on San Juan isn't going to win any awards, the sun is apparently plentiful, shining upwards of 300 days a year according to locals. 

It should be no surprise that the islands here are also a great place for paddling, and we took a guided tour out of Roche Harbor. Since it was Orca migration season, we had hopes for a sighting, but the odds were not in our favor. However, we had a very nice cruise out around some of the nearby islands, with warm sun and a calm sea. We did sight some Bald Eagles and Harbor Seals, and munched on some tasty (?) kelp. 

The next time we are in the San Juans, we will probably either be cycle or kayak touring. On a bike, you just ride onto the ferry for a reasonable fee, then ride off and explore. With a boat, many of the islands are less than a few hour's paddle apart, and you can pull up on a secluded beach and make camp.