The San Juan Island Group

Crossing the border, we traveled down I-5 to Anacortes and took the ferry to Friday Harbor on the San Juan Island. Friday Harbor was somewhat of a surprise to us as it was much larger and more urban than we had expected it to be. Although we were impressed with the town we didn't stop, deciding instead to find a campsite before it got too late.

We booked into the San Juan County Park campground located on the water where the view was lovely but the wind was nearly gale-force at the time we arrived. Because of the increasing winds and the fear of being blown out of our lawn chairs, we decided to take the opportunity to explore the island rather than brave the elements in the camp site. We saw many beautiful areas where huge tumbling waves crashed like thunder onto the beaches and angry black clouds over our heads threatened rain. However, this did not dampen our enthusiasm in discovering what the island had to offer in the way of beauty. Bright yellow and orange flowers growing beside tufts of grass lined the roadside and occasionally a stunted tree, its leaves reaching towards the water, drew our attention from the view of undulating waves.

We explored further the following day, arriving eventually at Roche Harbor. We were enchanted with the village's old buildings; the Hotel De Haro, a brick building where lime and cement had once been made; old brick furnaces and brick walkways. Taking pictures, and reluctant to leave a place where we felt we'd been catapulted back into time, we explored trails through the old lime quarries. At one point we were able to enjoy a beautiful view of the outer islands and our own Canadian gulf islands. We also visited the Krystal Acres Alpaca Farm, a scenic, idyllic home for the obviously well-loved alpacas and their friendly owners.

Having limited time for our trip and wanting to see as much of the Islands as possible, we hurried to catch the ferry to Orcas Island. Camping at Moran State Park, we visited Mount Constitution and climbed the stone observation tower which was built in 1936. Being 2,409 feet above sea level, we had a 360 degree view of the region's islands and mountain ranges as well as some of those in Canadian waters. Within the park also are a couple of interesting moss-covered bridges built in memory of Robert Moran's brother. There are also many hiking trails of varying lengths and on one of these trails we saw several small waterfalls surrounded by lush forests. In many of the areas we walked the forest floors were carpeted with a variety of lush mosses.

Leaving early the following morning, we took the ferry to Lopez Island. On our arrival, we were surprised when we realized that with each car that passed us, there was a friendly wave from its occupant. In no time at all we were returning these friendly waves and wondered why this isn't done everywhere. I particularly enjoyed the rolling farmlands and was interested in the numerous old barns and buildings, the structures often barely supporting the roofs. I found that the old buildings, suggesting many untold stories, situated beside the newer structures were particularly picturesque in their contrast. At each antiquated building we stopped to view, I wondered what the history might have been of the previous families on these farms. We also found a quaint old church with a nearby cemetery; a tranquil scene rarely seen in our world of bustling cars, loaded trucks, public transit and harried people.

Following various roads, we discovered an old unused pier and nearby ancient gas pumps; an interesting bridge built in 1915, spanning an empty pond; old buildings and quaint mailboxes. And without exception, everywhere we went there were friendly people.

On our return we told several friends of our visit to the San Juan Islands and as a result of our enthusiasm, we are sure they will want to check them out for themselves.