San Juan Islands

drug-sniffing German Shepherd

mount baker

ferry docking in Anacortes

Roger driving onto the ferry (white car)

Glass and Pottery Shop




Last Friday night we stayed at Denise and Roger's so we could get up early (5:30am) and go with them to the San Juan Islands. We were on the road at 6:30 and arrived in Anacortes about 8:30 to board the Washington State Ferry that took us to Orcas Island. While we waited to board the ferry we noticed a border patrol agent with his dog sniffing every vehicle in the waiting line. Once on the ferry we enjoyed the ride! It's a special treat to be out on that huge expanse of water after living "inland" our entire lives.
The San Juans include 172 islands, but many of them are uninhabited. Orcas is 57 square miles, so we got a good look in just the one day we were there. We landed on the south side of the island and drove to the north side where the largest town is located -- Eastsound. From there we went east to Moran State Park and up a steep 5-mile road to Mt. Constitution -- elevation 2,409 feet.
There is a lookout tower up there that gave us a breathtaking view of the islands and snow-covered Mt. Baker and Mt. Ranier. WOW! My photos just DO NOT do it justice. It was spectacular. On the way back to the ferry we saw some small deer near a hotel -- they were tame and several were eating out of the hands of some very excited children. We also stopped at a very interesting artsy shop on the way that featured beautiful glass-blown flowers and bird baths , along with lots of pottery.
The ferry left Orcas at 7pm and we were back home about 10pm. We appreciated Roger doing all the driving -- over 250 miles -- while we got to ooh and ahhh over the scenery.