Time for some travel recaps – hurray!  Steve and I had been dreaming and scheming and planning a trip to the Pacific Northwest – specifically, to the San Juan Islands, in the Salish Sea off the coast of Washington State – for years now.  We had a huge adventure planned – kayaking from island to island and camping in remote spots, and hopefully seeing lots of wildlife – and about a year ago, we decided that 2019 was the year to make it happen.  We enlisted my parents to watch the kids, since the trip we were planning was way too strenuous and adventurous for littles, and finally the day arrived.  Time to go!

Wheels up for adventure!

Our first order of business upon getting to Seattle was to get ourselves to the islands.  I’d thought we would have to figure out how to get from Seattle to Anacortes and board a Washington State Ferry, but Steve discovered that the Victoria Clipper had added service to Friday Harbor on San Juan Island, and that the Clipper left straight from the port of Seattle.  Much easier!  So at 8:00 a.m. on the first morning in PNW, we boarded the San Juan Clipper.

Plus 100 would definitely take the Clipper again.  It was comfortable and convenient, there was a naturalist on board pointing out the islands and wildlife as we steamed past, and the views were outstanding.

Hello, Mt. Rainier!

Whidbey Island!

We sat at a four-top and were joined by a couple headed out to the island for a spontaneous weekend getaway.  They started out fun and got progressively more fun as they hit the DIY mimosas available for purchase on board.  (Their little bottles of champagne drained quickly, but the orange juice stayed full…)

Eventually I left Steve at the table and headed up to the top deck with my camera.  The wind was whipping, but I didn’t want to miss any of the gorgeous Puget Sound scenery.

Deception Pass!

I couldn’t get over the color of the water!  I’d never seen quite that shade of green-blue before.

 

We steamed through the Strait of Juan de Fuca and before I knew it, we were approaching our destination – the San Juan Islands!

Spotted the ferry, also headed for Friday Harbor.

I drank in the island scenery as we approached Friday Harbor – home for the next few days.

As the Clipper pulled into its dock, the ferry drew up right alongside us.  I loved the Friday Harbor ferry terminal.  Check it out – orcas!

Views of Friday Harbor.  I was sad the Clipper ride was over, but couldn’t wait to get my feet on the ground and start exploring!

Two happy people, ready to soak in the scenery and log some adventures.  But first, a little relaxation – we’re on island time!

Next week, we wander and explore Friday Harbor on foot!