Day trippers

When I was young my family would oftentimes go on day trips on Saturdays. We ventured up, down and across the state, even to neighboring states at times. This is where my love of adventure first took root. Now with a family of my own, Cameron and I often find ourselves going on similar day tripping adventures. Last Saturday, we boarded a ferry and headed off to Friday Harbor for the day. One thing is for certain, when you take a ferry ride, no matter its length it feels like you really went somewhere.
What is your favorite day trip from Seattle?

Playing tour guide

We rarely have out of town visitors, so when we do we enjoy playing tour guide and taking people to the places we love. One such place is the San Juan Islands. Cameron's sister just loves the camera, she usually loves to pose and be the center of attention.

His and hers

Normally, I am against catering to individual tastes, but for our anniversary weekend celebration I decided to make an exception. I think the last time I made pancakes was almost five years ago, so this was really something out of the ordinary. I knew Cameron would prefer chocolate chip to blueberry so I split the batch in half and made two kinds.

After we were fueled on pancakes we headed up to Anacortes to set up camp and then boarded a ferry bound for Friday Harbor.

This man's positive disposition is such a blessing in my life. I cannot help but be in a good mood when I am around him.

We enjoyed our view and clam chowder in bread bowls at Downriggers.

Such a great way to spend the day together.

Long weekend getaway

Where can you hop a ferry, catch a glimpse of a pod of porpoises, and encounter rain, wind and sun in a matter of minutes? Washington of course! When we are traveling the globe I am always amazed at how many people have never ventured out to the Pacific Northwest. To some people it really might as well be the wild west because they have never found a reason to visit. Hopefully the following photos might entice you naysayers to venture up north for some good old fashion natural beauty.

Ferry to Friday Harbor

San Juan Islands

 

Mountains and mountain ranges in every direction.

I'll take this home please.

One of the many modes of transportation around here.

Our view at breakfast early one morning.

The limitless beauty surrounding us is staggering.

Ferry to Port Townsend.

On a whim

Saturday we drove up to Anacortes and on a whim boarded the ferry to head over to Friday Harbor in the San Juan Islands. It had been a busy week for us both and a long ferry ride, followed by a leisurely stroll around town, lunch and then a long ferry ride back was just what we needed. The combination of blues and grays were not only calming, but beautiful to photograph.

No matter how windy it gets, I love the wind blowing through my hair on the deck of the ferry.

Friday Harbor is the perfect town to stroll around for the the afternoon without a car. 

The best part of walking onto the ferry is how you do not have to wait in any lines and can jump on board at the last minute.

There is freedom in leaving the car for the day.

There is no faster changing subject than the sky. You can take endless photos and no two will ever be exactly alike.

It really is so easy to access the San Juan Islands, it is a shame we do not come up here more. My hope is that this Summer we will.

Island getaway

Bad weather seems to sidetrack every attempt for camping so far this year, but this past weekend we lucked out. We decided to make it a long weekend, by heading out early Friday morning and getting a jump start on weekend travelers. We arrived at Washington Park to set up camp and then boarded the ferry bound for Friday Harbor. It had been a long time since we had visited the San Juan Islands (never together), so we thought it would be the perfect way to celebrate our anniversary. Once we arrived at Friday Harbor the clouds started to part and the sun was shining, we had the perfect lunch at the Bluff Restaurant and since it was early we had the place to ourselves.

They serve thoughtful, unique menu items like flatbread topped with locally foraged mushrooms and ricotta, it was delicious along with the mixed greens.

After lunch, we hopped aboard our boat for our whale watching tour. Neither of us had ever been whale watching, so we were curious how much we would see. Initially, I was a bit overwhelmed trying to figure out who to book through, but after a little research and a few phone calls I determined San Juan Safaris would fit our needs. I liked the idea of being on a smaller boat, a greater naturalist to viewer ratio and a shorter tour. We ended up with a great group of people, informative guides and three hours was sufficient time on the water for us.

Our tour took us up into Canadian water, right off the coast of Satura Island where we were able to find some transient orcas. Our naturalists said it was a mother, child and a male. We were able to watch them for a good hour and every time they came up for air it was an exhilarating experience.

It was equally entertaining watching the reactions of the people on board. This one lady, I referred to as Laura Bush, freaked out when she saw an eagle, but maybe it was her first time viewing such a majestic creature.

Once we were back on shore, we came across this adorable little boat called the Lady Bug. I have a propensity for tiny things because it is the equivalent to a smart car, but on water. It was just TOO cute.

Hungry from all that fresh air, we enjoyed a clam chowder dinner at Downriggers.

After dinner we hopped back on the ferry and made our way to our campsite. Washington Park is located in the perfect place, because it is only a mile or so from the ferry terminal so we were able to walk there.

Even if I rode this ferry everyday I would not get tired of the constantly changing blues and grays.

Back at our campsite, I day dreamed of living on Friday Harbor and driving around the Lady Bug.

Washington Park is located on the tip of Anacortes, so this was our view as we took an evening walk around the park.

Do you have any favorite camping spots in the San Juans?

San Juan Islands on Dwellable