Island Hopping

Crossing the Deception Pass Bridge

And...a short hop it is from Oak Harbor on Whidbey Island to Anacortes on Fidalgo Island; maybe 25 miles.  We cross over the Deception Pass Bridge, the same one we sailed under last week on our crabbing adventure.. 

Our view at the Cap Sante Marina

And once again we migrate to a marina.  Our view looks out at a maze of masts, flags and fishermen, campers sporting a lot of crabbing equipment; nets and huge propane-fueled pots for boiling.  I call this theme-parking, as in our last month and 3 locations have been in similar venues.   We are staying at the Cap Sante Marina in downtown Anacortes, with no hookups, at a nightly rate of $18, with space for several RVs in a large grassy parking lot shared with boat trailers.  A short, easy walk takes us to Safeway, the Wednesday and Saturday Farmers' Markets and all the perks the historic downtown has to offer.  A paved walking path meanders for about 5 miles one way and we have given it a good work-out.  

Anacortes Ferry Terminal

Anacortes is homeport to the San Juan Islands and conveniently situated half-way between Seattle and Vancouver, BC.  The Washington State Ferries are at our beck and call for those day trips to the San Juan Islands and Victoria, on Vancouver Island, BC.

Beautiful view from the foredeck

So on a beautiful, warm, sunny day over Labor Day weekend, we set out for the ferry terminal, about 5 miles away, and boarded the 9 a.m. ship for San Juan Island, a little over an hour's sail through some spectacular scenery. 

Most folks "walk-on" and spend their day meandering around Friday Harbor, the main attraction, where the ferry disembarks.  We opted to take the jeep, $45 round-trip, so we could tour the entire island.

At Cattle Point

From the ferry we drove to the southern tip of the Island and Cattle Point, so named in 1853 when the Hudson Bay Company established a ranch and populated it with sheep and cattle.  

At American Camp Nat'l Historic Park

At this time the territory was managed jointly by the English and Americans.  Then the Pig War broke out in 1859, supposedly triggered by the shooting of a pig, and bringing the boundary issue of the 49th Parallel once again to the forefront.  The dispute ended with no human casualties  and was resolved with international arbitration in favor of US ownership in 1872.

At the Pelindaba Lavender Farm

As we circumnavigated 45 miles of island roads, we made many stops for short walks and  photos.  Here at the Pelindaba Lavender Farm...

Lighthouse at Lime Kiln Nat'l Historic Park

Here at Lime Kiln State Park, a popular whale-watching spot, one must purchase a Discovery Pass for $10 per day, or $30 per season.  There was nary an Orca in sight, but the views more than made up for it.  Howard grumbles as I write...  In the near distance you can see Vancouver Island.

Colorful kayakers

This colorful little cove at San Juan County Park is a popular kayaking destination.  On this busy weekend, probably the last of the season, the day was perfect for these adventurers!

Roche Harbor Village

By now we are hungry and hurried on to magnificent Roche Harbor Village at the northern tip of San Juan Island.  Sitting outside by the marina on a beautiful, bustling tourist day, we enjoyed a great lunch before heading back for our 3:45 p.m. departure.

We now bid farewell to the Pacific Northwest and a fabulous month, as we head out on a new leg of 2012's adventure!  We hope you follow along with us...