San Juan Island

Today we took the ferry over to Friday Harbor, San Juan Island. The San Juan Archipelago is made of more then 700 islands, only 172 are named. Three hundred of them are only above water at low tide. These were created by glaciers billions of years ago.The ferry (with your car) is quite a experience itself. We lined up on the dock about one and a half hours prior to departure. So the lot itself became a huge tail gate party. There was even a vendor selling hot dogs which we took advantage of. The water surrounding these islands are home to many pods of wild orcas (killer whales). We weren't lucky enough to spot any. The ferry ride was about an hour long and you could stay in your car or go on deck or in an enclosed sitting area.

Friday Harbor is real picturesque with shops, restaurants, and galleries. We decided to drive around the island to look at the scenery. San Juan Island has its own winery. But we went to the Pelindaba Lavender Farm. The had 25,000 organically grown, scenic, row after row of bushy lavender plants. They weren't in complete bloom for another 2 weeks so the color wasn't as vibrant as I was expecting. Next we drove to the Krystal Acres Alpaca Farm where there were hundreds of grazing alpacas, young and old. They are only shaved once a year for their wool and looks like we visited fairly soon after they were buzzed. On the far side of this 55 mile island is Roche Harbor, a very upscale small resort community for boating families. There is money here!

After having dinner, we boarded the ferry around 10 pm and arrived back at Anacortes, Washington about midnight. When we arrived back at Larrabee State Park an hour later (yes, 1:00 AM) the gates to the park was closed with a sign stating "Campers Need To Be in by 10 PM". Who saw THAT sign??? And what state park locks their guests in at night??? Lucky for us, the gate wasn't locked, just closed, so we broke in!!!

The San Juan Island doesn't compare to our own Mackinaw!