Visit to San Juan Island

Walk on passengers to Friday Harbor from Anacortes do not require reservations to ride the ferry over to San Juan Island, but we were concerned as to the amount of traffic funneling into the ferry station and our timing, supposed to be at the terminal one half hour prior to departure. We made it on time, got there and purchased our tickets, waited just 15 more minutes until the MV Samish departed.  Smooth departure.   Did not feel the boat leave the dock until you looked out and realized it was already under way.

Our ferry - push me, pull me

Dreary day as we started out

Sailboat motoring by - fog was quite heavy

Lots of cars, trucks, semis, RVs, motorcycles, bicycles, 18 wheelers, construction vehicles - just amazed at the volume of vehicles able to be boarded onto the ferry.  And the amount of walk-on people that got on the boat.  It’s what we termed a push-me, pull-me boat.  Vehicles load on one way, the ferry crosses, and they drive off without the ferry having to turn around in the bay prior to landing.  That is something we were used to in other ferry boats we have been on.  Big boat.

Entering Friday Harbor

The routes of all the ferries

Saw this sea plane taking off as we were coming into Friday Harbor

Our mode of travel around the island

Popular Madrone Tree - very red bark

Boat got to Friday Harbor by 10:00, we departed, got on the Trolley to take us on a tour of the island, and off we went.  When we departed from Anacortes at 9:05 the fog was quite thick, overcast, kind of a dreary day.  But the day's forecast was supposed to be sunny which is why we chose Wednesday, the 3rd, to go to San Juan Island. During the tour we learned about the history, population and the island being a strong support community (approx 3000 people live there year round with the tourist season the population grows to over 90,000 - Yikes!!).

Lighthouse at Lime Kiln State Park (automated, no one mans it now)

Freighter, boater and kayaker but no orcas - notice how sunny it got?

Our destination was the Lime Kiln State Park located on the western side of the island where a lighthouse is located, and, the whale-watching area.  Got off the trolley and headed to the water, had a picnic lunch (we had packed and brought it with us) at a table looking out over the water.  Just lovely.  No whales spotted while eating, only groups of kayakers floating by.

Back at Friday Harbor - Canadian boat docked waiting for clearance

Hiked over to the lighthouse, visited it a bit, then back to the trolley.  There was enough time that Dave and Donna continued hiking along the edge (very rocky and I did not want to risk hurting my foot so I did not go) and they were treated to a bald eagle that called to them from the tree and then flew out over the water.

Another ferry - this one runs around the islands only

2 sea planes docked

Hopped back on the trolley, heard more history of the island (were told of some of the wealthy and famous who lived there), saw Roche Harbor, Snug Harbor - areas I have heard about but never saw).  Got back to Friday Harbor by 3:30, jumped back on the ferry and was back at the RV by 6pm.  Good day!  The sunny sky, beautiful blue water, breeze off the water which kept us cool.  Low 70’s.