OK, I couldn't resist the alliteration and poetic connotations in the title but I didn't really sail -I used the Washington State Ferry system instead
Back in the dog days of this summer the heat became too much. The mercury on my driveway indicated 106°F and the temperature inside my house was higher. Despite deploying every available fan the cloying calidity of the air became unbearable. It was time to get out of town and find a more temperate environment. After a little pondering I decided to visit San Juan Island here on my doorstep in Washington State. A few days later I drove the 90 miles or so out to Anacortes and took the ferry to SJ Island.
A schooner sets sail in the straits of San Juan de Fuca
Magnificent sea and landscapes
Ferry Terminal, Friday Harbor, San Juan Island
Honestly I wasn't sure what to expect when I disembarked in Friday Harbor but I ended up being captivated by the town and indeed all of SJI. It seemed like the American equivalent of a Greek island and was quite enchanting. For nearly three days I ate, drank, kayaked, obeserved the resident Orca pod, seals and other marine life and also learned about the Anglo-American Pig War of 1859 (the only casualty was a pig). I also cooled down. Below are a few pictures which convey some of the feeling of the island. With any luck I'll be back again next year...
Kayaking -Vancouver Island is visible on right
Huge kelp beds were visible everywhere
A salmon boat getting ready for work
Gorgeous wooded shoreline
View across the straits of San Juan de Fuca
Can you spot the seal...?
By popular request, here's the seal. There were actually two playing although I can't see the other one, even at hi-res, maybe you can do better...?
Large jellyfish were omnipresent (ugh, no likee!)
MD, self-portrait
The Captain of this "vessel" isn't lacking a sense of humour
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