Return From San Juan

On Friday, we drove around San Juan Island. There are two main points of interest on the island: the American Camp and the English Camp. These camps are at opposite ends of the island – for good reason. At some time in the past, both the Americans and the English laid claim to the islands. (Apparently, Canada was not yet a country.) So the Americans and the English set up camps at different ends of the island in order for each to find a way to claim the islands. There was never any actual combat – a good thing – and the displays we read noted that it was settled peacefully in the Americans’ favor. They never really explained why or how, just said that it was settled without any combat. So what happened? Did the English just say, “Okay, you can have it” and packed up and left? We are left to wonder.

American Camp

American Camp

English Camp

English Camp

Another point of interest on the island was a Sculpture Park. We drove to it and took some pictures before heading back to the ferry docks.

Sculpture Park

Sculpture Park

The drive around San Juan Island was very nice, with a lot of coastal views, some wooded areas, and some wide-open prairies. It was all very quiet and peaceful. Of course, that could be due to the early morning hour as much as the island itself.




We arrived at the ferry terminal around 9:15 a.m. The next ferry was at 11:05 and again, we were not able to obtain a reservation, so it would be another hope and pray situation. If we didn’t make the 11:05 ferry, the next ferry with available reservations would have been 6:30 p.m.

While we waited for the ferry, we walked around the town of Friday Harbor. There is a very nice waterfront in the town. We walked around, took some pictures, and sat on a bench near the marina.


Friday Harbor Ferry Dock

Friday Harbor Marina

When it came time to board the ferry, we went back to our vehicle, and waited to see if we would make it on. The “ferry shenanigans” that I referred to in a previous post continued, but this time they worked in our favor. When the time came to load the line that we were waiting in, the guy directing the vehicles made the truck in front of us pull off to the side and motioned for us to go ahead of him for some reason. We were the last vehicle onto the ferry, so the truck that had to pull aside did not make it. We have no idea why he pulled that truck aside and let us go through. Our truck was about the same size and height as the other truck, so it wasn’t about space. It’s one of those things that you’re grateful for and do not question why.

We again enjoyed beautiful scenery of the San Juan Islands while we traversed the waterway that brought us back to Anacortes. We traveled the roads through Seattle back to our campground, again through very heavy and sometimes slow or halted traffic. This time it “only” took us 3½ hours. I have complained about the traffic problems of Seattle, but I don’t mean to leave a negative impression. This area is filled with much beauty, and if you ever get a chance to make a trip to Seattle, I highly recommend it. Just be sure to pack your patience!

On Saturday, we didn’t venture out from the campground (except to make a trip to Walmart for some groceries), as we took care of a few chores around the camper that needed to be done. On Sunday we went back to All Saints Church, and even though we attended a different Mass than last weekend, we had the same priest, and enjoyed another nice sermon.

We have a busy and fun-filled week ahead, involving visits with friends and family, sight-seeing in and around Seattle, an up-close visit to Mt. Rainier, and oh, yes, a wedding. In the midst of the flurry of activity, I will try to find time to keep up with the blog.

Comments

  1. AnonymousAugust 12, 2024 at 1:11 PM

    What does surrender mean? Don’t know I give up! I guess that’s what English did! Lol? Love the sculpture garden ! After all that traffic I know that camp looks pretty dog gone good! Can’t wait for More Seattle adventures!
    Ellen Hebert Hutchinson

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousSeptember 23, 2024 at 3:58 AM

    Some beautiful areas of the San Juan Islands and Seattle! Can’t wait to read more of your adventures although I’m a little behind, lol! Lots going on here.
    Love that sculpture garden scenery!
    Cathy

    ReplyDelete

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