| SAN JUAN ISLANDS-WASHINGTON-A TRAVEL | | | | much cheaper. |
| GUIDE | | | | The ferry ride itself is actually like a mini-cruise. You |
| If you are like most Americans, during the month of | | | | drive your rental car onto the ferry, park your car and |
| July you are looking for a cool shade tree to hide from | | | | go to the upper-deck. Once in the upper-deck seating |
| the sweltering heat and waiting patiently until the cool | | | | area your will find comfortable cushioned seats and |
| weather of the fall arrives. Those Fourth of July picnics | | | | picture window views to enjoy the sights as you travel |
| are a great place to gather, socialize with friends, and | | | | to the northwest and to the islands. The ferries also |
| eat lots of barbecue, but how many people really | | | | provide a nice cafeteria cafe and you can grab a nice |
| enjoy those ninety-eight degree days in the sun in | | | | meal and drinks. Just prop your feet up and enjoy the |
| middle of July. A great way to avoid the heat and | | | | view as the ferry makes landing at each of the major |
| misery of July is to plan a mid-summer's trip to the | | | | four islands. The trip all the way to Sidney,Canada |
| pacific northwest, specifically Seattle and the San Juan | | | | takes a couple of hours, but the views are magnificent, |
| Islands. Even in the middle of July, on any given night on | | | | and the waters are calm. It is a great time to just read, |
| the San Juan Islands, it is wise to go out on the town | | | | relax and enjoy the tranquility of the moment. |
| with a light jacket or heavy sweater on your shoulder. | | | | As you approach the islands you will be amazed by |
| As you fly over Mount Rainier on the way to Seattle, | | | | the views and marvel at the quaint ocean side villages |
| looking out from the airplane you can almost touch the | | | | and the lovely mountain cliffs falling into the sea. Most |
| snow covered Mount Rainier, as the plane descends | | | | people who travel there actually stay in one of the |
| toward Seattle. And you say to yourself, the view | | | | quaint bed and breakfast establishments.There are |
| itself is almost worth the trip. Yes, Seattle has much to | | | | many bed an breakfast lodges, and all offer roomy, |
| offer any traveler for more than a week, offering the | | | | well decorated accommodations and an enormous |
| world famous Pike's Street Market, the oceanside | | | | breakfast to start your day. There are a couple of |
| docks and restaurants along the Puget Sound shores, | | | | established hotel/resorts, such as The Orcas Hotel, on |
| and of course, the home of Starbucks coffee, and | | | | Orcas Island, or The Rosario Resort and Spa,also on |
| much more. | | | | Orcas Island, if you want more privacy. |
| However, in mid-July, why not consider the San Juan | | | | Your trip will be just doing what you feel like doing |
| Islands. The San Juan Islands consist of over 150 | | | | each day and just enjoying these beautiful islands and |
| islands located in Puget Sound just northwest of | | | | exploring the seaside villages and all they have to |
| Seattle, found nestled between Seattle and Victoria, | | | | offer. You will discover uncrowded drives along the |
| British Columbia,Canada. The islands discussed are | | | | sea, and you will find whale watching points, scenic |
| actually in the state of Washington, as you go further | | | | lighthouses, and historic sights. In the small villages you |
| north, they become a part of British Columbia, Canada. | | | | will find quaint gift shops, offering local crafts and art. |
| The four major islands are The San Juan Island, Orcas | | | | You will find small restaurants overlooking Puget |
| Island (named after the Orcas whale), Lopez Island, | | | | Sound, serving fresh steamed clams cooked in white |
| and Shaw Island.The San Juan Island and Orcas Island | | | | wine from the Washington vineyards. And |
| are the most developed and actually have the most to | | | | everywhere you travel you will find friendly people, |
| offer any travel adventurer. | | | | welcoming you to their community. |
| All of the four major islands mentioned above can be | | | | If your are planning a summer vacation,consider a |
| reached by traveling the Washington State Ferries. To | | | | vacation to the Pacific northwest, and specifically to |
| board a ferry to the San Juan Islands, most people just | | | | the San Juan Islands.It is a choice you will not regret. |
| rent a car at the Seattle airport and travel about an | | | | Just unpack those fall sweaters and your fall light |
| hours drive to the northwest of Seattle to | | | | jackets, board on a plane in July and venture to the |
| Anacortes,Washington, a town worth spending time in- | | | | pacific northwest. And enjoy the weather, the sights |
| in itself, and there you will board a ferry to the San | | | | and the people of the San Juan Islands, and the |
| Juan Islands. The ferry will transport you and your | | | | beautiful State of Washington. |
| rental car to each of the four major San Juan islands, | | | | If your are planning a trip, consider asking a local about |
| and the ferry will transport you all the way to Sidney, | | | | you travel plans...and it is free..See-Free Travel |
| Vancouver Island, Canada, if you wish. The cost for a | | | | Guides-Local Travel Advice at site below.. Have a |
| couple with their car is only about $50 to go the entire | | | | great trip.. |
| trip to Sidney. If you are traveling without a car it is | | | | |