Anacortes, Washington

June, 2009

The town of Anacortes on Fidalgo Island north of Seattle on Puget Sound, connected to the mainland by bridge. The short trip north led through port towns, industrial areas and farm lands. Anacortes is the primary connection to the San Juan Islands, with ferries running to the largest, San Juan, Shaw, Orcas, and Lopez. We chose to go to Lopez on a day trip. It is the smallest, closest, and least commercial of the 4. We drove to the island village and enjoyed a small artisan/produce fair. All 4 of us visited with merchants and other shoppers. While driving to a lighthouse, we were followed by a bald eagle. The lighthouse trip proved to be too long to allow us to meet the returning ferry, maybe next time. The ferry ride was great fun. It takes travelers past some of the smaller isles in route to the major destinations. Many islands of the group are not much more than large rocks protruding from the Sound.

In Anacortes we stayed at Pioneer Trails RV Park set in a beautiful pine forest. We cooked out and had a fire to warm our feet in the evening. Strawberries, which can be bought on every other corner, are beyond the best – deep red color, sweet and luscious! We walked downtown of this ship building and fishing community, stopping for a sunset drink in the hotel cupola. We also enjoyed a walk on a pedestrian bridge to visit with seals in the bay.

Driving south, you come to 2 wonderful bridges over Deception Pass headed to Oak Harbor on Whidbey Island. Original Spaniards thought the 2 islands were actually 1 separating The Strait of Juan de Fuca from the Saratoga Passage of Puget Sound. The pass, a deception, was found quite accidentally by Joseph Whidbey, an English sea captain. The bridges meet on a small isle conveniently left for the purpose. Turbulent waters in and around the pass are due to the extreme depth. We were able to watch eagles soar and hike beneath the bridge to the shore.

Anacortes is our last camp with the Rutherford’s. Pat had to return to work and Rick decided to turn home as well. It had been a wonderful 10 days, but all good things must end. They called us all through the trip home providing travel tips.

NEXT TIME: Walk on the ferry, or take bikes and take a longer trip through the islands.