A TRIP TO THE SAN JUANS
One of my fondest memories of Washington happened when my family and I made our first visit to the San Juan Islands. We left our car in Anacortes and boarded the ferry with our bikes and just enough clothing for the weekend. The trip through the inland waters was quiet and beautiful - occasionally, a sailboat would cruise by. We would stop at different islands to let passengers on and off, and then continue on our way. "Hurrying up" to get there didn't seem important. When we got to Orcas Island, our destination, we got off, checked our map, and walked our bikes up the steep hill leading from the ferry landing. Then we set off on our ride to Eastsound - we had already arranged to stay in town at an old inn. The ride through the countryside was peaceful and picturesque. There were farm houses, and lush green pastures lined with forests, and long country lanes. It was a tough ride, though - longer than we expected, with hills we didn't anticipate, and we were out of shape - but we made it and felt energized by our accomplishment. We had a wonderful dinner at a friendly Mexican cafe, and went to bed early - the next day we planned to ride to Moran State Park. At dawn we got up, packed for our trip, and went over to a nearby restaurant to have breakfast before heading out. We sat at a table overlooking the bay, ordered our meals, and leisurely sipped on coffee while we gazed out over the scenery. It was a crisp, clear day, and the water glistened in the morning sun. We could make out kayakers in the distance already out exploring the shoreline. A sailboat was anchored 75 yards off shore, and the "skipper" was on his way in via their dingy to pick up some morning munchies. Then remarkably, from the tree tops high above the beach, a magnificent bald eagle swooped down and soared past our window. It circled several times around the cove, and eventually faded from our view. It was unforgettable - this awesome bird making its home in these waters; and flying by so close; and being so beautiful. That image has always stayed with me; I remember thinking - this is what Washington is all about.
Kathy Bell
Port Ludlow