Sunday on San Juan

It's been awhile since my last post and there's more catching up to do... but before I get any further behind, I'll post about this past weekend.

Saturday we hung out in downtown Seattle. We walked to Pike's Place and had lunch at our favorite Mexican restaurant (for those that have visited already, you've been to this place). Walked more of Pike's and then the waterfront. There was a Peruvian Military Ship in port - that was cool! We walked to Pioneer Square for a cookie and then back to downtown. It was a great day just wandering around.

Sunday we took the ferry to San Juan Island. It’s one of the more scenic routes on the ferry runs. Apparently, back in the mid-1800’s the Americans and British claimed the island. The Hudson’s Bay Company solidified the British claim by occupying with a salmon-salting station and American settlers were occupying in anticipation of official American possession. Somehow a pig belonging to The Hudson Bay Company was shot by a settler and it almost started a war! Then British Columbia Governor James Douglas and US Army Commander Winfield Scott negotiated a joint occupation of the island until their dispute could be resolved. It took 12 years for the island to be officially awarded to the US. That’s the short story anyway… read more here.

So, we made it to the American Camp – which is not much more than a Redoubt (just an earth redoubt, no fortress), and 2 buildings. However, within this park live deer, red fox, Eagles, etc. There’s the longest public beach and more. So, we explored. It was a great day for seeing wildlife. I’ve never watched a Bald Eagle land in a tree before – it’s quite powerful.

On the island there is one of the best land based whale watch parks, Lime Kiln State Park where we stopped for a picnic. There are three pods of whales that occupy our waters. One pod lives here full time (J Pod) and the other 2 pods (K Pod and L Pod) come for the summer. These whale ‘families’ are larger than most Orca pods because they eat salmon instead of seals. Unfortunately J Pod didn’t make an appearance while we were there, but there’s a great lighthouse and wonderful scenery.

It’s our third time to the island – we really like going over there. It was our first time to the American Camp area, and we will be going back for the wildlife. We didn’t have time to see the British Camp, but that will be for another day as well.








Daryl got some great shots too! Check them out.