Afternoon: Welcome and Program Orientation

Dinner: Catered dinner In Conference Dining Room

Evening: Get Acquainted Program follows dinner

Lodging: Hilton Garden Inn Seattle/Renton

Meals Included: Dinner

Special Skagit Valley College Welcome Luncheon / Scenic Ferry to San Juan Islands / Welcome to San Juan Island!

Breakfast: Breakfast available in hotel Conference/Breakfast Room

Morning: We'll depart Seattle on our way to San Juan Island. Along the way, we'll stop for a special visit to the Skagit Valley College campus in Mt. Vernon, WA. Skagit Valley College is one of the oldest community colleges in the state of Washington and this year celebrates 25 years of providing Elderhostel/Road Scholar Programs. A very special presentation by our keynote SVC faculty provides the Natural Science context and Geography setting the stage for our arrival into the San Juan Islands. The event is held in a campus facility that recognized with a LEED® Platinum certification for environmental excellence.

Lunch: College dignitaries welcome our group with a luncheon specially prepared by Skagit Valley College's Culinary Arts department.

Afternoon: We'll board the WA State ferry in Anacortes, WA - on our way to Friday Harbor. Enjoy the view from the inside passenger cabin or from the outside decks as we take our 1.5 hour journey along this National Scenic Byway through the islands to Friday Harbor. Late afternoon hotel check-in's will be followed by a small pocket of free time settle in / relax / or explore Friday Harbor.

Dinner: In Conference Dining Room featuring healthy & delicious home-style meals served buffet-style. Meals are prepared by our private caterer and proudly served with enthusiasm!

Evening: Welcome to Friday Harbor! We will acquaint you during an overview of Friday Harbor and San Juan Island,and then review our itinerary in detail including group breakout choices as we plan for our week's adventures.

Lodging: Best Western Friday Harbor Suites

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Featured Presentation: "Coast Salish Peoples of the San Juan Islands" /Morning choices-Historical Museum, Whale Museum and Wildlife Rehab Presentation; Afternoon choices: Island Exploration - South San Juan Island (American Camp & Lavender Farm) or Hiking. Evening: Special theatrical Performance.

Arrive To: Small group optional gentle Hatha Yoga session - before breakfast (Space is limited). This Interdisciplinary Yoga is gentle and integrates both classical and contemporary syles of Hatha Yoga. It offers an excellent way to extend degrees of flexibility, build strength, and elevate energy. This session is appropriate for all fitness levels, regardless of previous Yoga experience.

Breakfast: In Conference Dining Room featuring healthy & delicious home-style meals served buffet-style. Meals are prepared by our private caterer and proudly served with enthusiasm!

Morning: Begin the morning with your choice of several small group options: Option 1) Walking field trip to the San Juan Island Historical Museum. The Museum Director will be our guide as we weave through buildings and uncover behind-the-scenes details to the pieces in the Museum's collection. Option 2) Walking field trip to the Whale Museum, the nation's first museum dedicated to whale's living in the wild. The Whale Museum's Education Curator will be our guide as we explore this unique island treasure and learn more about the marine life that surround the San Juan Islands. Option 3) Enjoy a presentation about Wildlife in the San Juan Islands. A Wildlife Rehabilitation expert shares informative about preservation and rehabilitation of the variety of wildlife that call the San Juan Islands home. This presentation includes a special live raptor visit. Then, mid-morning, we'll reconvene all together as one group at our hotel for a feature presentation about the "Coast Salish Peoples of the San Juan Islands" by an expert on the forefront of research and knowledge of local Native culture, and one of our most vibrant and informative speakers.

Lunch: In Conference Dining Room featuring healthy & delicious home-style meals served buffet-style. Meals are prepared by our private caterer and proudly served with enthusiasm!

Afternoon: Our afternoon features your choice of two options: Option 1) An excursion to the South end of San Juan Island. Our first stop will be a San Juan Island National Historic Park (American Camp). Learn about the 1850's boundary dispute and how the San Juan Island National Historic Park was founded to commemorate the "pig war" that was peacefully resolved. Our last stop on the excursion is the Pelindaba Lavender Farm, a uniquely wonderful niche-farm that continues to blossom and thrive. Option 2) Small group guided hiking near San Juan Island National Historic Park (American Camp) with it's rare coastal prairie, epic marine views, and unique history. Savor the views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic Mountains from South Beach, the longest stretch of pebbled beach in the Islands. After our hike, we'll stop at Pelindaba Lavender Farm for a brief exploration.

Dinner: In Conference Dining Room featuring healthy & delicious home-style meals served buffet-style. Meals are prepared by our private caterer and proudly served with enthusiasm!

Evening: In recognition of the Civil War Sesquicentennial, our entire group together will enjoy a special theatrical presentation of "The Life and Times of General George Pickett". This play has been presented throughout the Pacific Northwest, plus a special run in Virginia, for more than 14 years. The play begins with Pickett's boyhood life in Richmond, following Pickett's life through the San Juan Island's "Pig War," and culminates with the disastrous "Pickett's Charge" that brought ruin to the Confederate Army at the Battle of Gettysburg during the American Civil War.

Lodging: Best Western Friday Harbor Suites

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Morning: Choice of History or Marine Mammal presentations. Afternoon: Group splits for Whale & Wildlife Cruise / Excursion to San Juan Island North end (English Camp National Park, Limekiln Whale Watch & Observation Post, Historic Roche Harbor Resort and Island Sculpture Park)

Arrive To: Small group optional gentle Hatha Yoga session - before breakfast (Space is limited). This Interdisciplinary Yoga is gentle and integrates both classical and contemporary styles of Hatha Yoga. It offers an excellent way to extend degrees of flexibility, build strength, and elevate energy. This session is appropriate for fitness levels, regardless of previous Yoga experience.

Breakfast: In Conference Dining Room featuring healthy & delicious home-style meals served buffet-style. Meals are prepared by our private caterer and proudly served with enthusiasm!

Morning: Begin your morning with a choice of two presentations: Option 1) "Orcas of the Salish Sea" - an expert presentation on Cetaceans: Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises in the Salish Sea. Hear vocalizations with their unique dialects and gain insight into their wonderfully sophisticated social behaviors. Option 2) Enjoy a rousing lecture "Friday Harbor History: Port on an Inland Sea" from a local author and expert Historian from the San Juan Island National Historic Park. Discover the authentic history of Friday Harbor and San Juan Island.

Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch during afternoon field trips. Meals are prepared by our private caterer and proudly served with enthusiasm!

Afternoon: For the afternoon, we'll divide into two groups (note that these field trips are repeated later the program so everyone can experience and enjoy both!): Group A) North San Juan Island Excursion. We'll begin with exploration of the picturesque Limekiln Lighthouse, now a whale observation outpost known to locals as whale-watch park. Following our picnic lunch, we'll depart for the San Juan Island National Park (British Camp). Rounding out our afternoon will be a stop in Roche Harbor Village. At Roche Harbor, visit either the historic Roche Harbor Resort (with its lovely marina and English gardens) or visit the Westcott Bay Sculpture Park (where you can view hundreds of outdoor sculptures thoughtfully placed amidst acres of quiet forests, wetlands, meadows and rocky outcroppings). Return to hotel late afternoon. Group B): Enjoy a three-hour Whale and Wildlife Search Cruise aboard a warm and comfortable vessel, searching for wild orcas, porpoise, sea birds, seals, and sea lions. A marine naturalist guides our excursion through the waters. Picnic lunch will be aboard the vessel. Return to hotel late afternoon.

Dinner: Dinner on your own to sample the "local fare". October is "Savor the San Juans" month and many local restaurants participate by featuring special seasonal themed menus at excellent value.

Evening: Enjoy a free evening to relax, visit with new friends, or explore on your own.

Lodging: Best Western Friday Harbor Suites

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Morning: Choice of morning presentations (Art or Salmon Restoration) . Afternoon Choices: Histroric town walk or small group hike or artist studio explorations). Special Evening Program Commemorates 25 years with Elderhostel.

Arrive To: Small group optional gentle Hatha Yoga session - before breakfast (Space is limited). This Interdisciplinary Yoga is gentle and integrates both classical and contemporary syles of Hatha Yoga. It offers an excellent way to extend degrees of flexibility, build strength, and elevate energy. This session is appropriate for all fitness levels, regardless of previous Yoga experience.

Breakfast: In Conference Dining Room featuring healthy & delicious home-style meals served buffet-style. Meals are prepared by our private caterer and proudly served with enthusiasm!

Morning: Morning begins with a choice of two presentations: Option 1) Local expert provides insight into the island's creative influence with presentation "Artistic Spirit in the Islands" which includes a special guest artist. Option 2) "Salmon Enhancement: Natural Rearing of Salmon in the San Juan's" tells the story of a unique restoration effort with an expert local biologist. Then, stretch your legs and enjoy some late morning flex time to explore the quaint town of Friday Harbor independently!

Lunch: In Conference Dining Room featuring healthy & delicious home-style meals served buffet-style. Meals are prepared by our private caterer and proudly served with enthusiasm!

Afternoon: Choose from three afternoon activity options: Option 1) "Cast in stone" historic walking field trip through Friday Harbor with a vernacular architecture expert to discuss the materials, times, and people who built Friday Harbor. Enjoy some local treats are our "Brickworks" farmers market building. Option 2) Small-group excursion to two different artist studios. On our visit to these private studios, we'll learn first-hand from the artist what has driven their passion and brought them success. Option 3) Small-group hiking excursion to the North part of San Juan Island (English Camp hikes). Enjoy coastal and wooded hikes with views of the beach and Mountain vistas of surrounding area.

Dinner: In Conference Dining Room featuring healthy & delicious home-style meals served buffet-style. Meals are prepared by our private caterer and proudly served with enthusiasm!

Evening: Our entire group will enjoy a "celebration" of 25 years of Road Scholar. We'll share stories, images, and gratitude as we all reflect upon our Road Scholar journeys, as well as look toward the future.

Lodging: Best Western Friday Harbor Suites

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Morning: Choice of Historical Museum, Whale Museum, or "Smuggling" Presentation. Afternoon: Group splits for Whale & Wildlife Cruise / Excursion to San Juan Island North end (English Camp National Park, Limekiln Whale Watch & Observation Post, Historic Roche Harbor Resort and Island Sculpture Park).Special evening Jazz performance.

Arrive To: Small group optional gentle Hatha Yoga session - before breakfast (Space is limited). This Interdisciplinary Yoga is gentle and integrates both classical and contemporary syles of Hatha Yoga. It offers an excellent way to extend degrees of flexibility, build strength, and elevate energy. This session is appropriate for all fitness levels, regardless of previous Yoga experience.

Breakfast: In Conference Dining Room featuring healthy & delicious home-style meals served buffet-style. Meals are prepared by our private caterer and proudly served with enthusiasm!

Morning: Begin the morning with your choice of three options: Option 1) Walking field trip to the San Juan Island Historical Museum. The Museum Director will be our guide as we weave through buildings; and learn behind-the-scenes details to the pieces in the Museum's collection. Option 2) Walking field trip to the Whale Museum, the nation's first museum dedicated to whale's living in the wild. The Whale Museum's Education Curator will be our guide as we explore this unique island treasure and learn more about the marine life that surround the San Juan Islands. Option 3) Enjoy a presentation "Smuggling in the Salish Sea" which tells the story of the history and economic and social impacts of pirating / smuggling the in the waters surrounding the San Juan Islands.

Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch during afternoon field trips. Meals are prepared by our private caterer and proudly served with enthusiasm!

Afternoon: For the afternoon, we'll divide into two groups(note that these field trips are repeated elsewhere in program so everyone can experience and enjoy both!): Group A) Enjoy a three-hour Whale and Wildlife Search Cruise aboard a warm and comfortable vessel, searching for wild orcas, porpoise, sea birds, seals, and sea lions. A marine naturalist guides our excursion through the waters. Picnic lunch will be aboard the vessel. Group B): North San Juan Island Excursion. We'll begin with exploration of the picturesque Limekiln Lighthouse, now a whale observation outpost known to locals as whale-watch park. Following our picnic lunch, we'll depart for the San Juan Island National Park (British Camp). Rounding out our afternoon will be a stop in Roche Harbor Village. At Roche Harbor, visit either the historic Roche Harbor Resort (with its lovely marina and English gardens) or visit the Westcott Bay Sculpture Park (where you can view outdoor sculptures thoughtfully placed amidst acres of quiet forests, wetlands, meadows and rocky outcroppings).

Dinner: In Conference Dining Room featuring healthy & delicious home-style meals served buffet-style. Meals are prepared by our private caterer and proudly served with enthusiasm!

Evening: Our entire group will enjoy a special musical performance - an evening of Jazz featuring bebop, Latin, swing, and original tunes by the band…a local favorite!

Lodging: Best Western Friday Harbor Suites

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Travel back to Seattle / Hibulb Cultural Center and Natural History Preserve / Seattle Sunset Dinner Cruise

Breakfast: In Conference Dining Room featuring healthy & delicious home-style meals served buffet-style. Meals are prepared by our private caterer and proudly served with enthusiasm! We'll have breakfast early, so that we can depart San Juan Island and return to Seattle.

Morning: We'll depart Friday Harbor, San Juan Island via the Washington State ferry and board our chartered motor coach in Anacortes. On our travels back to Seattle, we'll visit the Hibulb Cultural Center and Natural History Preserve. The Tulalip Tribes Hibulb Cultural Center and Natural History Preserve was developed to acknowledge and honor the ancestors of the Snohomish, Snoqualmie, Skykomish and other tribes and bands of Northwest Washington. The Hibulb Cultural Center and Natural History Preserve has over 23,000 square feet of exhibits and classrooms and 50 acres of natural history preserve. The artifacts, carvings, art and interactive displays weave insight and understanding to the land, the people, and the culture of these Tribal ancestors.

Lunch: We’ll enjoy a picnic/bag lunch today. Our caterer will provide whole fresh fruit, chips, bottled water, and a chef’s choice fresh bakery treat for everyone. Each member of the group will build their own sandwich to their liking – choosing from an assortment of meats, cheese, breads, and condiments/accoutrements.

Afternoon: Following our picnic at Hibulb Cultural Center, we'll board our coach for our return to Seattle.

Dinner: We'll board our chartered yacht for our farewell dinner cruise through Lake Washington and Lake Union. Enjoy the backdrop of Seattle's downtown and the Space Needle as we cruise along. Our on-board chef will prepare a delightful three-course dinner paired with local Washington wines.

Evening: Late evening return to our Seattle hotel.

Lodging: Hilton Garden Inn Seattle/Renton

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Breakfast available in hotel Conference/Breakfast Room

Morning: Extending your stay in Seattle? Please see the group leader during breakfast for suggestions and tips to enhance your stay!

Meals Included: Breakfast