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Kayaking in the San Juans

Program Number: 2295RJ
Start and End Dates:
5/27/2013 - 6/1/2013;
Duration: 5 nights
Location: San Juan Islands, Washington
Price starting at: $995.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Water Sports; Natural History Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 13; 5 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners    
Meal Options: Low Fat; Low Salt; Vegetarian    

Come explore the San Juan Islands - one of the best kayaking locations in the Pacific Northwest and home to unique creatures of the land and sea: orcas, bald eagles, sea urchins and much, much more. Paddle your way through sheltered waters and rocky coasts, past islands rich with seabirds, marine mammals and pods of orcas. Learn about gritty settlers and discover a wilderness of rocky coasts, old-growth forests and mountains by the sea.




Highlights

• Where land meets sea, discover the rich array of fauna with expert kayakers and naturalists while you relish vistas and discoveries unique to kayaking.
• Enjoy an easy coastal hike in American Camp National Park with views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the Olympic Mountains and driftwood beach.
• Visit Limekiln Lighthouse, a whale research and observation outpost and one of the best land-based sites to spot Orca whales in their native habitat.



Activity Particulars

Walking up to two miles daily. Two half-day excursions on two-person sea kayaks and one 5-hr kayak and Orca search excursion. All equipment provided.



Coordinated by Skagit Valley College.




San Juan Islands

More than 200 individual islands comprise this archipelago off the upper northwest coast of Washington state. Only a handful are home to permanent residents, many of whom stay for the close-knit community unique to Island living.
Accommodations
Stylish inn in the heart of Friday Harbor with heated indoor pool, fitness center, complimentary bikes.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Michael Cohen
Michael Cohen, Ed.D. is leader of a group of musicians called “Sugar on the Floor” who perform historical music and dances from the folk traditions. Michael is a self-described innovative scientist-counselor-eco psychologist-traditional musician-naturalist. A long time outdoor educator, Michael founded Project Nature Connect, a nature connected psychological science that restores people to their fullness, their natural integrity and deeper ideals.
 
Michael Vouri
Michael Vouri is chief park interpreter and historian for San Juan Island National Park. He is a passionate historian with an unmatched knowledge of regional history and exploration. He is the author of "The Pig War," and co-author of "Images of America – Friday Harbor." Michael is well known regionally for “An Evening with George Pickett,” a critically acclaimed stage play based on a local historical figure. Mike is a long-time and very popular Road Scholar instructor.
 
Cindy Hansen
Cindy Hansen is education curator for The Whale Museum. Born in Gary, Ind., she earned a degree in zoology with a focus on marine mammals at the University of Washington in Seattle. While working as a naturalist onboard a whale-watching fleet, she fell in love with the San Juan Islands and the Orcas who live in the surrounding waters. Cindy has also worked with Orca Network for several years as a naturalist onboard the Washington State Ferries.
 
Shona Aitken
A native of Scotland, Shona Aitken earned a degree in ecology and broadened her background in environmental education while working in her home country and spending two years in Sweden. She is currently the Education Coordinator for Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehabilitation Center on San Juan Island where she teaches people about local wildlife and increases awareness of the impact of human activities on wild creatures.
 
Kevin Loftus
Kevin Loftus is the executive director of the San Juan Historical Museum. He grew up in Chicago before attending college at Northern Arizona University. A love of cycling led Kevin to begin visiting the San Juan Islands, and after five years and many adventures, the beauty of the islands inspired him to move there. In 2008, Kevin found his dream job as director of the museum. He says he feels very fortunate to be able to share the unique history of the San Juan Islands with others.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   Earthbox Inn & Spa
  Friday Harbor, San Juan Island 5 nights
 Earthbox Inn & Spa
Type: Inn
  Description: You will stay in a stylishly renovated local Inn, proudly preserving the comfortable simplicity of its classic motor inn structure completely renovated with natural design choices and a full complement of modern, more upscale features and amenities. Inn amenities include heated indoor pool and jacuzzi, dry sauna, and limited exercise facilities open year round. The Spa at Earthbox is on site and available for massage, body treatments, facials, manicures and pedicures. Rooms at the Inn have 2 queen sized beds, a mini-fridge, complimentary WiFi, and private baths. The Inn is easy walking distance (1-3 blocks) from all of the Friday Harbor amenities and just 3 blocks from the waterfront. Earthbox Inn & Spa provides complimentary courtesy shuttle from the ferry landing. To reserve a space on the courtesy shuttle, please call 1-800-793-4756. Reservations for the Inn shuttle will be accepted between 30 days – 7 days prior to your program start date. (Please note that courtesy shuttle is available only at limited day times (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM) and may not be available when Inn staff is limited. For other ferry arrivals and when courtesy shuttle is not available, taxis are readily available at the ferry landing for the short ride to the inn (approx $5-8).
  Contact info: 410 Spring Street
Friday Harbor, WA 98250 USA
phone: 800-793-4756
web: www.earthboxinn.com
  Room amenities: All rooms include private bathroom, free wireless internet, telephone, cable TV, coffee maker, microwave, mini-refrigerator, hair dryer, and free off-street parking
  Facility amenities: Heated indoor pool, jacuzzi, telephone, free wireless internet, complimentary beach cruiser bikes, full-service day spa, dining hall, conference room, and limited exercise facility on-site. Free off street parking. Courtesy shuttle from Ferry dock, seaplane dock, or local airport upon request. *Please note: courtesy shuttle is only available during limited times of the day (8am-5pm) and may not be available when hotel staffing is limited. Taxi cabs are also available for approximately $5-$8.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Additional nights prior: Varies by season Please call Earthbox Motel & Spa directly at 1-800-793-4756 for extended stay reservations and rates.
  Check in time: 4:00 PM
  Additional nights after: Varies by season Please call Earthbox Motel & Spa directly at 1-800-793-4756 for extended stay reservations and rates.
  Check out time: 11:00 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Your Road Scholar program will begin with an orientation at 5:00 pm in hotel conference room. You will be staying at Earthbox Inn & Spa that night.
  End of Program:
Your Road Scholar program will at conclude after breakfast (approximately 8:30am) to allow ample travel time for those returning to the greater Seattle area and points beyond. You will be staying at Earthbox Inn & Spa the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required.
  Parking availability:
Complimentary parking available at hotel.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Friday Harbor, San Juan Island
  Nearest city or town:  Friday Harbor
  Nearest highway: Interstate 5, 30 miles
  Nearest airport:  Major: Sea-Tac International Airport (Seattle). Small: Friday Harbor Airport(Kenmore Regional Airlines).
  From End of Program
  Location: Friday Harbor, San Juan Island
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

SeaTac Airport to WA State Ferry Landing-Anacortes

 

To Ferry Landing

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Bellair Airporter Shuttle
phone: 866-235-5247
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Senior fare approx $35 one way or $55 round trip
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

approximately 2.5 - 3 hours ride to ferry landing (includes transfer) 
 

Distance:

 

90 miles
   

This service runs 7 days a week all year except Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day. Select route from SeaTac Airport to Anacortes/San Juan Ferry Terminal (www.airporter.com)
 

Anacortes Ferry Terminal to Friday Harbor

 

To Ferry Landing

 
 

Service:

 

Public Transportation
Washington State Ferry
phone: 206-464-6400

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Foot passengers approx $10-15 round trip varies by day of week and season.
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

approximately 1.5 hours 
   

Select Anacortes to Friday Harbor/San Juan Island route. Visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries for the most current information.
 

From Friday Harbor Ferry Landing to Hotel

 

From Ferry Landing

 
 

Service:

 

Hotel Shuttle
Earthbox Inn & Spa Shuttle
phone: 800-793-4756
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Complimentary
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

1 minute 
 

Distance:

 

3 blocks
   

Reservations for the Inn shuttle will be accepted between 30 days – 7 days prior to your program start date. (Please note that courtesy shuttle is available only at limited day times (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM) and may not be available when Inn staff is limited. For other ferry arrivals and when courtesy shuttle is not available, taxis are readily available at the ferry landing for the short ride to the inn (approx $5-8).
 

To Hotel when Shuttle is not Available

 

From Ferry Landing

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi
Bob's Taxi
phone: 360-378-8388

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$5-7 (rates subject to change)
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

2 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

4-8 blocks
   

To shorten wait time for pickup - advance reservations are recommended. For late arrivals to the island (past 8pm) or early departures to the island (before 8 am) - advance reservations are required.
 

To Hotel via taxi when shuttle not available

 

From Ferry Landing

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi
San Juan Taxi
phone: 360-378-8294

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$5-$7 (rates subject to change)
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

2 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

4-8 blocks
   

To shorten wait time for pickup - advance reservations are recommended. For late arrivals to the island (past 8pm) or early departures to the island (before 8 am) - advance reservations are required.
 

From Seattle To Friday Harbor via air

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Kenmore Airlines
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

*Approx $125-145 (subject to change)
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

35 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

80-90 miles
   

Regional airline carrier, offering small plane flights from Seattle's Boeing Field (King County Airport) and Friday Harbor, San Juan Islands. Baggage and weight limits apply. *Ask for courtesy shuttle from SeaTac International airport and King Co. airport.
 
Driving Directions
  Arrivals from Seattle Area to Anacortes Ferry Terminal From Seattle, drive north on I-5, about 60 miles to Burlington/Mt. Vernon. Turn west (exit 230) onto Highway 20 and continue another 20 miles west to Anacortes. Follow the signs through town to the San Juan Ferry Terminal for approximately 3 miles. The Anacortes terminal of the Washington state ferry is located about 3 miles from downtown Anacortes.
  Arriving from Bellingham Area to Anacortes Ferry Terminal From Bellingham, drive south on I-5. Turn west (exit 230) onto Highway 20 and continue another 20 miles west to Anacortes. Follow the signs through town to the San Juan Ferry Terminal for approximately 3 miles. The Anacortes terminal of the Washington state ferry is located about 3 miles from downtown Anacortes.
  Getting to the Earthbox Inn & Spa from the Friday Harbor Ferry Landing Drive off ferry, turn right and follow Spring Street up the hill. The Earthbox Inn & Spa is about 3-4 blocks up on the right. The address is 410 Spring Street.
Equipment Requirements: All kayaking equipment is provided.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Welcome and Orientation
(Monday, May 27)
   
 Afternoon: Hospitality Room opens at 3:30 PM in conference room. Room check in at front desk 4:00 PM. Program Orientation begins at 5:00 in conference room.
 Dinner: Our dinners are served buffet style so that you choose what works for you. Tonight’s dinner features NW green salad, home-made lasagna (choose from meat or veggie lasagna), and garlic bread – topped off with coffee, tea, iced tea, water and dessert of the day.
 Evening: Welcome and get acquainted program following dinner.
   
Accommodations: Earthbox Inn & Spa
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Exploring the "Salish Sea"/Whale Museum/Kayaking
(Tuesday, May 28)
   
 Breakfast: Continental Breakfast Buffet: featuring a variety of fresh fruits, assorted hot/cold cereals, assorted breakfast breads (toast, English muffin, bagel, etc.), cottage cheese, boiled eggs, coffee, tea, juice.
 Morning: Presentation on the Salish Sea orients you to these unique sheltered coastal waters within the tapestry of islands with an overview of how man and marine animals share this delicate ecosystem. Mid-morning offers a relaxing session of expert led Gentle Yoga and Stretching. Kayaking introduction and orientation follows before lunch.
 Lunch: Have lunch the way you like it! Lunch will be served buffet-style and features a soup of the day with salad bar (including green leaf / spinach salad, a variety of fresh raw veggies, potato salad, three bean salad, and more) – topped off with coffee, tea, iced, water and dessert of the day.
 Afternoon: We'll set out for a Naturalist guided sea kayak excursion (approximately three hours) out of Roche Harbor on the northwest side of San Juan Island. Our kayak outfitter is the exclusive kayak operator from Roche Harbor, which allows us unique access. This location is ideal for kayaking and wildlife sighting opportunities, as we have a combination of protected water, wildlife refuges, and access to big open channels with expansive views of Haro Strait, the Olympic Mountains, Cascade Mountains, and beautiful shoreline. Haro Strait is known as an “Orca Highway”, and encounters with our resident Orca Whale pods are most likely here. Roche Harbor is beautiful historic resort village just a short distance from Friday Harbor on San Juan Island. Note: location may vary to take full advantage of tides, currents and calm seas.
 Dinner: Our dinners are served buffet style so that you choose what works for you. Tonight’s dinner features NW green salad, prawns & scallops (in sun-dried tomato pesto), penne pasta and steamed veggies– topped off with coffee, tea, iced tea, water and dessert of the day.
 Evening: Enjoy an insider's presentation about contemporary island living, culture and issues affecting Islanders from a long time resident.
   
Accommodations: Earthbox Inn & Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Wildlife of the San Juan's/Whale Museum/More Kayaking
(Wednesday, May 29)
   
 Breakfast: Continental Breakfast Buffet: featuring a variety of fresh fruits, assorted hot/cold cereals, assorted breakfast breads (toast, English muffin, bagel, etc.), cottage cheese, boiled eggs, coffee, tea, juice.
 Morning: Presentation on Wildlife of San Juan Island from wildlife rehabilitation expert. Then, a walking field trip follows to the San Juan Island Historical Museum. Take a step back in time and experience island life as it was over a century ago through our historic structures, unique exhibits and living history.
 Lunch: Have lunch the way you like it! Lunch will be served buffet-style and features a soup of the day with salad bar (including green leaf / spinach salad, a variety of fresh raw veggies, potato salad, three bean salad, and more) – topped off with coffee, tea, iced, water and dessert of the day.
 Afternoon: We'll walk to the Whale Museum for a guided tour of the Whale Museum, the first museum in the country dedicated to the interpretation of whales living in the wild.
 Dinner: Our dinners are served buffet style so that you choose what works for you. Tonight’s dinner features NW green salad, grilled chicken, steamed veggies, and red potatoes or rice – topped off with coffee, tea, iced tea, water and dessert of the day.
 Evening: Presentation: Take a special look at the history San Juan Island and Friday Harbor that reveals the roots of this quaint and historically intact fishing port.
   
Accommodations: Earthbox Inn & Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Kayaking / Coastal Hike in San Juan Island National Historical Park.
(Thursday, May 30)
   
 Breakfast: Continental Breakfast Buffet: featuring a variety of fresh fruits, assorted hot/cold cereals, assorted breakfast breads (toast, English muffin, bagel, etc.), cottage cheese, boiled eggs, coffee, tea, juice.
 Morning: Today, we'll depart from Friday Harbor for a Naturalist led guided Sea kayak trip (approximately three hours). Explore the scenic rock shorelines along the University of Washington Preserve, or skirt the shoreline of Turn Island. Views across San Juan Channel to Shaw Island, Lopez Island, Yellow Island, with the Cascade Mountains serving as the back drop. Note that location may vary to take full advantage of tides, currents, and calm seas.
 Lunch: Today’s lunch features a build your own taco bar – with everything needed to build it your way (beef, refried beans, cheeses, flour/corn tortillas, lettuce, tortilla chips, salsa & more) – topped off with coffee, tea, iced, water and dessert of the day.
 Afternoon: Enjoy a scenic coastal hike in American Camp National Park with views of the Strait of Juan De Fuca and the Olympic Mountains. Hiking Route is 2.5-3.0 miles. Well maintained trail in most places, some gravel beach,upland trail portion has modest elevation gain of approx 300 ft. This hike is a favorite of locals!
 Dinner: Dinner on your own to enjoy local fare. Ecclectic options abound!
 Evening: Open evening to explore the historic fishing port of Friday Harbor.
   
Accommodations: Earthbox Inn & Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5: Extended Kayaking along the Scenic West Side of San Juan / Farewell Musical Program
(Friday, May 31)
   
 Breakfast: Continental Breakfast Buffet: featuring a variety of fresh fruits, assorted hot/cold cereals, assorted breakfast breads (toast, English muffin, bagel, etc.), cottage cheese, boiled eggs, coffee, tea, juice.
 Morning: After another great session of gentle yoga and stretching from a local expert, Cap off your Kayaking week with a day long Naturalist guided sea kayak paddle (approximately 5 hours out of Roche Harbor on the Island's Norwest tip. Explore the calm inlets of Garrison and Westcott Bays, skirt the shoreline of Henry Island, and enjoy an amazing picnic lunch on a pebbled beach. Note that locations may vary to take full advantage of tides, currents, and calm seas.
 Lunch: Reflect on our longest paddle over a picnic lunch on a remote pebble and sand beach overlooking Haro Strait and the Olympic Mountains.
 Afternoon: Extend your paddle into the afternoon during our longest time on the water, maximizing wildlife sighting opportunities. Return to Friday harbor in the late afternoon to relax at the pool, hot tub, or explore Friday Harbor on your own.
 Dinner: Our dinners are served buffet style so that you choose what works for you. Tonight’s dinner features NW green salad, baked salmon/fish (as locally available by season), rice , and steamed veggies– topped off with coffee, tea, iced tea, water and dessert of the day.
 Evening: Special farewell program features historical folk music from a performer / musicologist revered as an Island icon and local treasure. Features homespun songs and stories from people who built America while living a simpler life. This unusual and irreverent collection of songs conveys remote history through toe-tapping music.
   
Accommodations: Earthbox Inn & Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Farewell & Departure Day
(Saturday, June 1)
   
 Breakfast: Continental Breakfast Buffet: featuring a variety of fresh fruits, assorted hot/cold cereals, assorted breakfast breads (toast, English muffin, bagel, etc.), cottage cheese, boiled eggs, coffee, tea, juice. Breakfast available early for those wishing to leave on an early ferry.
 Morning: Program concludes after breakfast to allow ample time for scenic ferry return to the mainland and connections homeward bound.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Friday Harbor, San Juan Island San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau
The San Juan Islands are just a scenic ferry ride or a short flight from the northwest Washington mainland. Whether you yearn for the slow pace of island time or the excitement of new experiences, you're sure to enjoy your time in the San Juan Islands. For additional information, visit www.visitsanjuans.com/
  Visitor's Information
Among the many free time activities in Friday Harbor are whale watching, kayaking, beach combing, bicycling, fishing, shopping, museums, outdoor sculpture park, historic sites, and ferry trips to other islands. For additional information, visit www.visitsanjuans.com
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


A Field Guide to Coastal Flowers of the Pacific Northwest


Author: Phillipa Hudson


Description: With gorgeous full-colour photos arranged in an easy-to-use colour coded chart for quick identification, the pocket-sized format is perfect for taking along on walks and hikes through both the Pacific Northwest countryside as well as the urban wilds of West Coast cities. Supplying English and Latin names, the distribution range of each species and average plant height and flower size, Phillipa Hudson shares her knowledge of coast flora gained through over 30 years as an active amateur botanist.



Birding in the San Juan Islands


Author: Mark G. Lewis and Fred A. Sharpe


Description: Handy guide for visitor's and residents alike to learn more about Island birds, seasonality, local "hot spots", and how the insular ecosystems affects bird behavior.



Friday Harbor


Author: Mike Vouri, San Juan Historical Society, Julia Vouri


Description: A book that reviews the rich history and residents of Friday Harbor throughout the past 100 years.



Hiking the San Juan Islands


Author: Ken Wilcox


Description: The famed San Juan Islands of Northwest Washington State offer some of the most charming, scenic and naturally diverse landscapes and seascapes anywhere in the Pacific Northwest. A host of parks, trails, beaches, and protected wildlands are available to enjoy for hiking. This guide includes listings and maps for the surround archipelago, including Whidbey, Camano, Fidalgo, Cypress, and land-based counties near the San Juan Islands.



North Puget Sound: Afoot and Afloat


Author: Marge & Ted Mueller


Description: An insiders guide to the North Puget Sound region of Washington State.



Rainshadow World: A Naturalist's Year in the San Juan Islands


Author: Susan Vernon


Description: The San Juan Archipelago of Washington State is a wondrous place where the land meets the sea. In Rainshadow World, naturalist Susan Vernon explores the fascinating world of wildlife in one of the earth's richest biological realms. From rocky shores and tall grass prairies, to forests draped with mosses and lichens and resonating to the drumbeat of pileated woodpeckers, she encounters the first wildflowers of spring, watches a bald eagle's first flight, surveys rare island marble butterflies, and wonders at whales playing in the moonlight. Susan knows the secret places to explore and takes readers on a compelling journey through an island year.



Wild Plants of the San Juan Islands (second edition)


Author: Scott Atkinson & Fred Sharpe


Description: This wonderful field guide illustrates and describes more than 190 species of wildflowers, shrubs, trees and weeds that occur commonly throughout the San Juan Islands as well as the Gulf Islands of near Vancouver Island, Canada. The text also includes information on how the climate, topography and geology of the Islands affect plant life.





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