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Ferry Tales in the San Juan Islands

Program Number: 10013RJ
Start and End Dates:
9/13/2013 - 9/16/2013; 10/4/2013 - 10/7/2013; 10/16/2013 - 10/19/2013;
Duration: 3 nights
Location: San Juan Islands, Washington
Price starting at: $579.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Natural History Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 8; 3 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 3 Dinners    
Meal Options: Low Salt; Low Fat; Vegetarian    

Enjoy a truly unique Northwest experience. Savor the ocean breezes on an expert-led adventure aboard a Washington State Ferry, chugging through deep-green waters as you glide from Friday Harbor past Orcas, Shaw and Lopez Islands in the Salish Sea. Search for orcas from coastal vantages and learn more about their sophisticated social structure at the unique Whale Museum. Uncover the Island’s rich history; from the indigenous coastal Salish people to the eclectic culture of today’s islanders.




Highlights

• Cruise the San Juan archipelago aboard the inter-island ferry as it chugs through the islands. A Naturalist lectures while you enjoy the views!
• Uncover the fascinating story of human occupation as a Native American historian and researcher presents archaeology finds of the Coast Salish peoples.
• 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 on field trips - up to 5 blocks. Dirt paths or uneven surfaces at several locations. Standing during outside venues for periods of up to one hour at a time. Frequent getting on/off buses. Buses do not have lifts. Elevators not always available at historic buildings or venues.




Date Specific Information

9-13-2013

*This program runs Friday - Monday, and is the perfect long weekend get away for those wanting a taste of the San Juan Islands!



10-4-2013

This is a charter for UCLA Sigma Phi Delta Alumni Reunion



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.
Russel Barsh
A graduate of Harvard University, Russel Barsh has devoted his career to educating and advising Native peoples on land and environmental issues. He has served as an adviser to United Nations agencies as an advocate for indigenous peoples in developing countries, and worked as the science adviser to indigenous organizations participating in the "Earth Summit," carrying out field missions in South Africa and Asia. Russel serves as the director of KWIAHT, a nonprofit laboratory in the Salish Sea.
 
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.
 
Emily Reed
Emily Reed is a longtime islander who writes a monthly column on art in the Islands Weekly newspaper. She served as a college adviser at UC Berkeley in the 1960s before moving to San Juan Island, where she later worked as a high school counselor for 18 years at Friday Harbor High School. Emily is a veteran Road Scholar contributor, and has published “Emily’s Guides to the San Juan Islands,” the definitive travel information source for the region.
 
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.
 
Greg Hertel
Greg Hertel is a retired physics and chemistry teacher, a former commercial fisherman, a licensed Coast Guard captain, and — as a resident of the San Juan Islands since 1974 —has served as port commissioner for Friday Harbor for 20 years. He teaches a portion of the naturalist course for the Whale Museum and has also taught classes at Skagit Valley College. Greg holds a B.S. in geology from Portland State University and a M.Ed. in natural sciences from Western Washington University.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   Earthbox Motel & Spa
  Friday Harbor, San Juan Island 3 nights
 Earthbox Motel & Spa
Type: Motel
  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, 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. You can visit the Inn website at www.earthboxinn.com. 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.
  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, telephone, cable TV, free WiFi, coffee maker, microwave, mini-refrigerator, hair dryer, and free off-street parking.
  Facility amenities: Heated indoor pool, jacuzzi, full-service day spa, dining hall, conference room, free beach cruise bicycle rentals, and limited exercise facility on-site. *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-$7.
  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 Motel & Spa that night.
  End of Program:
Your Road Scholar program will 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 Motel & Spa the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required.
  Parking availability:
Free parking available at Inn.
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: SeaTac Airport, Seattle. Small: Friday Harbor Airport
  From End of Program
  Location: Friday Harbor, San Juan Island
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

SeaTac Airport to Anacortes Ferry Terminal

 

From Airport

 
 

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:

 

3 hours to ferry terminal plus scenic 1.5 hour ferry ride 
   

This service runs 7 days a week throughout the year except on 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

 

From Ferry Landing

 
 

Service:

 

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

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Foot passengers round trip rate approx $10-14 varies by day of week and season.
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

1.5 
   

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

Friday Harbor Ferry Landing to Hotel

 

From Ferry Landing

 
 

Service:

 

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

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Complimentary Shuttle
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

5 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

3 blocks
   

To reserve a space on the courtesy shuttle, please call 1-800-793-4756. Reservations for the hotel 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 hotel 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).
 

Seattle to Friday Harbor

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Kenmore Air
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$125-$135 pp (prices subject to change by Kenmore Airlines)
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

35 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

90 miles
   

It is possible to fly directly to the islands from Seattle by linking a flight from Seattle International Airport to the islands via the regional air carrier, Kenmore Airlines. Kenmore Airlines operates out of King County Airport (Boeing Field) in Seattle. Participants will want to ask for courtesy shuttle service to/from Seattle International Airport and King County Airport. Kenmore flights can are on 6-10 passenger planes. Baggage and weight restrictions apply. Prices subject to change.
 
Driving Directions
  Bellingham From Bellingham, drive south on I-5. Turn west (exit 230) onto Highway 20. Follow the signs to the San Juan Ferry Terminal (3 miles west of Anacortes).
  Friday Harbor Ferry Landing Drive off ferry, turn right and follow Spring Street up the hill. Earthbox Inn & Spa is 3 blocks up on the right. The address is 410 Spring Street.
  Seattle The Anacortes terminal of the Washington state ferry is located about 3 miles from downtown Anacortes. 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.
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
(Friday, September 13)
   
 Afternoon: Hospitality Room opens at 3:00 PM in conference room. Room check in at front desk 4:00 PM. Program Orientation begins at 5:00 PM in conference room.
 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: Evening presentation highlights the contemporary life and culture in the Islands, with a look at some contemporary issues affecting Islanders.
 Evening: Welcome and get acquainted program follows dinner.
   
Accommodations: Earthbox Motel & Spa
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Coast Salish Archeology / Ferry Trip Aboard the Inter Island Ferry
(Saturday, September 14)
   
 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 presentations focus on the history and culture that has made the San Juan Islands what they are today. We'll begin with a look into the lure and history of smugglers in the waters of the Salish Sea. Next, we'll enjoy a fresh perspective on authentic history of Coast Salish native peoples in the Islands.
 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: Enjoy a field trip aboard the inter-island ferry as it chugs through the islands. On-deck narration from naturalist to answer all your questions and help spot marine and wildlife as you cruise the islands.
 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: Evening presentation includes a look into how islanders have reaped the bounty of the Salish Sea over time.
   
Accommodations: Earthbox Motel & Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: San Juan Island Excursion - American Camp and English Camp National Parks; Roche-Harbor; Sculpture Park; Limekiln Lighthouse/Musical Farewell Program
(Sunday, September 15)
   
 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: Enjoy a daylong field trip around San Juan Island. Begin in the morning with exploration of a National Historic Park, and a visit to a Lavender Farm. Search for wildlife along the scenic west coast of the island, as we cross the island for afternoon explorations.
 Lunch: Picnic lunch with water view overlooking Haro Strait (weather permitting).
 Afternoon: Field trip continues to the picturesque Limekiln Lighthouse, now a whale observation outpost known to locals as whale-watch park, and other points of scenic and cultural interest. End up at the North end of the island and visit either the historic Roche Harbor Village (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).
 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: Special farewell program features historical folk music from a performer / musicologist revered as known 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 Motel & Spa
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Departures
(Monday, September 16)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast in Conference Dining Room.
 Morning: Program concludes after breakfast to allow ample time for travel back to mainland and greater Seattle area.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Friday Harbor, San Juan Island San Juan Island Activities
Among the many free time activities in Friday Harbor are whale watching, kayaking, beachcombing, bicycling, fishing, shopping, museums, outdoor sculpture park, historic sites, and ferry trips to other islands. For additional information, visit www.sanjuanisland.org
  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
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


Living High


Author: June Burn


Description: A fascinating story of June and Farrar Burn who homesteaded on Waldron Island (one of the islands in the San Juan Island Archipelago).



San Juan Islands, Afoot & Afloat


Author: Marge & Ted Mueller


Description: Completely updated guide to boating and other recreational activities in the San Juan Islands. Also contains good overview of local wildlife and history.



Friday Harbor


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


Description: The book was part of the town’s Centennial Celebration, which was commemorated in 2009. It focuses on the history and and people of this delightful community.





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