Road Scholar : Ferry Tales in the San Juan Islands - Washington

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:

$549.00 - 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 Inn & Spa
		Friday Harbor, San Juan Island	4 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, telephone, cable TV, free WiFi, coffee maker, microwave, mini-refrigerator, hair dryer, and free off-street parking.
	Facility amenities:	Heated indoor pool, jacuzzi / sauna, full-service day spa, conference room, coin-op self-laundry on-site, free beach cruiser bicycle rentals, and limited exercise facility on-site. 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 (8 am - 5 pm) 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 Inn & 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 Inn & 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: Free parking available at Motel.

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
	Anacortes Ferry Terminal	To 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.
	SeaTac Airport	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)

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 Motel & 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
(Wednesday, October 16)

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:	Brief "get acquainted" session, followed by a presentation "Views from the Islands" to discover an insider's perspective on contemporary life in the islands as will as issues affecting the Island and its residents.

Accommodations:	Earthbox Inn & Spa
Meals Included:	Dinner

Day 2:

Coast Salish Archeology / Ferry Trip Aboard the Inter Island Ferry
(Thursday, October 17)

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:	Lectures: We'll begin with "Smuggling in the Salish Sea" presentation that tells the story of the history and economic and social impacts of pirating / smuggling the in the waters surrounding the San Juan Islands. Then, we'll receive 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 Inn & 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
(Friday, October 18)

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 Pelindaba 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 Inn & Spa
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4:

Departures
(Saturday, October 19)

Breakfast:	Breakfast in Conference Dining Room.
Morning:	Program concludes after breakfast to allow ample time for travel back to mainland and greater Seattle area.

Accommodations:	Earthbox Inn & Spa
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.

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.

You can't find a better value than Road Scholar.

As a not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing all-inclusive educational programs at great value. From lectures to gratuities to field trips to accommodations - the tuition you pay up front is all that you pay.

Specifically, this program includes:

4 nights accommodations
8 meals: 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners
Expert-led lectures: 4
Expert-led lectures

Led by one or more of our world-class instructors, typically in a classroom setting, lectures come in the form of presentations, discussions or workshops and offer expert insight into your area of study.
Field trips: 3
Field trips

The world is your classroom, as you're on location with an instructor to pursue your educational theme firsthand.
Performances: 1
Performances

A performance can range from a night at the opera to a visit from a local performer at your hotel.

Plus these special experiences...

Cruise the San Juan archipelago aboard the inter-island ferry as it chugs through the islands. A Naturalist lectures while you enjoy the views!
Visits to two National Parks: American Camp and English Camp Parks to learn about the Great Pig War.
Presentation on Coast Salish Archaeology from native history expert/researcher uncovers fascinating story of human occupation in the San Juan's.
Visit Limekiln Lighthouse,a whale research & observation outpost and one of the best land-based sites to spot Orca whales in their native habitat.

View the Daily Schedule to see more

And included with all Road Scholar programs:

Learning led by expert instructors who are authorities in the field of study.
An experienced Group Leader attuned to the needs of Road Scholar participants.
Customary gratuities throughout the program that you would normally pay yourself.
The Road Scholar Travel Assistance Plan, providing 24-hour-a-day emergency assistance coverage.
Taxes

Highlights

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

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

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.

Russel Barsh

Michael Cohen

Emily Reed

Cindy Hansen

Greg Hertel

Meals and Lodgings

Travel Details

Travel Details

Anacortes Ferry Terminal

To Ferry Landing

Service:

Public TransportationWashington State Ferryphone: 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.

SeaTac Airport

From Airport

Service:

Commercial Van/ShuttleBellair Airporter Shuttlephone: 866-235-5247Advanced Reservations Required

Per Person/One Way:

Senior fare approx $35 one way or $55 round tripPrices 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)