Walking up to 1.5 miles throughout the day; some paved, some uneven pathways, dirt trails with exposed rock and tree roots. Getting on/off mini-buses; driving approx. 55 miles total; 5 ride segments of about 1/2 hour each between stops.
Hotel buffet.
Then, we’ll set out via mini-buses for a field trip with our Group Leader around the south end of San Juan Island to American Camp National Park where we will stop at the Visitor’s Center for an overview of the Pig War, during which both American and British troops occupied the island. Afterwards, we’ll walk to the redoubt area and view the remaining American Camp structures. Next, we’ll head to Pelindaba Lavender Farm where we will hear first-hand from the owner/operator about how this Lavender Farm came to be, why the farm fills an unserved niche, and how it sustains the local community. Additionally, we learn how the lavender is grown, harvested and how it is used in final products. As we cross the island toward Limekiln Lighthouse, we’ll keep an eye out for wildlife along the scenic west coast of the island.
At the Limekiln Lighthouse, we’ll have sack lunches featuring a sandwich, fruit, chips, bakery treat, and bottled water.
Our field trip will continue with our Group Leader at Limekiln Point State Park, one of the best places in the world to view whales from land, and home to Orca research outpost and lighthouse. Keeping an eye out for the whales as they search for their main food source, salmon, we’ll make our way with our Group Leader to the lighthouse research center to see the studies being done on Orcas. Continuing, we'll travel to the northern tip of San Juan Island to explore the National Historical Park at English Camp with our Group Leader. While here, we’ll see the parade grounds, formal garden, historical buildings, and the blockhouse, all of which remain from the times of British occupation. As we look around, we’ll take note of contrasts with the American encampment we saw earlier on the south end of the island. We'll then return to Friday Harbor where the remainder of the afternoon will be free for independent exploration. You may wish to visit the Whale Museum, explore the town, or just relax.
At the hotel, we’ll have a tasty buffet meal for our farewell dinner, with, coffee, tea, water. You may bring other beverages of your own with you. Share some of your favorite experiences from the program with new Road Scholar friends.
Joined by a beloved local musician in the hotel conference room, we’ll be treated to an exclusive musical performance to round out our program. Be sure to prepare for check-out and departures in the morning.