Walking up to 2 miles throughout the day; some paved walkways, some uneven pathways and dirt trails with exposed rocks and tree roots. Riding in mini-buses for approx. 55 miles total; 4 ride segments of about 1/2 hour each.
In the hotel conference room, the breakfast will feature an egg dish, fresh fruit, assorted hot/cold cereals and breakfast breads, plus juice, milk, coffee, tea, water.
A local resident historian will join us in the hotel conference room for a presentation on San Juan Island history. 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 get 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. 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.
At Limekiln Lighthouse, we’ll have our sack lunches featuring a sandwich, chips or deli salad, beverage, and a chef’s choice fresh bakery treat for everyone.
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 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.
At the hotel, we’ll enjoy a tasty meal in the conference room featuring salad, an entrée, sides, and dessert, plus coffee, tea, water. You may bring other beverages of your own with you.
Gathering in the hotel conference room, we’ll attend a presentation given by a local guest artist showcasing the creative and artistic spirits that are abundant in these islands.