Lopez Island Get-Away

The San Juan Islands lay off the NW coast of Washington State.

The name "San Juan" was given to the islands by the Spanish explorer Francisco de Eliza, who charted the islands in 1791

 Map and Island photo from Island County Tourism

 The Islands are a quieter way of life - slow and peaceful. They are the destination for day trippers and vacationers - as well of locals from the mainland who want a quiet get-away, but near home.  Yes - Mt. Baker in the background, and ferry in the foreground center

The get-away to Lopez Island was to celebrate Don's September birthday - and our 52nd Anniversary the end of September.

Top - landing at Lopez Island - when our ferry arrived there was another at the dock so we waited in line for our turn to disembark.

Bottom - Washington State Ferry at night - passing our cottage

 Four of the main islands are served by the Washington State Ferry Service and those four have the largest populations - the smaller islands can be accessed by water taxi, private boat or float plane.

The Canadian border runs to the west (left) of the San Juan Islands

 Several tables in the passenger section of the ferries have jigsaw puzzles for passengers to work on.  If the weather is foggy I would work on a puzzle - but with sunny weather there is so much to see,  I'd rather take in the views.

Such as passing other ferries on the way to the islands

After we got settled in our cottage we were off to enjoy a ride around the island

 This is the view from the patio of our cabin - boats passing all day

And vultures floating on the air currents - looking for "clean up work"

There are lovely beaches on the island - this is one beach where we picnicked 

 Fabulous Great Blue Herons

Hairy Woodpeckers in apple trees

 Fabulous clouds and skies - from our patio on Lopez Island

Boaters having fun in all sorts of crafts

And breath taking sunsets every night.

Another visit soon to explore more of the island.

Mosaic Monday

Through My Lens