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A day in San Juan Island
Friday, June 10th Camping & Friday Harbor- 20 Miles
We wanted to leave early for Town to catch the Ferry to Orcas but had to wait it out as it was raining in the morning. We finally took down the tent, packed up and left the camp ground. Now we had a 13 mile ride on the more scenic part of the island. The 13 miles was full of hills and areas where we had to ride with cars on the narrow twisting road. It took us 2 hours to ride the 13 miles. Fortunately people on the island are used to cyclists and are very considerate. They would ride behind slowly until they were able to pass us up. The vein was beautiful both under the trees and also along the edge where we could see the rocks and water. We stopped at Lime Kiln Point State Park to see the light house and have our leftover chicken and bread for breakfast. Here Carmen went down the cliff and sort of scared me as I kept telling her to stay off the side of the cliff. She wanted her picture taken, so I took her picture. |
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From here we went inside the lighthouse where they had a chart of all the monthly sightings of the whales. We discovered that we had been fortunate because there had not been a sighting in many days prior. During our ride to the Harbor I got a text from Kelly who has a property in Eastsound which is on Orcas, saying we could camp out in her yard. This meant we would have to ride for 10 miles with constant hills, some would be much more than we were ready to handle. Finally at about 7:00 pm we reached Eastsound and looked for Kelly's home. We were in for a surprise! Kelly was out of town, but a friend of hers, Brady would be there as well as two other cyclists would be camping out on the yard. Kelly had text that we could share the yard space. After riding hard from the Harbor to Eastsound trying to make it to the place, we made it and found that nobody was home. We knocked and no answer - the lights were on but nobody was home. I was beginning to think that someone had pulled a prank on us to take us to a remote place, since the house was deep in the woods. We got desperate and got on Hotel.com to find a hotel, but nothing was available. We decided to set the camp up in the area that had a gate.....and all the chickens roaming around. Shortly after we set up the other couple that was supposed to arrive first showed up. They told us that the hills were very difficult and they were also told to set up camp and that Brady would show up. The house was open and it was OK to enter and shower. We entered and showered quickly to get out of the way for the Canadian couple. About an hour later, Brady showed up and informed us that the chickens would be let out very early and may wake us with noises. Carmen assured him it would be OK we had experienced chickens before.
Gate leading to our camping spot
Carmen - It was cold and raining this morning. The rain came as the clouds were clearing up in the sky. Once it cleared up we packed up and headed out. As we left the camp ground we saw a large group of people getting into kayaks. The kayaks and people looked so colorful, the boats were different colors and the people were all wearing different colors also. As soon as we got outside the campground there was a large hill to ride up. I decided that I would push my bike for a while, because I just could not get put myself into pain riding up the hill so early. Once on my bike we rode slowly and soon reached the area where the light house is located. I needed to go to the restroom, and discovered that this area is very ecological.....there was no water in the restrooms and the toilet was a compost one. To think that my family members in Mexico were using "compost" toilets many years ago! My dad Raul's mom - even had a "compost" toilet in Hebronville, Texas, but they called it an out house.
I wish I had met our hosts from Eastsound. I think they must be very special people to allow us to stay, knowing they would not be there. I did get a glimpse of who they are by seeing their pictures and the poems posted on their fridge. I am impressed with these young people that choose to live a life that allows them to teach their children about being kind and open.
I wish I had met our hosts from Eastsound. I think they must be very special people to allow us to stay, knowing they would not be there. I did get a glimpse of who they are by seeing their pictures and the poems posted on their fridge. I am impressed with these young people that choose to live a life that allows them to teach their children about being kind and open.