Riding in the San Juans

[jesvetmed]

Susan: Ain't Doody did a marvelous review of the islands! The 4th of July week is VERY busy on any of the islands, so be aware that the traffic you run into will be heavy. I know that BikerHen came over and toured the islands last year -- you may want to check with her, also.

There are some amazing campsites on the islands -- on San Juan they are right along the beach where the whales are. THese book up WAY in advance, as do the B&B / hotels there for summer. Plan and book way ahead!!!

I have a book that may be helpful: "Biking Puget Sound: 50 Rides from Olympia to the San Juans" by Bill Thorness -- this is put out by The Mountaineers. Only one section is San Juans, but it is very good and has maps. Here's the link at Google Books:

Also SUNSET magazine has done short articles on the San Juans -- where to eat / stay / see before. I have no idea how long it's been, but maybe there is a search engine on their website?

As for the orcas: I've learned the way to see them is to be patient. We go and pack a picnic, take a bottle of wine, and sit on a bench or rocks along Lime Kiln near the Lighthouse. And WAIT. It takes hours sometimes. But the do come. We saw them finally at sunset one night -- hunting their way up along the beach. It is so worth the wait. Bring good binoculars! You can also rent kayaks in many places if you really want to get close! The "whale watching" tours I guess I have problems with -- yes, you get to see them usually, but they spend all day chasing those poor creatures with multiple boats, helicopters, etc.

Overall it is just a spectacular area!

Here are some useful websites:
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/getaways/137818_lopezride04.html
http://www.thesanjuans.com/Biking%20...0Anacortes.htm
http://www.travel-watch.com/biking.htm
http://www.scs.unr.edu/~sulli_t/sanjuani.html

[Aint Doody]

jesvetmed, I think the orcas know I'm around and hide. I've been in the San Juans and Canadian Gulf Islands 5 different times for multiple days and have never yet seen one! Once I was on a sailboat from Anacortes to Victoria, once on a dive trip for 2 days, once on a dive boat for 5 days, once on the bike ride, and even on a cruise that started in Seattle and went to Alaska. On the cruise ship everybody in my family saw one--not me!!!! I know you don't approve but on the bike ride a whale watching boat was arranged for us, but the fog was too heavy where the orcas were (smart creatures.) I haven't given up hope; seeing an orca in the wild is on my "bucket list." And I like your formula the best! I haven't tried that method.

[jesvetmed]

Doody.... you are orca-cursed! That is so much time out there and the perfect opportunities to see them. If it's any consolation, I've lived in this area my whole life, but didn't see one until about 8 yrs ago. And haven't seen one since. Of course, work life has taken over my time for "touring" around, so I've had limited opportunity lately.

Once, we were on the ferry going to Victoria BC, and I sat with my hot coffee, freezing outside, with the hope of getting a glance... I went inside once for a potty break, and wouldn't you know -- the whales came when I was in there. I felt totally cursed! My husband sees them while fishing all of the time ... and so I tag along even though I really don't enjoy it all that much. We've NEVER come across them when I am with him!
My friend and I set up a tour once, too, but it also got cancelled. We figured that was ok, cuz we both felt bad about planning it!

I think they are quite elusive... even with the choppers and multiple boats looking for them all summer, the tour guides miss them a lot of days, also.

[maillotpois]

Thanks for all the great information! We're planning a late July motorcycle trip up to Seattle and then Victoria/San Juans, etc. when we get there. I will take a look at the links....