The Next Ferry Takes Us to Orcas Island

                        September 20

    The San Juan Islands are clustered on the US side of the border, east of Vancouver Island.

A short ferry ride puts us on Orcas Island

 

Before heading to our inn, we take a hike up Turtleback Mountain, providing stunning views of the surrounding Salish Sea.

We check in to the delightful, homey Kangaroo House Near Eastsound, at the center of the island.

Then explored the little village of Eastsound perched on the shores of the dominant sound that nearly bisects the island.

                                                            September 21

    Our goal today is a hike up Mt Constitution in Moran State Park

The morning started with fog, which gradually burned off.

The little Summit Trail provided a hike through the best of the mountain trails, with lots of moss, ferns and dripping evergreens.

 

    The observation tower at the top was built by the CCC and is a centerpiece of the park with commanding views of nearby islands to the the north and east and of the Washington coast.

Back at the Kangaroo House, we decide that we deserve a rest.

We returned to a restaurant that we had been to 34 years ago. At the time it was a funky, laid back inn that we stayed in. This waterfront property has now gone upscale!

We were met there by Michelle's cousin Dan, who lives on Orcas .