San Juan Island, WA

I made it onto the 10:40 ferry from Orcas Island to San Juan arriving around noon. 

Its a daily hustle, on my journey, to find overnight accommodations. Most of the parking limits in the San Juan town of Friday Harbor was 8 hours, limited parking for the ferry, and all sorts of signs saying no overnight camping. I also considered overnight 24-hour parking at the local hospital. Exploring options A, B, C, D.

Ok, let's move on.... and I decided to start the loop drive around the island. After a brief stop in Lime Kiln State Park,  I happened to see a sign for a pottery studio, and stopped at Paula West Studios. Her pieces had a wonderful retro 1960's feel about them. I bought a piece, and I did something new today. After meeting this artist, I simply asked if I had the option to dry camp off of her driveway. I explained my journey, and told her that the only two campsites on the island were completely filled. Well, actually one of them had one last remaining dry camping spot left. Mind you dry camping has no hookups...no electric, water, or sewer, or shower. Basically just a plot of land. And they wanted $65. Unless I'm completely stoned, I'm never going to spend $65 for a dry camp spot!!! What the.....I asked Paula if she would consider me parking my RV, and I would offer to pay her $25. She seemed hesitant, and of course I asked for her to think about it, and get back with me.

I stopped at an Krystal Acres Alpaca farm to view these adorable animals as well as their gift shop, I also went on to English Camp San Juan Island National Historical Park and learned how the British and the Americans debated over these islands. It took a 12-year decision to finally settle upon it becoming an American territory. I stopped at a Sculpture Park right across from a small airport where I watched a couple helicopters and small prop planes landing and taking off. There were dozens of sculpture, including pieces of artists that I have known. The sun did come out, and it was actually warm today.

I took a turn into Roche Harbor, a resort, upscale neighborhood, with brand new homes that look like castles. I noticed signs for $10 and $5 overnight parking, so I made an inquiry, and Mike, who went to ASU, had me follow his golf cart to a fairly remote, partially cleared, area were I am spending the night along with two other RVs. And it was 100% free. Score.

After preparing my dinner I took a walk into the harbor, and enjoyed these historic old buildings, the General Store, the dock, hotel, and restaurant garden. Everything was decked out for the 4th of July. I also viewed the lime kilns as lime manufacturing was done on this island.

Just before 10 pm, a couple of security guards knocked on my door. They interrogated me and I told them that the manager issued me permission to overnight. They claimed it was just for parking, and not for camping. After a bit of time on the phone he was able to confirm that we were good. He muttered something about miscommunications with management and that they were told no camping was allowed, so apparently someone's mixed up. I was upset, and firmly told him that I don't want people knocking on my door overnight regarding this. The night turned out fine. it was peaceful. What a full day!





















Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

At home now… from the great 2023 Alaska Road Trip!

Image
​ Jo Jo and I are home, from the trip of a lifetime! 106 days, 11,539 miles, 675 gallons of gasoline, a ton of fun, beautiful views, and amazing experiences. Other than a brief head cold, no other mishaps, except my souvenir windshield chips. The Sylver Gypsy performed wonderfully. She kept me safe and warm. My last days were drive heavy, but I managed a quick stop at Bryce Canyon National Park. My last night was in the Coconino Forest near Flagstaff, where I also made a brief stop at Sunset Crater. I’ll need a few moments to adjust being back to reality, but it’s nice to be home!
Read more

Bryce Canyon National Park, then almost home

Image
​ A great night in the Utah desert, and a rather chilly morning, surprisingly, but I got up and hurried out of there with the intention of getting to Bryce Canyon National Park. I wondered if I would have enough time and decided it was only 20 minutes one-way, out-of-the-way as I continued on my route home. This would be my third time visiting Bryce and I’m so glad I did. As with any National Park, there are some new changes and the Ranger told me that because I’m over 20 feet I would have to park in the main parking lot and take the shuttle bus in to see the viewpoints. She gave me a tag to hang in my window. My heart sank to the bottom, since I know the shuttle buses will not except pets, and I was not willing to leave Jo Jo. However, upon examining the tag, it indicated vehicles over 23 feet to park and shuttle. My Travato is 21 feet. Hmmmm, I was annoyed. So I ignored the directions and went straight to the parking area at the sunrise amphitheater and not only did I see other campe...
Read more

Montana to Blackfoot, Idaho

Image
​ Well, other than spending the day driving I didn’t do much else. Unless you consider the excitement of filling up my gas tank for $80.00. It’s the first time in a long time when I looked down I saw my gauge in the red and the yellow warning light came on indicating low fuel. I never do these things, but I must’ve been in “the zone” while driving. Either way, I made it to the next gas station and I also have 2 gallons as a spare mounted to my ladder. I wound up staying in the same place that I stopped in May, as I was traveling up north. It’s Rose Pond Park near the town of Blackfoot, Idaho. I even recall exactly where I stayed and it was open and available. However, there was a radio concert going on right around the corner. I wasn’t into listening to the “boom boom.” I found another spot just as a truck came with three ATV, mini bikes and kids who spent the next two hours driving around, mostly in the parking lot. I was actually concerned that they would come by too closely or lose ...
Read more