San Juan Island

After thanksgiving, we took ourselves on a mini vacation to the San Juan Islands. Up oh so close to Canada, the islands are a haven for, pretty much everything beautiful. We drove a few hours up to Anacortes, where we hopped on a ferry which trolled us through the islands, in a veil of fog. I can't word here how beautiful it was. Of course my freaking compulsive mind was working over time to figure if this was in fact the place my soul is being pulled to, if this could be my perfect utopia. When i finally shut up, i shore enjoyed the view! We got to Friday Harbor, and after meeting some sweet people who's sister ran a Hostel on the Island, we ventured via their directions to a cute hostel complete with driftwood bunkbeds. I highly recommend this version of accomodations. If any of yous other staters come to visit us, we are going there.
The first evening we headed out to the"English camp". Apparently back in the day there was a little war...or battle on the island, to claim it for either the new america or canada. It was called the "Pig War" because the only casualty was a local pig. That's my kind of war. It was all resolved in some peaceful way (probably over tea, in the English garden) and we all get to enjoy the island that was not ravaged by fighting. Anyway, we hiked and watched the sunset and felt happy.
The next day I was pretty intent on seeing some whales and would have gladly swum nekked in freezing waters if told that's what i had to do...well, i was at least hoping to get into a kayak. Since it was winter, most of the outfitters were closed, not many tourists willing to swim in freezing waters apparently...what's wrong with them? So, instead we toured the island, stopping at many a beach. Have i mentioned that maia is never so happy as when he is on a beach, or in the snow? A snowy beach is probably his perfect place. He's scandinavian.
All the while, i scanned the waters, as this is prime whale watching waters. There is a resident pod of Orcas that splash around, and in spring and summer one can see gray whales and orcas migrating through the waters. I squinted and scanned, saw a porpoise and a sea otter. lots of driftwood that i wanted to claim whalish. It wasn't quite my time yet...but it was beautiful. Looking over the water one sees...Canada. aaaaaahhhhh.