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About the
San Juan Islands
What To Know When Coming To San Juan Island
San Juan Island Weather This link, I have found
to be the most accurate (it is for Friday Harbor, NOT Seattle)
when looking at the weather here in the islands. We do not
have the same weather as Seattle. They recieve approximately
30 inches of rain per year. Here in the islands, we receive approximately
18 inches per year. We are considered the "banana belt".
Just west of here, the Olympic Rain Forest receives 250 inches
per year.
 Which
brings me to a question most frequently asked "what should
I wear/bring"?
Layers! Start with your basic turtle neck T, put a light sweater
on top of that, then maybe a light jacket. Bring a heaver jacket
for 'in case'. Bring a hat that you'll wear, sunglasses, sunscreen,
a water bottle and by all means, wear comfortable, flat shoes.
Also good to have with you; a back pack or day pack/bag, a water
proof jacket (commonly called "raincoat"), windbreaker,
MC and Visa cards (few business accept AmEx) Camera, Binoculars,
bring your cell phone, but not on tours, better yet, do not bring
your cell phone.
Asides about the island.
 Do NOT set the alarm
on your car! Dead give away that you are from the city and it
will go off on the ferry ride over. This will also cause you
to become the subject of talk. See next paragraph.
This is a VERY small community. Any unkind, stupid, noteworthy
(I have to stop here; if by chance you do something like, let
all your llamas out by accident, within one hour, the entire
island will be talking about you. Even though your husband has
been away for three days and you have not told him, not to worry.
Some one on the ferry will tell him on his way home), act will
be spread island-wide immediately.
Be patient. This is a small town. I
told my husband just last night, "this is a bit like Mayberry,
isn't it"? People talk when they get up to the cashier at
the market, post office, dress shop and any other place where
you think they should "JUST PAY". No. It is not done
that way in a small town. If you do not do just a bit of 'chit
chat', you are rude. If you look impatient, you are rude. You
do not wish to be rude because you will become a topic of island
talk.
The San Juan Archipelago, which includes
the Gulf Islands of British Columbia, comprises more than 700
islands and reefs; about 450 of the islands in San Juan County
are large enough to be named. Only a fraction of these are inhabited
by humans. Please, do not ask a local what elevation this is.
You will quickly become fodder for talk.
San Juan County's geology, carved by
glaciers thousands of years ago,(about10,000) varies from flat
farmland to small mountains, (or hills to most people). Below
the sea's surface,(that would be 'below sea level') channels
plunge to depths of up to 1,000 feet, even more in the center
of Haro Strait.
 About 6500 people
reside on San Juan Island. Residents are as diverse as the land
they call home: Islanders are satellite orbit planners(honest,
he has an office down the hall from me), actors, ranchers, artisans,
farmers, fishermen, movie producers, pilots, shopkeepers, service
businesses owner, writers, telecommuters, captains of boats and
captains of industry and a segment are retired. It all adds up
to the island's special character.
Food, oh yeah! My favorites, and not in any particular order, dinner;
Friday Harbor House (elegant), Vinnys (way yum, tons of ambiance,
relax and forgetaboutit),The Pepper Mill (Friday Harbor Suites), The Place Next To The Ferry (in this
town, the locals name your establishment). You can call it whatever
you want, but you may as well go with the local flow and they
did), Downriggers (right on the water) The McMillen Dining Room
at Roche Harbor (on the water), Duck Soup Inn, Tai Restaurant. Breakfast; Roys
(drive through-latte and muffin) , Sweet Retreat on Spring Street,
Marilyns Garden Path (home
made, wonderful, wholesome). Lunch; Mi Casita (great specials),The Flying Burrito(across from Friday Harbor Suites), Vinnies New York Pizza (very Italian) on Spring Street in Jerry's Mall across from the barber shop, Downriggers, Marilyns Garden Path, Friday's Crab House, Tai Restaurant
and The Bar and Grill at Roche Harbor on the water.
sanjuansafaris.com is the copyrighted intellectual property of
San Juan Safaris, Inc.,
Friday Harbor, WA, USA
updated:03-11-05
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