travel

3 adventurous ways to explore the San Juan Islands

Blog provided by San Juan PM

The San Juan Islands are a lush, sweeping expanse you can explore by land or sea. If you’re looking for more adventurous ways to get around while you’re enjoying the local scenery and nature, consider these modes of transportation.

By bicycle

Not only will a bike take you places faster than your feet, but it is also a fun, relaxing way to traverse the roads and hills of the San Juan Islands with your family. You can even set up a guided bicycle tour at San Juan Island Outfitters, which is located in Friday Harbor.

By kayak

Kayaking lets you go where wheels and feet can’t take you and is a great way to see whales, seals, bald eagles, and the other exotic creatures that make their home in the San Juan Islands. You can book a kayak tour at places such as Discovery Sea Kayaks.

By sailboat

If you’d like a taste of life at sea, schedule a sailing tour with up to six passengers at All Aboard Sailing. An experienced captain and wildlife guide will lead you through your leisurely-paced adventure through whale-occupied waters. This option is perfect if you’d prefer not to do your own paddling in the water.

The San Juan Islands will provide you with many unforgettable sights and experiences, but don’t forget to get lots of rest after you’re done with the day’s activities. If you need San Juan Island accommodations, be sure to check San Juan PM for a list of cozy, well-kept vacation home rentals at the most affordable prices.

 

Things to see while exploring Lime Kiln Point State Park

Blog provided by San Juan PM

Lime Kiln Point State Park is one of the most famous state parks in the San Juan Islands and a must-see for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts. The park as a whole is a scenic, picturesque experience, but there are a few famous spots that can enhance your experience if you keep your eye out for them.

Whale watching

Lime Kiln Point’s unique geography makes it possible for visitors to witness majestic orca whales leaping in and out of the water. Take pictures, but be sure to witness it with your own eyes. It’s a sight you won’t soon forget.

Lime Kiln Point Lighthouse

This historical landmark has stood for nearly a hundred years, and today, it still cuts an impressive figure next to the park’s coast. You may even be able to take a tour of the lighthouse if local volunteers are available to show you around.

Interpretive center

This is a great spot to learn about the history of Lime Kiln Point and the orcas that dwell within its coast’s waters. There are exhibits and workers available to answer all your questions. A visit to the interpretive center can be a great way to unwind after an hour of hiking.

Make sure you have a great place to lay your head when your resting from exploring the San Juan Islands. San Juan PM provides San Juan Island rentals for travelers looking for a vacation home to rent during their stay. There are even pet-friendly options if you need them. Contact San Juan PM today for more details.

Must-see museums on San Juan Island

San Juan Island in Washington State has a rich local culture influenced by nearby nature, marine life, and historical happenings. San Juan Island’s museums give visitors the opportunity to experience the island’s story through their collection of unique sights and knowledge related to the region’s art, wildlife, and historical landmarks. Here are San Juan Island’s must-see museums.

The Whale Museum

The majestic monochrome orca whales are San Juan Islands’ most famous and photogenic inhabitants. The Whale Museum is part museum, part research center, and part love letter to these beautiful creatures. You can examine whale skeletons, see educational videos and exhibits, and maybe even adopt a whale to help fund conservation efforts.

San Juan Historical Museum

The San Juan Historical Society curates this collection of remarkably preserved historical buildings and artifacts. Step into the 19^th century as you explore the old farmhouse, county jail, and log cabin. Enter the Museum of History and Industry in the old barn to learn how San Juan Island’s industries developed as people thought of new ways to earn a living.

San Juan Islands Museum of Art

The San Juan Islands Museum of Art or SJIMA takes a more international approach as it aims to showcase the manmade beauty of painting and sculpture. In the past, it has featured works by famed Chinese artist and architect Ai Weiwei and legendary Spanish painter Francisco Goya. SJIMA’s rotating series of exhibits ensure that you’ll always see something new and incredible every time you visit.

This blog was provided by San Juan PM, a locally owned, managed, and operated property management firm that provides first-rate San Juan Island rentals to tourists and vacationers during their stay in the islands. Be sure to look through their selection of rental homes when you’re planning your next visit.

An Epicurean Breakfast at the Angelina Tearoom

Any Parisian gourmet will point you towards the Angelina Tearoom on rue de Rivoli for a breakfast recommendation. While all over Paris, busy bakers fill the air with the heavenly scent of fresh, buttery bread, there’s no breakfast experience quite like the Angelina Tearoom.

Perhaps it’s the grand Belle Epoque decor that makes all the difference but the breakfast offerings here really do make for a luxurious morning treat. Our favorite is definitely the Petit-Dejeuner Angelina or the Angelina Breakfast Set. Although it’s for an arguably hefty sum, the scrumptious food and delectable beverage inclusions enjoyed amidst the opulent ambiance makes it all worth it.

The Petit-Dejeuner Angelina includes mini viennoiseries of croissants and pain au chocolat as well as bread rolls served with a variety of spreads including butter, jam, honey, and chestnut cream. For the mains, you can choose eggs to be prepared as you wish: scrambled, fried, soft-boiled, or omelette. All this is accompanied by your choice of hot and cold beverage. The most popular choices are the famed Angelina hot chocolate along with freshly pressed orange juice. A fruit salad is also served on the side.

A breakfast like this is enough to fuel you for an entire day of exploring the beautiful city of Paris. If you’d like something to enjoy for later, head on over to the delicatessen to take away a box of the acclaimed Angelina french macarons. A box of four would already allow you to sample their bestselling chestnut, dark chocolate, pistachio, and caramel.

Kayaking in Washington Seas – Orcas, Matia, and Sucia

If you’re looking at a kayaking trip through Washington seas, there’s possibly no greater adventure than an Orcas Island to Matia Island trip. This 7-mile sea kayaking route exploring Washington’s Northern Puget Sound lets you travel outside the ferry line, allowing you to completely enjoy calm waters, gorgeous island views, breathtaking mountain sights, and awesome wildlife.

At Orcas Island, unique beach houses line the northern shore. Apart from that, the island has long been known to be an outdoorsman’s paradise. On the other hand, uninhabited shoreline spanning almost 4 miles awaits adventurers at Matia Islands. The island also essentially houses a 145-acre national wildlife refuge. Along the north side, waters and known to be extremely calm. Slow winds and currents lets the water form a glass-like surface, something incredible to paddle through. In this area, you’re also likely to witness porpoises and seals in their natural habitat.

According to Crystal Seas, the best seasons to kayak Washington seas from Orcas Island to Matia Island is either spring, summer, or fall. No matter the season, it is important to check a tide chart before taking the trip. Poor timing will not only make it difficult and unenjoyable but also unsafe.

Should your thirst for adventure be unquenched at this point, consider extending your trip and paddling towards Sucia Island. This kayaking route will span around 3.2 miles. Although these waters aren’t the actual path for whale migration, whales are commonly sighted here. Other wildlife such as sea lions and shore birds are also typically seen.

With the opportunity to spot various wildlife, see magnificent views of mountains and islands, and enjoy beautiful waters, kayaking in Washington seas, especially in some of San Juan Islands’ northernmost waters, will give you an adventure of a lifetime.

 

Interesting things to do in the San Juan Islands

If you think about an ideal Northwest Island getaway, then the only place that comes to mind are the San Juan Islands. It is an explorer’s dream come true to visit this place, especially in the summer. Here are some interesting things to do according to San Juan PM:

The best part of the journey to this part of the world is the whale watching. It is the best place for the people who want to see the orca or the killer whales. These whales travel around the San Juan Islands during the summer months, searching for salmon. There are also other fish and mammals that can be easily encountered during the journey to these islands. These include the Dall’s porpoise, Stellar Sea Lion, humpback minks, grey whales and many more.

You can plan activities like scuba diving, where you can plunge deep into the blue waters and enjoy the view of the magnificent sea-

life such as octopus, eels, rockfish, anemones and others.

You can also plan a kayaking expedition to the Friday Harbour, to explore the island’s byways and waterways. You can witness the mesmerizing creatures like pigeons, guillemots, double-crested pelagic cormorants and harbor seals.

Exploring the Lopez Island also gives you the opportunity to see bald eagles as well as other water birds. It also boasts of many parks from Agate Beach County Park with its soothing sound of waves over pebbles to the magnificent Shark Reef Sanctuary where you can spot seal and sea lions.

You can visit the century-old Roche Harbour Resort, historical Moran Mansion, San Juan National Historical Park, Lime Kiln Point State Park, and Whale Museum.

Another great thing to do here is to visit the Pelindaba Farm, where you can experience the amazing feeling of wandering through the fields of delicate purple flowers.

A visit to the San Juan Islands is nothing short of a delightful and mesmerizing experience for any nature lover who will not be highly entertained but also awe-struck with this island’s ultimate beauty. The only way you could make it better is with a vacation home in San Juan island.

Safety Guidelines Any Pilot Should Follow

Summary: Flying an aircraft, much like any other vehicle, requires the right preparation to make the travels as safe as possible.

 

Before anyone can legally drive cars on public roads they must first learn the rules, practice, and pass a driving test. Understanding how to navigate the streets can make getting around the city a much safer and comfortable experience. Aircrafts also require a good amount of learning and practice before someone can comfortably pilot one.

 

There are several tips people can keep in mind to help make getting from point A to point B a safe process.

 

Reach High Altitudes

 

When up in the air you want to be prepared for any issues that may come your way. One tip aviation experts suggest is climbing to a high altitude early on in the flight. The reason why reaching high altitudes is important, such as 2,500ft or even 5,000ft above ground level, is because it can give you more time to react. If, for example, one of the engines on your aircraft were to give out or if there was an issue with one of the aircraft bladder tanks, being higher up would give you more time to address the problem or prepare for an emergency landing.

 

If an aircraft is lower, you are simply given less time to react before the plane makes contact with the ground. An additional advantage to flying high is that you are less likely to run into air traffic, thus reducing the chances of a mid-air collision.

 

Use Medication Carefully

 

If you have a medical condition you may be used to seeking medication or prescription pills to help. Some medications have specific instructions, such as when you can take them, whether or not you must accompany the medication with food, and if it is safe to operate machines or vehicles while under the influence. These instructions become all the more important when placed in an environment where being in control of one’s body and mind are key.

 

Medications, even those that do not require prescriptions from knowledgeable doctors, can have a number of different side-effects that can ultimately affect your mind, motor skills, and reaction time. If you cannot think properly you may forget to double-check that your Turtle-Pac ferry tank is attached securely or that the aircraft is all set to go. The effects of these drugs can be very serious, especially when you are flying and need to be as alert as possible. Do not operate aircrafts when under the influence to avoid any serious problems while up in the air.

 

 

Going Kayaking in Washington State

Are you looking for a Kayaking adventure In Washington?

When considering kayaking Washington State, one is spoiled for choice. Washington is home to over a thousand lakes, rivers, and creeks. However, if you are thinking about going kayaking in Washington, here are some things that will be of interest to the inexperienced paddler: Be Safe. Be Prepared.

Experts like Crystal Seas will tell you that safety is and should always be the primary consideration for those who wish to venture into any body of water. In Washington, like anywhere else, the waters can be rough and unpredictable. Even very experienced kayakers don’t underestimate its raw power. Be sure to bring all of the appropriate safety gear and equipment. Also, always be aware of your surroundings. Things can go incredibly wrong when you are not paying attention.

If you are inexperienced or unfamiliar with Washington’s waters, it would be wise to bring someone who is familiar with the area to act as a guide. While it may be fun to imagine blindly embarking on a journey into the unknown, in reality, you are simply exposing yourself and your companions to unnecessary risks.

San Juan County has so much gorgeous flora and fauna, but there is one animal that stands above all others. Orcas! Yes, there are orcas in this region of Washington, and you do not want to miss out on a chance to kayak next to these tremendous, intelligent, aquatic predators. They offer kayaking tours to those who would like to embark on this wondrous and utterly awe-inspiring experience. Spending time in the presence of the noble beings in their natural environment is truly humbling. I wholeheartedly recommend kayaking with orcas

There are thousands of alternatives in Washington, but in my experience, none of them can compare to kayaking with orcas. If you decide to go kayaking in Washington, keep these tips in mind to stay safe and have fun.

Best Rental Car Tips for Backpackers

Summary: Rental cars provide much-needed benefits for backpackers and travelers.

Nothing beats backpacking in the great outdoors, especially when the weather allows for a beautiful day. But, visiting new places, especially out of state, might require you to rent a car, which ultimately defeats the whole purpose of renting a car right? Well, not exactly.

How Backpackers Benefit from Rental Cars

Rental cars do have their benefits for backpackers aside from just getting them from point A to point B. They can serve as a storage and preparation area for the path ahead and can even provide travelers with a place to sleep in the case of bad weather.

Let’s say you’re travelling to a the Middle East and opt for a car from Monte Carlo Rent a Car, LLC, the likelihood that you’re going to rent a basic economy car is pretty low due to the fact that you’re probably carrying an assortment of gear, depending on what you’re planning to do. It’s a better deal to go for something a bit larger in size like a truck or an SUV. While it might be a slight increase in price, it’s much more worth it in the long run.

Additionally, if you’re looking for a car hire in Abu Dhabi or the related areas, be sure to inquire about any discounts for first-time visitors. You could potentially get a discounted rate just by asking – although don’t always count on this to work.

The Bottom Line

Choosing the right rental car depends on the activity that you’re partaking in. If you’re going off the paved road, you’ll want to go for something like a truck or an SUV that’s built to survive the treacherous roads. You can also go for the basic economy car if you’re only looking to use it to get you from the hotel to the travel destination as well.

Kayaking for tips for beginners

Kayaking is a fun way to enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise. However, first-time kayakers may feel overwhelmed by the equipment, the environment, and the water before they even attempt their first kayaking adventure. Here are some tips to guide first-time kayakers make the most of their kayaking experience.

Kayaking equipment – Most kayaks can hold 1 to 3 paddlers. Kayaks are made with plastic and Kevlar and can range from $250 to $4,000. Kayaks are built to suit their specific environment and therefore come in a variety of designs from whitewater kayaks, surf kayaks, racing kayaks, sea or touring kayaks, and hybrids (recreational kayaks). Sit-on-top kayaks are the best for beginners as they are safe and easy to use for paddling and fishing.

Kayak paddles – Kayaks use two bladed paddles. You should choose a paddle to suit your frame and size. If you have a small stature, a shorter, lighter paddle will be ideal. To help you move faster choose a paddle with wider blades. Narrow blades will use less effort but require more strokes. Start off by trying different paddles to find out what feels best for you.

Safety equipment – All kayakers will have to wear a personal flotation device (life vest). Choose one that has large arm openings to allow easy arm rotations and those that have shorter waist lengths for comfort.

Article by Crystal Seas. In the mood for adventure? Kayak with Killer Whales and experience the experience of a lifetime.

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