November 15, 2001
Disappointments atop Mt Constitution
Location: Orcas Island, WA
Woke up, ate breakfast (grapefruit and soufflé--good, although soufflé had a runny center and I hate things that have a solid outside and a runny inside, they make me shiver--plus some pear-pecan bread and molasses muffins).
Then packed up, checked out, drove to Anacortes for the ferry. On the way, passed a depressing Indian reservation--sign says "Entering Indian Reservation", then like 1/4 mile down the road, a sign says "Leaving Indian Reservation." And right near there is this smokestack-like thing spitting out fire. That's nice.
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The ferry was less scary than we thought it would be--the idea of putting like 50-200 cars on a ferry being slightly frightening. The San Juan Islands are gorgeous and very close together, which is interesting, and also slightly relieving as it means that during no part of the ferry ride could we not see land.
Got to Orcas Island, off the ferry, drove through some hilly regions of the island, then into the valley (Crow Valley); then at the base of the hills there is Turtleback Farm Inn, quaint and gorgeous. We decided to take the Orchard View room instead of the Nook (only $10 more), because it's bigger, more room, and is on the second floor.
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After checking in to the Turtleback, we drove into Eastsound and bought some sandwiches, chips, etc. at the market. Then up Mt Constitution (2400 ft) to the summit--very windy roads and Mena breathing all scared-like, gripping the door handles, saying "Jesus" (like I don't think Jesus really appreciates his name being said in vain, so it's probably not the best thing to do when on a cliff) and putting her feet up on the dashboard in that charming "I'm going to show you when to brake by putting my feet up" way.
The view from the top of Mt Constitution is one of the 7 wonders of the Pacific Northwest, so we were pretty disappointed when it was too foggy to see much of anything, particularly after driving up the mountain. We could see a lot of the SJ Islands, though.
Then we drove back down, which was also stressful.
We stopped at Cascade Lake and sat at the edge to eat our picnic food. It was very cold.
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We then used the Orcas Island Public Library (in Eastsound) for its public internet access.
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Comments Ben & Mena, The Pacific Northwest is one of the most beautiful places in the country. I have been stationed here on Whidbey Island (Just south of Anacortes) for 8 years and have traveled all around the Puget Sound. My wife also stayed at the turtleback Inn and she says she loved it! I also would be interested in that recipe for the french toast! :) Come visit Whidbey Island one time! Its beautiful here! Posted by Jason at March 2, 2002 12:39 AM
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