San Juan Islands
- A Lummi Island vacation to remember.
We
recently returned from a family vacation to a charming, tranquil and
endearing island in the San Juans called Lummi Island. I could never
have dreamed nor imagined how nostalgic this San Juan Island trip would
prove to be. Our hectic, stressful, "micromanaged" city lives
were transformed into a unique, magical San Juan adventure that brought
back vivid childhood island memories of simplicity, trust, friendship,
connection, bonding, beauty, and last but not definitely not least,
comfort and safety...
Do you recall the feeling you had as a child when it was just natural
to play and run, to laugh and squeal, when you had no doubts, no fears,
no heavy burdens to bear?? It was as if I was "coming home"
to a place and a feeling I had yearned for many years. We arrived
at the San Juans islands -Lummi Island via the reliable
"Whatcom Chief" ferry on a beautiful, sunny, summer afternoon
in late July.
There is a feeling that is almost indescribable as the Lummi island
ferry maneuvers its way across the scenic channel; it's as if you're
leaving all your worries and stress behind and immediately feel a sense
of tranquility, peace , familiarity, combined with the visual breathtaking
natural San Wan island beauty. We stopped in at the quaint Lummi
Island country store, "The Islander," on our way to our rented
Lummi Island waterfront vacation home. I had to chuckle as I observed
one of the locals run a "tab;" the last time I recall doing
this was in grade five at the school concession in my small hometown.
As we turned off the rural Lummi island road to enter the driveway of
our "San Juan island home away from home," I was astounded
by the incredible panoramic view I witnessed. It was surreal; and it
was spectacular!!
As we got some of our belongings out of the car, I realized how easy
this whole process had been thus far- no airports, airplanes, security
screenings, front desks, lobbys, etc. etc. We just simply walked up
to the beautiful front door of our San Juan Islands rental house and
let ourselves into a place that was to be our "lummi islan dream
home for a week"- elegant, tasteful, and immaculate yet warm, cozy
and inviting and included every amenity and special touch one could
possibly want or need.... This Cape-Cod style Lummi Island house we
had "booked" sight unseen was truly spectacular- spacious
open rooms with large windows and incredible san juan island views from
every vantage point. The colors, furnishings, and unique "west-coast"
decorative touches blended perfectly with the style and feeling of "our"
home. As I stood in the beautifully landscaped yard and gardens
that overlooked the ocean passage below (Hales Passage), and Portage
Island beyond, I breathed a long sigh of relief. A sense of release,
renewal, revival, rejuvenation, as well as complete pleasure and contentment,
resonated through my body.... Suddenly, my 8-yr. old daughter squealed
with joy as she spotted "Bob," the resident lummi island deer
who we had been told would surely be paying us a visit. He cautiously
and graciously wandered across the lawn looking inquisitively at his
"new san juan island family for the week." We'd been advised
before we came that we were welcome to feed "Bob" and any
other of the animals that sauntered up to visit (feeding bins were provided
and neatly stored.) It's amazing how animals bring you right "back
to nature" effortlessly. A short hike down the trail of the high-bank
waterfront led us to the beach where the lumi island children spent
the remainder of the afternoon exploring, skipping rocks, splashing
each other, looking for crabs and just basically having the time of
their lives doing such "simple things." It truly was delightful
watching and interacting with my children as they "played"
in an environment where they could just be kids-uninhibited and child-like!!
Again, my mind raced back to memories of the many hours I'd spent playing
and frolicking on the beach with my family on our summer san wan island
vacations.....
Later in the day, we all decided to go for a bike ride (bikes had been
delivered and ready for us) around what lummi island locals call the
"loop." Cars would actually slow down as they passed, give
a smile and a wave; how long it had been since I had witnessed something
like this. We already felt a part of the island community and we'd barely
just arrived!! After a delicious outdoor barbeque dinner of fresh
local salmon and tasty grilled vegetables (all delivered before we arrived
to our fridge I might add), we all decided it was due time to test out
the "secluded hot tub with a lummi island view!"
What a sensation as one slips slowly into the soothing san juan water
with not a care in the world- stress, what stress??!! The hot soak along
with the dramatic scenery as the evening sun was slowly beginning to
set was nothing short of San Juan Islands heaven. (Oh, and did I mention
the sound system from the house was delivering "music to our ears!").
All our Island Vacation Rental homes offer High Speed Internet 
