Shaw Island — Saturday, Apr. 30, 2011

Puget Sound and Islands > San Juan Islands

This is a great way to get exersize when there is too much snow in the mountains. I left Seattle at 5:30am to walk on the 7:35am sailing from Anacortes to Shaw. Arrived at Shaw at 9am. Walked 2 miles from terminal to the County camp ground on Indian Cove via Blind Bay road and Squaw Bay Road. Road walking? Sure. Only 6 cars are allowed on the ferry to debark at Shaw, so there is very little traffic. Imagine walking with Frodo in the Shire. Quirky roadside features, orchards, beach and bay views, bird watching, forests and meadows. Explored the sandy beach and campground then continued west on Squaw Bay Road to Hoffman Cove Road. All of the peninsula south and east of these two roads is a wildlife preserve. Entry to the preserve is only allowed through the gate at the south end of Hoffman Cove Road. Explored pebble beaches, classic San Juan rocky headland, tide pools and hidden moss covered smooching rocks in the woods. Had a quiet sleepy picnic overlooking the water and then continued crosscountry in a counterclockwise direction along the shore and headlands until reaching Squaw Bay Road again. (Hint: Only enter the preserve from Hoffman Cove, but exit out another way.) Returned to ferry with numerous stops. Caught 4:30 ferry and had beers in Anacortes. About 8 miles round trip on Shaw. For more about Shaw Island -- google -- Cedar Rock Preserve Shaw Island