It's an island...

I checked in with Joan when I was done in Roche... she had an interesting day - one of the Washington State Ferries was broke down.  As in: it ain't running.  Not coming in, not going out.  A couple hundred cars on each ferry.  The cars in line for the ferry to get off the island ran back for blocks.  If, for any reason, the ferry isn't running, it creates chaos.

Joan is very good about explaining to guests what ferry they need to be on to get to Friday Harbor and not be rushed.  That all goes down the tubes when the ferry isn't running.  Amazingly, there were very few guests that did not make it.

I am surprised by the number of people who call and have no idea that the San Juan Islands are not in Seattle.  Yes, you read that right.  If you are in Seattle and plan to come to the San Juan Islands by ferry, you have to drive from Seattle to Anacortes (figure 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic), get in line at the ferry terminal (even with a reservation, you should be there an hour or so before the ferry departure time); the trip by ferry will take an hour and 10 minutes to two hours (depending on if you are on a direct to Friday Harbor ferry or one that does inter-island stops).

You can see that A PLAN is necessary.  This is where Joan's organizational skills really shine.  Unless, of course, the person on the other end of the phone is paying absolutely no attention.  We also send a confirmation e-mail with the very important "How To Get Here" info.  Of course, the person receiving the e-mail has to read it.

Flying in is another option... complete with its own unique circumstances.

It's an island.  It takes some extra effort to get here.  And, SO worth it.