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Thanks so much for stopping by! I believe that everyone can have a beautiful home without spending a fortune! One of my favorite things to do is find creative ways to re-purpose things I already have on hand, or have picked up at yard sales and thrift stores. Join me as I share with you some of my favorite ideas for crafting and decorating, as well as travel adventures, and fun things that I pick up on my treasure hunts! Much of my work is influenced by my love all things French, nature, and of course shabby chic! I have gotten so many creative ideas from you very talented bloggers out there, and I hope that I can be an inspiration to you as well!

Monday, August 22, 2011

San Juan Islands

Yesterday hubby and I rented an airplane, and flew to the beautiful San Juan Islands.  The weather was perfect, nice and warm & sunny (thankfully the rain held off til today!).  We are lucky to live not far from the islands, which were just a short 30 minute plane ride away.  The views from above were breathtaking! (warning, lots of photos in this post!)
 I was surprised to learn that there are 172 islands that comprise the San Juan Island chain, ranging in size from tiny uninhabited rocky "islets" (didn't know that was a word, but it's in our tour book!), to the 4 larger main islands.  The views were even more stunning in person than in these photos!
 Ok, Blogger was acting up on me as I was uploading these pictures, so some of them are not in order!  Anyway, I snapped this shot of Deception Pass bridge on the way home.  We've driven across it, and walked across it as well!  If you click on the photo again, you just may see the pedestrians walking along the side!  So neat to see it from this perspective!  The bridge joins Fidalgo Island to Whidbey Island.

 Aaaaah!  Spectacular views!  The snow covered mountain you see in the distance is Mt. Baker, one of the highest mountains in the state.
 Another shot of the bridge.
 Of course I had to hit up a couple of wine tasting rooms while on the island! (hubby passed, as he's the designated pilot!).  Hold the piano bar, just give me the wine!
 This sign made me laugh!  They take coffee drinking very seriously here in the Pacific Northwest!  It made me think of my caffeine addicted coffee affectionado blogging friend of mine (come on, you know who you are!).
 Lots of quaint architecture and pretty flowers!

 More amazing views!

 And a nice view of the wing, haha!
 Here's a close up of Mt. Baker.  Isn't it stunning?

 Ok, I was getting carried away with the snow covered mountain shots!  I just couldn't help myself:)


 A little slice of heaven on earth, I think!

Ok, here we are getting closer to our destination of Friday Harbor, on the island of San Juan.  I think that's probably one of the most popular destinations, from the looks of it.


 Most people arrive by ferry, and in the summer months there are really long waits to get on the ferries (been there, done that!!), so it was a real treat being able to fly in for the day!  The main town is just a short walk from the airport.  Good thing, as we had a big lunch on the island to burn off!
 This cute little island had just a few houses on it.  Can you imagine living there?
 Coming in for a landing.  Nice view of the prop!
 I took this photo for all of you pink loving ladies out there!  Isn't this the cutest?!  I'd never seen a pink airplane before til yesterday!  I was dying to find out if the pilot was a man or a woman!!!
 Speaking of pink, look at these absolutely gorgeous stargazer lilies!  The smelled as wonderful as they looked!
 And gorgeous blue hydrangeas!  Sure wish I had luck growing them!
 Love the bright blue blossoms!
 These white and pale yellow lilies were pretty, too!
 I loved the window boxes & shutters of this pretty old building!
 Tons of boats in the harbor.
  We had a really yummy lunch at a waterfront restaurant.  I had the most delicious crab burger, yum! This float plane came in for a landing while we were eating, which was very exciting!

 And here is my cute pilot hubby and our ride home!
One last shot that I snapped on the flight home.  Thanks for coming along with me!  We can't wait to check out the other island next time!!
Have a great day!

11 comments:

Ann@A Sentimental Life said...

Wow you RENTED a plane?! How fun that your husband is a pilot. Looks like it was a great Sunday!

mizdarlin said...

Ah, dear Donna!
What a wonderful life you lead..just hopped on a plane and cruiesed the San juans...! You took some lovely pictures..nice to have a partner with a pilot's license, too...

mizdarlin said...

Oops...that's "cruised" .. so stunned by your posting i forgot how to spell :-)

mizdarlin said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Musings from Kim K. said...

I'm totally green with envy. How cool that your hubby is also a pilot. Amazing pictures. What a fun adventure. Thanks for bringing us along!!

LuLu Kellogg said...

What a fabulous trip!!! This is something I would really enjoy!

Glad you had a great time!

LuLu~*xoxo

Cindy Adkins said...

Oh my gosh, I am so glad you two got there and back safely...I was a nervous wreck yesterday hoping all was safe on your flight!!! What a BEAUTIFUL trip and gorgeous couple!!! I love all those flowers and the architecture there is amazing...I'll bet John was happy to be flying!!

XO
Cindy

Jill Marcott-McCall ~Feathers & Flight~ said...

Hello Donna!
These are just Gorgeous Pics! What a Great Day you had! The Islands are so much Fun! There are so Many fun Shops to Peruse! My Husband I Spent a Weekend on Orca's Island at Rosario's. Loved the History and of Coarse the Shops!!
Have a Wonderful Day and Thanks for Sharing!
Hugs
Jill

Ido said...

I'm glad you're having a great time exploring Washington, and by plane, WOW! I envy you so much. How cool is to have a pilot husband! Those islands are stunning, I enjoyed the tour, thank you so much!
Have a lovely day and keep exploring that beautiful state!
XXX Ido

Leo said...

Great views Donna! I have never heard of this island till your post - and then just saw an article today on this place. That is so coincidental. Glad you had a nice time. Looks amazing. And I have to believe that the pink plane definitely had to have a woman pilot. Can't imagine too many men are clamoring for a pink plane.

NanaDiana said...

Well, I came back looking for this and finally found it! Coffee addiction? me? LOL I am sorry I have missed a few posts here and there. My life has been so busy that I barely know if I am going or coming or somewhere in between! So...did you ever find out who owned the pink plane? xo Diana