I rattled off my order at the cafe and the owner just stared back at me, silent, with both salt and pepper eyebrows raised toward the espresso scented ceiling. It was like I had spoken in a language he didn’t understand, though we both spoke English.
“I’m going to need that again. Slower this time.”
And, I laughed.
It was my third day on the island and I thought I had the whole chillin’ thing down. But I wasn’t going to fool a San Juan Island local, even one who ran a bustling cafe right by the ferry landing.
I wasn’t catching a ferry and I certainly wasn’t on my lunch break at work. What’s the rush? Well, I’m used to it.
A four-hour drive, then an hour ferry wait followed by an hour ferry ride, took us to not to another part of Washington—the journey took us to another world. I had many recommendations to go check out the islands. And though I’ve wanted to for a few years, other trips were prioritized.
It’s not exactly a hop, skip, and a jump away. Any time a ferry is toting your car across a large body of water, it can seem like a lot of work when you’re craving a relaxing getaway.
The islands are such a down tempo place that it seems like there isn’t anything to do. And it’s pretty typical for a Portland city girl like yours truly to shy away from that kind of isolation.
On top of that, spring is the off-season in the San Juan Islands. Restaurants are closed, bakeries operate at funky hours, and the sidewalks are there for the taking. Summer water sports aren’t happening, because it’s too cold. The families are off in warmer climates for spring break. The tourists are few and far between.
But that’s where the experience becomes even more brilliant. You get the place all to yourself, and you get to soak in all the things you didn’t know you needed.
Sometimes you need nothing more than to get away from it all.
Sometimes you need to detach from the busy world you’ve become accustomed to.
Sometimes you need to bundle up with a really fantastic book.
Sometimes you need to find your balance when you think you’ve lost it.
Sometimes you need to pause and take it all in.
Sometimes you need to notice how effing cute alpacas are.
Sometimes you need to concentrate on each other.
Sometimes you need to take a break on your hike.
Sometimes you need to realize there are other couples just like you.
Sometimes you need to go to the end of the earth to understand how small you are.
Sometimes you need to go to a place where time moves at a different speed—where you can be with nature, yourself, and perhaps someone you love more than anything. Rushing isn’t allowed, because it doesn’t exist. There’s nowhere else to go, but right here.
San Juan Island isn’t the kind of travel destination that dazzles you with things to do. It’s a place that unapologetically teaches you to slow down and embrace doing absolutely nothing.
Have you ever been to the San Juan Islands? Or another place that invited you to slow down?
Britt Skrabanek 
I’ve always wanted to go to San Juan Islands, but have never even been close to there. Your getaway sounds and looks lovely. I could use something like it right about now, however real life keeps getting in the way!
Ally, it’s definitely worth a trip! Real life was getting in the way for us, and of course, the cost of the vacation was too. We kind of said “to hell with it” and booked the trip. Glad we did!
Sounds amazing Britt. You listed all the wonderful things I look for when I go away somewhere, well… except for the alpacas!
eden
It was, darling Eden. That alpacas were a bonus! 😉
Beautiful Captures 🙂 We took a drive up the Oregon Coast to Astoria and then headed into Washington for a few days trips – that area of Washington is so breathtaking and slow pace. I recommend the Astoria area – great breweries there like Fort George. Happy Exploring – Happy Weekend – Enjoy!
Astoria is on our list, Renee! So many great road trip options out here, and we feel very lucky to explore when we can.
My favorite place on earth- Go to Orcas if you have a chance-where I go in the summer! Once I get on my outward bound ferry, the sense of peace that comes over me is indescribable. go to Kiln State Lighthouse and watch for whales.
Meredith, I knew you would be so excited! We definitely want to go back, and we definitely want to go in the summer. It was better for us to go in the off season this year to have a less expensive option. We’ll check out all of those things next time.
I have always wanted to go to the San Juans. My brother-in-law lives in Seattle, and it’s just a hop and a skip from there. I will make it. I want to go kayaking with the whales. Not a strong Kayaker, but I will take a chance to be one with the whales
Pam, you would love it to pieces! I’m sure there are many novice kayakers out there whale-watching. You should go this summer if you can swing it.
I have never been there, but the islands sound wonderful. And going off-season to a place can be great. As you say, it’s less crowded and hectic. Sounds like you guys had a restful time. We all need breaks like that. Great pics!
The islands are gorgeous, Carrie! Someday I’d love to hunker down in a cabin like that with my WIP. It’s very peaceful, so it definitely helps make some space for creativity in the brain.
We love traveling in the off-season. Cheaper and you get more of a local feel.
For sure.
Never been there but almost having the place to yourselves sounds like heaven to me. Glad you got so much out of the trip 🙂
It was heavenly, Peter! I’m sure the energy is great during the summer up there, but we were really looking to get away from it all. Mission accomplished! 🙂
Have been there and definitely agree. They are a treat!
Awesome! Definitely a slice of heaven on earth.
Hahaha – Chad and Laura look like they had a fat time! 😉
What a beautiful break you would have had, Britt. Your photos are so relaxing and beautiful 😀
Chad and Laura were pretty awesome, and it was funny because they were there exactly a year before us. Always love reading guest books to hear about people’s experiences. Although one guy said they heard an animal eating another animal from the deck…no thanks!
I’m from Seattle! Missing this place – so beautiful at this time of year. ❤
Awesome! You should get out to San Juan before it gets too busy! Perfect time to go. 🙂
Your post was so calming and the captions were perfect for the great photos– until I actually read the guest book. Hope you gave the hot tub a good wipe down, lol. I love the NorthWest– a cold rain forest and easy on the eyes. I’ve spent a lot of time in solitude and it is good for the soul. Wonderful post Britt.
I always read guest books when I stay places, but that couple won the TMI award. 😉
Solitude is absolutely good for the soul. Even though we live in the city, we are lucky to have so much beautiful nature within reach.
Love your getaway! I always feel like slowing down whenever I go somewhere where the focus is the outdoors. Nature’s clock is more my speed. The city can wear me down and leave me feeling rushed. Much prefer the oxygen of the natural world.
Nature has a way of calming us down that is unexplainable. I love that though. Pretty much a guarantee that a trip like that will deliver a much needed reset.