Travel Planning

Still not riding much in our usual dreary March weather, only about 25 miles a week. But I have been optimistically collecting information about some Washington state scenic trail and road rides for summer. And last week I noted a couple of news items about regional travel.

Good news first: Amtrak is restoring train service through Bellingham, after shutting down in May 2020 due to pandemic restrictions. The Cascades route from Eugene, Oregon to Vancouver BC, passing through Portland, Tacoma, Seattle, Everett and Bellingham and other towns, has returned to normal service. Amtrak intends to extend direct service from Portland, Oregon and increase the number of daily trains to Seattle. More accurate, reliable schedule information is here: https://www.amtrakcascades.com/our-train-schedules

Too rough for fishing

Not so good news: Ferry service in the San Juan Islands is running again, but at reduced levels. Last summer ferry sailings were often delayed because of maintenance problems, and fewer reliable boats are available now. For 2023, ferries will be operating between Anacortes, Lopez Island, Shaw Island, Orcas Island, and Friday Harbor on San Juan Island. Fare is paid in Anacortes, and bicycle and foot passengers can still travel for free between the islands. Full schedule information is available here:   https://wsdot.com/ferries/schedule/scheduledetailbyroute.aspx?route=ana-sj

Unfortunately, the international route between Anacortes and Sidney BC on Vancouver Island will not be running this coming summer, and maybe not until 2030. The state legislature gives priority to providing essential service to San Juan Island residents, before offering tourist service between the US and Canada.

Private ferries or cruise boats will travel to Victoria BC from Seattle or Port Angeles, and there's the option of driving (or bicycling!) across the border into Canada then taking the BC ferry from Tsawwassen to Schwartz Bay. In Bellingham, San Juan Cruises offers small-boat whale-watch cruises. Several years ago they allowed me to bring my old pink Schwinn bicycle on board so I could spend an afternoon biking around Victoria Harbor, but that was an expensive day-trip and they might not welcome too many cyclists. As I recall, I had a little trouble getting the bike through customs and back on board for the return trip.