I have lived in Seattle almost my whole life, and have spent a ton of time in nature all across the state, but have yet to make a trip to any of the uninhabited islands in the San Juans. I want to plan a week long trip to unplug and get away from other people in the spring, and am having a hard time deciding on which island since I have yet to see any of them in person (and there aren’t a lot of photos available either). I am thinking something like Cypress, Matia, Stuart, Sucia or Clark Island. I enjoy hiking and exploring, but also don’t mind just relaxing on the beach and looking at tidepools. Any recommendations for the best island to pick? Thanks

A friend of mine created this detailed dog training series a couple of years ago and I feel like it doesn't get the love it deserves. She's a fully accredited dog trainer and built this course over several years in order to save new dog owners money. Hiring a private trainer for your pup normally costs $100+ per hour and taking them to puppy preschool is typically $150 for 6 classes that just go over the basics (sit, stay etc.). Not to mention if you want to take your dog to the more advanced classes after puppy preschool it's hundreds more. She made this course so she can spend time with her pups whilst still helping people train their dogs.

Adrienne teaches everything covered there in this one course so you can teach your pup in the comfort of your own home, at your own pace and for a fraction of the price. The best part is, she works with you as you teach your pup, you can reach out to her whenever you run into any issues and she'll help. So you still get the 1 on 1 expert opinion that you'd get from a private trainer, all you have to do is send her an explanation or video of the problem you're trying to address or issues in teaching that you're having.

Delete this post if it's not allowed but I just thought this might help some new dog parents :)

Link here to check out the training program

Some of you may have seen our post a couple of months ago where we were looking for people to trial our business, for those who didn't here's a quick rundown. A friend and I thought it would be cool if you could turn any photo you want into a paint by numbers kit. That way you can paint your dog, cat, partner, the whole family or whatever you want without having to be an artist.

We looked up the idea and found that the current stores in the market were ridiculously expensive or only offered kits without a frame or with a DIY frame (who wants to put together their own frame? Don't you just want to open the box and start painting). So we looked around and talked to a bunch of suppliers and eventually we were able to produce custom paint by number kits cheaper then anywhere else and already framed.

We reached out to you here on Reddit asking you to test them out at cost price and we've received some amazing feedback as a result. Thank you if you were one of our OG customers! We want to continue to grow and get more feedback and reviews though so we're re-opening the offer in case you missed it the first time around or you want to order some more kits.

You can use the code "COSTPRICEREDDIT" to get our kits for cost price (our margins are pretty slim right now, we want to be as affordable as possible). You can get up to 4 kits at that price so feel free to buy a few and plan a date night, family activity or just get your Christmas shopping done early. If you've already ordered with that code it has no been reset so you can get the deal again!

We look forward to getting more feedback and hopefully you'll love our kits enough to spread the word to your family and friends!

Link - https://passionpaints.com/products/custom-paint-by-numbers-kit

Hello, I’m planning on moving to the San Juan Islands in 2026 (from Tennessee!) and I’m doing all of my research now and compiling lists of local resources now so I can know what to expect when I actually move there. (And planning a trip out there in 2025 to get more acquainted with the islands too.) I’ve been researching the ferries and fare and I read that you can use the ORCA card for WSF. Is that true? I go to Atlanta for DragonCon and have a MARTA pass to load money on for fare, is that how it would work for the ferries?

I’ve seen the monthly passes too. Just trying to compare the available options! ☺️

TIYA!

Hi there. We are staying on Orcas Island November 11-15. We have a car. Any suggestions for events, places to see or any tours in particular?

Hi. Our trip to Orcas Island is almost here! We will be there the week of November 10. Does anyone have recommendations for any currently open worthwhile restaurants?

How about things to do for people who have never been there. We usually go to Hawaii in Nov/Dec, but I always wanted to see the San Juans. I know it is a cooler, more wet, quieter time of year. We are okay with that. We both love nature and seafood.

Thanks!

Wanted to see if anyone has any insights into what it’s like to work as a carpenter on lopez. Been considering the move for a while. I’m currently a finish carpenter (union) making around 100k plus benefits in the seattle area. Is there any hope of making that as a carpenter on any of the islands? Have experience running jobs, wouldn’t mind owning my own business if that’s a better route than being employed by a company. Appreciate any and all responses and perspectives. Thanks.

Don't let your children do this.

Minus tide at Rolfe Cove on Matia. The ramp is a little steep.

Main concourse at Roche Harbor. This image is not special, what is interesting though is that the day after it was taken the new and for sale 70 foot boat (2nd or 3rd on left) burned and sank at the dock.

This fella is looking for a handout on Jones Island.

Water taxi dropping a fare at Blakely Island

Our 2023 cruise around the islands was a one week laid back visit. We launched at Deception Pass Park and went to favorite places. If you are contemplating a cruise, I invite you to visit the website www.sailingthesanjuans.com. You will find twenty-five years of pictures and reviews we have collected while hiking, biking and boating.

This lady was bedded down beside the trail on Jones Island. I knelt down and took her picture from about two feet. I then thanked her and quietly left. What a special moment.

This pup may have lost its mom. It spent the day and night alone on the beach at Matia, we called the lost pup hotline.

High tide marker?

https://preview.redd.it/0j9wgkt166vd1.png?width=1600&format=png&auto=webp&s=fae02d499b413bcd554565dc1c78d20df198b8b0

Apparently the Glenwood Springs chinook hatchery has been around for 40 years and is located a mile outside or Moran state park. I have come to the island hundreds of times over the past 10 years and never knew this! Pretty neat.

Is it too cold or rainy to visit in mid Dec? Is everything open? I've got a week off and trying to find a good vacation for my wife and dog.

We’ll be in town this weekend, where in Friday Harbor (or anywhere on SJI, really) would you go to have dinner and watch the Kraken game?

Hey y’all. We’re looking to take our thunderbird out this offseason. I suspect we’ll need some keel grinding and other prep work and paint.
Anyone know anyone knowledgeable who likes to help; for hire?

Sometimes you stop and take the picture when nature reminds you of the beauty of the island.

I am planning a trip to Orcas Island in October, and am debating reserving a spot on a ferry for my car or just relying on taxis while there. It's about $100 roundtrip for me to reserve a spot and bring my own car, I'm not sure if that will be cheaper than just taking taxis. Going to be in East Sound for the weekend, so it would basically just be transport to/from the ferry terminal on the southern part of the island. Also if anyone knows any cool places for me to visit there! Thanks so much!

Hello,

My family and I are taking a trip soon and we will be staying on Guemes for a few days. My kids are 8 and 12. Does anyone have any recommendations on things to do on the island? Good nature spots to take the kids? Any areas where tidepooling is possible?