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Madrona's Outing to Orcas Island: Hiking - Camping - Sea Kayaking

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Date: Saturday, June 13, 2009
Trip Types: Car Camping, Hiking, Sea Kayak
Plan: Madrona Middle School's end of the school year overnight trip to Orcas Island. Saturday we will drive up to the Anacortes Ferry via Whidbey Island. On the way we will make a brief stop at Deception Pass. On Orcas Island we will hike to the top of Mount Constitution. That night we will car camp at Moran State Park. Sunday morning we'll sea kayak around Deer Harbor before heading back to Seattle.
Report: Madrona Middle school had a great weekend on Orcas Island. Saturday morning we left Seattle at 9am to catch the noon ferry. We got to the San Juan Islands ferry in Anacortes at 10:30am (we wanted to be early because there can be long lines for the ferry in summer). While waiting for the ferry we got to explore the beach, toss around a football and frisbee, and explore the nearby wetlands. It was cloudy in the morning, but cleared up by the time we reached Orcas Island. We had perfect summer weather for our hike up to the top of Mount Constitution. Highly recommend the trail that starts near the Mountain Like Campground; the Little Summit – Mount Constitution hike follow a ridge and is a moderate climb to the top avoiding the very steep switchbacks of the other routes to the summit. That night we car camped at Moran State Park.

Sunday morning at 9am we met the kayak guides from Shearwater Sea Kayak Tours near Rosario Resort. Everyone had a good time learning how to sea kayak and paddling around the sheltered waters of Orcas Island’s East Sound. By 12:30pm we were in line for the 1:55pm ferry back to Anacortes. It was a good thing we got there early because the line for the ferry filled up. We got back to Seattle around 5pm. It was a quiet van ride back; everyone was very tired after a very busy 24 hours.
Suggestions: We were shocked at the the cost of the ferry. The price has gone up dramatically in the last few years. Teams should factor the cost of the ferry into their budget for any trips to the San Juan Islands.

Photos

Waiting for the Ferry in Anacortes.
Sat., Jun. 13, 2009
[Madrona] Orcas Island: Hiking - Camping - Sea Kayaking 		The weather was great for the very scenic ferry ride through the San Juan Islands.
Sat., Jun. 13, 2009
[Madrona] Orcas Island: Hiking - Camping - Sea Kayaking 		On the trail to the top of Orcas Island's Mount Constitution.
Sat., Jun. 13, 2009
[Madrona] Orcas Island: Hiking - Camping - Sea Kayaking 		The hike to Mount Constitution follows a ridge line and the first mile is a little steep.
Sat., Jun. 13, 2009
[Madrona] Orcas Island: Hiking - Camping - Sea Kayaking
The second half of the Mount Constitution hike is a lot easier and everyone enjoyed the leisurely hike and good views.
Sat., Jun. 13, 2009
[Madrona] Orcas Island: Hiking - Camping - Sea Kayaking 		The views from the top of Mount Constitution were worth the hike!
Sat., Jun. 13, 2009
[Madrona] Orcas Island: Hiking - Camping - Sea Kayaking 		The Madrona kids enjoy the view.
Sat., Jun. 13, 2009
[Madrona] Orcas Island: Hiking - Camping - Sea Kayaking 		We camped at Orcas Island's Moran State park. An ICO Leader shows two of the Madrona students how to build a camp fire.
Sat., Jun. 13, 2009
[Madrona] Orcas Island: Hiking - Camping - Sea Kayaking
Everyone helped set up camp.
Sat., Jun. 13, 2009
[Madrona] Orcas Island: Hiking - Camping - Sea Kayaking 		Sunday morning we met the guides from Shearwater Kayak Tours. On shore near Rosario Resort the kids get basic kayaking instructions.
Sun., Jun. 14, 2009
[Madrona] Orcas Island: Hiking - Camping - Sea Kayaking 		The kids adjust their spray skirts and life vests.
Sun., Jun. 14, 2009
[Madrona] Orcas Island: Hiking - Camping - Sea Kayaking 		Everyone helps move the kayaks down to the beach.
Sun., Jun. 14, 2009
[Madrona] Orcas Island: Hiking - Camping - Sea Kayaking
Ready to go!
Sun., Jun. 14, 2009
[Madrona] Orcas Island: Hiking - Camping - Sea Kayaking 		Paddling around Orcas Island's East Sound.
Sun., Jun. 14, 2009
[Madrona] Orcas Island: Hiking - Camping - Sea Kayaking 		The Madrona kids start to get the hand of paddling and steering a sea kayak.
Sun., Jun. 14, 2009
[Madrona] Orcas Island: Hiking - Camping - Sea Kayaking 		It was cool and gray in the morning, but never rained.
Sun., Jun. 14, 2009
[Madrona] Orcas Island: Hiking - Camping - Sea Kayaking
On the ferry back to the mainland. Thanks for a great weekend Orcas Island!
Sun., Jun. 14, 2009
[Madrona] Orcas Island: Hiking - Camping - Sea Kayaking
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