San Juan Escape

Do I need to be in excellent physical condition to participate on this trip?

Though an exercise routine will help you to adjust to a long paddle day, it is not necessary for you to be in peak physical condition to enjoy this trip! Ladies have found that more familiarity with cycling has helped them adjust quickly to our day of biking on Lopez Island, but no experience is required for any section.

How similar will this trip be to your teen trips?

While on our teen trips, instructors focus on developing leadership skills within a wilderness setting, as well as introducing the fundamentals of backcountry travel in pristine environments. You too will enjoy the pleasures of simple living amid breathtaking landscapes--however, you can choose your level of involvement. Your leaders will take on the primary responsibility of time management, meals, and setting up camp, but will gladly teach those interested in wilderness skills the basics of any expedition.

Is there additional gear that I need to bring?

Moondance will provide all camping equipment such as tents, sleeping bags, and ground pads, as well as technical equipment such as bicycles and sea kayaks. Once you are registered for this trip, we will send you a trip information packet that will include all necessary gear, as well as optional items that you may find useful!

For how many hours will we be active each day?

After a hot breakfast and a cup of coffee, we will begin a day of kayaking, cycling, or hiking throughout the islands. Our paddle days are dependant on weather--rough surf may mean that we explore the perimeter of the island on foot, while beautiful days may mean an additional paddle at sunset. On average, we will be active 3-4 hours each day.

What types of meals will we have during the week?

During our inn stays, we will be enjoying breakfasts prepared by our hosts and brown bag lunches while cycling or hiking. We will dine at a local restaurant on San Juan or Orcas Island for dinner. During our kayaking section, we will have a support boat that will transport fresh fish, fruits and vegetables, eggs, and desserts so that we may eat as queens on Jones Island!

In what climate will we be sea kayaking?

Washington State experiences a mild climate during the summer and fall with temperatures near the coast regulated by its marine climate. There are days when it may rain, so be sure to bring proper rain gear; however, you'll most likely experience sunshine and 70 degree temperatures most days.

Do I need any sea kayaking or biking experience in order to enjoy this trip?

No experience required! You and your friends will learn basic paddling strokes together from professional sea kayaking guides as you learn to read the waters near San Juan and Orcas Islands. To ensure the safest possible experience, everyone is required to wear a Personal Flotation Device--a PFD--at all times on the water. Our cycling day on Lopez Island is over relatively flat terrain, though there are a few hills to challenge your stamina! Your leaders and guides will demonstrate proper gear shifting to help you manage those hills efficiently!

Who will be leading this trip?

Veteran Moondance leaders who have significant experience in wilderness travel will be guiding you through the San Juan Islands. Our leaders come from a variety of backgrounds and most are graduates of the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) or Outward Bound. All Moondance leaders combine solid judgment skills and a "safety first" philosophy with a zest for life, good humor, and unceasing energy!

What medical certifications do our leaders have?

Every Moondance leader holds a Wilderness First Responder, an 80-hour backcountry medical certification. This nationally recognized training teaches outdoor educators how to safely handle wilderness emergencies when hospital care is hours, sometimes days away. This certification includes CPR training. The most common medical issues Moondance handles in the field are blisters and minor cuts and scrapes.

With whom will I be traveling?

You will be traveling with nine other single and married ladies who have a thirst for adventure and who come from a variety of life experiences. Many are Moondance parents and are excited to have a similar adventure as their son or daughter! New faces in the airport will belong to old friends by the end of your trip as you enjoy the pleasures of simple living common to the islands.

Do I have any responsibilities on this trip?

Your only responsibility is to have fun! If you have signed up for this adventure to absorb the breathtaking scenery while being active, or place the decisions in someone else's hands, then this trip is for you! If you have an interest in the art of planning an expedition, learning how to set up a tent, or how to cook a backcountry casserole or chocolate mousse, then your leaders will gladly teach you. Our adult programs are designed to suit your expectations!

What types of marine life might I see?

The pristine waters surrounding the San Juans are home to porpoise, otters, sea stars, herons, and their most famous resident, the orcas, or killer whales, may pass by you! Keep watch for a bald eagle or two that could be flying overhead!

What are our accommodations like?

We will be staying in inns for three evenings on San Juan and Orcas Island. These inns are conveniently located for those who would like to stroll around the quaint downtowns of both islands and they are in walking distance to the restaurants where we will dine for three evenings. While sea kayaking, we will camp on Jones Island for two nights and while watching the sun dip below the horizon, we'll know why National Geographic voted it as one of the top ten camping destinations in the country!

How much time will we have in Seattle?

Once everyone arrives in Seattle, we'll board a floatplane for San Juan Island so there will be no time to explore the city. We'll conclude our trip on Orcas Island at a farewell dinner before flying back to the mainland the next morning. You may decide that you want to add a day or two to the beginning or conclusion of your trip to explore the wharf or Pike's Place Market downtown!