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Published: March 14th 2016
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Just sit right back and you'll hear a tale, a tale of a fateful trip...
It was an eerily calm morning as our group made its way toward the Anacortes ferry terminal, ready for a fun day exploring Friday Harbor and Roche Harbor on San Juan Island. We had all been forewarned of the approaching storm. Our group of intrepid explorers was not to be denied a day in the islands however, and pressed on. If the boats were sailing, then so were we!
The entirety of the group made it on to the ferry, not one student opting out. Everyone was in great spirits and ready to spend a fun Sunday together. As we departed Anacortes, a stiffening breeze began to draft, the teal green water rippled ever so slightly stronger, and Mount Baker was obscured behind a platinum sky. We were all blissfully unaware of the strength of the tightly spun monster bearing down upon us on the south side of the Olympic Mountains.
At Friday Harbor, the groups split. One predetermined squad boarded the tour buses and departed for Roche Harbor. The other proceeded to the nearby Whale Museum. In the museum our students were
treated to an expert guide who taught us all about our resident Orca pods, as well as other marine mammals that occupy our idyllic Puget Sound. We learned of their history and importance to the ecosystem, as well as the current issues that have resulted in their endangered status. It was an illuminating tour with plenty of hands on exhibits. Our students represented themselves brilliantly with their attentiveness and general behavior.
When we finished at the museum, we had a bit of free time to explore the town. Coffee shops and snacks were tops on the list for sure as we awaited our rides to Roche Harbor. A light rain began to fall. It was a harbinger of things to come.
A quick hop to Roche Harbor which was expertly narrated by our drivers, and we were at the former lime stone quarry turned tourist destination. As the rain continued to fall, we took a direct line to the cafe, where we found the other half of the group merrily relaxing in the cozy confines near the end of the pier. Groups "A" and "B" deftly usurped the seating as it was time for groups "C" and "D"
to depart for the museum. After but a bit of time for lunch, a strange sight appeared on this grey day. A bight, shining orb appeared through the clouds and we made the most of it, post haste.
To the docks we went to admire the yachts. To the town sauntered others to peruse the shops. On the path to the sculpture park still others ventured, eager to make use of this reprieve from the precipitation which we had been granted. It was a great visit to a beautiful and quaint town on the northwestern tip of the island.
The wind was gathering, and the rain was making a triumphant return as our rides returned to gather us up. The timing could scarcely have been better. It was a roundabout trek with audio tour included on the way back to Friday Harbor. Once we returned to the largest town in the 173 island archipelago, consisting of a less than metropolitan 2,000 residents, there was time to enjoy the locale. The art museum was the siren call for most and inspired all who entered! Shops and cafes were the lure for others. One group even decided to bowl a
few frames in order to avoid the now steady rains and wind.
Alas, all to soon it was time to embark on a return journey across the sound from whence we came. It was a voyage that many had dreaded, but some had been eagerly awaiting. Having viewed the radar image, a stronger than expected storm, wound up like a hurricane, had been building the seas into a frothy fury all afternoon. Now, we would set out to conquer them!
This was no typical spring storm. This was a special beast with a center low pressure of 978mb. A strong winter storm hovers around 1000mb. Winds in excess of 80mph were clocked on the coast, and near hurricane force winds toppled trees and knocked out power to over 200,000 people in Western Washington. And we, the gallant exchange group, would set out into the teeth of the storm to journey home.
As we exited the harbor and into the early portion of our trek, the islands shielded us from the brunt of the wind and waves. As we set out into the open passage, we were met with its full fury. Waves rocked and knocked the mighty
ship about. Spray cascaded above the windows and over even the upper decks. Some of the more adventurous of the group ventured into the semi enclosed front deck in order to better experience the weather. Several of those who did, returned soaked to the core with salt water as waves cascaded up and over even the top deck, dousing those present in the residual flood. Soon, even the front deck was closed.
The ships route was deviated even from the normal storm route in order to avoid the treacherous seas. The expert skill of the crew and trusted captain saw us make landfall safely in Anacortes, bringing a secure end to a very memorable day.
This day will go down in German Exchange lore and will no doubt live on in the memories and reminisced stories for many years to come. In the end, it was yet another experience which served to bring us all closer together.
The day was a phenomenal one! The best part however, was that at every turn, every group was a mixed one, consisting of those of both nationalities. German's and American's were enjoying each other's company and getting along like
old friends. This exchange is off to a great start!
Tomorrow is our first day of school, if the power is restored anyway. The Americans are very much looking forward to showing their new friends around. And for their part, the honest excitement to attend is quite evident on the part of our German guests.
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