After Orca populations in the San Juan region dropped a bit in 2008, they rebounded in 2009 with the births of five Orca calves, and 2010 is off to a great start with the birth of another calf on January 3rd. There are now 88 resident Orca whales in the San Juan Islands. To read the complete story, visit the
Eliza Island is the first stop we make on our San Juan Islands cruise to Friday Harbor aboard the Island Commuter 2. Now home to over 100 summer homes on the 141 acre island with only five year-round residents, this island has a storied history. Named after the daughter of Spanish Expedition Commander Francisco De Eliza in 1791, an interesting part of its history is the Consolidated Black Cat Company of James F. Wardner. Wardner’s resume is long and varied: rabbit raiser, miner, orange grower, pig farmer and owner of a cat ranch. His goal was to raise the felines on the isolated island and sell their pelts for $2 to compete with the sale of seal and otter furs that were so popular at that time. He even brought in a cat rancher by the name of Sam Weller to feed the cats and take care of them until their pelts were needed.
Needless to say, the ranch did not survive (although the number of unlucky cats before retirement is unknown) and the only remnant of black cats seen near this northern port is the eatery “Le Chat Noir” in Fairhaven.
One of the most popular activities on San Juan Island is bicycling. The island is relatively flat, with rolling countryside and just a few gradual hills. With our San Juan Island Commuter service to Friday Harbor, you have nearly 5 hours (on a day trip) to explore the island. For many cyclists, it is possible to do a round-trip to just about any point on the island.
A great trip, which is only about 12 miles round-trip, is from Friday Harbor to American Camp and South Beach. The ride takes you out of Friday Harbor, past the airport and into the rolling countryside that makes up the interior of the island. As you pedal southwest along Cattle Point Road you reach the west side of the island, feeling the breeze and salt air that is a welcome relief.
American Camp is worth visiting for at least 30 - 60 minutes, perhaps longer if you’d like to walk along the interpretive trail. To reach South Beach you continue about a mile south on Cattle Point Road, then take a right onto Pickett’s Lane. It’s just a quick coast downhill to South Beach, where you can have lunch, walk along the beach, and view the many fishing boats, cargo ships and occasionally, Orca whales, that pass by this area.
Make sure you allow plenty of time for the 6 mile return ride back into Friday Harbor, It’s also a good idea to bring plenty of water, sunscreen and snacks - there are no stores or restaurants along the way.
Our San Juan Island Commuter service to the San Juan Islands, as well as our whale watching tours, began this season on Friday and it’s been a great start to the season! The weather has been perfect, with lots of sun and temperatures in the mid-to-upper 60’s. Best of all though, the Orca whales have been seen on all of our whale watching trips so far! They started off just off shore of San Juan Island, but have been seen further north more recently, close to Pt. Roberts. We currently have seats available for our tours next weekend, May 22-25, but space is limited, so call or book online soon.
Today is the first day of operation for our San Juan Island Commuter service to the San Juan Islands (Eliza, Sinclair, Blakely, Orcas, Lopez and San Juan Island/Friday Harbor), as well as our whale watching tours from Friday Harbor. The weather is going to be great this weekend, with lots of sun and temperatures in the high 60’s to low 70’s. We have plenty of space available for our trips this Saturday and Sunday. If you would like to go out to the islands next weekend, we are filling up fast for the Memorial Day weekend holiday.
We are gearing up for our 2009 operating season! Cruises to the San Juan Islands and whale watching will start May 15th, and our cruises to Victoria will start on June 20th. You can find information on both services throughout our website. If you would like a print brochure mailed to you, please click here.If you would like to sign up for our e-Newsletter, The Islander, which is delivered via e-mail once a month or so, packed with news, interesting facts and features, and discount offers, please submit your e-mail address using the form below (you can unsubscribe at any time).
The Black Cat Farm of Eliza Island
