Fourth Annual Fourth – Lilypad Perspectives

Every 4th of July since I moved to Washington, I’ve made the incredibly majestic trip to the San Juans. It’s a tradition with friends – friends I actually met at their wedding (I was the plus 1!) many years ago on July 5th. This tradition has become a celebration of their anniversary, but more importantly, our “friendaversary.”

The first year, we were reliant on the ferry system to shuttle us to and from Shaw Island. Since then, I met the seaman of my dreams and now we have our own mode of transport. But, those friends and I still laugh about that first year – as the ferry navigated through the brilliant greens and blues of the Salish Sea between hundreds of tiny, tree-covered isles, I kept saying (ok, fine, shouting), “WE LIVE HERE!”

This year, we had plans to take Lilypad to San Juan Island County Park, but with COVID still alive and thriving, our camping reservations were canceled at the last minute. Luckily, we were able to construct our own personal campground at 23 Magnolia. I’m not sure the neighbors were happy with this decision (especially when we revved up the chainsaw after sunset), but it does officially mark the first night we spent at our future home.

Here’s a pano of the property, fully furnished with a
porta potty for the true camping experience!

Since the friends came up here before the fourth – and we all know summer doesn’t start until July 5th – it drizzled off and on both days. And, since we’re used to this standard PNW weather, we weren’t bothered. We took the boat out to do some crabbing and enjoyed evening campfires in the fine mist.

To the left, Tache sharing his story of the time he sold his truck to the tight rope walker in the Guatemalan circus.

Hopper poised at the edge of the runway of no return!

Tache STILL sharing his story of the time he sold his truck to the tight rope walker in the Guatemalan circus.

After a few days of camping, we decided to head down to their place which is equipped with more luxurious living conditions – you know, hot showers and real toilets! Oh, and the view isn’t half bad either. Not too shabby for Fourth of July Plan B!

We enjoyed the kayaks and paddleboards. We did some serious clamming and oystering. We “oohed” and “ahhed” the fireworks (possibly in a New York accent) until the wee hours of the morning. It was a great fourth!