San Juan Islands for First Timers

Parks, Parks, Parks

This a partial list of Island and parks I judged to be of value and worth a visit when cruising, resorts are not included;

James Island, Jones Island, Sucia, Matia, Patos, Stuart, Clark, Cypress, Saddlebag, Obstruction Pass, Spencer Spit, Odlin County Park, Doe Island, Deception Pass.

Suggested 80 mile Itinerary  (5-7 days)

Lets start this cruise in Bellingham at Squalicum Harbor

Day # 1 You arrive late in day and launch boat, then secure a space at the overnight dock, now park the trailer and drive into town (ten minutes) and shop for all those last minute provisions. (Costco, Walmart, Fred Meyer,. etc.) Eat dinner out or come back to boat for a Barbecue.

Day # 2  Cast off for Cypress Island, leave early or late it doesn't matter, (your now on Island time) Bellingham Bay should be good sailing, make your way to

How to get a discount on that vacation rental

This must be the best secret of all time, because few people take advantage of it.
The answer is simply "ASK"
If your not comfortable coming right out and asking for a deal, try asking if they give AAA discounts, or AARP, or how about suggesting a club discount if you refer the vacation rental to your group.

Here are  some obvious hints:

• a management company is less likely to give discounts (its not their house) ask the owner!
• ask for last minute discounts (a week before you go) the owner may be desperate
• if you book six months or more in advance, don't expect big discount
• don't start out by saying my regular place is full (that's saying your second choice)
• try to schedule your dates for off season and on weekdays for biggest discounts
• if you book a weekend, ask for Mon. and Tue. free (it cant hurt)

Red flags managers don't want to hear:

• we have issues with mold allergies, is your house clean?
• have dogs been there, how do you disinfect it?
• we are really clean people
• the last house we rented had problems
• we demanded  ------fill in the blank---------
• can we arrive early or stay late, after getting a discounted rent
• can we use the washer and dryer

Lastly, after your stay send the owner a note saying something nice, and don't say oh by the way (this and that need correcting) no owners want to hear your nit picking and would rather you not rent from them if you can't keep it to yourself.