Orcas, we've arrived

We made it! This is the ramp moving down to fit onto the ferry boat so we can drive off. Since it was only about 11am, we ventured right off to Moran State Park and drove up to Mt. Constitution. The island itself is horseshoe shaped and while we landed on the west end of the horseshoe, traveling to Mt. Constitution meant driving to the opposite side of the horseshoe. I think I read that from end to end it's less than 30 miles. 

View halfway up the mtn

It was a very cold day and the top of the mountain had snow and ice. We'd originally planned to hike up, but realized we were not equipped! Luckily the road was open and at the top we climbed to a fire tower and had a wonderful view. We could see Bellingham, perhaps Vancouver in Canada, and far beyond in all directions. The submit is 2,000 ft. We explored the main town of Eastsound as well and found the local brewery, Island Hoppin'. After all this we headed to our inn which was on the side of horseshoe where the ferry had dropped us. We got comfortable in the lodge of which were were the only occupants and had a dip in the community hot tub, which was basically our own personal hot tub due to no one else around. Then we walked to the inn's restaurant. "Closed, Go Hawks," read the sign...we'd arrived to Orcas on Super Bowl Sunday. I'd wrongly assumed a secluded island in Washington state wouldn't care much for the NFL...well, I was wrong. All restaurants were closed, and only one, a tavern had lights on. Unfortunately after parking, we noticed people stumbling out and all the screaming inside...one of the places in town playing the game. We passed on that and instead went to the grocery store and got frozen meals to microwave back in the hotel. 

path to more views, looking NE twd Bellingham

  

Frozen ice ground at Mt. Constitution