Relaxing family vacation with wonderful wildlife viewing

Vickie D., Stayed Aug 2016

We loved staying the week at the Waterhouse and watching the wildlife out of the many windows. We saw a bald eagle, deer, minke whales, orcas, sea lions, otters, and baby barn swallows just learning how to fly. Listening to the ocean crash against the shore was absolutely restorative, and cracking the windows meant that sound could fill the house. The weather was perfect and we sat outside enjoying the comfortable patio furniture and reading our books, just looking up when we heard the whales blow and could watch them swim by. It was just what we had hoped for when we booked a home so close to the water!

The owner, Suzanne, was very responsive to questions, happy to share information about the island and the house even before we had booked with her. Then, once we had an opportunity to settle into the house, she called to see if there were any questions or anything she could do to make us more comfortable. It was so thoughtful of her, and was something we were grateful for! The kitchen was great and we cooked all of our meals at the house.

The house was comfortable for 6 adults and we enjoyed playing games on the large dining room table while others watched TV. We loved that it was such an easy drive to Lime Kiln State Park to look for more Orcas and to South Beach to see red foxes. We also enjoyed going to the Saturday market in downtown Friday Harbor. One of the highlights of our trip was an all-day sail with All Aboard Sailing.

We saw lots of wildlife (including Orcas, bald eagles, minke whales, sea lions, seals, deer, otters, and porpoises) but what made it so memorable was the local knowledge that Captain Barb and Captain David, shared with us. In addition to discussing the different geography and local islands, they were able to tell us so much more about the marine life in the area.

We loved learning about the specific whales we got to see, and traveling with two passionate conservationists, they were able to identify the whales and tell us all about them! It was really wonderful to spend the day with folks who clearly loved sailing and conservation, and we learned so much while having a phenomenal time. They also fixed us a wonderful dinner, that we enjoyed while listening to (with a hydrophone) and watching the Orcas at sunset!