The view from Westcott Bay Oyster Farm, where we’ll enjoy an outdoor lunch. (Click on the image to learn more.)
Frequently Asked Questions
(Note: all Live Links are underlined)
1. How do I get to San Juan Island?
You’ll need to Fly into Seattle Airport (Sea/tac) and take a ferry from the san juan ferry terminal in the town of Anacortes. Anacortes is about two hours north of Seattle.
See this link to view the schedule for a direct bus from the airport to the san juan ferry terminal in Anacortes (do not confuse this with the “Anacortes marina” nor the “anacortes Shell,” which are different stops on the route).
The bus also makes one stop in Seattle near the Convention center on most days, so you can board there as well. all routes include a transfer in burlington on your way to anacortes. Note: when you purchase a bus ticket, you’ll choose times for both segments: Seattle to Burlington and Burlington to the San Juan Ferry terminal. Round Trip fare for the bus is $106.
If you’d prefer not to take the bus, every efort will be made to connect you with other retreat participants who may be traveling to anacortes by car. however, I recommend you make your flight arrangements to arrive in Seattle in time to catch the bus and the corresponding ferry (see suggestions below).
Check in time is 4:00 at the Tucker house, so you have a few options as far as the bus and ferry schedules are concerned. You could take the 10:00 a.m. bus from the airport to make the 2:00 p.m. ferry in anacortes.
Or: You could take the 8:30 a.m. bus to connect with the 12:00 p.m. ferry in anacortes (you can also catch the 9:00 a.m. bus from the convention center). Either way, you will have to spend a little time in the ferry terminal. See this link to read the ferry schedule. And please note: these are comfortable, cushy buses, and the driver will assist you with your luggage.
If you decide to rent a car at the airport, there is plenty of free parking near the B & B in friday harbor, but you will need to see this link to make a reservation for your car on the ferry. These fill up fast, so Its best to do this at least 6 weeks ahead of time, in early august).
2. What if I want to spend a night or two in Seattle beofre the retreat?
Seattle is a great city, with many vibrant neighborhoods, so I recommend this. just keep in mind that if you are taking the bus to the ferry terminal in anacortes on september 9th, it might be easiest to get a hotel near the airport or near the convention center, since those are the only two places the bus stops.
3. Do I need a car to get around the island?
There’s No need to rent a car, unless you want your own wheels, or you don’t want to take the bus to anacortes. Chris will have a car and will also arrange for transportation for our day trips. If you decide you want to rent a car on the island, there are a few places to do so. Let Chris know ahead of time, since you will need to reserve them well in advance.
4. If I’m walking onto the ferry, do I need to make a reservation?
You only need a reservation if you are bringing a car on the ferry (because space is limited). But in either case (walking on or driving on) you need to buy a ticket, and I recommend buying one in advance and arriving early for your ferry. You only have to pay for the ferry one way. You can find more general information about buying a ferry ticket here. (please note that the Ferry schedule includes the name Friday Harbor, the main town and the only ferry terminal on San Juan Island).
5. Is the Tucker house right in town, or will I need to get a ride there from the ferry terminal?
The Bed & Breakfast is right in town, just a few blocks off the main street. You can literally walk off the ferry and roll your suitcase to the front door of the Tucker House. use this Google maps link:
5. Is the town of Friday Harbor easily walkable?
The town is very walkable, though there are some slight inclines and stairways. the sidewalks and infrastructure are well established.
6. I have a few dietary concerns; will there be vegetarian, vegan, and GF/Dairy free options for me?
We will address any dietary concerns you have ahead of time to accommodate you, and you can custom order your breakfast to fit these needs as well. The menu on the retreat will be mostly vegetarian, with some seafood and chicken options.
7. Is there a hospital on the island, in case of a medical emergency?
There is no hospital on San Juan Island, but it has an excellent urgent care center that handles emergency services, and its close to the Tucker House B & B.
The closest hospital is on the mainland; However, San Juan has airlift services. Local medical emergency services are prepared for this if necessary. your health insurance should cover this cost, but it’s worth calling them before you leave just to make sure.
If your insurance doesn’t cover airlift services, this membership looks quite affordable, so it might be something you decide to do for your own peace of mind.
For more general info about healthcare on the islands, click here.
8. Where will we have our workshop sessions and our meals?
The San Juan Suite has a living room space and a large dining room, so we will have our writing sessions there as well as our meals (breakfast is custom ordered and delivered to your room).
If you choose to stay in one of the rooms in the san juan suite, you will be asked to share the common spaces during the writing sessions and meals, which is why these rooms are priced the way they are (Though they are private Rooms and each have their own bathroom).
9. Do I have to be working on a longer project to join the retreat?
You don’t have to be working on a longer project to join the retreat, but if you are, you’ll have plenty of time during the workshops—as well as on your own time—to work on that. You’ll also get positive feedback from the group if you choose to share your writing, so you’ll have a test audience.
In addition, if you would like a feedback session with me in response to a longer work (up to 15 pages), you can submit that to me a month in advance. We’ll make sure to schedule 45 minutes together for feedback and discussion.
Still have questions?
