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EAGLESAND ORCAS4 DAY TOUR

With over 200 rocky, forested islands to explore, the San Juan Archipelago is a superb kayak destination. Harking back to an earlier time when the islands were used by the Native American Lummi and Swinomish as summer fishing camps, we traverse the waters as they did, using the wind and currents to aid us as we explore these beautiful islands.

Experience the thrill of paddling and observing large marine mammals in their natural habitat. The pristine waters of the San Juan and Gulf Islands host over 82 resident Orca whales. Other treasured wildlife sightings may include Orca, minke whales, harbor and Dall’s porpoises, harbor seals, river otters and a variety of avian species ranging from auklets to herons. The region also boasts one of the largest bald eagle populations in the continental United States.

Thanks For Choosing Outdoor Odysseys!

WELCOME TO THE BEAUTIFUL SAN JUAN ISLANDS

Haliaeetus leucocephalusThe San Juan Islands are home to the bald eagle. By the end of

the trip you’ll be able to spot them with your own ‘eagle eye’!

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Getting to the islands isn’t all that hard. Here is a cheat sheet of basic times, locations, and answers to the most commonly asked questions.

QUICK TRIP LOGISTICS

MEET ON DAY 1 GETTING TO THE ISLAND: LODGING:

Meet at 8:30 AM downtown at the Friday Harbor ferry terminal. Look for our Outdoor Odysseys van & kayak trailer to the right (north) as you’re coming off the ferry, by the roundabout (next to the ice cream store on corner.) IMPORTANT: To save time and maximize time on the water, please arrive at the van wearing your paddling clothes for the day!

Coming from Seattle? Most of our guests drive their car, a rental car, or take the Airporter Shuttle from Seattle to Anacortes, and then take the Washington State Ferry to San Juan Island. Kenmore Air has Floatplanes to Friday Harbor from Seattle and the Victoria Clipper is a passenger only ferry departing from downtown Seattle with one departure daily.

You should arrive in Friday Harbor on San Juan Island the night before the trip starts. Secure your lodging or make reservations at island campsites well in advance as they can book up rapidly in the summer. The Bird Rock Hotel, Tucker House, and Harrison House are all within a short walkable distance of the ferry terminal. Check out www.outdoorodysseys.com/lodging for our complete list of recommended lodging.

DROP OFF DAY 4 GEAR PROVIDED: LUGGAGE:We typically arrive back at the Friday Harbor ferry terminal between 2:00 and 4:00 PM. Whether you’re spending the night or catching a ferry, we have you covered. Just be sure to let your guide know of any time constraints or post-trip plans.

Kayaks and all related gear, tent, large & small dry bags, and delicious cuisine. Sleeping bag & pad are available for rent.

We’ll securely store any luggage/gear you don’t need/want to take on your trip.

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LIFE ON THE WATER

TRIP SYNOPSISOutdoor Odyssey guide(s) will

meet you in Friday Harbor on San Juan Island. Our van will take the group to our put-in site on the west side of San Juan Island.

After stowing all camping and personal gear, we’ll have a thorough orientation covering the fitting of the boat, paddling technique, safety, and boat handling. We won’t get on the water until everybody feels comfortable about paddling.

On our first day we’ll work our way northward kayaking along the picturesque west side of San Juan Island. We’ll keep a sharp eye out for whales as we’re in prime Orca habitat. As we look to the south we’ll have spectacular views of the Olympic Mountain range and Vancouver Island to the west. After paddling for a couple of hours along the rocky, convoluted shores of San Juan and Henry Island we’ll stop for lunch.

After we cross Spieden Channel we’ll be paddling among forested, rocky islands including Spieden, Goose and John Islands. Our destination for the night is Reid Harbor and

Stuart Island, which is only accessible by boat. The Washington State Park campsites are nestled in a clump of red barked madronas, cedar and Douglas fir trees. After camp is set up, our evening is spent preparing food and eating dinner. Our Guides are phenomenal cooks and are given tremendous latitude to be creative with our meals. Your first night’s cuisine may include smoked salmon fettuccine, garlic bread, locally grown organic salad greens, bottled wine

and/or our dynamite Dutch oven apple crisp. :-)

On our second day we’ll circumnavigate Stuart Island passing by many smaller uninhabited islands. We’ll kayak past the abandoned Coast Guard lighthouse on the north side of Stuart and glide past numerous birds including great blue herons, cormorants and bald eagles. We’ll return to our campsite on Stuart for

another delicious dinner. After dark you’ll have the option of evening

“bioluminescence” paddle if the weather cooperates.On our third day we break camp, load up our kayaks and paddle to Jones Island.

Enroute we paddle past Cactus (a national wildlife

refuge), Johns and Spieden Islands. We then cross “Minke Lake”, so named for the Minke whales that feed in the nutrient-rich waters. Jones Island is owned by Washington State Parks and is noted for its exceptional waterfront campsites. We’ll spend our last night on Jones and, if time allows, have options of either hiking or going for another evening paddle.

The next morning we’ll paddle south down San Juan Channel

stopping at Turn Island for lunch. After lunch we’ll paddle to our take-out point on the south side of San Juan Island. We should arrive at

our take-out sometime between 1-3 PM.

Our van will pick us up and transport our group back to Friday Harbor. You’ll have an hour or more to poke around town before boarding the ferry to Anacortes. Or, if you are spending the night, head back to your hotel or B & B for a well deserved shower and dinner on the town.

Friday Harbor has a number of nice restaurants on the island that serve everything from classic Northwest fare to Thai food.

Great Guides.Great food.

Great paddling.

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EQUIPMENT & EXPECTATIONSTHINK SMALL! On our tour, we’ll be paddling totally self-contained, which means we carry all our own food and gear. As space is at a premium in the kayaks please bring only the items listed on the clothing and equipment list. We’ll be providing you with two personal dry bags. The larger bag is used for clothing; the other is for small items you’ll use during the day. It’s more convenient for packing the kayaks to keep your sleeping bag, pad and daypack separate so they can fit into nooks and crannies of the kayak as we load. Your guides will help you with packing and any questions that may arise.

OUTDOOR ODYSSEYS WILL PROVIDE:Top quality sea kayaks and all related kayaking gear, tent (you may bring your own), waterproof storage bags, cup, plate, bowl and eating utensils, delicious, freshly prepared meals, starting on lunch the first day through lunch on the fourth day, island transportation to and from Friday Harbor, instruction, and knowledgeable guiding.

EXPECTATIONS: We provide the gear, the guides and

the know-how to provide you with a great experience. What we expect from you is an upbeat, ready-to-go attitude, stamina, and your assistance with the everyday tasks of packing and unpacking the gear, the boats and the food... If you haven’t signed on for this expedition style trip please consider a custom tour designed to meet your needs!

Alcohol: Outdoor Odysseys supplies wine for dinners as well as nonalcoholic beverages. Guests may bring a bottle of wine to augment our supply - provided it is in moderation. Absolutely no alcohol is to be consumed in the boats during the day or at any lunch or rest stop.What We Ask of our Guests: You set up your tent (guides will show you how the first day), wash your own personal dishes after each meal and help with the loading and unloading of group gear from the kayaks. The guides cook all the meals, but welcome your company in the kitchen.Smokers: If you smoke on the trip please be sensitive to nonsmokers. Be advised that no smoking is allowed while paddling, and bring a small baggy for your used cigarette butts. Thanks in advance for your cooperation!

Treats and other wondrous things: If you would like to share a favorite batch of cookies or have a special story or reading that your fellow guests would enjoy don’t hesitate to bring it along.Showers: There will be no opportunity for showers once we get on the water. (The Northwest marine environment keeps our guests cool and comfortable.) At the conclusion of the trip, there are public showers available at the port dock located in Friday Harbor.Gratuity: Tipping at the end of the trip is optional. Our guides strive to provide you with trips of the highest quality. If you feel that your guide did a great job and you would like to give them a gratuity, a suggested rule of thumb is 10-15% of the trip price.

NOT INCLUDED: Transportation to or from San Juan Island, meals in Friday Harbor, personal camping gear, sleeping bag and pad (we do rent bags and pads if you don’t want to travel with your own).

PERSONAL CLOTHING FOR PADDLING: Please bring clothing for both warm and cool weather. Generally, cotton and

denim are not preferred because the fabric will not wick moisture and

does not insulate if it becomes damp. Bring whatever you need to be comfortably warm in camp and on the water. For rainy/cool weather: dress

in layers. For your upper body, wear a synthetic top such as

polypro or Capilene next to your skin. Layer with a wool shirt or synthetic top (for warmth) then add wind or rain gear. Wear loose fitting pants you can roll up at the ankles so you don't get your pants legs wet. For sunny weather: protect yourself from the sun. Wear a lightweight long-or short-sleeved shirt and shorts. Wear a billed hat for sun protection. Again, make sure you wear shoes/sandals that are ok to get wet!

Come prepared...for a

fabulous adventure

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We have many names for our favorite “charismatic mega fauna”. Their Latin name is “Orcinus orca.” You may know them as “killer whales,” but the accepted common name for these incredible creatures is Orca. Orcas frequent the San Juan Islands and we are often afforded the opportunity to view them while paddling. Keep in mind, however, that the whales are wild animals that could be anywhere within 100 miles of where we are, at any given time!

TRIP CHECKLISTWHALESPersonal Clothing

Teva-type sandals, Chacos or Crocs for paddlingCamp footwear (sneakers)2 pairs of socks (wool or synthetic)Wool hatSun hat BandanaWool or neoprene gloves (optional)Synthetic puffy, fleece jacket or vest for warmthShortsLightweight pants1 T-shirtLong-sleeved cotton shirt for sun protectionSynthetic underwear for cooler paddling weatherRain gear tops and bottoms (good waterproof type - not nylon windbreaker type)Comfy clothes for camp

Important Misc ItemsSunglassesSunscreenWater bottleToiletriesFlashlightSense of humor and adventure!1 small hand towel (6” by 18”)Washcloth or wet wipesPersonal medications

Sleeping Gear and TentsRental bags and pads are available for a modest fee if you prefer not to travel with your own.

Sleeping bag - light weight and easily compressed. Packed size no larger than 11” by 17”. Plaid flannel, GI Joe, and My Little Pony bags need not apply. Sleeping pad - Thermarest or closed cell foam Sleeping bag stuff sack lined inside with plastic garbage bag Tents - We’ll supply you with a two-person tent, or you may bring your own.

Optional…Camera & filmBinocularsBird bookBicycle gloves or some other gloves to avoid blistersPocketknifeJournal & pencilMoist towelettesZip-lock bagsBiodegradable soap (like Dr. Bronner’s)Personal reading material

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IMPORTANT NOTICE:Outdoor Odysseys has a great safety

record, but you should know that sea kayaking is inherently risky. You will be required to sign a “Release and Acknowledgment of Risk” agreement prior to the trip, recognizing and accepting the risks involved.

REFUND POLICY:

All cancellations must be received in writing. The refund rates are based on the date we receive your written cancellation. If you can find a replacement or if we have one then the following penalties will not apply.

OVERNIGHT TRIP CANCELLATION PENALTIES:

All cancellations must be made in writing to:Paddle@outdoorodysseys.com

More than forty-five days prior to departure: full refund minus a $30 handling fee.

Twenty-one to forty-four days prior to departure: full refund less deposit.

Zero to twenty days prior to departure: full amount retained.

RELEASE OF LIABILITY:All applicants will receive a release of liability form that must be signed and returned prior to the start of the tour.

TRAVEL INSURANCE:

Outdoor Odysseys strongly recommends that you purchase travel insurance to offset unforeseen cancellation

penalties, medical and evacuation expenses.

CANCELED TRIPS: Outdoor Odysseys reserves the right to

cancel any trip prior to departure for any reason whatsoever. The refund of all

payments received shall release Outdoor Odysseys from any further liability, including expenses

incurred by participants in

preparing for the

trip.

Your guide will show you a better

way to pack!

How could you cancel on beauty

like this?

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS FOR ANY REASON, PLEASE GIVE US A CALL OR DROP US AN EMAIL!

TOLL FREE: 1-800-647-4621

LOCALLY: 360-378-3533

WEB:WWW.OUTDOORODYSSEYS.COM

EMAIL:

PADDLE@OUTDOORODYSSEYS.COM

THE FINAL WORDTerms and conditions, the fine print and contact info