Lummi Virgins

The setting: Lummi Island

The situation: Big city folks arrive on Lummi expecting some semblance of big city life. This IS the 21st century, after all.

The dilemma: Lummi remains a world away from Seattle, despite its relative proximity.

The charm: Lummi remains a world away from Seattle, despite its relative proximity.

I should have known the week would be a unique experience from the moment I tried to disembark at Lummi Island. I attempted to follow the car in front of me as it pulled away, but the ferry employee held out her hand to stop me and the Native American driver sitting in the car next to me shouted out through his half-open window, “Stop! We do things differently here.” The cars on the opposite side of the ferry were allowed off while we sat, patiently waiting. As I passed the ferry employee, I rolled down my window and said, “Sorry, we’re Lummi virgins!”

Beth on Lummi

This tiny island is probably one of the best kept secrets in the San Juans. The northernmost island in the group, this might be just far enough out of reach for Seattleites that it isn’t completely over run with tourists (although our host, Marcia, said that rentals can stay full nine months out of the year).

Feeling the need to stay somewhat connected with “work” since we were on a midweek getaway, we attempted to find a wifi connection on the island. Several locals we asked had no idea where we might find such a thing. The clerk at The Islander, Lummi’s only grocery store, said that they used to have wifi but “something happened” and it was no longer available. What could have happened, I wondered. As I thanked her for her help, I picked up a small map of the island (thinking that perhaps it would give me a clue to wifi spots) that was sitting on the counter and began to walk out of the store. “That map is a dollar,” she kindly said. “Oh, I’m sorry! I’m new around here.” D’oh, another virgin move.

We did end up finding wifi at the public library. Though it’s only open on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons and on Saturdays, we were able to sit outside and tap into it.

One last experience made me feel like a complete fish out of water. Friday was Jon’s birthday and, to celebrate, we decided to go out for breakfast, despite the fact that we had packed enough food for a month. We had two options (both run by the same owner), the Beach Cafe Store and the Willows Inn. A drive by the Beach Cafe Store made it obvious they were closed - the place was dark and there were chairs on the tables. Off to the Willows Inn. Success! The lovely restaurant was filled with a large group of diners at one table. The hostess jumped up from the group and asked if she could help us. Breakfast - please! “We’re not open to the public during the week but you can try the Beach Cafe Store after 11.” AFTER 11! Hmmm, we really do have high expectations, don’t we?

Back to the Flying Fish for our own lovingly prepared eggs with sundried tomatoes and a little pastry we picked up at The Islander… couldn’t have been a better birthday breakfast!

Jon’s Birthday Basket

Happy Travels!

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