By Peggy Sue McRae, Journal contributor
During my mom’s last years, I took her for drives around the island every week. It was something we both enjoyed, and now I cherish fond memories of those times. I called it “the Mom drive.” I have mobility issues of my own these days, and still enjoy taking this scenic cruise with friends and family.
When I was taking my mom for drives, we usually took the same route, starting with a cruise to the south end via Cattle Point Road. We would turn around at the concrete building (Cattle Point Interpretive Area) near the lighthouse. The view there is spectacular. If you know right where to look, you might even see Mount Rainer. Heading back toward town, American Camp’s South Beach via Pickett’s Lane is a possible scenic detour with easily accessible restrooms and picnic tables. Plus, you couldn’t find a more beautiful spot on the entire planet! Warning, those picnic tables and benches are made of concrete. If picnicking, you may want to bring something soft to sit on.
From Pickett’s Lane, connecting Cattle Point Road to South Beach, you can take a rocky little access road to Robert’s Redoubt (a feature remaining from the Pig War). When you turn around to head back toward Pickett’s Lane, be prepared. The best view of Mount Baker you have ever seen may take your breath away.
Heading back toward town on Cattle Point Road, take a left on False Bay Drive. This stretch of road is one of my favorite places with dappled woods, scenic farm vistas, then the unique phenomena of False Bay itself. Coming around that bend and heading toward Bailer Hill Road, you could turn right and head back to town, and you’ve already had a great outing, or turn left and head out to the west side for even more spectacular views. The west side is where your phone might say, “Welcome to Canada.” We are that close. Don’t worry. Your phone will be back in the United States soon enough. There are a few roadside pullouts where you might even see whales. (I never do, but you might.)
Following West Side Road, another possible picturesque detour is San Juan County Park, a fantastic place to watch a sunset. Moving onward to where Mitchell Bay Road comes up to West Valley Road. Turn right and head back toward town via the beautiful farmlands of Beaverton Valley, or turn left and head toward Roche Harbor. I have found that with my mobility issues, the Roche Harbor store is the easiest grocery store on the island to navigate. It has half-hour parking right outside, no stairs, and is small enough that you don’t have to walk a mile to get from the produce section to the frozen yogurt.
When getting around gets hard to do, it can be tempting to just stay home. This is especially true for us introverts. But it’s summer on San Juan Island! Pack up a picnic and get out there. You will be glad you did.
