Washington: San Juan Islands, I Know a Secret Vacation Place - Lime Kiln Point State Park. 
Within the park my favorite secret spot is set on a reclusive, rocky island beach overlooking the waters of Haro Strait.
The rocky beach was once part of the forest hillside which made it a serene retreat for us. It is where my family and I spent the day, separated from the activity of everyday life. It was the perfect spot, with waves gently rolling over the rocks below us, seals lazily sunbathing the day away, fins of dolphins, or porpoises, swimming in the distance, and my family and I picnicking under the clear blue sky. We were on a stakeout to see killer whales, which commonly pass by Lime Kiln Point State Park in early September.
There was a cool breeze, but a warm sun. We tired of sitting still, and we decided to explore the trails. One led down to Dead Man’s Cove, which my fourteen-year-old self and siblings could not wait to investigate because the place with such an adventurous name. There are tidal pools on this pebble beach and all sorts of air bladders - small pockets full of gas from the scattered algae which had washed ashore. The air bladders made “popping” sounds as we stepped on them.
Another exploration route took us to the lighthouse. At the Lime Kiln Lighthouse, there was a bulletin board with a notice which told curious observers, like my family, the times of high tide and low tide, the orca whale’s schedule, and ways to identify the distinct differences between porpoises and orca whales.
There were few people to intrude on our all-day adventure, but we did visit with a few locals who enjoyed the place as much as we did. We never did see the whales, although orcas had been seen the day before, but still, the day had not been wasted. My family and I found a place, almost magical, with the woodsy atmosphere in an ocean-side setting. I hope to return to someday.
About Lime Kiln State Park. The Park located on the western side of San Juan is a 36-acre day-use park with a rocky shoreline and wooded upland forest. It is reported to be one of the best beach spots to view migrating whales. Orca and minke whales are the most common whales on the migration route. The best whale-watching time is May through September with June and July being the most likely months to see whales. Whale watching boats and guided kayak trips are available on San Juan Island and operate from Lime Kiln.
Bonus points: During the summer months interpretive marine mammal programs and lighthouse tours are offered.
Location on the planet. Lime Kiln State Park 1567 Westside Road Friday Harbor, WA 98250.
Lime Kiln State Park Editor’s note. Special thanks go to Mary Frances Merdian for sharing her family’s secret San Juan Island beach location with us. Throughout the year we invite kids ages 10 to 18 to “Tell Mom” in their own words about a recent family vacation experience. We share the best with our readers. Mary Frances is one of the winners in theFamilyTravelFiles.com Youth Writing Contest. The writing prompt “I know a secret place …”.
Planning Details and Things to Do with Kids. Any day in Friday Harbor. The community of Friday Harbor on San Juan Island is located in an archipelago of islands in the Salish Sea between Seattle, Vancouver and Victoria. The tiny historic seaside retreat is known for its picturesque streets lined with postcard-perfect wood frame buildings and its energizing active harbor. The town must be walked to be enjoyed.
Friday Harbor has plenty of family-friendly eating spots, an ice cream parlor, plus shops with artistic flare and creativity. You'll also find shops galore, with clothing and jewelry to paintings and sculpture, hand-crafted by local artists. There are museums, movie theater and a community theater as well as possibilities for both golf and tennis options. Rent a bicycle, boat, kayak, moped or car to explore the island, join one of the guided charters for whale watching, or try sailing, kayaking, fishing or an island flight tours. During the summer months take time to pick blackberries.
Bonus points: Only in Friday Harbor, the Westcott Bay Reserve a 19-acre Sculpture Garden showcases varied works of talented island artists. Get more details at
www.fridayharbor.com One of our family’s favorite bookstores. I still believe no family vacation is complete without at least one new book. And so it follows no family vacation in Friday Harbor would be complete without checking in at Serendipity Books. Serendipity sells used books, including Northwest themes, fiction, and children's books of course. It is a friendly, comfy, classic kind of place. Small by bookstore standards yet absolutely packed with lovely books for all ages and interests. While they do not have a website, they do maintain a comprehensive electronic inventory and they love to talk books. (Serendipity Books 223 A Street Friday Harbor, WA 98250. (360) 378-2665).
Observations and image provided by Mary Frances Merdian, one of heFamilyTravelFiles.com Youth Writing Contest winners. Additional comments and planning details by Nancy Nelson-Duac, Editor for FTF. Copyright 2011.
