Christmas is a special time for island families who follow island traditions with music, merriment, Santa and great gatherings with island friends. Earlier in this month there has been a visit from a time honored tradition, the lighted boat parade through Friday Harbor. On that day the Santa Ship also came here from Victoria, B.C. Santa brought his elves with him to entertain the children as they waited in line for a gift. This week there are fewer events as the actual Christmas Day draws near. Many islanders will be expecting guests or family members who have traveled from afar and will arrive on the ferry or at the local airport. The island grocery stores and specialty food shops are crowded with islanders stocking up for the holiday and preparing to cook for crowds.
Most visitors to the islands come in the Spring and Summer, when the whales are traveling up and down the west coast of San Juan. Some of them, who have never visited before, still ask if anyone lives on the island year ‘round. I cannot help a smile when I say, “I do.” Then they invariably ask,if I live on the water. When I say no they seem shocked! The latest census says that San Juan County has 15,875 people. Most of them do not live on the water.We all have wonderful access to the water, though, which includes two national parks on the shoreline and a handful of county parks as well on the island of San Juan.
Many are curious about the climate and weather in the winter. Yes, we do usually get a little snow. Since it is a happening and not likely to last long, school usually shuts down and everyone gets out to enjoy the snow. The precipitation on our islands averages about 4 inches of rain or drizzle in the month with a possibility of snow on four of those days. Sun is shining for an average of three hours per day. The most beautiful mountain views are on a sunny winter day. Winter winds average nine miles an hour but have reached a high of 61 miles an hour. We can count on about eight days of winter fog, usually in the morning. It is nice to wake up to the sound of the ferry foghorn, low and long.
Many islanders find winter their least favorite time because we are spoiled by getting so little rain compared to Seattle, we aren’t accustomed to it. Also, the days are much shorter. It makes the Christmas lights a cheerful sight. However, now the days are getting longer, which started on December 20th which was the shortest day of the year as far as daylight goes. Winter in the islands is a special, quiet, beautiful time for reflections. Most of us are so thankful to be living here. In December, we have memories of our childhood Christmases. Streets are less populated with cars and sidewalks have fewer pedestrians. If you have lived here for a while, most of them will look familiar and many you will know and share a cheerful greeting with. We at Island Group Sotheby’s International Realty wish you all a Merry Christmas, with good memories and happy thoughts of the new year. Perhaps your thinking will include plans to visit or look at property on our little paradise. We await your arrival enthusiastically. Happy New Year.
Photo By: Matt Pranger
