The view from Westcott Bay Oyster Farm, where we’ll enjoy an outdoor lunch. (Click on the image to learn more.)
Frequently Asked Questions
(Note: all Live Links are underlined)
1. How do I get to San Juan Island?
You’ll need to take a ferry from the town of Anacortes, which is about two hours north of Seattle. There is a direct bus from the airport to Anacortes, which also makes one stop in Seattle near the Convention center on certain days. all bus routes include a transfer in burlington.
If you’d prefer not to take the bus, every efort will be made to connect you with other retreat participants who may be traveling to anacortes by car.
If you decide to rent a car at the airport, there is plenty of free parking near the B & B in friday harbor, but you will need to make a reservation for your car on the ferry. These fill up fast, so Its best to do this at least 6 weeks ahead of time.
2. Do I need a car to get around the island?
There’s No need to rent a car, unless you want your own wheels, or you don’t want to take the bus to anacortes. there will be two SUVs and two drivers on this retreat for our day trips. If you decide you want to rent a car on the island, there are a few places to do so. Let Christopher know ahead of time, since you will need to reserve them well in advance.
3. If I’m walking onto the ferry, do I need to make a reservation?
You only need a reservation if you are bringing a car on the ferry (space is limited). But in either case (walking on or driving on) you need to buy a ticket, and I recommend buying one in advance and arriving early for your ferry. You only have to pay for the ferry one way. You can find more general information here.
4. Is the Tucker house right in town, or will I need to drive to Friday Harbor?
The Bed & Breakfast is right in town, just a few blocks off the main street. You can literally walk off the ferry and roll your suitcase to the front door of the Tucker House.
5. Is the town of Friday Harbor easily walkable?
The town is very walkable, though there are some slight inclines and stairways. sidewalks and infrastructure are well established.
6. I have a few dietary concerns; will there be vegetarian, vegan, and GF/Dairy free options for me?
We can address any dietary concerns you have ahead of time to accommodate you, and you can custom order your breakfast to fit these needs as well. The menu on the retreat will be mostly vegetarian, with some seafood and chicken options.
7. Where will we have our workshop sessions and our meals?
The San Juan Suite has a living room space and a large dining room, so we will have our writing sessions there as well as our meals (breakfast is custom ordered and delivered to your room).
If you choose to stay in one of the rooms in the san juan suite, you will be asked to share the common spaces during the writing sessions and meals, which is why these rooms are priced the way they are (Though they are private Rooms and each have their own bathroom).
8. Do I have to be working on a longer project to join the retreat?
You don’t have to be working on a longer project to join the retreat, but if you are, you’ll have plenty of time during the workshops—as well as on your own time—to work on that. You’ll also get positive feedback from the group if you choose to share your writing, so you’ll have a test audience.
In addition, if you would like a feedback session with me in response to a longer work (up to 15 pages), you can submit that to me a month in advance. We’ll make sure to schedule 45 minutes together for feedback and discussion.
