This Thursday I head to the San Juan Islands for my friend Jennifer's wedding. I'm so excited! Orcas Island is purported to be a paradise. Not a "string bikini / lie on the beach" kind of paradise. More of a "wear layers, hike the trails and watch the whales" kind of paradise.
I will experience my first ever drive-on ferry ride this trip. I am a little freaked out about it, actually. Excited, but freaked. I am a planner, you see. I am always a little nervous doing something for the first time when I don't know exactly what I'm supposed to do. I am sure there will be signs telling me where to go, but I am not so sure I will see them in time to get in the appropriate lane, etc.
Once I do get my car in line, am I supposed to remain inside until the ferry arrives? I am guessing no, since the wait can be a couple of hours on a busy day. So how will I know when to get back in? Will there be a loud, get-back-in-your-car gong? Perhaps a cranky official yelling "Back in your cars. BACK IN YOUR CARS, YOU LAYABOUTS!" I just don't know, ergo my nervousness.
I am often asked why I am such a homebody. This would be why. It's just no fun when you have to do it all by yourself. The simple addition of another person enables separation of duties, like driver vs. navigator or wrong-turner vs. pointer-and-laugher. Even if you both hate traveling, at least you have someone to turn to and say, "I hate traveling" who will respond, "Yeah, this sucks. Let's stop at the next drive-thru for french fries to ease our pain."
So although the plane to rental car to ferry travel will be hell, the destination and reason for going make it all worthwhile. I promise to take lots of pictures, hopefully including several of a tipsy bride and groom doing something silly. I hear Jenn may dance on the tables. I don't know what Toby may do but he seems like the type to sit quietly with a grin on his face that just gets sillier and sillier as the night (and his alcohol level) progresses. I don't really know him at all, though. Maybe HE will dance on the tables. Oh, I do love surprises.
