On an island that spans 57 square miles, one might wonder, "What is there to see?" Quite suprisingly, a lot. From our room, we had a view of the East Sound. The wild deer weren't so wild at all. In fact, a doe and it's fawn came right up to our balcony in search of handouts! I even came within 10 feet of the deer on the left just as we rolled up to to check in.
Also suprising to find out was that the island is not named after the orca whales at all. History reveals that it is the shortened name of Juan Vicente de Guemes Padilla Horcasistas y Aguayo. The Viceroy of Mexico who sent out an exploration expedition in 1791.
The island boasts 30 miles of hiking at the Moran state park. We covered the Cascade Lake Loop that went for just under 3 miles (green line) and the Mountain Lake Loop (4 miles - yellow line). Although it being Labor day weekend, the hikers we passed were few and far between. Parking at the entrance of both trails were limited. It made for an incredibly peaceful walk. All you could hear was the sound of footfalling on soft earth.
Along the hike we crossed paths with many a slugs which doesn't seem so amazing by itself. Except when they are the size of your hand! At the highest point, 2409 feet elevation to be exact, from Mount Constitution is a 360 degree panoramic view of the marine sound. This hike we did not do. It was described as "strenuous" and not for the average person who sits on their butts all day (like me).
