Opening to the Equinox

Friday through Sunday, September 12–14, 2025
Friday Harbor, WA

Before the turn of the season, we gather at the edge.
With whales, watercolors, and quiet time to connect.
What begins here continues through the week ahead.
A shift in rhythm that you can carry with you.

This retreat was shaped by a desire to experience the ocean with care.

Whale watching can be exhilarating, but it often moves too fast with loud boats, crowded decks, and an unspoken expectation that animals will appear, interact, and impress. It’s easy to lose the thread of what drew us there in the first place. That kind of pressure can turn a sacred encounter into a spectacle.

I want to offer something different. A way to be near whales without disrupting their world. A space to slow down, to ask questions about our role and responsibility, and to hold onto the wonder without needing to chase it.

This weekend reflects that approach. A quieter rhythm. Respectful presence. A chance to connect with land, sea, and self in a way that feels aligned. Our experience will be both grounding and memorable.

Included:

  • Full-day private charter (6 hours) with skilled, licensed guides

  • A few shared provisions for the boat

  • Guided watercolor activity

  • Optional prompts and practices to prepare for your own equinox reflection

  • Space for stillness, with optional prompts for reflection

  • A small group of like-hearted humans

Not Included:

  • Ferry and transportation.
    Please plan travel accordingly.

  • Lodging.
    Book your own, a room block is available for our group. Options shared after RSVP.

  • Meals.
    Choose your own, Friday Harbor has great food.

Planning at a Glance

3-day weekend in Friday Harbor, WA
Friday to Sunday, September 12–14, 2025

Saturday is a full day on the water with an optional watercolor activity. Prepare to be nourished and inspired.
This is a calm, respectful gathering. Quiet presence and minimal phone use are encouraged, especially on the water.

Please leave pets at home.

Group Size: Limited to 10–12 adults and up to 4–6 children

Cost per Adult: $595

Children are warmly welcome, with the understanding that this is a calm space for quiet connection.
Please consider your child’s readiness for a full day at sea and help them contribute to a peaceful group experience.

Children (12 & under): One free per adult or couple; additional children (if space allows): $150 each

Sliding Scale: A $545 option is available at checkout (no questions asked)

What to Bring: A full packing list will be provided

We’ll have a great time rain or shine!

Book your ferry reservation ASAP, see instructions below

Directions, weekend flow, and what to pack–emailed after registration.

Getting There

Take the ferry from Anacortes, WA to Friday Harbor on San Juan Island.

  • Make a ferry reservation as soon as the booking period begins

  • Arrive at least one hour early to get in line if bringing your vehicle.
    Ferry information and reservations: wsdot.wa.gov/ferries

  • Walk-on passengers don’t need a reservation. If carpooling, be sure to offer gas money to your driver.

  • If you are traveling from Oregon, plan to leave early. Traffic and ferry delays are common, and it is much nicer to have extra time to wander or rest than to feel rushed.

    You might consider arriving on Thursday evening for more room to slow down if you have that option. I like to camp at Bay View State Park in Anacortes the night before island events and catch an earlier ferry than needed. It makes the whole journey feel more peaceful and sets a gentler pace for the weekend.

  • Vehicle reservations for the Anacortes–Friday Harbor ferry route are currently open for travel through September 20, 2025.
    The Washington State Ferries (WSF) system typically releases reservations in three tiers:

    1. Two months before the sailing date: A portion of reservations becomes available.

    2. Two weeks before the sailing date: An additional batch is released.

    3. Two days before the sailing date: The final set of reservations opens.

    Each release occurs at 7:00 a.m. Pacific Time on the respective day. Book as early as possible, spots fill up quickly, especially for afternoon sailings. Reservations can be made through the Washington State Ferries Vehicle Reservations System.

    Please note that while vehicle reservations are recommended, walk-on passengers and cyclists do not require reservations. If you're unable to secure a reservation, standby space is available, but it's limited and not guaranteed.

    For the most current information and to make reservations, visit the Washington State Ferries website.

    If no vehicle reservations are available, try for an earlier ferry. Show up early, get in line, and you may be able to board if space allows.

A whale's back and dorsal fin visible above the water in a body of ocean with forested hills in the background.
A sea lion with a slight tilt of its head on a beach near the water.

RSVP

RSVP

Space is limited, you may be added to the waitlist if all spots are filled. Please complete this form to RSVP. Once received, you’ll get a confirmation with a payment link to hold your spot.