Limited time off makes me choose between the three days in September or a week around Thanksgiving or Christmas. Opinions?

Marge,

We stayed on Orcas first week of Sept. and it was wonderful. Living on east coast, this was our only visit. Weather was terrific...
Hope this helps.

Hi, Marge,
Time management - as well as crowds and shortage of accommodation - becomes an issue over Labor Day - full ferries after long waits, etc. I'd suggest the late year options, although of course it will be quite a different experience.

Dear Marge:
You can avoid long ferry lines by leaving your car on the mainland and taking the passenger only ferry from Bellingham or by flying to the island on WestIsle Air from either Anacortes or Bellingham. Your B&B/Hotel will pick you up at the ferry landing or airport. Thanksgiving is better than Christmas, since there's always a remote chance for a chilly Northeaster roaring down the Fraser River Canyon at Christmas--and snow. You don't want to visit Orcas when it snows. It's a mess!

I disagree with the strategy of leaving your car on the mainland. Yes, it helps to avoid the lines, but once you get to your hotel or B&B, you're pretty much stuck! One of my favorite things about Orcas is meandering the back roads, checking out places like Orcas Pottery. Of course, you can always rent a car on the island, but it's not inexpensive, and the supply is very limited.

If you must go on Labor Day, can you avoid going on Friday (or Sat. morning) and/or coming back on Monday? That will help. Otherwise, I'd choose Thanksgiving--I spent a great Thanksgiving on Orcas a few years ago, hiking every day in Moran State Park. Again, you'd want to avoid going on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and returning on the Sunday after (even the 6 AM ferry on Sunday was packed when we did it).

Do let me know if you have questions on places to stay or restaurants.

Thanks for your input. I've decided I can't wait, we're going for Labor Day weekend. With the crowds and time limit, we'll fly and rent a car. It seems a very friendly place, I've made all my arrangements for activities and have yet to speak to anyone who doesn't seem happy! I guess that's island life. Thanks again. (Who knows, I may love it so much that I'll HAVE to return for the holidays!!)

Yes, do come back for a trip on Orcas and spend your cash on lodging , meals etc. but don't think of moving here permenently. We already have more than enough people!!

Well, duty calls and my Labor Day trip is off, it's going to be Thanksgiving after all. Sheri, I'm taking your advice and avoiding those two peak travel days.

Thanks again!