Our Vision
To begin with our family has been a part of this island in some form or another for half a century. And while our adventures have centered mainly on boating (we are after all surrounded by water), we’ve had the fortune the last 20 years or more to discover what other gems this island holds. And we have been delighted by what we have found.
What we love about San Juan island is the diversity of its landscape and people. The inland valleys depict storybook settings with rolling grasslands, ranches, an alpaca farm, estate vineyard, small lakes, enormous trees and ancient rock outcroppings, and oh…the wildlife!! Eagles soar among trees, and fox scamper throughout the hills. One of the best whale watching sites in the world graces the West side of the island with awesome views across the Straits of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic Mountain range. History abounds across the island, including the American and English Camps with interactive displays and historic buildings. Friday Harbor and Roche Harbor are world class marinas, with historic seaside villages that embrace a slowed down lifestyle, and bring us back to a time when life seemed just a little less chaotic. Charming boutiques and delectable restaurants, many with locally grown ingredients, offer cozy ambiences, away from the large chain establishments.
But the diversity on the island doesn’t just reside in the landscape, the people on the island represent a colorful array of backgrounds and talents. Boaters, artists, musicians, woodworkers, fishermen and women, skilled construction workers, tour operators, business owners, farmers who supply fresh organic foods....all create a colorful community who support one another. People from every corner of life come together because of their love for the island.
So our mission is to give you the rider, a glimpse into the life on San Juan Island and enjoy the beauty in the landscape and the people. But we aren’t just interested in getting you from point A to point B. Step aboard the Jolly Trolley and let us bring you to some of the most beautiful (and fun) sites you’ll ever experience. Step back in time in an old fashioned, open air trolley. Young or old, it’s hard not to smile as you step aboard and hear that bell “clang”. Listen to the historical narration and appreciate this Northwestern part of the country perhaps you didn’t know much about beforehand. Leave your worries behind on the mainland. Hop on. Smile on. Jolly on!
Aaron and Susan