MORE ISLAND LORE . . .
IS GOOD HELP HARD TO FIND? Our Realtor team at Windermere is the largest and most productive in the County and over the years, we’ve had the opportunity to work with many different contractors and vendors; most good, some bad and a few ugly. We also have a professional property management department that has contributed to a useful Directory of Vendors. Even so, there are some contractors who have such a busy schedule, you might have to look off-island for someone to do the job you want. It’s wise to ask around and get references for any work you want done. Feel free to give us a call or come by the office and speak with any of our Realtors; you might find we’ve been through a similar experience and can share some valuable insights.
WHY IS ISLAND LIVING SO EXPENSIVE? Visitors are often surprised by the higher prices for island goods and services relative to mainland expectations. In some cases, island prices run 50% higher than mainland equivalents. We’re not exactly on the edge of the world yet being as remote as we are does take its toll on prices. Consider that nearly all the goods consumed here must be brought over on the Washington State Ferry system, by private barge or by plane and it starts to make a little more sense. The island experience, be it here, Hawaii, the Caymans or anywhere, is just a little more costly.
IS IT HARD TO BE SO RELIANT ON THE FERRIES? Planning all your trips to the mainland around the ferries does take some thought, and we won’t lie and say we don’t complain. In fact, the San Juan Islands have the highest number of pilots per capita of any US county, and it’s gotta be because so many of us overreact to the ferry-driven economy. Still, dealing with the ferries really just requires a small amount of advance planning. Get your car in line with time to spare, bring a book or a pair of running shoes and enjoy the fantastic scenery. In our fast-paced modern world, it’s good to be forced to slow down from time to time, and that’s how we teach ourselves to love the trip. The constant crisis in ferry funding is a little different. The ferries are part of the Washington State Highway system. We need them to get around just like Seattle needs I-5 or Spokane needs I-90. Yet somehow ferry funding is treated a little differently than highway funding. Wouldn’t it be great if riding the ferry cost the same amount as a 60-minute drive down the freeway? Want to know about anything else? Please come visit us at the office . . . 50 Spring Street!
LOOK FOR THESE SIGNS . . . Jan Jameson and Jeanie Rouleau’s book entitled, YOU KNOW YOU’RE AN ISLANDER WHEN suggests a few key signs to look for when asking yourself if you’re an islander.
• You Invite 23 to a Party. . . 5 RSVP and 31 Show • Four Cars at a Stop Sign Constitutes a Traffic Jam • You Affectionately Call Your Island “ The Rock” • Best Part Of Any Trip Is The Ferry Ride Home