The Gem of the San Juans: A Day on Orcas Island

Experienced Private Guide | Historian | San Juan Islands Discovery Tours-San Juan, Orcas, and Lopez Islands, Washington. Perfect for couples, families, friends, clubs, reunions, and wedding guests looking for authentic San Juan Islands experiences. Private land tours and step-aboard cruises on your vessel. —- With more than twenty years of experience guiding in the San Juan Islands and throughout the Pacific Northwest, I specialize in creating immersive, memorable travel experiences that combine fascinating history, stunning scenery, and a genuine sense of place. I’ve called the San Juan Islands home for over two decades, and my deep knowledge of the region allows me to craft tours that go far beyond the typical visitor experience. Every tour is thoughtfully customized to match your interests and pace—whether that means exploring scenic landscapes, visiting working artist studios, discovering hidden local gems, or uncovering the remarkable stories that shaped these islands. My tours are lively, engaging, and filled with storytelling that brings history to life. Guests often say they feel as if they’re exploring the islands with a knowledgeable friend who happens to know all the best stories, viewpoints, and fascinating details along the way. I love weaving together the region’s Coast Salish heritage, pioneer history, maritime traditions, wildlife, geology, and local culture into an experience that is both fun and deeply informative. In addition to private guiding, I serve as a group leader and regional guide for a renowned international nonprofit organization dedicated to lifelong learning travel. In that role, I lead multi-day educational programs and guide large groups throughout the Pacific Northwest and West Coast, sharing the region’s history, landscapes, and culture with travelers from around the world. This experience allows me to bring the same level of professionalism, preparation, and engaging interpretation to every private tour I design. My background includes decades as a museum educator, historical interpreter, lecturer, and head docent, and I bring that same passion for learning and storytelling to every tour I lead. I’m also a professional genealogist with more than thirty years of research experience, and I enjoy helping visitors connect with the deeper human stories behind the places we explore. When I’m not guiding, you’ll likely find me researching local history, volunteering with our community’s lost pet search and rescue team, cooking for friends, or exploring the islands with my rescue golden retriever. If you’re looking for a guide who combines deep regional knowledge, engaging storytelling, and a relaxed, welcoming style, I would love to help you experience the San Juan Islands and the Pacific Northwest in a way that is personal, enriching, and unforgettable. ⸻ Highlights • University of California, Berkeley-Graduated with Honors • Group Leader and guide for a major internationally recognized nonprofit specializing in educational travel and lifelong learning programs • 20+ years guiding throughout the San Juan Islands and Pacific Northwest • Museum historical interpreter, educator, and head docent for over two decades • Professional genealogist and genetic genealogy specialist with 30+ years of experience • Experienced leading both private travelers and large educational tour groups