Frequently Asked QuestionsGENERAL:So you're saying this is a REAL farm?Of course!! This is a working farm and your common sense is greatly appreciated! There are noises and smells commonly found on farms. Things get muddy and mucky. Plus we are working on projects, running machinery…. And well… operating the farm. Where is the farm located?Once in a Blue Moon Farm is on the western side of Orcas Island on the sunny western slope of Mt. Woolard near West Sound. Can I just stop by to purchase produce or take a tour?NO: Please call ahead and make a reservation. Being a working farm that also offers lodging, the summer months are very busy and we can't accommodate drop-in tour guests. Once you've set up a tour we can make the time to show you around the entire barnyard and more! Guests staying at our lodging can arrange a tour time when they arrive. Is there a farmstand or a place to buy farm products?We grow specialty fruits and raise lots of birds for eggs. You can find our fruit and eggs at restaurants and markets on the island as well as in Seattle. Or better yet, get it directly from us during your stay on the farm. Fresh chicken, duck, and goose eggs available most of the year. Fruit usually begins the month of July, starting with peaches and plums, moving on to figs, apples, pears, quince and more! How do I get to the San Juan Islands?The Islands are located about 100 miles north of Seattle, WA. The closest major airport is located in Seattle at Sea-Tac, but there is now some major airline service to the new terminal at Paine Field in Everett, WA. Most people choose to rent a car in Seattle and drive north to the ferry terminal at Anacortes, WA. The entire trip to Orcas Island, including ferry ride takes approximately 4 hours. There is also air service, leaving from Boeing Field or Lake Union in Seattle. The flight takes about one hour. So about this Ferry thing, Do I need a reservation?YES, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Washington State Ferries take reservations for all San Juan Island routes. Please visit the Washington State FERRY RESERVATIONS website for more information and to book your ferry travel. We STRONGLY recommend making a reservation for all travel times, but especially during peak times to ensure boarding on the ferry of your choice. Every ferry leaves a portion of the ferry capacity for standby travel for last minute travel or when reservations are full. Sometimes there is extra space when driver's don't show or cancel their reservations. Though, reservations are your best bet for smooth sailing. Please check with the Washington State Ferries for current information. Do I need a car?HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. A car is a must for touring the islands. Bicycling is possible for experienced riders, but due to hilly terrain and narrow roads with heavy vehicle traffic, we do not recommend this for families with young children. No public transportation options on the island. There are a few taxi services and a private shuttle. 
LODGING:What are the Check In and Check Out?Arrive: 4 PM - Pigtail Suite, Feathered Nest, Kune Kune Loft Is someone available to show us around while we are staying on the farm?We have three generations of our family living and working on the farm ranging in ages from 30 somethings to over 104 years old. This is a real family farm and business through and through. Someone is onsite at all times, however may not be available at all times. We are here to check you in, get you oriented with the farm and the island. If you need additional assistance please just email or call or you might see one of us working on the farm. Please schedule tours in advance. What can guests access on the Farm?Guests can explore most areas of the farm. Farm guidelines and policies are available in the suites. We thank you in advance for following. If you have questions, someone is available on site. Please email or call. We have shared common areas throughout the farm where you can sit and relax. There is a communal fire pit and a larger charcoal park style BBQs located centrally on the farm. There are multiple charcoal park style BBQs on the farm in different locations. You need to provide your own wood, but we have plenty of charcoal. Are there other charges in addition to the posted rate?YES: Local taxes, additional persons, and a pet fee if your canine companion is joining you. Please see our policies for more details. These fees will be made clear during the booking process. Can I bring my pet?
WHERE IS THE COFFEE and What Are The Food Options?We do not provide breakfast, but happy to recommend some local cafes. Over the years we were wasting LOTS of ground coffee and folks wanted different kinds. Now we provide complimentary k-cups for a Keurig machine in a communal room in the barn or for your suite to get you through a pinch. Each suite does have its own coffee brewer and/or Keurig machine. If you prefer one over the other, please let us know. BUT, if you are a coffee connoisseur, please bring your own ground coffee for your suite. Do you have TV?We do not provide Satellite or Cable TV. Unless noted otherwise, suites have a smart TV/Roku with WiFi connection. You mentioned something about water conservation and septic systems. What's this about?We are on septic. So wastewater is treated on site. No city sewer system! This means absolutely nothing down the drains. More information provided upon arrival. Water is SO precious. We are big into water conservation, especially during the extremely dry summer months. It’s a small island surrounded by saltwater. Freshwater is a cherished resource that is only replenished by the rain. Sorry, no bathtubs here!! Instead, consider showering with a friend! Do you have onsite parking?To reduce congestion, parking is available in a lot on the farm. You will need to walk in to your suite along a gravel path. Please let us know if you have mobility challenges and we can assist you with your luggage and parking closer to your suite. I've been traveling for a week already. Where is the Laundry? Laundry services are unavailable on the farm. We're headed to the beach. Do you have any extra towels?Sorry, no. We need to be careful with water use on the farm. Laundry uses a lot of water! What happens if my kid uses their artistic talent to draw a mural on the wall or throws a party?You are responsible for any and all damages to the home or unit from the time you check-in until you check-out. For guests with children ages 15 and under, we reserve the right to makes changes to the rooms for protection against hard use and accidents. 
THE ISLANDS:What services are in the islands?Each island has town centers with all necessary services. Eastsound Village is the small commercial center of Orcas Island, containing most of the shops, restaurants and the main market for the island. It is located approx. 9 miles from the ferry landing. Sleeping Sea Waterfront Suites are only 1.5 miles from Eastsound Village. Once in a Blue Moon Farm is approx. 7 miles from Eastsound Village and 2 miles from the ferry landing. Am I going to see any whales?There are resident and transient orca whales as well as lots of other marine life around the islands. Due to noise pollution from recreational and commercial boats, reduced salmon runs and overall pollution in the waters of the Salish Sea, the entire population of Southern Resident Orca Whales is in grave danger and facing extinction. The State government has created a task force to protect and save the whales. There are also many local and national organizations involved with the conservation and preservation efforts. Please educate yourself before choosing how you will interact with the whales on your vacation. They are frequently spotted on the Western shores of San Juan Island. Lime Kiln State Park is an excellent land based watching point where you can actually get closer to the whales than tour boats are legally allowed. These majestic whales are endangered and protected. We recommend land based whale watching out of respect for and the future health of the orca whale populations in the Salish Sea. |
