We had our morning coffee on our deck and watched as the fog lifted and revealed a tree-covered slope leading to the very-near salt water.

Before long, my husband was asking, "Did you see that? It looked almost like a fin. There it is again!" We did that for a few minutes until WOW, I saw it too! Then, as if in confirmation, a whale-watcher boat (meaning a little speedboat stuffed full of rows of tourists in fat orange vests) came bouncing across the water, full-out. They aren't allowed to do that near the whales, so what they do is pass by the whales and cut their engines and drift.

By the time the "show" was over, we had counted 27 whale watcher boats - all those people shoulder to shoulder trying to see the whales, and here we sat above it all in a fabulous inn, sipping our coffee with a birds eye view.

Helen King has decorated the Highland Inn in a superlative fashion, worthy of Architectural Digest. (It's been featured in Coastal Living, Conde Nast, and Martha Stewart Weddings!) Each of the two fabulous suites has a king bed, big comfy sofa, fireplace, jacuzzi, and of course, that incredible deck and view.

The welcome is warm and sincere, and Helen is friendly without being intrusive. She has mastered the art of hospitality. And BREAKFAST - yum!

There is no place else to stay when you come to the San Juan Islands. This is simply IT. Don't miss it.

I was thrilled to make reservations at the beautiful Highland Inn. And is it beautiful and well appointed. But Helen nearly ruined our entire, and very expensive, trip to the San Juans. She was unaccomodating, condescending and shockingly rude for a high-end B&B hostess with apparant years of experience. We were scolded for watching the whales when we should have been eating her breakfast And when we had to leave early to catch a ferry on the day of departure we were refused the advertised "to go" version of muffins and juice because then "I would have to accomodate everyone's schedule and I simply won't get up that early". I'm not sure if there was an ageism or racism issues, as we are a thirty-something couple and I guess we qualify as interracial (caucasian and hispanic?). But after spending $300 a night I was nearly crying on my way out the door. Ridiculous.

I am planning a trip back to the San Juans, but will stay far far away from the Highland Inn.

Having travelled to the San Juans for the past thirty years I can share with you that the Highland Inn on San Juan Island is by far the best B & B you will find in the islands. It is not the least expensive, but worth every penny for a romantic and quiet place to chill out. Panoramic views of Haro Strait, the Olympic Pennisula and its snow capped mountains across to Victoria, British Columbia on Vancouver Island are just outside your bedroom door. At night a gas fired wood burning fireplace warms the room or perhaps a jacuzzi tub for two it's all beautiful, clean and thoughtfully maintained by the owner and innkeeper Helen King. We have stayed at the Highland Inn six to eight times in the past three to four years and each time it is perfect. There is only one room at each end of the building so it has always seemed we are there alone. About all we encounter are the eagles, deer, fox and orcas passing up the straits. And did I mention the breakfasts. Save room for they are a very tasty way to start your day exploring this beautiful island. Our thanks to Helen for giving us such a wonderful destination to leave the roar of the city behind.