Seattle Social and Getaways

🏰 Portugal Coastal Cities & Cultural Treasures ✈️ Flights Included

Wed, Nov 25 · 1:00 PM PST

Lisbon, PT

Looking to get away over Thanksgiving? This is a great trip for you! Be captivated by the vibrant cities of Portugal on a spellbinding journey through its most inspiring destinations. Explore the lively neighborhoods of Lisbon and the fairytale castles of Sintra before traveling to the holy city of Fatima, filled with enigmatic spiritual landmarks. Finally, uncover the heart of Porto, known for its delicious wine and colorful buildings. ~Claudette

🗓️ Dates: November 25 - December 2, 2026
Add up to 3 nights to your stay - More dates are available
(Portugal in 9 Days, 7 Nights in Destination)

🎊 Cost: (INCLUDES flights - rates subject to change until booked)
Single Occupancy - $2,099 total
Double Occupancy - $1,749/person, $3,498 total

Payment Options Available!
Add Flex Cancellation for just $149/ pp - Cancel for any reason, no questions asked
• Details: Click here for full details and to request a quote.

📸 TRIP HIGHTLIGHTS 📸
Fátima
Lisbon
Nazare
Obidos
Porto
Sintra

✈️🏨 INCLUSIONS 🚍♨️
All flights
Accommodations
All transfers
Activities
Breakfast only
Upgraded lodgings start at +$450

***View Complete Details and BOOK ***or if you have any questions, you can email Claudette@ClaudetteTravels.com
https://www.claudettetravels.com

Deception pass + tide/whirl pool seeing thanksgiving weekend trip

Wed, Nov 25 · 7:00 PM PST

Location not specified yet

## Description

Imagine spending Thanksgiving weekend tucked away in a cozy cabin, surrounded by the dramatic cliffs, old-growth forests, and crashing waves of Washington's most visited state park. Welcome to Deception Pass State Park — a 4,134-acre gem spanning Fidalgo and Whidbey Islands, connected by one of the most iconic bridges in the Pacific Northwest.
This trip combines wild shellfish foraging at Long Point, nighttime tide pooling, whirlpool watching from the bridge, Thanksgiving dinner cooked together at the cabin, a full day exploring southern Whidbey Island, and some of the best coastal hiking in the Pacific Northwest. Are you ready to spend Thanksgiving the right way? 🌊

***

## Itinerary

1. Wednesday 11/25, 5:30PM — Leave Seattle
2. Wednesday 11/25, ~6:15PM — 🚢 Mukilteo-Clinton ferry (~20 min crossing)
3. Wednesday 11/25, ~7:00PM — 🍽️ Dinner at Saltwater Fish House & Oyster Bar in Langley (closes 8:30PM — arrive by 7PM)
4. Wednesday 11/25, ~8:30PM — Drive north to Long Point (~45 min) and 🦪 forage mussels and dig clams 8:30–10:00PM (see Shellfish Harvesting section below)
5. Wednesday 11/25, ~10:00PM — Drive north to Deception Pass cabin (~30 min), drop bags and store shellfish
6. Wednesday 11/25, ~10:45PM — 🌊 Head to North Beach for tide pooling — low tide hits 11:36 PM (-3.84ft), deepest of the trip
7. Thursday 11/26, 9:00AM — 🥾 Goose Rock Trail via North Beach (4.3 miles)
8. Thursday 11/26, 12:00PM — Walk the Deception Pass Bridge in daylight
9. Thursday 11/26, 2:00PM — 🦃 Cook Thanksgiving dinner at the outdoor fire pit/grate — fresh mussels and clams as a seafood course! Relax by the fire after
10. Friday 11/27, 9:00AM — 🥾 Lighthouse Point & Rosario Head Trail (4.9 miles)
11. Friday 11/27, 12:00PM — Drive south toward Coupeville (~30 min) and stop at 🎨 Price Sculpture Forest at 12:45PM — free 1-hour forest sculpture walk with AR component. Download the app before you go!
12. Friday 11/27, 2:00PM — 🥾 Ebey's Landing Bluff Trail (~5 miles)
13. Friday 11/27, 5:30PM — 🌮 Dinner at Molka Xete in Coupeville (closes 7PM)
14. Friday 11/27, ~7:00PM — Drive back to cabin
15. Friday 11/27, ~10:00PM — 🌀 Deception Pass Bridge — whirlpool watching at peak ebb current. Low tide hits 12:24 AM (-3.67ft) — head to the bridge ~2 hours before for the most dramatic churning
16. Saturday 11/28, 9:00AM — Explore Fort Ebey State Park — WWII bunkers and beach trail
17. Saturday 11/28, 11:00AM — Cranberry Lake Trail and Sand Dunes Interpretive Loop (2.8 miles)
18. Saturday 11/28, 2:00PM — Free time — Anacortes, coffee, or relax at cabin
19. Saturday 11/28, Evening — Final cabin dinner together
20. Sunday 11/29, 9:00AM — Last morning walk, pack up, head home

***

## 🦪 Shellfish Harvesting

Location We will harvest at Long Point, Whidbey Island. Open year-round for clams, mussels, and oysters per WDFW.
Long Point — WDFW Beach Page
Directions to Long Point From Hwy 20, take a left on Parker Rd., after 1 mile take a right onto Portal Place Rd., bear left on Marine Drive, follow to the end of the road and park on the shoulder. Parking for up to 8 vehicles. No restrooms.
⚠️ Long Point West is closed year-round — DOH has determined shellfish from that portion are not safe for human consumption at any time. Harvest east of Long Point proper only. Do not cross private property at the end of Reeder Road.
Regulations We can harvest up to 10 lbs of mussels per person and everyone must have a shellfish license.
Shellfish/Seaweed Species Rules — Washington Fishing | eRegulations
How to Harvest Mussels Follow this link: How to Harvest Mussels (YouTube)

***

## Wildlife Watching

November is excellent for bald eagles, harbor seals, and migrating waterfowl. The Deception Pass Bridge, North Beach, and Cranberry Lake are all prime spots. Binoculars are highly recommended.

***

## Equipment

Cabin

1. Sleeping bag or bedding (bring your own — not provided)
2. Pillow and toiletries
3. Trash bags
4. Portable charger
5. Cooking equipment and utensils
6. Thanksgiving groceries — coordinate with the group before arrival
7. Butter, garlic, and white wine or broth for cooking shellfish
8. Lighter/matches for the fire pit

Hiking & Tide Pooling

1. Headlamp (essential — sunset is ~4:15PM)
2. Waterproof hiking boots with grippy soles
3. Rain jacket and windbreaker
4. Warm layers — upper 30s to low 50s°F
5. Hat with a chinstrap (bridge wind is serious)
6. Binoculars
7. Water bottle and snacks
8. Trekking poles (optional)

Shellfish Harvesting

1. Shellfish License — required for every harvester, buy in advance
2. Bucket or mesh bag — one per person (each harvester needs a separate container)
3. Gloves (highly recommended) and/or small crowbar for prying mussels (highly recommended)
4. Sturdy waterproof shoes
5. Long pants
6. Host will bring a scale for everyone
7. Clam shovel or hand trowel (optional, for clam diggers)

***

## Park Pass

A Discover Pass is required for parking ($10/day or $30/annual). If staying in a park cabin, parking may be included — confirm with your reservation.

***

## Cost and Refund

Cost is $150

Full refunds available by 11/10. After that, 50% refund only if someone can take your spot.

***

## Payment Methods

Make sure payment is set to friends/family

• Zelle
• Paypal
• Venmo
• CashApp

***

## Communication

WhatsApp Group

***

## Signup Form

forms.gle

🏰 The Magic of Christmas in Berlin & Prague ✈️ Flights Included

Wed, Dec 2 · 1:00 PM PST

Berlin, Berlin, Germany, BE, DE

Travel to the enchanting center of Europe and experience a true Christmas fairytale. Enjoy its medieval charm and the traditions of the Advent season, when decorations, aromas and music transport you to a world of fantasy. See the Christmas tree at the iconic Brandenburg Gate in Berlin and relish in the festive atmosphere of Prague’s Christmas Fair. ~Claudette

🗓️ December 2-8, 2026
Add up to 3 nights to your stay
(Germany & Czech Republic in 8 Days, 6 Nights in Destination)

🎊 Cost: (INCLUDES flights - rates subject to change until booked)
Single Occupancy - $3,749 total
Double Occupancy - $2,899/person, $5,798 total
• Details: Click here for full details and to request a quote.

Payment Options Available!
☂️ Add Flex Cancellation for just $149 per person - Cancel for any reason, no questions asked

✈️🏨 INCLUSIONS 🚍♨️
All flights
Superior Accommodations
Some transfers
Activities
Breakfast

***View Complete Details and BOOK *** or if you have any questions, you can email Claudette@ClaudetteTravels.com
https://www.claudettetravels.com

💃 Amazon & Island Hopping in Galapagos ✈️ Flights Included

Sun, Jan 24, 2027 · 1:00 PM PST

Quito, EC

Explore Ecuador and all its natural wonders. Jump from the island of San Cristobal to Santa Cruz to fully immerse yourself in the treasures of the Galapagos; from rare marine wildlife to some most of the beautiful landscapes and beaches in the world. Next, uncover the secrets of the Amazon forest before treating your senses to an explosion of colors in Quito.
~Claudette

🗓️ January 24 - February 4, 2027
Add up to 3 nights to your stay
(Ecuador in 13 Days, 11 Nights in Destination)

🎊 Cost: (INCLUDES flights - rates subject to change until booked)
Single Occupancy - $3,749 total
Double Occupancy - $3,099/person, $6,198 total
• Details: Click here for full details and to request a quote.

Payment Options Available!
☂️ Add Flex Cancellation for just $149 per person - Cancel for any reason, no questions asked

📸 TRIP HIGHTLIGHTS 📸
Amazon
Galapagos Islands
Quito
San Cristobal Island
Santa Cruz Island

✈️🏨 INCLUSIONS 🚍♨️
All flights
Charm Accommodations
All transfers
Activities
Breakfast
Upgraded lodgings start at +$1,000

***View Complete Details and BOOK ***or if you have any questions, you can email Claudette@ClaudetteTravels.com
https://www.claudettetravels.com