July 1, 2014
“TRAVELER” on the water again !!
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| At Bellingham launching |
After an extended stay at home because
of health problems and family events, we are once again on the water.
We left Bellingham, Washington July 1st and anchored in
Blind Bay on Shaw Island. Our Bellingham Bay crossing was wonderful!
At 84 degrees, beautiful skies, and no winds. Very unique day for
crossing, as some of you know!
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| San Juan Islands map |
Shaw Island has about one hundred
permanent residents, one of the smallest Islands served by the
Washington State Ferries. Here you can hike or ride bikes through the
rolling hills, heavy timbers, and small fields. You can enjoy rural
Island life stopping by roadside vegetables stands with the honor
system of paying. Love it!!!
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| Blind Bay sunset |
Boating is not without problems though.
Luckily not big problems. I had called for a two nights stay in
Friday Harbor Marina on the San Juan Island and was told no problem.
When we arrived this morning we only had one night reserved. Then it
was three hours before we finally got into a slip. Oh well, that gave
us time to fix a slow leak in our dingy. Together we found the leak
and patched it. Before that Russ fixed a small problem with the
toilet in the bathroom. Of course only one of us can fit in the
small bathroom/shower. HA Russ can fix anything!! He is the best!!
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| Friday Harbor |
Friday Harbor, on San Juan Island is the most populated and
busiest island in the group. Though you would never know. It is
very laid back and covered with farm land and forested mountains. It
is home port for the local fishing fleet and the crossroads of
International boating traffic with a US Customs office and the
Washington State Ferries. Air planes fly in and out daily. There is
a wonderful Historical and Whale museum. The Island is one of the
biggest whale watching areas in the islands and of course wildlife is
abundant.
There is also the San Juan National
Historical Park with a British Camp and an American Camp. There is a
lot of history on such a small island. Several of the islands we are
visiting can be reached by a ferry. They also go on to Vancouver
Island, Sidney Canada.
It is really windy here with up to 25
MPH winds, so happy we are in a marina. Tomorrow we are cruising to
Orcas Island and anchoring in Deer Harbor if possible, 4th
of July weekend. Our daughter Cathy and her boyfriend, Josh are
there for a few days visiting friends. That should be fun!!
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| In front of Bryce & Jen's house |
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| Selfie, Russ, Josh, Cathy, & Toni |
July 3, 2014
YEA, Beautiful day and great cruising
to Orcas Island. The Washington State Ferry also goes to Orcas. Saw
some Porpoise on the way and met up with our daughter at the dock.
Spent a few hours visiting them and some friends who live right on
the edge of Orcas with a beautiful view of San Juan Island and the
strait. Fireworks at Deer Harbor are displayed on the 3rd of July, they were almost 17 minutes long and wonderful. The
next morning we visited with our friends, Tom and Susan Elliot on
their 27ft. C-Dory. So good to see them again. When we left Orcas,
we cruised by our daughter's friend's house and they took a great
picture of our boat. Thank you Cathy!!
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| Shallow Bay, Sucia |
We are now in Shallow Bay on Sucia
Island. No Ferry here! You can get here only by boat or plane. This
Island is unique with plenty of anchoring, eagles, fishing, crabbing,
and hiking. There are unique rock formations caused by the winds and
waves eroding the sandstone. We have gone rock, shell, and sea glass
hunting. One of my favorite places. A little rain. Loving It
!!!!!
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| Sucia |
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| Sucia |
Hope you enjoy the pictures!
Russ and Toni on Traveler
