Traveler on the water again!

July 1, 2014

“TRAVELER” on the water again !!

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 1^st 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!

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!!!

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!!

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, 4^th of July weekend. Our daughter Cathy and her boyfriend, Josh are there for a few days visiting friends. That should be fun!!

In front of Bryce & Jen's house

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!!

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 !!!!!

Sucia

Sucia

Hope you enjoy the pictures!

Russ and Toni on Traveler