More fun on the high seas

The weather was surprisingly good all week with only one rain-out. After leaving Friday Harbor we headed out to take a turn around the South end of San Juan Island and into the Strait of Juan de Fuca, but after getting pummeled around by a hardy surf we decided on plan B and headed north to the calmer waters of Harney Channel and the protection of Shaw Island. We tucked into Blind Bay, joining about a half dozen Canadian sail boats who also, we learned the following day, had given up their quest of the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

The anchorage was well worth the detour as we spent the evening watching a picture post card sky.



The next morning we headed up the East Sound of Orcas Island to take a mooring at the Rosario Resort which was built as a residence by the one time ship builder and former Mayor of Seattle. It a beautiful property which is a continuing work in progress as far as the restoration and maintenance go. There is a fantastic museum containing a well maintained Aeolian Organ as well as much information about the early 1900's ship builder and his family.


It was supposed to be a one night stand but the following day we were kept in port by a hardy
rain and plentiful fog. We took the opportunity to rent a car and spend the day driving in and out of the nooks and crannies of the Island seeing the tiny towns and their art co-ops and galleries.



The next day the rain stopped and we ventured out onto the waters again. We did have to hold up for a few hours while the fog cleared after our initial push out into the shipping channels. In spite of the radar, chart plotters and two GPS units I did not feel it was necessary to run blind in spite of the fact Carl was having a ball with all of the toys.


Later in the afternoon we were rewarded by clear skies and a small pod of Orca Whales cruising along the south shore of San Juan Island, just where they were supposed to be hanging out.


This morning as predicted the skies were clear and after the morning surface fog burned off we were again rewarded with great views including the obligatory light house on at Cattle Point, San Juan Island. We were also able to see across Juan de Fucal to the Olympic Peninsula and the Olympic Range.



As we came across the Bellingham Channel this afternoon Mt. Baker had finally given up its coat of haze and we were able to get a clear picture.



We are now back in Cap Sante Marina getting ready for our check in tomorrow at 9am. Chris will be up early afternoon with our missing dog
who, from all reports, has had quite the vacation with Sophie and Pecos. I am sure it will take him a few days to get used to living in the coach again.