Cruising On In The San Juans

From Roche Harbor we ventured out to Sucia Island. Beautiful weather and calm seas all the way there and the first day we sat tied to one of the State Park bouys. There were very few boats out and about but we met friendly people on shore and a group of High School students from "downtown Tacoma" that were going ashore to camp for 3 days and "study ecology". The lap lap of the water was soothing against the hull as we drifted off to relaxation, reading books, and napping on and off. Beautiful sunsets and views of the distant mountains.

We had read in the boating books that Echo Bay (which is where we were located) is not always the most protected spot to be in. We found out why the second night when the wind came up! We rocked, rolled and "galloped" all night long. Set the anchor alarm for fear that the mooring bouy might break free and we would go drifting. The next morning it was no question that it was time to move on to different waters. We had had our full "adventure" at Sucia for now.

Next stop was Friday Harbor. We had always avoided this location during the summer due to the large numbers of people. This current visit, so relatively early in May, it is not all that heavily populated and we are enjoying it and the facilities immensely.

Yesterday we walked "up town" to the barber shop so Gary could renew his military style haircut...he certainly knows how to get his money's worth out of a cut! Enjoyed lunch at a local diner and then walked around town a bit. Naps and a good nights sleep helped to catch us up on our rest after our wild night at Sucia.

This morning we went to the "Fat Cat" Cafe for breakfast. I highly recommend it if you are ever in town. Not the lowest prices but excellent food. They also have a very good medical clinic where I checked in for a blood test and a reality check on their scales (still right on track).

Last I saw Gary he was headed to the local West Marine store and Ace hardware to pick up spare light bulbs and boat cleaning supplies (we ran out of his favorite "Salt Away"!).

We have become very comfortable aboard the "Old Bro" and enjoying our relaxing, carefree adventure more every day.

Hope all is well with everyone reading this...send E-Mail if you can as I will continue to check it when I can...still excellent cell phone reception but I know that will change.

Plans are few and "fluid" at this juncture...another day or so here then on to Reid Harbor on Stuart Island. Meeting Yacht club on the 26th at Bedwell/Poet's Cove.

For now...Old Bro's Old Lady