Thursday, September 17th ~ Oak Harbor, Washington

Early morning about to depart from Ganges

Our week-long boating expedition through the San Juan Islands was a huge success! The weather could not have been more cooperative, the scenery was magnificent, the crowds had departed and we got to have some wonderful family time with my sister and brother-in-law. 

There were a variety of humorous signs posted about the vessel.

My last post ended half way through the cruise when we were in Ganges. From there we continued on to Sidney Spit, Friday Harbor and then Eagle Harbor before returning the yacht to Anacortes.

Sidney Spit, Sidney Island, BC

Sidney Spit

With forested walking trails at one end and a sandy beach at the other end acting as bookends to an old brickyard, dock and bird sanctuary, there is something for most tastes here. On top of that, it is serviced during summer months by a ferry.

Forested trails opened up to lovely views

Remnants of old brick works

Dock where Ferry boat stops

View of the sand bar (spit) from the end of the forested area

After a wonderful afternoon ashore, we enjoyed some great wine and dinner out on deck. We talked about how fortunate we were to be here as the sun slowly dipped below the horizon. As we often say, “Life is good!”

Another beautiful sunset.

Friday Harbor, San Juan Island

Friday Harbor

Friday Harbor pier

Dahlias are in bloom

This was our re-entry point into the USA. After smoothly clearing customs we walked to the end of the pier, and immediately into town. This place has some charm. Although badly damaged by a devastating fire a few years back, it has rebuilt and offers cute shops, art galleries, variety of restaurants and pubs as well as a very interesting Whale Museum.

Jan and Mark had previously been to the museum, so they explored elsewhere while Tim and I checked it out. I found out more about the decimation of the local Orca population which has declined significantly over the past years. Known as the “capture years” from 1965-1976 when 55-60 Orcas were killed or captured and shipped off to aquariums around the country, they never really recovered. Today there are approximately 85 Orca that make up the J, K and L pods.

Eagle Harbor, Cypress Island

This was the view Tim and I had while we relaxed on board at Eagle Harbor

Jan and Mark took the dingy ashore and went for a hike. This is the pretty lake they saw.

Jan and Mark are in our little dingy, coming back to the boat, after a hike on Cypress Island

GRATITUDE MOMENT: Today I am hugely grateful for all the hard work, planning, arranging, crewing, steering, navigating, coordinating, cooking, and everything else that went into making this week possible. Jan and Mark did all the hard work and Tim and I got to benefit from their experience. THANK YOU FOR A WONDERFUL TIME!

LOVE YOU DEARLY!

Captain Mark and Captain Jan taken at Sidney Spit

P.S. We saw quite a few Dall’s Porpoise, numerous harbor seals and yes, one Minke whale!