2010 Cruise - Part 4: English Camp

Here are the photos from the summer cruise we took in 2010. We've broken the cruise up into separate parts to make the loading easier. Enjoy the pictures.

So, as the Google Map picture shows, we left Roche Harbor and wound are way through the pass to English Camp at Garrison Bay - one of the few national parks that flies a British flag (gifted by the Queen Elizabeth). On our way in, we waved at some friends who were coming back from Victoria. They anchored next to us that evening, after checking back in with customs at Roche Harbor.

You can just see the rock in the middle of the pass.

We anchored at this seal popped up to see what's going on.

E, I, M & L having landed at English Camp

English Camp and American Camp (on the other side of San Juan Island) were the two military camps from the infamous "Pig War." Other than the pig, I don't believe a shot was fired in anger, and in fact, as time went on, both camps invited the others to special events. Interesting piece of US/Canadian history, but we'll let you google it for more information.

L. and the crew under what used to be the largest maple tree - until a branch broke

We happened to arrive just in time to help fold the British flag

Friend with E, M & I

While they zoomed back, we took the more traditional Norwegian steam method - what some refer to as "potato power."

Notice the eagle over my shoulder? No? Here's a close up.

I starting another batch of sourdough bread

Kids on the beach doing what kids do best

M collecting specimens

M, E, friend, and I

"Bob" I's loaf of bread - just in time for dinner!

We headed out the next morning after a couple of wonderful days, headed toward Deer Harbor! (part 5)

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Part 1, Part 2, Part 3

2010 Cruise - Part 3: Roche Harbor

Here are the photos from the summer cruise we took in 2010. We've broken the cruise up into separate parts to make the loading easier. Enjoy the pictures.

So, as the Google Map picture shows, we left Stuart Island and dashed across the channel and into Roche Harbor. The wind was blowing out of the south (right on the nose), but there was no wind in Reed Harbor, Stuart Island until we came out. We actually anchored way down the harbor for the night, to get some protection from a storm blowing through, before moving across the harbor to get closer to the "establishment."

Yes, the "Phecal Phreak" will come out to pump out your holding tank.

Surprise! Ice-cream Cones! (J., E, I & M)

Yes, every night, while Taps plays, the Roche Harbor Marina personnel lower the flags.

We've seen this boat in Gig Harbor while visiting grandparents.

The Hawaiian Chieftain was in while we were there - neat to see her in the fog one day!

Here she motors past Merganser before raising sails.

And yes, the float planes do land right through the anchorage - our first, but not last, experience

All in all, Roche Harbor wasn't so bad, maybe. It is an expensive place to do laundry. We did get snubbed by a woman who was pleasantly talking to us until she realized we anchored out, rather than renting a slip. Once she realized we weren't "residents" she stopped talking, turned on her heal, and walked away (this made us laugh!). Furthermore, we were depressed by hearing all the stories about what had happened during the Rock Quarry and Company Town days.

We were excited to move to English Camp! (Part 4)
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Part 1, Part 2

2010 Cruise - Part 2: Stuart Island

Here are the photos from the summer cruise we took in 2010. We've broken the cruise up into separate parts to make the loading easier. Enjoy the pictures.

So, as the Google Map picture shows, we left Sucia Island where we spent some time before moving on to Stuart Island. The trip was a calm one, with hardly any wind.

Who can compete with Harry Potter?

I. continued to bake sourdough bread the entire trip! Yummy!

Stuart Island has a one room school house to which we walked from Reed Harbor (where we anchored), a tree swing along the way, and a lighthouse where you can sometimes see Orcas. We had heard that the sunsets were marvelous from the lighthouse, so we headed up for a picnic dinner at the school house (buying t-shirts from the t-shirt stand along the way (on the honor system - mail the check back to them)) and enjoyed the sunset.

Swing on big maple tree

Picnic Dinner at the school house / library lawn

There is a library which is the original school house.
Enjoyed the lighthouse and sunset - the orcas had been through already earlier in the day, so we missed seeing them, although we did see dolphins.  Walking back in the dark was an adventure!

Reed Harbor - looking up harbor

Reed Harbor - looking out the mouth

 After a few days, it was time to bite the bullet and try out Roche Harbor. Would it be the tourist mecca we feared? Stay tuned for part 3.
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Part 1