WA- San Juan Islands

Mt Baker from Echo Bay on Sucia Island

Well my attempt at doing a blog once a week on Wednesdays was slightly hijacked this week.  Oh, but in such a good way!  We were invited to be guests of our good friends, Scott and Monica, on SV Scott Free for a lovely week in the San Juan Islands.  We love OPB's - Other People's Boats!

Scott and  Monica 

Scott Free at her berth in Bellingham

Our dear friends, whom we met at the marina in La Paz, shipped their boat home from Mexico last year.  The schedules of everyone finally worked out for us to join them on Monica's vacation!

Overlooking the anchorage in Echo Bay from the hike to Ewing cove. Scott Free is top right corner.

We left Bellingham harbor and headed for Sucia Island, one of our favorites.  This trip closed a series of 'loops or circles' for us.  We left for the Big Left Turn from the islands, and Sucia was one of our stops just before the turn!

The calm waters of Ewing cove - a round trip 5 mile hike.

The weather gods have been in our favor all year, and this week was no exception.  Sunny skies, warm temperatures greeted us daily.  Only a bit of morning sea fog  on a couple of mornings, but short lived.

Morning fog just past the entrance to Echo Bay.  Who cares?  We're anchored and in sunshine!

Lefty, not wanting to be left out, found his PFD, and joined in on most of the fun.

While in Echo Bay, on Sucia Island, more Mexico friends joined us - Rod and Jane, of MV Ablongdigas - Mexican for meatballs!  We shared a fantastic dinner together and many wild tales of our times together in La Paz.

Do it!  You KNOW you WANT to!!!!  III

After a good hike to Ewing cove at the north end of Sucia Island, we motored over to Reid harbor on Stuart Island.  There was no wind - flat, calm, oily smooth water for most of our travels around the area.

Sunset at Reid Harbor

One of the highlights of Stewart Island is the hike to the Turn Point Light house, about an 8 mile round trip trek through the center of the island.  Most of the hike is on the county road, because most of the island is private property.  Lovey, quiet farms and parcels, and lightly forested areas are the scenery for the walk.

Turn Point Light Station, now a museum, with functioning light.

The four of us at the 'point' - the US boundary marker.  Across the way is Canada.

Lefty and the hats make another Light house appearance!

After our hike, we spent some time putting about the harbor on our way back to the boat.  We found this weird looking rock on the shore.....

When viewed from the side became an old man in the stone!

Look at those relaxed, happy, vacation faces!

And Tom's vacation face!    A similar photo was taken 11 years ago on our first Eagle vacation together!