The next morning we woke up early and were all ready to call the Roche Harbor marina at 8:30am to get our name on the list. Much to our surprise as we turned on the radio at 8:20 boats were already firing off requests to the harbormaster and Jeff had to quickly jocky for position. Aggressively he called into the radio stating, "this is The Tidings of Joy a 52 foot power boat requesting a slip." He was eventually acknowledged between lots of other calls and we sat and waited for their call back. We had a slow morning which we enjoy and got some projects and some blogging done then finally around 11:30 Jeff got the call that there was a slip ready for us. We got the slip number and docking instructions and began to ready the boat for up anchoring and heading into the marina. Completely clueless how they position boats at this marina we headed in with excitement. For months and even years we have been hearing about Roche Harbor and how great it is and how it's a must see. Slowly Jeff made our approach and I stood outside looking for our coveted slip. When we arrived we were both in total disbelief. The slip we were assigned was with three other boats in the same slip and we would need to wedge in next to another boat. I shouted to the dockhands waiting to catch our lines, "do you think we're gonna fit? we have a 16 foot beam." They assured me we would be fine and we slowly and anxiously began backing in. Thankfully the boat next to us was aware and watching and came out to his bow to fend us off if need be. Calling our slip a tight squeeze would be the understatement of the century. As we wedged ourselves slowly in we were fender to fender with the boat next to us. So tight that we actually popped one of the other boats fenders. Not good or comfortable. Fortunately the neighbors was really nice and understanding and when we offered to pay him for his fender he refused simply saying, "that's boating." What a way to start out our time at Roche Harbor.
Entering Roche Harbor Marina
Tight Squeeze with Neighbor
Tidings in Her Slip
After we calmed a bit from our docking experience and got settled in we decided to mask up and see the property. Roche Harbor is not only a marina it's a resort. It has a pool, tennis courts, baci courts, two restaurants, a market and a couple of shops all on property. Our stroll took us all around the grounds and Jeff picked up some fresh fish from the docks and some gin that's distilled nearby. We came back to the boat, had some happy hour and prepared to watch the retirement of the colors ceremony. Each night at sunset Roche Harbor puts on a ceremony brining down 4 flags - Roch Harbor, Washington, Canada and the U.S. The ceremony includes ceremonial music - taps, Canada's national anthem and several other military songs and at the end they fire a cannon and all the boats honk their horns. It's really fun and a great way to say goodbye to the day and bring everyone together.
Dock to Resort
Market & Outdoor Cafe
Happy Hour
Boats Watching Colors Ceremony
Cafe
Roche Harbor
Colors Ceremony
After a restful nights sleep we learned we would have to move slips because the boat docked behind us was leaving. Kinda annoyed but also hopeful we coordinated with the boat behind us and radiod the marina letting them know what was going on. They tried to have us pull back into our same dock but after Jeff spoke to them a little more they gladly moved us to a wider slip. Thank god. The move went flawlessly and we were glad to be tied up somewhere with more room. This time we were sterned right to the dock which felt a little exposed for our liking but it was still better then being wedged in. We threw on our tennis shoes and headed out. Roche harbor has a sculpture garden that you can meander through at your own pace which is a little walk from the resort. We perused the sculptures and then headed on to a hike which we found. This wasn't like all the other state park hikes we've taken before, this was a "trail" that was mowed in grass and followed the road until finally getting to some woods. Once in the woods it was gorgeous and we enjoyed being able to get some exercise. It was hot that day so we managed to sweat as well. Fortunately there is an ice cream stand at the resort so Jeff could get a little cool down afterwards. After our walk I caught up on some much needed laundry and we filled our water tanks. Again we watched the colors ceremony and ended another great day in Roche Harbor.
Our New Slip
Stern View New Slip
Taking a Walk
Tidings at Roche Harbor Marina
Nature Walk
Anchorage Nature Walk
Sunset
Sculpture Garden
Roche Harbor Marina
Jeff Liked this Sculpture
The next morning we decided we've exhausted all there is to do in Roche Harbor and were ready for some privacy. We were feeling like goldfish in our bowl on display at this marina. Our next stop would be Reid Harbor on Stewart Island. Our second Island in the San Juans. We were really excited to start exploring. Reid Harbor was a short 5 mile jaunt and we were anchored and settled in by noon. It was so nice to be on our own at anchor with some space around us and some privacy. After settling in we had a quiet afternoon of playing cards and reading. Another couple on a DeFever recognized our boat as being the same and dinged over to say hello. Jeff had a nice conversation with them and they discussed boats and disappointment of the cancelation of the upcoming DeFever rendezvous. Later we had dinner and watched day two of the Democratic National Convention.
Entering Ried Harbor
Cruise to Reid Harbor
Our Spot- Reid Harbor
Entering Reid Harbor
Big Boy - Roche Harbor
Reid Harbor
Sunset Reid Harbor
Cruising to Reid
The next morning we threw on our hiking boots and dingied to shore to hike. The wonderful thing about so many of these anchorages in the San Juans is that they are also state parks with lots of trails and hiking. Today's hike would be 5 miles to an old school and a lighthouse. We were anxious to explore and to get some exercise. The rain held off and we made it there and back without getting wet. The hike was gorgeous full of green trees and interesting scenery. The island except for the path to the lighthouse and school is private. You can not leave the path and there were plenty of signs stating that. We passed a couple of locals on their four wheelers and trucks and while we wave they scowled.
Deer on Hike
Reid Harbor
Hiking Trail
Old Car on Hike
Nature Store Based on Honor System
View From the Top
Pano From Top
Dingy Dock to Hiking Trails
Hiking
Hiking Trail
Local Barn on Hike
Freighter Cruising By
Lawn Art?
We finished our hike just in the nick of time because shortly after returning to the boat the rain started. We were so pooped from hike we spent the rest of the afternoon napping and reading.
Rainbow After the Rain
Sunset Reid Harbor
Sunset Reid Harbor
The next day it rained the entire day. We settled in and had a nice cozy p.j. day. We read and napped and I made soft pretzels. It was such a treat to be able to gaze out the window and watch it rain all day. Coming from San Diego we are still excited and fascinated by the rain. We made plans to depart in the morning for Sucia Island - our third in the San Juans.
Rainy Day at Anchor
Sunset
We met some really nice boat neighbors while we were in Roch Harbor who told us their favorite anchorage and the only place they go on Sucia Island is Shallow Bay. They told us it's known for it's incredible sunset view and we should go there as well. Loving local advice we followed it. Our cruise was only a couple of hours and we were ready to move on. When we arrived the bay was quiet and boats from the previous night were all heading out. We dropped the hook and took in our new location. What started out as quiet quickly filled up and started feeling tight. We watched boats attempt to anchor several times struggling with one thing or another and I didn't want to leave the boat until we were sure the boats around us were settled. After several hours and many many boats later we felt it was safe to head to shore. We anchored the dink and walked around the trails to the other side of the island which overlooks Echo Bay. We passed by several campsites and campers and were happy to have trials to walk on. Returning to the boat we saw the chaos had continued and our once quiet empty anchorage was packed. We made dinner and settled in for the sunset which did not disappoint. It was amazing and we had the best spot for viewing.
Cruise to Sucia Island
Shallow Bay - Sucia Island
Anchored Dingy
Hike to Eco Bay
Sunset
Boats Anchored in Shallow Bay
As peaceful and serene as the sunset was the overnight was the complete opposite. I was awakened from a deep sleep at 2:30a.m. to the sound of our looper flag on the bow blowing like crazy. I laid there and thought maybe it was just a gust and waited listening. The flag continued flapping like crazy and finally I got up to inspect. Sure enough the weather had picked up and the flag and all the boats were blowing around like crazy. Full on rolling waves were coming into the anchorage. I walked the permitter of the boat making sure everything was secure including the dink and then went back inside and tired to sleep some more. The flag and the weather had other ideas for me. Finally around 3a.m. I decided I needed to take anchor watch so I headed back upstairs to the pilot house and took my perch. This time I noticed several of the other boats in the anchorage with their lights on as well. Flashlights walking the perimeters securing lines and adjusting fenders. At one point I looked over and something went floating by in the water. I couldn't make out what it was just a dark squarish shaped object. Then a boy got into his kayak from the boat next door and headed to shore. I couldn't believe he would brave the wind and the waves to head to shore. And for what? About 15-20 minutes later a heard a lady yelling for help. I opened the pilot house door and looked around. It was the lady next door. She was saying that her son was on shore with a kayak and no life jacket and couldn't get back and they didn't have a dingy to go get him. A man on the boat in front of us offered to help. He put on his lifejacket and dinged over and picked up the dad of the boy next door. The two of them dinged to shore and towed the boy in his kayak on top of their dingy. What the hell was going on around here? Now almost 5a.m. the wind and waves were starting to shift and calm down slightly. Everyone was retreating indoors and the light and flashlights dissipated. I too decided it was safe enough to sleep and headed back to bed. In the morning the waves continued to crash in and we decided to move around the corner to Echo Bay where we could get some protection. Traumatized and a little frazzled we headed out. It was so bizarre because we both checked the weather diligently and nothing was predicted. Either way we were glad to be leaving. Our new spot in Echo Bay where we currently sit couldn't be calmer or more peaceful. Such a contrast to our wild night. We have views of Mount Baker and beautiful tree lined hills where we will dingy in and hike soon.
Boy and his Brother Out For a Row
Tiding at Echo Bay
Echo Bay
Echo Bay
Mount Baker from Echo Bay
