On an overcast and cool day we threw lines from Sidney, British Columbia and made the 11.4 mile run to Roche (pronounced like the nasty bug) Harbor and dropped the hook while simultaneously clearing customs via app then phone call. The process was swift and simple and here we were right back where we were about a year prior. My mood was glum to say the least. I just couldn't shake it. I didn't want to be back in the Puget Sound I wanted to be in Alaska. This would take some time to get used to. I kept myself busy by working on my blog and watching all the float planes come in and out from the anchorage. The place was packed and I felt smothered. Jeff on the other hand was chipper and excited to be back in Roche. At some point we lowered the dink and headed to the dock. A dockhand happened to be near and ran to tie us up. We walked along the familiar buildings and made it just in time for Jeff to get the famous donuts right before closing time. He picked up a few things from the little market and then we headed back to the boat to wait out our dinner reservation at the hotel.
At dinner we could see the colors ceremony at sunset and hear the various music played - Canadian National anthem, British National anthem and Taps which today made me cry. Jeff noticed from across the table and took my hand. I apologized for being not good company and we went on to enjoy our meals which were both excellent. Jeff got fish and I got a veggie plate. A few glasses of wine and I was ready to put this day to bed.
Purse Seiner at Work Outside Roche Harbor
Roche Harbor
Roche Harbor
Anchorage Roche Harbor
Colors Ceremony
Restaurant at Roche Harbor
After a goodnights sleep I was feeling a little better and more willing to except our reality. At 10:17a.m we up anchored and made the 38 mile cruise to Bellingham where we would catch a flight to head to cousin Jarod's wedding. It was a sunny day and there were a ton of boats out cruising. At the marina we were assigned to the commercial fishing dock because we would be there for over a week and the marina has a limit on transients to three days so they were doing us a favor by letting us keep the boat there while we left. I kept telling myself that when I saw the shape of the docks and all the crap that was left at our slip - slabs of wood, old fenders with tons of barnacles all over them, old lines. I did my best to maneuver around them and got us secured by 3pm. We checked in at the office then walked the strip center and visited one of my favorite stores LFS followed by welcome drinks at the marina bar. The bartender was funny and made us laugh several times and I felt like I was starting to settle in.
Cruising to Bellingham
Bellingham Harbor
Entering Squalicum Harbor
Our Dock Bellingham
The next day was spent doing laundry, boat projects and packing for our early morning departure to Ohio the next morning. We were confident the boat would be fine on her own and looked forward to seeing the Ohio family.
The flight was uneventful and we were thrilled to see my parents at the Detroit Metro Airport. We went for a casual mediteranian dinner then made the two hour drive south to Lima. Ju was there waiting and after unloading the car we quickly got to catching up.
Labor Day weekend was Jarod and Jessica's wedding. And like all Stolly family weddings it was a blast. The ceremony was familiar with some Mexican twists and the reception was full of libations and great conversations. As usually Jeff and I were the last to leave.
The next few days in Ohio were spent catching up, eating, going to the lake and just enjoying each others company. We would fly out on Tuesday evening for Bellingham.
Our Prop Plane in Bellingham
Jarod & Jessica's Wedding
The Dornick's
Back in Bellingham Jeff wasn't feeling so good and spent the entire day in p.j's on the couch. I proceeded with laundry and reprovisioning. We were scheduled to head out the following morning but Jeff was in no shape to be traveling so we got an extension from the harbormaster and he continued to rest and recover. Fortunately football season started that day too so we watched the first NFL game of 2021 and convelessed.
Finally with a little nudging Jeff decided he would be okay to travel the 23 miles to Thatcher Bay on Blakely Island. I reminded him we were taking our home with us and if he didn't feel good at any point he could just go to bed. He agreed and we were off. I was so happy to be leaving Bellingham and get away from the dock.
The anchorage was peaceful and quiet and we were fortunate to have it all to ourselves which is unheard of in the San Juan Islands. The day was overcast and we spent it soaking up the anchorage and reading.
Thatcher Bay - Blakely Island
Sunset Thatcher Bay
Jeff finally was feeling back to himself and we decided to spend a second day at Thatcher. We watched as boats and ferries passed by while still having the place to ourselves. The day was overcast with light sprinkles on and off and we decided it would be a nice quiet p.j. day.
Ferry Passing By Thatcher
View from Thatcher
Thatcher Bay
After much slothfulness we decided to upanchor and leave our little quiet abode. Today the hope was to go to Patos Island and anchor. We've both wanted to go to Patos since arriving in the Pacific Northwest but you have to find the right weather window to go there because of how far north and open the island is positioned. We felt we had a good three day weather window which the conditions should be ideal. It was a sunny day and we made our way north through the islands. As we were approached Patos we saw another boat about our size entering the island before us. Slightly annoyed Jeff said they may be taking our spot. Patos has two mornings for boats (under 45 feet limit) and what we thought would be some room for a couple of other boats. As we were pulling in we saw the boat who had entered just before us leaving. Not a good sign. One of the two mornings was taken and there was one other boat med moored (anchored and stern tied to a tree). We could barely fit into the anchorage and I was impressed that Jeff could maneuver us out of there. So much for Patos. Luckily Sucia Island is right next door and Eco Bay was one of our favorite anchorages. We headed east and with little effort we anchored in Eco Bay.
Map of the San Juan Islands
Lighthouse at Patos Island
Entering Patos
Eco Bay - Sucia Island
We decided a second day was in order at Eco. We lowered the dink and went to shore and took a nice long hike around the island taking in the pretty views. Later we dingied all around the anchorage and to the sister anchorage next door. We read and watched Monday night football.
Hiking Eco Bay
View From Hike
Tidings of Joy From Hike
The next day we decided it was time to move on. Some big winds were coming in and we would not be protected in Sucia. We cruised the short 18 miles to No Name Bay a place that would offer us good protection from the winds. It rained the entire day and you could feel that a front was rolling in. By 2:30 we were secured in No Name with several other boats. The anchorage was nothing special but did offer us great protection. We spent the rest of the day reading.
No Name Bay
We intended to head out the next morning but the winds continued and our next destination didn't offer half the protection as No Name. With our upcoming DeFever Cruisers Rendezvous the next day I decided to spend the day cleaning the boat and getting her ready for open boat and all the people coming through to check her out. Jeff spent the day on the phone talking to various family members and catching up. 5 hours later and cursing cleaning I had her in pretty great shape and ready to show off to our friends and strangers. The sun was shinning and the wind was subsiding and we were ready to head into Anacortes for our rendezvous in the morning.
No Name Bay
Sunset No Name Bay
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