Garrison Bay, San Juan Island to Blind Bay, Shaw Island, July 9
With only a few days left before we had to head back to the mainland for our son Nick’s wedding, we decided to visit Blind Bay on North Shaw Island. We had spent one night here in the past, but really didn’t spend any time in the anchorage. There is an old fashioned general store there that specializes in selling honey made by the Franciscan nuns that used to have an Abby on the island. It sounded fun.
With only a few days left before we had to head back to the mainland for our son Nick’s wedding, we decided to visit Blind Bay on North Shaw Island. We had spent one night here in the past, but really didn’t spend any time in the anchorage. There is an old fashioned general store there that specializes in selling honey made by the Franciscan nuns that used to have an Abby on the island. It sounded fun.
We left early to catch the current (so much for my quiet morning coffee time) and headed back out through Mosquito Pass. The pass was particularly beautiful in the early morning light. As we came out of the passage into Speiden Passage there were banks of fog over part of the passage and islands in the distance. At first we were not as attuned to the danger and then realized that we best get close to Speiden Island to avoid any ferry traffic. The shipping channel was in total fog.
Chris thought we were in the north passage around Spieden Island, but when the fog lifted we were really at Jones Island. A little scary, but all’s well. Chris decided to make the passage to Blind Bay through McConnell and Wasp Islands past Crane Island. This route is not well traveled, so there was little boat traffic. The day had turned into a bright, sunny day and the colors of the trees, water, shore, and homes were unusually intense and bright. A great passage.
The market dock is right beside the ferry dock so you need to be careful not to get caught passing their channel when you are going to tie up. Luckily the ferry was just leaving as we tied up. The general store was really quaint. The wooden building looked like it was 100 years old, though the inside was well merchandised with novelty items for tourists and necessities for the island folks and boaters. I picked up some fresh veggies for dinner…a rare treat.
The market dock is right beside the ferry dock so you need to be careful not to get caught passing their channel when you are going to tie up. Luckily the ferry was just leaving as we tied up. The general store was really quaint. The wooden building looked like it was 100 years old, though the inside was well merchandised with novelty items for tourists and necessities for the island folks and boaters. I picked up some fresh veggies for dinner…a rare treat.
Right after the next ferry left, we sailed over to the middle of the bay and the far end close to the houses on shore. We watched seals playing on the rocks for the first time this trip and settled in for a long nap.
When we awoke, the seas were rolling and the wind was coming from a contrary direction making this and unsafe anchorage for the night. We re-anchored in a better position. The seals continued to entertain and geese with older babies were swimming close to the shore. Mom was teaching them about sources of food. Meanwhile a couple of herons were fighting for territorial dominance.
The seas and winds during the night caused the boat to roll a lot. Chris got up and bridled the boat. It didn’t really work though because when we woke in the morning, we had dragged 20’. Thankfully, there were no obstructions and sand all around us.
When we awoke, the seas were rolling and the wind was coming from a contrary direction making this and unsafe anchorage for the night. We re-anchored in a better position. The seals continued to entertain and geese with older babies were swimming close to the shore. Mom was teaching them about sources of food. Meanwhile a couple of herons were fighting for territorial dominance.
The seas and winds during the night caused the boat to roll a lot. Chris got up and bridled the boat. It didn’t really work though because when we woke in the morning, we had dragged 20’. Thankfully, there were no obstructions and sand all around us.