These are a few pictures of our 'home' cruising grounds. While sunshine and white sand beaches are great... there's something about walking in a forest after a rainstorm or sitting in the cockpit it the evening and watching the mountains as the sun goes down. These pictures are not of one particular trip, but a summary of what the islands and area are like.
Desolation Sound has been a favorite cruising ground. Our favored time is to travel in early September, just after school has started, but before the weather turns cool. Some may correctly point out that Princess Louisa Inlet is not part of Desolation Sound, we've included it here because it's just around the corner and on the way up. Here are a few of our favorite areas.
Pacific Northwest, San Juan Islands, Desolation Sound
The waters are extremely deep. We were able to put our bow into this waterfall outside of Malibu Rapids
Church camp at Malibu Rapids- the entrance to Princess Louisa Inlet. Notice the boy on the zip line... they end up in the water at the end of the ride
Entance to Princess Louisa. Absolutely awe inspiring
The walls of the inlet are a mile high. Best described as 'entering a cathedral'
Chatterbox Falls. You can anchor directly in front of this
'Ghost boats' in the fog leaving Princess Louisa. We all waited until slack tide so we could navigate the rapids
Anchorages and a lake in Desolation Sound. A great place to spend some time. Our favorite time is September.
A trail leading from our favorite secret anchorage
Which leads to a side trail to a series of these waterfall ponds under tall trees, surrounded by ferns.... and peacefulness...
All alone in the wilderness on a warm afternoon... just the two of us...
"Bartender... I'll have a 'Victoria Rose... on the rocks, please". Our prop fell off (really) while checking an area to anchor. At least these nice Canadian rocks stopped the boat... Waited for the tide to come in, and sailed out
The San Juan Islands, our 'backyard'. Once we left the marina, we would be in the islands in about 45 minutes. It was great for a weekend getaway or evening sail. We sailed year round. While the islands are spectacular in the summer... they can be somewhat crowded. From late fall to early spring, we often could have anchorages all to ourselves.
We sail the islands year-round. We woke up one morning to a dusting of snow in the cockpit
Shallow Bay, Sucia Island with 25 knots of wind and snow. The fireplace below keeps the cabin above 70 degrees. Not suprisingly, we had the anchorage to ourselves
A somewhat cold trip heading home. Family friend Jon Quay at the helm
A late fall sail to Sucia. Hiking in a mist, we're all enjoying the outting, especially Buddy who felt the need for a swim. Meanwhile, back on 'Victoria Rose, a turkey breast is roasting in the oven. After dark, we'll have dinner, glass of wine, and a movie. This is Brian and friend Laura. And Buddy, who also enjoys a good merlot.
In the summer, the anchorages fill up.
Mount Baker in the background, as Josh enjoys an afternoon "orange juice"
You wouldn't believe the wind gusts we just had. Thankfully, Josh wrestled the sails back onto the boom and is heroically holding them down.
Grandson Ryan exploring sandstone formations
The lighthouse quarters at Turn Point on Stuart Island. Reid Harbor is one of our favorite anchorages
'Victoria Rose' arriving at Saddleback Island to raft with 'SV Indigo'
Following 'SV Indigo' through Deception Pass
Hope Island
'SV Indigo' heading out
