San Juan Islands in August
- Thread starter Ken Cross
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Oh my now you've done it! I've lived in the Salish country (Native American name for the San Juan and Gulf Islands) for over fifty years and it still gives me great joy. We have friends who sailed almost around the world but grew tired of cruising, sold their boat and came back to the San Juan Islands to cruise contentedly.
Why such a beautiful place? Between the San Juans and the Gulf area, there must be over four hundred beautiful islands each with a multitude of coves and inlets. And in spite of the growing numbers who cruise here you still can find your own cove if you want. Even the more popular coves have room to swing. All with tall evergreens that house Eagles and Osprey. What a delight one morning on Stuart Island my wife and I watched an Ospey mother teach her young how to fish. She'd catch a small fish, fly up and drop it so her younglings could dive after it. They improved.
But just not the isolated coves with beautiful views there are marinas and resorts that cater to your every whim. My wife and I were in Sydney (B.C.) at a Greek restaurant where we told the owner how great the food was (it was outstanding), so he brought out more food! Then he flirted outrageously with my wife who still thinks this was one of the best restaurants on our trip--she wants to go back.
On the other hand, Sydney is a terrible place--don't ever go there if you're on a diet. It has FIVE bakeries. Five! All of them good.
But my favorite place in the San Juans is Friday Harbor on San Juan Island. The local grocery store will drive you back to the boat if you have too much to carry. We once came to Friday Harbor with a sick cat on board and took the taxi to the Vet's. There after when we went to see the vet the taxi cab driver wanted to know how the "kitty was doing" and relayed it over the radio to home base. Everyone wants to help.
Things are more expensive in the islands because food and supplies have to be brought by the Washington State or BC ferries. Large vessels all, they keep a quiet eye on what's happening on the water and every so often help make a rescue of someone in trouble. It is nice to know they are there.
In the summer (June through the first of October) winds are normally light along with the rains. The rain is mostly mist and drizzle--I haven't worn a foul weather set in years--mostly a jacket and floppy hat. But our raining season is most in winter so you could expect a whole month of beautiful skies and fun sailing. My greatest enjoyment is to sail out of Friday Harbor for a day sail in San Juan Channel, wave at the Evergreen State, the inter-island ferry (I know one of the Captain's), just tacking back and forth in warm winds watching the eagles soar overhead and once in a while seeing an Orca whale or two. But the whales stay mostly on the west side of the island. Then it is time to head back to my slip, put the boat to bed and head over to "The Place", a great restaurant for an early happy hour drink and possibly dinner while we watch a ferry dock and disgorged more tourist to the islands.
Yes, the San Juans and the Gulf islands are some of the beautiful places found in the world--I haven't been to all but this has to be near the top of the list. I've never been to Alaska like many of my friends in their boats because I keep returning to my favorite coves and marinas before I get there. Just north of these island is Desolation Sound, an equally beautiful cruising area along with Princess Louise inlet with a majestic water fall.
For those of you who are planning to come visit--I wish you well and hope you have as much joy sailing here as I do. If you want specific information email me off line as I am app to ramble on and on here on the list. Happy sailing in the San Juan Islands.
Why such a beautiful place? Between the San Juans and the Gulf area, there must be over four hundred beautiful islands each with a multitude of coves and inlets. And in spite of the growing numbers who cruise here you still can find your own cove if you want. Even the more popular coves have room to swing. All with tall evergreens that house Eagles and Osprey. What a delight one morning on Stuart Island my wife and I watched an Ospey mother teach her young how to fish. She'd catch a small fish, fly up and drop it so her younglings could dive after it. They improved.
But just not the isolated coves with beautiful views there are marinas and resorts that cater to your every whim. My wife and I were in Sydney (B.C.) at a Greek restaurant where we told the owner how great the food was (it was outstanding), so he brought out more food! Then he flirted outrageously with my wife who still thinks this was one of the best restaurants on our trip--she wants to go back.
On the other hand, Sydney is a terrible place--don't ever go there if you're on a diet. It has FIVE bakeries. Five! All of them good.
But my favorite place in the San Juans is Friday Harbor on San Juan Island. The local grocery store will drive you back to the boat if you have too much to carry. We once came to Friday Harbor with a sick cat on board and took the taxi to the Vet's. There after when we went to see the vet the taxi cab driver wanted to know how the "kitty was doing" and relayed it over the radio to home base. Everyone wants to help.
Things are more expensive in the islands because food and supplies have to be brought by the Washington State or BC ferries. Large vessels all, they keep a quiet eye on what's happening on the water and every so often help make a rescue of someone in trouble. It is nice to know they are there.
In the summer (June through the first of October) winds are normally light along with the rains. The rain is mostly mist and drizzle--I haven't worn a foul weather set in years--mostly a jacket and floppy hat. But our raining season is most in winter so you could expect a whole month of beautiful skies and fun sailing. My greatest enjoyment is to sail out of Friday Harbor for a day sail in San Juan Channel, wave at the Evergreen State, the inter-island ferry (I know one of the Captain's), just tacking back and forth in warm winds watching the eagles soar overhead and once in a while seeing an Orca whale or two. But the whales stay mostly on the west side of the island. Then it is time to head back to my slip, put the boat to bed and head over to "The Place", a great restaurant for an early happy hour drink and possibly dinner while we watch a ferry dock and disgorged more tourist to the islands.
Yes, the San Juans and the Gulf islands are some of the beautiful places found in the world--I haven't been to all but this has to be near the top of the list. I've never been to Alaska like many of my friends in their boats because I keep returning to my favorite coves and marinas before I get there. Just north of these island is Desolation Sound, an equally beautiful cruising area along with Princess Louise inlet with a majestic water fall.
For those of you who are planning to come visit--I wish you well and hope you have as much joy sailing here as I do. If you want specific information email me off line as I am app to ramble on and on here on the list. Happy sailing in the San Juan Islands.
Well put Les, Thanks for the reply. We do love the area (live 2 days sail South in Lake Stevens Wa)
I read somewhere that the Puget Sound region actually contributes more water into the ocean than the Amazon River. but what I love is all that protected shoreline.
Ken
I read somewhere that the Puget Sound region actually contributes more water into the ocean than the Amazon River. but what I love is all that protected shoreline.
Ken
We'll be there with Centerline July 26-Aug 3rd.
Anacortes - Spencer Spit - Deer Harbor - Sucia - Stuart Island - Friday Harbor - Anacortes. Maybe a spin by Roche Harbor too.
We'll try not to use up all the good views.
Be still my heart!!!!!!
Keep it up Paul,
this is really a painful thread to visit, and I can't stop looking! I will be forwarding your fantastic pics to my other San Juan Island lovers. love the commentary!!
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