S/V Wanderin' Star's Journeys and Adventures: August 2011

"The Star" and S/V Kocoa depart Lopez Island 26 July, cross the San Juan Channel to Friday Harbor, San Juan Island. Summer appears to have finally arrived - it is still a little bit cooler than normal, but at least the sun is making a daily appearance. The few days at Friday Harbor allow Jenny's Mom to fill prescriptions, and for all of us to do laundry and stock up on fresh food. Making a run to the used bookstore is another "must do" activity at this port.

A few days later, anchored in Prevost Harbor, Stuart Island, the tiniest birthday cake is pulled out of S/V Kocoa's refer for Jenny's birthday. We are barely able to fit candles on it, much less produce 4 slices of cake for the celebration! At sunset, a bagpiper appears on the deck of the nearby anchored S/V Spike Africa to serenade the harbor as the full moon rises above the tree line. A perfect end to the day.

At the state marine park dock - Reid Harbor, Stuart Island

Throughout the remainder of our stay in the San Juans during August, we cruise between Garrison Bay/Roche Harbor on San Juan Island, and Prevost/Reid Harbor on Stuart Island. The enjoyment of watching eagles and Canadian geese in flight, deer at the edge of the woods, and the curious harbor seals with their pups compliments each day.

The fancy outhouse at Turn Point Lighthouse, Stuart Island

Heading east back to La Conner - Mount Baker from the San Juan Islands

The San Juan summer has also been usually windy this year. Great for the sailors. The day we head back to La Conner is the quintessential San Juan summer day - no wind, glassy water, and warm. Secondly, we hit the currents just right (meaning they are moving the same way we are heading), and are tied up in our slip at La Conner by eary afternoon! We headed back a week early in order do a winery tour in Eastern Washington with Jenny's brother and sister-in-law. Ah, the sacrifices one makes in life...