Days 35 and 36 - Anacortes WA - June 13 - 14, 2011

Before we leave Stuart Island, we take a look at the real estate for sale -- like we need some -- we wonder what is up the hill on this 'road' and further wonder how a vehicle makes it up with the boulders in the road.  Possibly our Jeep Grand Cherokee?  We look briefly, and move on.  

Jake gets some play time with Boson of British Columbia, touring on his owner's Grand Banks, and it takes a close look to see which twin is really Jake.  

When his friend goes aboard his boat, Jake begs to play more, and Boson just says Miss Willie, please come pet me!

Now it is time to say Goodbye to Stuart Island and go back to Anacortes to regroup, reorganize, buy supplies, and plan the next cruise.  Jake, who lives in the moment and doesn't worry about where his next meal is coming from, just sits on the dock until someone gets his attention. As Herb fires the boat engine to warm it up, Jake says, "They won't leave me.  They love me too much.  I'll just rest here a bit."

Remembering how strenuous the hike to Turn Point had been, Herb says that if he ever sees the Light Station again, it will be by boat.  With that in mind, we call our dog aboard and begin our cruise out of Reid Harbor, turning to the West and around the northwest end of Stuart Island.

Turn Point

Turn Point

Turn Point Light Station

As secluded as Stuart Island seemed for the three days we were there, we quickly see a more populated area on South Pender Island, Canada.

We previously compared this area to Port Isabel and the Laguna Madre, and now see some similarities -- can I believe I am seeing a dolphin?  

Another dolphin?

Another sight you would see in the LM is a sailboat with beautifully colored sails -- this was noticed as we rounded the north side of Orcas Island and headed toward the Rosario Strait.  Not the Laguna Madre.

Not only are we constantly on the lookout for boats approaching from all directions -- especially ferries -- we watch for drifting debris crossing our path. There is a white area ahead that we don't identify right away, but as we approach, part of it flies away -- seagulls.  Are they bigger here?

As we watch for boats in the area, we make decisions as to what we should do to safely pass or avoid, and see that this boat is a shrimper -- is he 'engaged in fishing?'  Another reminder of the Rio Grande Valley.

We love the water, we love cruising, we love Willie's Tug, but it is always good to be 'home' back at Cap Sante Marina in Anacortes.  We see many more sailboats out today enjoying the winds, as we near the entrance to the marina.

Willie of Willie's Tug,

   and Walldog, Willie and Jake