Day 69 - Poets Cove Resort & Spa, Bedwell Harbor, South Pender Island, BC - Monday, July 18, 2011

We cruise to the east side of Guemes Island as we leave Anacortes, and enjoy the interesting houses on the cliffs.  I am intrigued by the steps leading down to their beach:  I would call this "The Tan Mile."

The weather is good today as we leave, but soon we encounter the confused waters at the north end of Guemes and get more away from the mainland.

The seas are not high, just different.


We choose a route west  between Sinclair and Towhead Islands, then north around the east and north of Orcas.


As we travel on, we get into calmer water and judging by the number of boats we see, we assume the fishing must be good. There are several boats anchored with fishing poles in the water.

We keep a watch for anything that would not be safe -- ferries, collision with other boats, or sticks -- today it is actually a long log afloat.  Herb steers around it.

As we move into our slip in the marina at Poets Cove Resort, South Pender Island, we are greeted by a couple who comment on the boat.  They know about Ranger Tugs.


We are reminded about what a small world it is, when we learn they are from Poulsbo WA and of course know Dennis and Julie Sheehan of Poulsbo Yacht Club.


Dennis is an associate member of Laguna Madre Yacht Club and one of its former Commodores.


Our new friends are Dodie and Doug Garner.

Later we explore the area and check out the swimming pool and hot tub.  We decide to test the temperature of the pool, knowing that it will be cold.  We Southern people are still wearing long sleeves and hoodies!  Spring has not arrived.




Surprise!  Surprise!  The pool is heated and the sun is heating the air.  It is very pleasant.

Always wondering where my next meal is coming from, I walk upstairs from the pool to check the menu on the door of the cafe.  

I signal to Herb that they close at 6 PM.  We should hurry if we want ice cream.
So far, this is the only place we have found that serves it.
Fears of withdrawal set in.

I am in awe of the flowers I see in this part of the country -- especially the lavender ones.


We walk around the restaurant and hotel grounds to enjoy nature.

And the bees on this flower...

And the fountain...

We choose the restaurant with the lavender flowers and waterfall for our dinner this evening.  The waitress suggests a strawberry slushy for me.


She adds a blue umbrella piercing the lime.

Herb orders a lime slushy.

Then we look out at the boats in the marina -- can you find Willie's Tug?


It is the one whose dinghy (turned up on edge for hauling) obscures the view of the boat.  That is Willie's Tug!

Willie of Willie's Tug,
   and Walldog, Willie and Jake