Jones Island........finally! - 8/23 and 8/24/2012

True to Capt. Jim's tip about my photo of the mare's tail clouds predicting a bit of wind coming, Thursday was a blustery day, and Willie's Tug stayed in her slip at Cap Sante Boat Haven.  

However, today the winds are 6-8 knots, skies are blue and sunny, and Herb's birthday present will be an overnight at Jones Island Marine State Park -- hopefully!  Two years in a row every time we try to get in the Park there, it is too crowded.

Shortly after getting underway we see Hyak ferry and we pass port to port.  Moving on into Rosario Strait it is a little bouncy but a nice ride.  

Hunter D goes south in the shipping lanes of the Strait towing her barge.

We see Elwah ferry coming up behind us, so we slow to allow her to pass, then we tuck in behind in Thatcher Pass.  





A speeding vessel crosses our bow between us and the ferry and gives us a tremendous wake.  

And then there is Leo Reef.

We see (and stay out of the way of) seven ferries today. What thrills!

When we arrive at Jones Island, it appears full at the dock, and all mooring buoys are taken.  Several boats are anchored.

Approaching closer in, we see the loading area which is available for a thirty minute tie-up, and permanently overnight from 3P until 8A.

How lucky can we be?  Perfect timing.  We dock and register just in time to greet the Park Rangers who check to see if everyone has a park pass.  We all do!

In 1990 a devastating 100-mph storm blew over or damaged many trees, most of which were left down to return nutrients to the forest.  (Dreamspeaker and Waggoner).

The park was closed for years, and Tym tells us monies were found to rebuild handicap accessible. Even at low tide, the ramp will never be too steep for wheelchairs.

It is early in the afternoon and plenty time to walk the trails and explore.

Our path takes us across to the other side of the island, South Cove, where we see more boats and Yellow Island in the background.

South Cove

Find Willie's Tug...........

On our walk we meet a lovely couple, and after chatting a few minutes, we notice they do not have an accent.  Yes, they are from Dallas.  We learn this is Jane and Duane's 19th Summer to visit the PNW, and keep their sailboat, Whisper, in Sidney BC.  It is great to visit with them.

Whisper

At Happy Hour we have a visit from a man who lives on Orcas and is island hopping today.  He built his catamaran from two canoes.  He calls it Canoe-maran, and his wife calls it No-Tippy-Canoe.

Cata-something...

When Herb checks his email, he has a surprise Happy Birthday greeting from special friends, who are toasting his celebration at the Sea Ranch on South Padre Island.  Sharing a bit of home with us today.  

Here's to you, Herb, from Bob and Nancy!

Willie of Willie's Tug,

   and of Walldog, Willie and Jake

  Thursday and  Friday, August 23 and 24, 2012