hope island day cruise
Date: June 6, 2018
Time Start: 1:15 p.m.
Time Finish: 7:20 p.m.
Cruise From: Swantown Marina, Olympia
Cruise To: Hope Island State Park
Engine Hours Start: 775
Engine Hours Finish: 777
Weather/sea conditions: Sunny with a bit of haze, 70 degree day, winds in late afternoon
We are celebrating my birthday today with a short cruise to one of our nearby destinations, Hope Island State Park, not to be confused with another Hope Island to the north in the Skagit flats. Our South Sound Hope Island was once the summer home of the Schmidt family, owners of the Olympia brewery. A part time caretaker and volunteers from the Mason County Master Gardeners now maintain the grounds and orchard area of the island. Much of the island is forested, and there are picnic tables and campsites for kayakers.
After spending a couple of hours cleaning accumulated pollen and dust and grime from the exterior of NORTH STAR, we are on our way. The water is calm, skies are blue, mountain views are clear. It is the perfect day for a short cruise with our lunch sandwiches to munch along the way.
Time Start: 1:15 p.m.
Time Finish: 7:20 p.m.
Cruise From: Swantown Marina, Olympia
Cruise To: Hope Island State Park
Engine Hours Start: 775
Engine Hours Finish: 777
Weather/sea conditions: Sunny with a bit of haze, 70 degree day, winds in late afternoon
We are celebrating my birthday today with a short cruise to one of our nearby destinations, Hope Island State Park, not to be confused with another Hope Island to the north in the Skagit flats. Our South Sound Hope Island was once the summer home of the Schmidt family, owners of the Olympia brewery. A part time caretaker and volunteers from the Mason County Master Gardeners now maintain the grounds and orchard area of the island. Much of the island is forested, and there are picnic tables and campsites for kayakers.
After spending a couple of hours cleaning accumulated pollen and dust and grime from the exterior of NORTH STAR, we are on our way. The water is calm, skies are blue, mountain views are clear. It is the perfect day for a short cruise with our lunch sandwiches to munch along the way.
We latch onto a buoy as two eagles soar overhead. The tide is on its way out, exposing lots of interesting beach. Barnacles encrust everything from rocks to shells. Tiny crabs scurry in and out of the rocks. Remains of larger crabs strewn randomly on the beach are probably the result of local scavengers, like the raccoon we watch along the shore. Anemones shine purple and green along the rocks. Oysters, clams, and mussels are thick here, too. How did we manage to get this island park all to ourselves today? What a treat!
The interior of Hope Island is an inviting place, too. Trails wind through the forested areas, and the orchard is well maintained along with remnants of the island's historical past.
We return to NORTH STAR just as the winds suddenly pick up. We had planned to grill our dinner in the cockpit, but opt to return to Swantown for a calmer setting. Sailboats are out on Budd Bay, enjoying the evening breeze. And, our resident dock heron has found a new perch! Wonder if it ever sits atop NORTH STAR!
It's been a perfect day for a birthday. Feeling happy!
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