stuart island
Date: September 9, 2018
Time Start: Noon
Time Finish: 12:50 p.m.
Cruise From: Roche Harbor, San Juan Island
Cruise To: Reid Harbor, Stuart Island
Engine Hours Start: 912
Engine Hours Finish: 913
Weather/sea conditions: Gray, rain, upper 50's
It's a morning of goodbyes on the docks of Roche Harbor as Ranger Tugs and Cutwaters head in different directions. Some are remaining here for an extra night as the winds are blowing hard in Haro Strait and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and small craft warnings have been posted. Here in these protected waters, all seems calm.
For us, it is a smooth crossing to Stuart Island where we tie to the dock in Reid Harbor. It rains all day, and we stay tucked into the cabin of NORTH STAR, relaxing after the busy rendezvous.
Time Start: Noon
Time Finish: 12:50 p.m.
Cruise From: Roche Harbor, San Juan Island
Cruise To: Reid Harbor, Stuart Island
Engine Hours Start: 912
Engine Hours Finish: 913
Weather/sea conditions: Gray, rain, upper 50's
It's a morning of goodbyes on the docks of Roche Harbor as Ranger Tugs and Cutwaters head in different directions. Some are remaining here for an extra night as the winds are blowing hard in Haro Strait and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and small craft warnings have been posted. Here in these protected waters, all seems calm.
For us, it is a smooth crossing to Stuart Island where we tie to the dock in Reid Harbor. It rains all day, and we stay tucked into the cabin of NORTH STAR, relaxing after the busy rendezvous.
Date: September 10, 2018
Reid Harbor, Stuart Island, layover day
Weather: Clearing and warming to 70 degrees
Reid Harbor, Stuart Island, layover day
Weather: Clearing and warming to 70 degrees
Well rested after our rainy day, we are happy to have clearing skies for our hike to the Turn Point Light Station today. We start along the high ridge over Reid Harbor and continue to climb through the forest to the site of the Stuart Island school. No longer in operation, the buildings house museum exhibits of days gone by. And, there is a pay by honor station for the purchase of souvenir t-shirts and note cards.
Continuing along the county road, the "countryside" is picturesque, with glimpses of the island's Prevost Harbor.
Signs of fall are everywhere, from the falling leaves to the winged seeds of the maples to the owl that suddenly flies by us and into the trees.
Signs of fall are everywhere, from the falling leaves to the winged seeds of the maples to the owl that suddenly flies by us and into the trees.
Arriving at the historic Turn Point Lighthouse, we find that we have the grounds and buildings all to ourselves! There is no access to the interiors, but an outdoor exhibit on the ritual burning of the headland catches our attention.
It is quite the feeling to be just us on this headland, looking out over Haro Strait to Vancouver Island and to the Gulf Islands, with kelp beds swirling in the current far below.
The trees that survive on the headland catch our eye, too, especially this old Arbutus with its colorful peeling bark and many dead branches. The dead branches look like giant sets of antlers on the tree, waiting to be shed.
How is this for a fantastic lunch spot, sitting on the porch of the keeper's house, with views to the lighthouse and across to the islands of Canada!
We climb the hill from the light station and make a stop to enjoy the views from the adjoining headland as we trace our steps back toward Reid Harbor. More wide open spaces, more great views, and again, it is just us!
Back along the county road, past the school, and through the forest we go. The dock at Reid Harbor is busy when we return. We have passed several hikers just starting on their way to the light station, and there is a collection of their dinghies tied up to the dock. We have some new boat neighbors, too.
Evening sets in on what has been a wonderful day.
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