stuart island
Date: August 10, 2019
Time Start: 10:30 a.m.
Time Finish: Noon
Cruise From: Winter Cove, Saturna Island (B.C., Canada)
Cruise To: Prevost Harbor, Stuart Island (U.S.A.)
Engine Hours Start: 1088
Engine Hours Finish: 1090
Weather/sea conditions: Gray, calm, showers, upper 50's
We could hear seals from our anchorage at Winter Cove, now we see them on the nearby rock islets as we begin our cruise back into U.S. waters. The waters of British Columbia have provided wonderful cruising for us, and we will most certainly be returning in summers to come.
Time Start: 10:30 a.m.
Time Finish: Noon
Cruise From: Winter Cove, Saturna Island (B.C., Canada)
Cruise To: Prevost Harbor, Stuart Island (U.S.A.)
Engine Hours Start: 1088
Engine Hours Finish: 1090
Weather/sea conditions: Gray, calm, showers, upper 50's
We could hear seals from our anchorage at Winter Cove, now we see them on the nearby rock islets as we begin our cruise back into U.S. waters. The waters of British Columbia have provided wonderful cruising for us, and we will most certainly be returning in summers to come.
We have some final glimpses of the shores of the Gulf Islands before crossing Boundary Pass. The water is smooth, and there is no sign of shipping traffic. It is an easy crossing back into the U.S., and our customs clearance is quick and easy. We simply call in, using our NEXUS passes.
Dock space is available along the dock of Prevost Harbor at Stuart Island. Behind us on the dock is a rowing/sailing boat called "Journey". A crew of two adults and nine students are camping ashore for the night. The boat is from Mystery Bay and is a part of the Fairwinds outreach program. We have had several encounters in the past with the sailboat "Carlyn" that is part of the same program. We love seeing these programs that give kids real experiences in our marine environment. We get to watch as the crew heads out for some on the water training.
Dock space is available along the dock of Prevost Harbor at Stuart Island. Behind us on the dock is a rowing/sailing boat called "Journey". A crew of two adults and nine students are camping ashore for the night. The boat is from Mystery Bay and is a part of the Fairwinds outreach program. We have had several encounters in the past with the sailboat "Carlyn" that is part of the same program. We love seeing these programs that give kids real experiences in our marine environment. We get to watch as the crew heads out for some on the water training.
Campgrounds are full today, as are the docks and buoys in both Prevost and Reid Harbors. It is just a short walk from one dock to the other, with the campsites in between. The "Journey" crew, a women's kayaking group, and a group of guys who have arrived in the the sailboat charter "Spike Africa" from Friday Harbor, have all set up tents.
A few views of Prevost Harbor:
We get some close up views of "Spike Africa" from the dinghy.
The day has been cold and damp, perfect for a dinner of chile and cornbread. We are glad we aren't camping in a tent tonight!
Date: August 11, 2019
Stuart Island layover day
Weather: Gray, light showers, upper 60's
Date: August 11, 2019
Stuart Island layover day
Weather: Gray, light showers, upper 60's
I'm crazy about the name of the boat that has pulled in next to us this morning, "Harvest Moon". I am having memories of sing alongs with fellow Tugnut Bruce from "Morning Light" serenading us with his guitar at Echo Bay and again on the dock at Comox. Those nights I fell asleep with Neil Young's "Harvest Moon" playing in my head. It turns out the couple on this boat (Cheryl and Jim) have been to the Broughtons and back, and not only that, they were anchored in the same bay in the San Juans last summer where Neil Young and Daryl Hannah were getting married on a yacht. We enjoy chats with both Jim and Cheryl, and they have two amazing dogs aboard.
The campers are clearing out this morning. We watch paddlers load their kayaks and leave, and the group on "Journey" does the same.
A favorite activity for us is the walk to the Turn Point Light Station here on Stuart Island. We have always taken the trail from Reid Harbor that goes to the old school before connecting to island roads. We learn that we can take a shorter route by heading up the road from the Prevost Harbor Community Dock where we can leave our dinghy. We pass the kiosk selling local T-shirts and offering free cups of water, and from there on the walk is the same as we have always done. We meet a couple from Seattle, Dan had met and chatted with Eric yesterday on a Reid Harbor walk. Eric works for company that supplies all of glass for windows and doors in our Ranger Tugs!
We are so surprised to find a City of Olympia Port Commissioner, Joe Downing, and his wife acting as volunteer hosts at the lighthouse. He is on the ballot for re-election this fall. We discover that we share similar passions for marine education, wanting to see more outreach in Olympia. And we get a tour of the light keepers house. This is the first time it has been opened during one of our visits.
We stop at the adjoining bluff on our return walk to have our lunch from a beautiful scenic spot.