Roche Harbor to Orcas Island

We were and up and out early this morning, our last day free to explore the islands. Although it was a pity to leave Roche Harbor behind so soon the first views of open water after exiting the harbor put us all in a cruising mood. The hot and clear weather continued to hold (much to our benefit) and we were free to maneuver around some of the smaller and more exposed islands. The flotilla journeyed north through John’s pass before coming to port and transiting the northern shores of Stuart Island. As the most northerly in the chain of San Juan Islands this trip around Stuart would be our closest approach to Canada, and afforded us a morning full of beautiful British Columbia landscapes courtesy of the nearby Gulf Islands.

After rounding Turn Point we headed east once more, completing our circumnavigation of Stuart and passing the savannah-like Speiden Island en route to the far side of Orcas. Strong winds forecast a break in the weather but gave us a think about where best to drop the hook for the evening. Thankfully we were once again able to rely on our flotilla captain’s experience. We anchored in No Name Bay, about halfway up the West Sound of Orcas Island, and well protected from any southerly blustering in the night.

It was the perfect spot for our last night together as a flotilla. In the evening the crew of Dreamcatcher hosted a cocktail hour, one last chance for our little fleet to share stories and talk about our time traveling around the Puget Sound. Despite all of the charming towns and stunning natural beauty, it truly was the excellent company of our fine shipmates that made this trip so memorable. Well after the sun had retired it was finally time for us to do the same. We ended just as we began, toasting our well wishes for this maiden flotilla, with fair winds and following seas for the voyages yet ahead!

P.S. Missed this year’s Princess Louisa Flotilla? Not to worry, there’s always next year! Send us an email to reserve your spot on our 2022 Princess Louisa Flotilla.