June 29, 2016

After three nights in civilization, we were all ready for something a little quieter, so once again under bright sunshine, we headed out of Roche Harbor on our way to Sucia Island.

We cruised along the mostly treeless shore of Spieden Island, where we spotted harbor seals, an eagle, and some of the deer that remain here from when this island was stocked with game from around the world and used as a hunting resort.  A turn up into President Channel and along the northwest shore of Orcas Island eventually led us to our destination, Sucia Island.  This unique, glacier scoured island is often referred to as the “crown jewel” of the San Juans, and with good reason.  It offers a variety of mooring and anchoring options, miles of hiking trails, seemingly endless shoreline made up of interesting sandstone formations and beaches, and well, the list goes on.  We chose to moor in Echo Bay, notable for its large size and protection from the weather, as well as the unparalleled views of 10,000 foot Mt. Baker and the Twin Sisters Range east of Bellingham.

Victoria, Spellbound, and Grand Adventure tied up to mooring buoys while Discovery chose to drop anchor for the night.  Almost immediately after tying up, Victoria was approached by an armada of hungry Canada Geese and Goslings looking to raid us of our remaining food.  The crew managed to ward them off after sustaining only mild goose bites, and sent a warning to the crew of Spellbound as the overzealous geese set course for their vessel.  After getting settled in, we all met up on the beach for some social time.  Some went for hikes to nearby Fossil and Shallow Bays then we all enjoyed appetizers, a few beverages and some s’mores around a campfire.

We returned to our boats for some dinner as the evening turned to night and the winds, well, the winds began to pick up…