June 30th, 2016

Well that was interesting.  Southeast winds brought along with it some waves that ricocheted off of the north shore of our anchorage and gave our group a few bumps and rolls in the night.  It’s all part of the experience, some of us slept better than others, but between the excitement and the low clouds that we awoke to, this morning had a decidedly different feel than the previous days.  After a quick breakfast, we cast off with the promise of clearing skies and a first class stay at our destination, Rosario Resort on Orcas Island.  It didn’t take long for the sky to fulfill the promise as Victoria, Spellbound, and Discovery headed south along the east shore of Orcas past Barnes and Clark Islands and into strong currents around Point Lawrence.  The Rebel of the flotilla, Grand Adventure, chose a route down the west shore of Orcas and would meet us up East Sound at Cascade Bay, where the resort is located.

The famous Rosario Resort and spa is another must see in the San Juans, and a perfect place to spend our last night.  Built by prominent shipbuilder and Mayor of Seattle, Robert Moran, and completed in 1909, the sprawling estate is preserved much as it was during its days as a private residence.  Now comprised of a museum, hotel, spa, marina and restaurants, it was a perfect contrast to the previous night’s beach fire on Sucia Island.  After getting acquainted with the grounds we met up in the old mansion for a piano and organ concert put on by musician, author, and historian Christopher Peacock.

Following the concert we were invited to explore the mansion and eventually returned there for dinner.  There was a broad offering of dishes, but most if not all of us chose between the fresh local Sockeye Salmon or the Halibut with butter poached morel mushrooms, and no one was disappointed!  The fitful sleep from the previous night coupled with the satisfying meal led to an early night for everyone, and all was quiet by the time our long summer day turned to darkness.