Thursday, July 12, 2012

Tourists...

A day off for us.  It started pretty much like this for all 3 of us...


I had promised Joan lunch at Madrona Grill at Roche Harbor.  We decided to make a day of it, touring around the island with the truck.  We enjoy the drive between Friday Harbor and Roche Harbor - a pleasant two lane that winds through woods and open fields.

We arrived in Roche Harbor when the Madrona Grill first opened - we had our pick of tables outside.  Last time we planned to do this, it rained.  The day started off foggy again, but turned into glorious sunshine.  Our table had a nice view of the marina...



We each ordered our favorite meal, then shared.  Tasty!  When we were done eating, we walked around a bit, visited with Kevin from San Juan Outfitters (used to be part of the same company we work for) to learn about their kayaking trips (Joan books some of those through our company).  We walked around Roche a bit, making our way to the sculpture garden near the water (not the one across the road)...


Recognize that as an Orca dorsel fin?  Here's an even larger piece...


These are available for purchase.  I like this whale tail...


It can be yours for only $38,000.  We have a slightly smaller version (OK, it fits on a shelf) that we bought in Mexico years ago for a bit less than that. ;-)

We decided to drive from the north end of the island, around the south end, and then up the east side, back to Friday Harbor.  Past English Camp, along Lime Kiln State Park, and a stop at an overlook on Haro Strait...




There was an interesting fog bank that ran down the middle of the Strait.  We watched a couple boats move in and out of the fog.  Looking to the south (bottom image above), you could see the Olympic Mountains above the fog.  No idea where the whales were today - I'm not on duty!

We drove to the south end of the island; Cattle Pass looks much narrower from land than it does when on the water.  We stopped at a beach access on our way back to Friday Harbor - I wanted to see what passes for "beach" here... not the powdery sand we're used to back in south Texas, but there were people out there getting some sun.  We took the inside road that leads back to Friday Harbor from Pear Point, along Turn Island.  Interesting homes on and near the water.

We settled into the cockpit once we were back at the boat.  I was playing guitar, Joan reading a book.  Joan stepped out of the boat to visit with a couple that was looking at Wild Blue.  Turns out we got to meet a couple of our readers here, Cindy and Ron.  They are sailors who are considering a change... yep, we've been there.  We had a nice visit and gave them a tour of Wild Blue.  When we were considering that same change, it was tough to find a C-Dory to look at... we understand.

A fairly quiet evening in the marina.  Nice ending to a pleasant day off.

Tomorrow is Friday the 13th...


3 comments:

andwilliesaid said...

For Joan: Herb, Vicki, and I came by the office to say Hello, but it was too early in the morning, and you were not there yet. So I just showed her your picture. Also Russ and Toni surprised us Tuesday night with an unexpected visit, but was too late to come a-calling on you after dinner. The welcome mat was not out. They are headed home for family situations.

Captain Jim and the Blonde said...

Sorry we missed y'all. You know the welcome mat is always out for friends. Joan had Wednesday AND Thursday off this week! Schedule is such that she won't see that again for a while. Hope Vicki has enjoyed her time in the PNW. Tell Russ and Toni we said, "Hi!"

andwilliesaid said...

It was a wonderful week with Vicki, and I hope we didn't wear her out, but just wanted to show her some of the favorite spots.