BACK IN THE USA

Tuesday, August 9th (day 133)

Continuing to head south, we still have three more days with two stop overs before we check into US customs at Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, WA.  We arrived at Secret Cove on the Sechelt Peninsula of Mainland B.C. which is where the Malaspina Strait meets the Strait of Georgia (on the "inside passage" of Canada. Enjoyed grilling steak for dinner on the boat and a "walk-about" with John at sunset.

Our moorage at Secret Cove.

Grilled steaks on the boat, then a walk at sunset.

We passed by this manned lighthouse on Merry Island, established in 1901, on our way to Snug Cove.

Wednesday August 10th (day 134) Snug Cove, Bowen Island - Union Steamship Marina

Arriving at Snug Cove, Bowen Island, B. C.

Harbor Master's office Union Steamship Marina

We enjoyed ice cream cones while walking through town.

The proud Sea Scouts and their Skippers mustered for a photo on the 1931 "Rum Chaser" Charles N Curtis.

The helm in the pilothouse.

Old nav tools still in use.

They teach the Sea Scouts to navigate with paper charts. 

John treated me to dinner on the patio of "Rustica" an Italian eatery.

Friday, August 12th (day 136) 

Checked into US Customs Port of Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, WA

We were underway at 6:30 am. Beautiful morning, but the seas in the Strait of Georgia were pretty rolly, so John began tacking right away, getting us out of the beam breakers. The rough ride only lasted a few hours. The cruise in Friday Harbor was uneventful.... until we met Officer Asshole at the customs dock.  

Tom and Kay had already checked in and were moored in their slip. I got the lines secure and got back on the boat while John worked on clearing customs. Tom and Kay walked over to our boat with hugs and happiness..... apparently that is not allowed! The agent boarded our boat to deliver his lecture regarding the hugs. I stood in the galley feeling 10 yrs old, as he stood stoaic across the counter explaining the first "hug" is $5K fine and the second "hug" is $10K fine. He continued, "Do you know why we have these rules, young lady"? with his thumbs squared securely in his waist belt. I replied, "So as not to smuggle any contraband back and forth?" "That's right, he said." I got off with a warning. "Now give me your fruit", he said.

US Customs shack on the guest dock at Friday Harbor

Kenmore Air sea plane traffic, very popular.

The Charles N. Curtis and the Sea Scouts also made it in.

Tom and John wasted no time kicking off their reunion celebration.

Harbor Master's office.

Kay and I wasted no time going into town.

The park overlooking the bay.

Browsing the boutiques.

The patio gardens at Blue Water Boutique, very interesting stuff...

Fresh fish market, live crab and such.

Another beautiful sunset on the docks.

Saturday, August 13th  & 14th (day 137, 138)  Reid Harbor
Sunday,   August 15th              (day 140)      Roche Harbor

Alaskan Sea-Duction leaving Friday Harbor

Mega Yachts at Friday Harbor

Heading for anchorage in Reid Harbor, Stuart Island.

We begin our hike to Turn Point Light Station.
2 hours up and 2 hours back, 1 hour at the crest of the hill.

Along the trail...

The trunk is full of t-shirts, you only get by taking the hike.
It's on the honor system, take what you want and mail the payment in.
There are several water stations along the trail.

Mt Baker in the distance.

Kay and I enjoyed a picnic lunch on the crest of the hilltop.

Waiting for our shuttle back to the boats.

Tom's shuttle service, picking up Kay and I after our hike.

At anchor Reid Harbor

Our men trying for more crab....

Turn Point Light Station at the head of Stuart Island.
That is Canada in the back ground.

At anchor outside Roche Harbor

M/V Phecal Phreak, have pump will dump... for a fee.

Setting sun lights up the old church in Roche Harbor.