on for anchorage. I suspect the lack of popularity comes from the fact that you can only go ashore on the small island near the entrance. While not enticing to many adults, this island is a great place to let the kids go explore on their own since it is not very big. Local knowledge: The entrance to the
bay is between this island and the day mark on the east side of the island. Do not enter on the west side of this island as there are several rocks. Spencer Spit is another state park
with lots of buoys and good anchoring. You have a choice between the north and south sides of the spit. The north side is exposed to some ferry wakes and the south side is slightly more exposed to the prevailing winds. The beach is large and a great place for the kids to spend some energy. To get to either of these anchorages
you have to go around Shaw Island. This can done using Upright Channel to the south or by going north around the Wasp Islands. Upright is easier from a navigation point of view, but going north is prettier. If you do go north be very cautious around the Wasp Islands as there a lots of rocks.
Day 6 – Rosario is my normal destination for our last night out. This beautiful old mansion is worth touring just to see the workmanship and history. They also have a slide show on the history of the resort and concert most summer evenings. There are three swimming pools and a hot-tub if you want to unwind a bit. The resort was recently purchased by new owners and they have been sprucing things up. Local knowledge: Be sure to go up
to the music room and museum, this is where you can see the real flavor of the building and its history, and even a free concert. Their docks do not have a lot of slips so a reservation is a good idea. They do have buoys which are exposed to a southerly wind so listen to the weather report. If there is going to be a blow, the Blakely Island Marina is a good alternative. If you want to be closer to
Bellingham or Anacortes, head for Cypress Island and stay on one of the buoys at Pelican Beach or in Eagle Harbor. Cypress has some of the best hiking in the islands. Woods, lakes and vistas along the trails make for very enjoyable hiking. The trails are
accessible from either anchorage but be aware they are a bit hilly. Local knowledge: Be aware that
some of the buoys in Eagle Harbor are in shallow water and are not suited for sailboats at low tide. During the late summer and fall the fog can be thick in Rosario Straight. So being on the east side of it is a good idea if you need to be back the next day.
There are lots of other places to
explore and visit but this covers some of the highlights. And you can extend beyond the San Juan Islands with easy trips to Victoria, Sydney, the Gulf Islands or further points north like Desolation Sound. If you have not visited these waters, please do, you will not regret it.
Suggested Cruising Guides: 2011 Waggoner Cruising Guide
Dreamspeaker Cruising Guide: The San Juan Islands
48° NORTH, APRIL 2011 PAGE 61
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