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Boating in the San Juan Islands | Westcott Bay Shellfish Co.

One of my favorite spots to drop the anchor in the San Juan Islands is likely Garrison Bay. I like the great holding bottom, the hike up Young Hill, and the overall history of the place.  Another thing I like – it’s just around the corner from Westcott Bay and the Westcott Bay Shellfish Co.

I remember visiting the shellfish farm several years ago, when the place had fallen into disrepair prior closing for a while.  Since 2013, new owners Erik and Andrea Anderson have poured a ton of work into the farm, making it a place that is a pleasure to visit.

In my latest video, I visit the Westcott Bay Shellfish Co., where I meet the folks who work the farm and enjoy some of their tasty shellfish.  Check it out!

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Boating in the San Juan Islands | Matia Island

Maa-sha?

Ma-tia?

Mat-ia?

I’ve heard it pronounced different ways, but no matter how you say it, Matia Island is an absolute gem in the San Juan Islands.  In my latest video I visit the Island, have a look around, and enjoy the quiet while sharing the place with only one other boat.

I addition to being a Washington State Park, Matia Island is also part of the San Juan Islands National Wildlife Refuge.  Limited access to the island, with pets and fires prohibited, has helped to preserve it as a special place to visit.

 

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Boating in the San Juan Islands | Sucia Island in the Rain

Sometimes a rainy day on the boat can be a wonderful thing.  Rather than feeling the obligation to go out exploring, go for a hike, or some other form of exercise, an occasional day of damp and chilly weather while cruising can be welcome.

Not that anyone needs permission to relax while boating, a day of lousy weather can help to coax oneself to slow down, find a comfortable spot on board, read a book, take a snooze, or just be.

My latest video is about a recent rainy day at Sucia.  Check it out!

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Boating in the San Juan Islands | Around Shaw Island

With a few days (in a row) of spring weather and a few days off from work, I decided to seize the opportunity to get away.  I didn’t really feel like going very far, and even though I’ve spent a lot of time cruising the San Juans, there are quite a few places I’ve motored past on the way to other destinations.

So I came up with a “plan”.  I’d take a ride around Shaw Island…  and take three days to do it.

Shaw Island is a rural island community in the San Juan Islands with a population of 165.  The total land area is 7.7 square miles, and aside from a seasonal grocery store, the island has no commercial amenities.

In my latest video, I visit three popular anchorages on Shaw Island in the most pleasant spring weather to visit some familiar spots and a few new to me.  Thanks for watching!

 

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Boating in the San Juan Islands | Eagle Harbor, Cypress Island

It seems it has been yet another long, wet, and windy winter, and with the appropriate dose of frustration I admit that I haven’t had my boat out of the slip since October.  I generally manage to get away a few times during the winter, but this year I blame the unfavorable weather which aligned with my available time.

This past weekend, though, I was thrilled when the forecast meshed with my calendar, and I was able to shove off – even if just for an overnighter.

Eagle Harbor on Cypress Island is an easy getaway, only about nine miles from my slip in Anacortes.  I’ve always believed that you need not go far to get away, and this quick trip was a reminder that you don’t have be gone very long either to enjoy an opportunity to escape for a bit.

Located in the Cypress Island Natural Resources Conservation Area, Eagle Harbor is a quiet harbor nestled into the eastern shore of Cypress Island.  For more information check out the Department of Natural Resources Cypress Island Natural Resources Conservation Area page.

I hope you enjoy my latest video from my recent visit.  Thanks for watching!