I’m not sure I’d have believed it if I didn’t see it with my own eyes! We had just pulled our pizzas off the grill when I looked up and saw two big black fins go by. I grabbed my phone and snapped a few pics as two orcas headed back to the mouth of the bay. Really, I had no idea whales would come all the way in here! Spectacular!

Oh deer!

When something looks a little odd, take a closer look! Words to live by. As we pulled into Roche Harbor yesterday, I saw something in the water that just looked weird. Three small pointy shapes that seemed to be moving, although it was hard to tell. So, I reached for the binos to take a closer look. Three deer swimming across the harbor to Pearl Island! Just as I got them in my sights, they reached the shore and trotted up the beach. Amazing!

I neglected to include photos the other day of an otter family playing and feeding on the dock next to ours at Skyline.

Some good days of wildlife spotting!

As we walked around Friday Harbor Thursday, we saw that the new store is open in the old Cask & Schooner building. Charlie’s Market is a mishmash of light groceries/convenience items and some clothing and gifts. Around the side, they have a take-out window for food. Although we wish it were still the pub, it’s nice to see something going on there instead of an empty building.

It’s been a bit rainy but it cleared up and we got the boat cleaned Friday afternoon, then joined Tracey & Steve at Kit’s house for dinner. Yummy pineapple margaritas!

After a quick trip into the farmer’s market Saturday morning (and a good, fresh soft pretzel), we moved on to Garrison Bay. We pulled in just in time for lunch. Not all that many boats, but a large-ish group from San Juan Island YC. I took a nice long paddle around the bay, then we took a walk around English Camp and out to Bell Point. As I always say, one of my favorite short hikes in the islands.

Note to selves: As we walked by Westcott Bay, Nick mentioned that it always looks a little calmer on that side…a little less wind in the afternoon. Next time we come this way, we’re going to anchor in Westcott instead of Garrison. Maybe not quite as picturesque, but worth a try.

I want to make quick note of the fact that I have a new iPhone, and as I expected, blogging is now much easier! And photos are better. And I can upload videos!

It’s so nice to be here! We’ve had a busy/momentous six weeks, and we both took a deep breath after we dropped the anchor.

Looking forward to a hike up Young Hill in a bit.