Desolation Sound Flotilla - October 10, 2010 - Friday Harbor to Bellingham Bay

After being woken by the gusting wind early this morning, we wondered if we would be leaving Friday Harbor today, but the forecast called for the winds to diminish and for the sun to come out. We enjoyed a relaxed morning having breakfast (or at least a latte) in town, and even Pop-Eye, Friday Harbor’s resident harbor seal, put in an appearance. This time, the forecast was right on the button: the wind first shifted to the NW and then died down to a breeze, and we cast off under blue skies to make our homeward trip to Bellingham.

It was a lovely trip through the heart of the San Juan Islands, and we only had to dodge two WA State Ferries just as we were leaving Friday Harbor. The waters were calm, even in Rosario Strait; a good thing, too, as we had to wait for a large tanker to pass us in the middle of the strait. It was a nice change from yesterday, and made for very pleasant cruising.

As we cruised toward port up a blessedly calm Bellingham Bay, we couldn’t help but reflect on what a beautiful trip we have had. The weather was unbeatable, a Pacific Northwest autumn at its finest. We had a taste of the conditions that remind us these can be challenging waters which shouldn’t be taken for granted, but that with care and planning (and a good boat!) make for some of the finest cruising on earth. It was a truly memorable voyage – new vistas, new friends, and most definitely, new experiences!

We at NW Explorations thank all of our flotilla crews for their enthusiastic participation, and wish them all fair winds and calm seas in all their travels.