Europa: SJI Summer Days 10 & 11 - Cliff Island & Roche Harbor (San Juan Island)

A friend of a friend owns Cliff Island, one of seven small islands that make up the group called the Wasp Islands, tucked in between Orcas, Shaw and San Juan. There is a small dock, with the owner’s boat taking up one side, so we docked Europa on the other side and tied Stay Awhile alongside. This rafting idea was not a good one, as we found that every time a boat went by, our boats rocked unsafely…once so crazily that we thought for sure they were going to hit each other, or at the very least, tear some cleats away. If it weren't for the owner helping us retie lines in a better way for rafting and waves, we may have had a couple of damaged boats. Fortunately, there is also a mooring ball, so we moved Europa to the buoy for the night. No damage done, but definitely lessons learned.

We cooked up the crab, grilled the second salmon filet, and had a nice dinner at the house.

Nick & Janine at Cliff Island

Almost forgot: Best. Sunset. Ever.

The next morning, I was able to take a long hot shower and wash my hair. (Showers on the boat are just fine, but washing by hair in the boat shower is less than ideal.) After a big breakfast we thanked the owner and headed to Roche Harbor. It was a special treat to be able to take advantage of that little island – a very pretty spot and one we hope to visit again.

After we docked at Roche, took a walk, and looked at ginormous, multi-million dollar boats, we inflated the kayak and took a quick paddle.

Europa & kayak at Roche

This morning we said goodbye to Tracey and Steve so Steve could get back to work. It has been tons of fun boating with them most of the past ten days and we wish them safe travels home.

We unloaded the bikes and road to Lime Kiln park to get some exercise and do a little whale watching. We weren’t expecting any whales, so were not disappointed when they weren’t there. The sign says there was a Humpback and a Minke yesterday…but no Orcas.

Haro Strait from just above Lime Kiln park

The ride took about an hour each way and was quite hilly – would have been a long hard haul without e-bikes. Took some photos of interesting things along the way...