The skip over to Stuart Island was non-eventful. The morning had begun with fog but by the time we left at noon, it had left except the blanket over in the direction coming from Garrison Bay. Reid Harbor is large which allows for many boats to anchor or as you move towards the State Park, buoys. Our Higher Power is watching over us- as we approached a buoy in a perfect location, a couple was just departing! I extended the new boat hook, held on tight and hooked the ring first try. We each did our own thing for an hour or so before paddling in to register and check out Prevost Harbor on the other side of the island. The original thought was to stay one night, however the serenity is so compelling, we are staying two. Pat continued with his reading while I fondled my new silver grey alpaca yarn purchased in Roche Harbor. It is so sensual to handle and it almost sparkles. The other silk, angora mix which is hand-dyed kept me busy pulling apart to separate out the colors and cut them. I have begun a small tapestry, perhaps to hang in the boat. We do have a couple bare walls that could hold something decorative, at least when it is my second home! It is not that I did not bring plenty of projects along with me, but the majorities are knitting projects. Something different is a good diversion and gives my fingers a break.
This afternoon we hiked up to the school house, the graveyard and Turn Point Lighthouse. It was a good chance to introduce George to the islands few highlights. Pat is enjoying sharing the spotlight with George when it comes to my photos. I get some curious looks from passer bys when George is with me. Many are curious enough to ask if it is a dog going for a kayak ride or walk. When I tell them that I’m going to write a children’s storybook about our journey their curiosity is quenched. Definitely off the norm, but it has given Pat and me many great opportunities to laugh! The sound of crickets can be heard out in the fields of tall, dry grass. Leaves shed prematurely due to lack of moisture crunch below our feet. The skunk cabbages are ravaged by something or time alone. Tired shades of green are everywhere. A few healthy cedars held onto their vibrant rich green as did a patch of grass in a small wetland. This is so different than last year’s trip when it was the middle of spring. It will be interesting to compare and contrast as we progress north. Tomorrow we will leave around 10 and head across the Straits of Juan de Fuca to enter at Bedwell, BC.
This summer with fuel less expensive, and prime vacation time, there are many more boats, sail and power, at all of our ports of call. It should change here in a couple weeks when the schools go back into session. Nevertheless, the children aren’t seen out on the trails. I’m not sure where they are. We did see quite a few swimming late in the afternoon, repeatedly jumping off their boats and quickly climbing back on and reaching for the towels.
All the hikes we have taken across, Jones, Blake, San Juan and now Stuart Island have been dusty and smell of summer; warm dust and grassy with a few teases of unseen blackberries. It has been difficult to enjoy the colorful wildflowers for they are all but spent for the season. I do hope that if indeed this is the end of summer, that there will be the colors of fall towards the end of the journey. Fall is my second favorite season following spring.
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