We left Roche Harbor to go whale watching in Haro Strait, the water was glassy smooth. It would be the last chance for a whale sighting this trip to the PNW – unfortunately, it was not meant to be, but we had fun looking.

Our next stop was Garrison Bay and a long-planned rendezvous, by boat, with fellow members of Grand Traverse Yacht Club, our boating club in Michigan. Richard and Diane, Steve and Deb, Jim and Geri, Fred and Lisa, and Mike and Carol had all flown out to the PNW to charter two sailboats to cruise the San Juan Islands. We arrived mid-day at different times to anchor in the well-protected bay just off Mosquito Pass.

Garrison Bay is home to English Camp Historical Park, where British soldiers set up camp during the boundary dispute that was settled in 1872.

Today, one can tour the restored buildings and grounds, visit the cemetery and hike to one of the highest vantage points on the island. We joined friends, Lisa, Diane, and Richard, to walk almost to the top, although it was steeper and farther than we thought it would be, we were rewarded with unencumbered views of the harbor, Haro Straits, and Vancouver Island sitting clearly visible off in the distance. First, we explored English Camp and the original garden site.

After we got back to our boat and had dinner, we were famished, everyone gathered for an after-dinner happy hour in the cockpit of one of the sailboats. Who’d ever thought we could be 2,600 miles from home sharing boating stories and laughing with friends from our hometown? When we’re away from home cruising, especially in new territory, we’re usually actively making new friends, so this time, cruising time in the beautiful San Juan Islands with friends from home was special for us.

The Wandering Eye (above) appears to be a long way from home.

The next morning we all departed the anchorage and went our separate ways, we were headed back to the mainland while the GTYC sailors were going to spend a few more days sailing and exploring the islands.

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