Blind Island and tempting fate

Nick got the autopilot and the galley salt water pump installed as fast as possible so we could enjoy the (unheard of) 80 degree weather in the islands. We're used to hearing, "we haven't seen weather like this in 20 years," but it's never been a good thing...

We still can't get over how close all the islands are to each other. Within 3-4 hours we were on the north end of Shaw Island across from Orcas Island. At first glance the options seem overwhelming. However, once you start zeroing in on places that allow you to both go ashore and bring your dog, it becomes pretty easy. Lots of private property up here!

We were happy to find the last of three moorings available at Blind Island where we could relax and soak in the sun.

The next morning Sugar insisted we row ashore and explore the 2 acre island. It was another HOT day - as you can see I broke out the shorts (my legs are even whiter than my arms). It's a sweet little island that you can camp on as long as you kayak in.


We headed back eastward the next day and played daredevil for the fun of it. The guidebooks say that the narrow passage (20 meters) between Spencer Spit and a private island off its tip is deep enough to pass, as long as you hug the rocks. With a steady breeze filling in, we tempted fate by sailing through! No problem.

The gods weren't impressed, and paid us back by turning the wind direction 180 degrees overnight, making for an aweful night's sleep as gusts at the bottom of Lopez Sound gusted to 33 knots for hours on end. Brought back painful memories of crazy nighttime winds on Low Pressure down in the Channel Islands six years ago. At least the moon was beautiful as we stood watch into the wee hours. Overall a good reminder that we are at nature's mercy and just have to roll with the punches sometimes.

Sugar fared the best and came up to cuddle with Nick in the cockpit for a couple of hours. All is well the next day, and we'll head back in for our last provisioning before Monday's BIG departure.