A Fine February Cruise

February? Really?

My lawn is thoroughly confused and obviously didn’t receive the memo that it is not yet time to begin growing.  I suppose it is begging for my attention, but those of you that know me or follow my blog know that lawn care is not something that I list amongst my hobbies.  With a few nice days in the forecast, I could have devoted those days to getting the yard in shape, but I elected to go boating instead.

As often the case for me, the decision to go was made pretty quickly. I tossed some clothes in a bag, made a stop for some groceries, and was at the boat ready to depart.  I leave the boat pretty much ready to go, with all the essentials on board year-round, which makes a quick trip easy.  11021149_10206158215013740_2111190545133881260_n
I headed in the direction of Patos Island, with hopes of finding a free buoy to tie up for the night.  I’ve been to Patos a few times, but have never stayed because both buoys have been occupied, and it’s just not a good place to anchor.  Active Cove is called “active” for a reason, referring to the currents that flow through it.

Patos Island, Polulation 1

When I arrived, I was pleased to find the cove empty.  I had the place to myself.  After securing a buoy, I launched the dinghy and went to shore.

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With a late afternoon arrival, I walked around a bit before being treated to an absolutely spectacular sunset from the lighthouse at Alden Point.

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In the morning I went ashore again, and hiked the loop trail and paid the lighthouse one more visit.

IMG_8375The marine weather forecast was calling for some wind to blow in the afternoon and through the night, so I decided to move over to Sucia.  As expected, there was plenty of room at the dock at Fossil Bay.

IMG_8401IMG_8395A bit of commentary: I’m really impressed with the work the State Parks system has done on both Patos and Sucia.  The new outhouse facilities are a fantastic upgrade from the old, stinky pit toilets, and the new mooring buoys that are being installed are very nice.  They are made of a hard plastic material with the ring recessed into the top of the buoy.  The design does make grabbing the ring a bit more challenging, but overall they are much less prone to scratching boat hulls than the old ones.  It’s nice to see the improvements.  Our marine parks are a wonderful part of living and boating in the northwest.  I’m happy to support the system by purchasing an annual moorage pass, and encourage others to as well.

Fossil Bay is a great spot to take in a sunset, and this one did not disappoint.

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The next morning, I laced up for a walk.  Echo Bay was completely empty, and two boats quietly shared Shallow Bay.

IMG_8408 IMG_8409After getting back to the boat, and in no particular hurry, I started toward home as a sprinkling of rain fell from the sky.  I enjoyed a warm, comfortable, and slow cruise back to marina, as sprinkles turned to showers.

After all, I guess it is February…

 

 

3 Replies to “A Fine February Cruise”

  1. Nice, we are freezing our a… off on the East Cost. Please send some warm weather…can’t wait!

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