> My wife and I are planning a bareboat cruise to the San Juan Islands
> later this month (our first trip to the NW).  Any recommendations on
> anchorages or good places to see wildlife would be appreciated.Gunkholing in the San Juans is currently out of print but if you can

find a used copy it’s a good guide.  In my unbiased opinion (heheh)my
Dad’s book is a more complete guide.  See url in my sig.  Have fun!
—

Cruise the San Juan Islands at http://www.pacificrim.net/~dcalhoun
"Shells sink, dreams float-Life’s good on our boat"
                                          Jimmy Buffett

> My wife and I are planning a bareboat cruise to the San Juan Islands
> later this month (our first trip to the NW).  Any recommendations on
> anchorages or good places to see wildlife would be appreciated.

Olga, on Orcas Island, is a fine place to go.  There’s a dock, and a
store you can buy a sandwich at.  10 minutes walk up the road is the
Artworks – an artists’ coop with many interesting and unique crafts for
sale.  There’s also a really nice restaurant at the Artworks, but you
have to be there by 5:30 PM for dinner.  Right near the Olga dock is
Buck’s Bay, which attracts many blue herons.  I’ve seen bald eagles fly
by, usually harassed by crows in aerial scenes reminiscent of B-17s
fighting off German fighters.

Another great place is the island of Sucia.  You can only get there by
boat.  There are docks in Fossil Bay, and mooring buoys in Fossil Bay
and Echo Bay.  Wonderful place to hike around.

The water in Puget Sound is cold enough to induce hypothermia quickly,
so be careful.

Michael Trigoboff
Beaverton OR Power Squadron
"Sea Horse"   WCU 7155

> My wife and I are planning a bareboat cruise to the San Juan Islands
> later this month (our first trip to the NW).  Any recommendations on
> anchorages or good places to see wildlife would be appreciated.

check out the Canadian Gulf Islands, they are not spoiled by overdevelopment.
places to anchor are;

Rum island
Sidney Spit
Portland Island
Selby Cove( at Prevost Island)
Ganges Harbour (Saltspring Island)
Wallace Island (conover cove or Princess cove)

Happy Sailing

Steve Roberts
srobe…@mailhost.wlc.com

> My wife and I are planning a bareboat cruise to the San Juan Islands
> later this month (our first trip to the NW).  Any recommendations on
> anchorages or good places to see wildlife would be appreciated.

Hi!  You will undoubtedly receive much advice from many on this subject.
But I will pass along my two personal favorites of San Juan destinations.

Rosario Resort, on Orcas Island, Eastsound, is the best resort or the
money, I think.  For less than $20. for a landing/facilities use permit
you can use three pools, sauna, whilpool, and have complete run of the
lovely and historic grounds, restaurant and bar.  A fellow named
Christopher Peacock gives a historical slideshow and a recital with the
vintage pipe organ located in the Mansion every Tuesday (check) night
which is also free.  Very good, and for all ages. Also free shuttle
service is provided by pontoon boat from your vessel to shore as often as
you like during your stay.  Just blow your whistle to summon them.  Also,
the fuel here has traditionaly been the least expensive in the Islands.

For hiking and inland explorations, a State Park on the local lake is a
short walk away and for the adventorous, Mt. Constitution can be reached
from here as well, it is the highest peak in the islands and has a supurb
view on a clear day.

Whales I have often seen both off the top of Orcas Is. and off Pt.
Lawrance on the east side.  

For a fine island experienc, try Sucia, any cove will do, but it can be a
bit crowded, alas.  There is splendid hiking and the sunset is
devastating from the cliffs of the northwest side of the island.

Rgards…TC

> My wife and I are planning a bareboat cruise to the San Juan Islands
> later this month (our first trip to the NW).  Any recommendations on
> anchorages or good places to see wildlife would be appreciated.

Pick up "Gunkholing in the San Juans" by Cummins/Baily.