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.  
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.

 

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

 

 

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

The 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.

A 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.

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

After 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…