May 13-15, 2011
Distance: 58.8 nm
Engine Hours: 7:45
Moorage: Rosario Resort Marina $1.00/ft (winter rates)
Began planning this cruise weeks prior with "JaCarol", "Briar Patch", and "Enough Time", with much debate over the destination. After finally settling on Sucia, "Enough Time and "Jolly Mon" set out to secure a spot to be joined by the other two boats who would be leaving after the workday was complete.
We enjoyed a nice slow cruise to Sucia, arriving to find every dock and buoy in Fossil Bay occupied by a yacht club. We were really hoping for a place at the dock… With winds forecasted to blow that evening, we elected to commence to plan B, and motored toward Rosario, on Orcas Island.
With winds building, we put the boats on plane and ran to East Sound by way of Obstruction Pass. We entered East Sound, which was jagged with whitecaps and took the seas on the nose all the way to Rosario, which was fortunately somewhat protected from the winds. Preparing for docking- setting lines and fenders- was a challenge as the boat did pirouettes in the gusty wind.
Entering the marina was also a bit of a challenge, but the fleet all were safely tucked in by evening for a nice dinner on board Briar Patch.
It was a very enjoyable weekend at Rosario, which was quiet with only a few off-season visitors. It was fun to stroll the grounds and walk through the historic Moran mansion.
Saturday evening happy hour was aboard Jolly Mon, and dinner aboard JaCarol. The food and drink was good, and the company excellent.
Sunday morning we woke to drizzle and overcast skies. Conditions were calm, but forecasts called for winds to blow in the afternoon. Briar Patch and Jolly Mon pushed away from the dock and enjoyed a pleasant seven knot cruise home.
A great early season weekend trip.
