At Sea Again

Scenic Lopez Sound

After working at the Waggoner Office in Anacortes, it’s back to work again on the boat and out to sea.  Departing in the late afternoon, we made the short one-hour cruise to Lopez Sound.  Although nearby, it seems a world away.  The large body of water between Decatur Island and Lopez Island, known as Lopez Sound, has a variety of scenery that captures the soul, everything from wind-swept slopes and rocky beaches, to tree-covered hillsides and open pastures. 

Boats at anchor in Hunter Bay

This broad area has easy anchoring depths and several coves with differing orientations for protection from most winds.  Hunter Bay and Mud Bay at the south end of Lopez Sound are two favorites.  Apply named, Mud Bay has good holding in 12-15 feet over a mud bottom.  The small Mud Bay County Park, located on the southeast side of the bay, provides access to shore and is a popular departure point for kayakers. 

A lovely Sunset at Mud Bay

Neighboring Hunter Bay has consistent 15-foot depths over a mud bottom and is protected from all but northeast winds.  We saw several boats anchored in Hunter, while finding ourselves anchored alone in Mud Bay.  The numerous mooring buoys in both bays and throughout Lopez Sound belong to area residents.  Although homes are plentiful in Lopez Sound, most are tucked among the hills behind trees providing a sense of privacy.  Crabbing and clamming appears to be a popular local past-time. 

Morning Fog greets us in Mud Bay

A blanket of fog greeted us in the morning and didn’t burn off until 11am.  A haze due to the forest fires in Canada still lingered in the air.  Undeterred, we continued to our next stop at Blakely Island Marina.  Approaching the fuel dock and the marina docks is best accomplished at slack water.  

Combination Day-use Moorage and 24-hour Fuel Dock at Blakely Island

It can be a challenge approaching the outside dock or heading down the narrow channel into the marina when the current is running.  However, fresh made donuts, delicious ice cream, and other goodies found at the store are worth the effort. 

Lovely Grounds and Outdoor Seating at Blakely Island Marina

The grounds are lovely and the views are striking on a clear day.  Those interested in flying always appreciate watching small planes depart and arrive at the adjacent community airstrip. 

Sweets and Other Treats at Blakely Island Store & Marina

After our sweet indulgence at the Blakely Island Store & Marina, we made our way to Obstruction Pass State Park on the southeast tip of Orcas Island.  We confirmed that the three mooring buoys at the park are still in place and available for boats 45 feet and under for overnight moorage, fees are paid ashore.  Families appeared to be having a great time playing on the beach and cooling off in the water; campers had pitched their tents and were seen hiking along the trails. 

Obstruction Pass State Park

It turned out to be a lovely day despite the dull-colored sky.  We continued our journey along Orcas Island and turned north into East Sound, reaching the village of Eastsound where we anchored for the night in Fishing Bay.