Peregrines, Sea Lions, and the Windrope boys

The boys and I did wander and play for a few days last week, on land and sea, and had all sorts of fun that is funny. We went to Stuart Island first, and hiked out to the lighthouse as we have numerous times before. The skunk cabbage was starting to bloom and it is quite a sight. The rope swing on the way up to the school was in fine shape and Owen had the biggest swing of all since he is smaller and I can lift him higher.

Reid Harbor was deserted but for us, and we saw only one person on the entire island. People stay away by the millions...and wallow in the urban decrepitude! So alone, we watched as the resident Peregrine Falcon swooped and intimidated all the birds around. We witnessed a big bull sea lion hanging out right off Turn Point below us. It was majestic. There is a grassy bluff up above the lighthouse a ways that is certainly one of the prettiest places in the whole NW. It is off the trail a bit, and looks out over everything with the most picturesque duo of a doug fir and madrone right at the point nestled together. It is a pinch me spot.

The boys had a grand old time taking the dinghy around the shoreline and adventuring on the rocky cliffs. Reid Harbor is sandstone and so has weathered into dramatic caves and other shapes that are heaven to any kid. I had so much fun watching them navigate their way along the shore, in and out of caves, and avoiding big falls into the water. They were in the sort of bliss kids know from exploring wild places.

We sailed around boundary pass for a day in some nice winds and then headed back down to Jones Island for a spell. The usual hiking, and playing ensued. Nothing to report other than how great it was.

This trip had some great sailing, which made me happy, and some fantastic play time for the boys. We capped it off by returning to our slip in Friday Harbor and going out to a movie. A bit of decrepitude, in small doses, is quite nice!