25 knot close reach to Stuart Island weekend

Wow it was great to have Aeolus back in Friday Harbor so we could take her out for the long weekend to Stuart and Jones. It had been since last summer that we were at these favorite places because we had brought Aeolus down to Bainbridge after Desolation Sound last summer. So distance had made our hearts grow fonder (hard to increase upon our previous devotion to these places) and we anxiously returned to our favorite waters.

Single reef in place, close reach in 25 knots

On Saturday morning we left our slip and raised sail just off Point Caution in promising winds. Soon enough we were in the teeth of a 20 knot wind with gusts to 25 and it was coming from the West. Strong west winds are really nice in San Juan Channel because you can be on a reach going north or south. The 25 knot gusts on a close reach were making us fly right along, but also making my family a bit nervous, so I went forward and put a reef in our main and furled up the genoa a bit. With one reef and a partial genoa we returned to our heading toward Spieden Island and had a wonderful sail at near hull speed all the way.



Somehow it defies our understanding that on a holiday three day weekend we could still have Reid Harbor entirely to ourselves. No matter that it is winter, it was a lovely weekend with no rain, and not a single other boater in the NW wanted to get out to Stuart Island? I can't complain, and yet it is incredible to me. Enjoying the solitude we did all our usual favorite things including hiking the park isthmus and getting up on the high peaks.

Heaven

Winds were still strong enough that I decided to hoist our anchor riding sail that night, though it was calm by morning.

Dramatic skies, views, from my favorite spot

On Sunday we left in the later afternoon to visit Jones Island, and even had the north cove of Jones to ourself until two late arrivals after dark. We enjoyed a fantastic campfire on Jones, finding plenty of wood at other campsites, and relished the caveman television.

On Monday, we hiked around the East side and most of the West side, enjoying the perpetually amazing views and pristine little pocket beaches that comprise the Jones shoreline. Even our favorite bouncy log is still perfectly suspended and provides an incredible ride for all brave souls.

It was great in all ways to be back on Aeolus in the San Juan's and to enjoy the family time. The boys were wonderful, and had a blast. There is nothing quite so cozy as being aboard a sailboat in winter at anchor with your cabin heater on and playing a nice game of cards with your family. It is just meant to be.

Feral Stuart goats. Always fun to see.