MLK weekend away to Prevost

Honoring Dr. King with a get away to wilderness may seem like an odd choice, but among the many things he championed, one could argue that the liberty to pursue happiness unimpaired by the dictates of a disapproving populace was high among them. He didn't argue we needed to approve of each other. He argued all people deserved the liberty, freedom and respect, to live a life of their own choosing so long as it brought no harm to others.

From a lofty perch, a place above it all. 

Among our highest choice of preferred liberties is time away from the very civilization that continues to institutionalize hatred, discrimination and prejudice. The owls don't do that, nor the trees. We commune with otters, and listen to the wind. The voices of oystercatchers are our companions and the  whisper of leaves our friends.

The Grandmother Tree-the center of the universe

This weekend we journeyed north to Prevost Harbor as the forecasted winds kept us away from Tumbo. Prevost is a bit less sheltered than Reid as it can receive vessel wakes and NE swells, but it is plenty sheltered enough that no real harm would ever come to you. Our trip there was uneventful, and it is 13 miles from Friday Harbor to Prevost. We encountered some chop in the vortex between Spieden, San Juan, Flat Top and Orcas, as that is a mixing zone for all currents and winds. Otherwise, we were on flat seas.



We are all busy in our lives. Aren't you? We need these getaways as replenishment in all ways.

Dropping the anchor in Prevost is easy peasy, and we were immediately ashore to play. Elliott and I went for runs, and Amy and Owen strolled around and did their things. The thing for Owen continues to be creative play with found objects. He built an impressive wall of driftwood sticks, carefully stacked on top of a log. He nearly crippled himself climbing up a crevice in the cliff face, as he got stuck, and could neither go up or down. We have raised our boys to be feral with a firm understanding of natural consequences, and so he didn't cry for help. He dug deep, found the strength, and launched himself up high enough to get to the top of the cliff without incident, happy to be unhurt. Kids don't learn anything by being saved from all risks.

That night we were cozy and warm in our reading and eating. Floating bliss.

On Sunday we enjoyed a tremendous full day of hiking. We went to both our favorite high overlook, as well as out to the lighthouse. The day was sunny, the walking wonderful, and the the company splendid. Nothing like a good long hike to shake out the stresses and silliness of domestic life. It was so warm, and lovely. Record highs in the Seattle area. When back to the boat I went for a dinghy trip and spotted a group of river otters playing near the shore. They are such totem animals.

That night the stars were magnificent, and Orion was right out the port side windows of Aeolus. They twinkled and sparkled like they were brand new! There is a special feeling about being alone in an anchorage in a wild place, with crisp winter air and a sky full of stars. I don't know what it is, but it is something.

Keep having these kinds of experiences and all will be well

And we came back today. The trip south was highlighted by a nice twist through John's Pass and the always enjoyable journey along Spieden. When will they sterilize or kill off all those non-native sheep that prevent the island trees from growing?

We all had a deeply good time, both relaxing and invigorating. Funny how you know ahead of time just how it will be, and yet are always surprised how great it is.