While most of the islands we’ve visited so far are either legitimate ports or state parks, Stuart Island is actually inhabited.  There are two tiny runways and numerous docks dotting the coastline.  The island is also covered in hiking trails.  The wind was predicted to kick up tonight to the tune of “gale warning.” Yeah, crap… We anchored in Prevost Harbor and took the dinghy ashore to go for a hike.  Our final destination was the Turn Point Lighthouse at the other end of the island, however along the way you get to see a slice of how the people on this island live.  The homes range anywhere from “normal” suburban homes to smallish cabins.  There seem to be only a few cars and old trucks running around and I get the impression a lot of people just walk.  There is a little schoolhouse next to the old original schoolhouse that is now the library and the old teacher’s house that is now a museum for the history of the island.  That was pretty fascinating because they know the history of all of the original inhabitants of the island and what happened to them and where they all ended up.  I do wonder what the current inhabitants of the island do for work.  I don’t see there being that much money in lumber and cows anymore… and I don’t think they’re using the island as a summer home.  Maybe someday I’ll ask one of them.

We’ve seen a ton of wildlife on this trip, and Stuart island was no different.  We saw a big owl right off the bat, and even a few tiny snakes.  The hike itself is always longer and harder than I remember it being.  There’s even a long stretch that’s just steps down to the water and then back up. It’s brutal.

Another fun thing about this island is that a few families have gotten together and designed fun t-shirts, hats, etc and sell them out of a “treasure chest” at the top of the hill.  Payment is purely on the honor system and you mail them a check or pay online.  It’s pretty neat.

We didn’t buy a shirt this time, but we already have a few at home. 😉

This is one of my favorite stops in the San Juan Islands.  I’m glad we got to visit again!

Now back to that gale warning I mentioned earlier… By the time we finished our hike and made it back to the dinghy at the dock, the wind had picked up a LOT.  It was pretty easy to see that our short little jaunt to the boat was going to be wet and unpleasant.  The wind had churned up a ton of chop and Salacia was sailing around her anchor in the variable wind direction.  We managed to land the dinghy and not fall in the water getting off of it and onto the boat.  Putting the dinghy back up onto the roof was shady at best, but we managed and no one got an outboard engine to the face. Needless to say, it wasn’t a very restful night.  Jason always buys pretty much the most badass anchor we can afford so that’s nice, but I don’t have a lot of experience with anchoring and don’t really trust them that much.  Every little noise I heard all night long was disconcerting and I laid awake just waiting for the chain to snap or the anchor to let go and send the boat drifting with the wind into the rocky coastline.  We survived the night with really no problems at all.  The wind was gusting to 30knots.  Sporting, but nothing close to what was happening outside the bay in the straits!

I’ve realized I like anchoring out. It’s peaceful and quiet to be away from all of the people on the dock and our davit makes it easy to use the dinghy to get to shore when we want to.  It was probably quieter and safer being out on our own anchor away from other boats than tied to a wooden dock surrounded by other people. Regardless, I’m glad the wind died back down.  It makes the trip way more relaxing!