Lopez Island

Wednesday, September 08, 2004

Little Toot

Molly spends the summers onboard Little Toot tied to the inner dock at the Islands Marine Center marina.

Her son Peter found the boat and redid the interior for her needs.

Peter lives on a sailboat anchored in Shipyard Cove just south of Friday Harbor.

Click on the pictures to see a larger image

Monday, August 30, 2004

Friday Harbor

While only about three miles away, the trip to Friday Harbor (on San Juan Island) by foot entails a 5 mile drive to the ferry, then an hour or so ferry ride, stopping first at

Shaw Island and then Orcas Island before arriving at the big city (2500 people.) No stoplights, but the traffic reminds one of any small town on the mainland. No friendly waves as on Lopez. A few more places to eat, but not of improved quality. Two large markets with wide selection of food, but nobody knows you. Out near the airport north of town they are continuing to build in what looks like an industrial park.

As I was driving up the road to the Lopez ferry landing earlier, I saw a doe running alongside near the library. I slowed, knowing that deer, like chickens, have to cross the road. She did and then proceeded with lunch as if I weren't there. I don't recall every seeing a deer in Friday Harbor, although I'm sure they visit from time to time, at least on the verges.
The day was warm and sunny. The return ferry ride slow and pleasant. The usual folks getting on and off at the stops. The ferry people who tie the boat to the dock and open the mesh barricade for people and cars to embark and debark were both women. They bantered with the dockside drawbridge operators at each stop. Shaw had a chap at the dock instead of the usual nun in brown habit. The newspapers indicates the nuns are going to give up island life and move to the mainland. Another tradition fades.

Saturday, August 28, 2004

I lucked out at Neil's Mall, more commonly refered to as just "the dump" (technically a transfer station where folks bring household garbage which is then dumped off-island). I had gotten a decent mountain bike there Sunday, but the rear wheel rim had been torn. I found a steel wheel Wednesday, but it turned out to be woefully out of round. So today I got a whole Huffy mountain bike that I can ride, although shifting seems somewhat of a problem. One thing at a time. The "dump" has a large shed open on one side with a sign that says, "You have two choices: take it or leave it." I do both. Got two wine glasses since I forgot to bring my special stainless steel boat goblets. Also got a coffee maker for Molly to replace her antique regurgitator.

Spinkled a little. Promise of sun tomorrow. I suspect there's a little more of the nasties up here that further south. It's those Canadians' fault.

Lopez Island - Sailing on Eidolon