May 18,
2014
ROCHE HARBOR, SAN JUAN
ISLAND, U.S.A.
At
11:00 a.m. we were already
through customs at Roche
Harbor, our anchor was
dropped, the skiff lowered, bodies showered and dressed in the cleanest shore
attire available, ready for whatever might come our way.
The
customs agent was quite pleasant. She went over the restricted produce with us
AGAIN…we never seem to remember. She left us a handy brochure which explains
everything. Sometimes it has seemed to us that it is on the whim of the Customs
Agent whether or not you keep the tomatoes, limes, lemons and potatoes or they
confiscate them. This time we were informed that if our tomatoes, limes and
lemons were cut up and bagged, no matter where they originated from, we could
keep them. New information that is invaluable to us.
We
picked a beautiful day to visit. Can’t wait to go ashore.
We
have been to Roche
Harbor on several
occasions. It is one of loveliest resort destinations in the San
Juan Islands, in our opinion. Again, we came upon another wedding
being set up. The small chapel was donned with ribbons and flowers, as well as maracas
which were being placed in the hymnal “pockets” in front of each bench seat. I
would have loved to have heard them rattle in celebration.
We
walked to the mausoleum which had gravesites from the 1800’s. Many of the
stones were missing which is a shame. So many had such short lives. We visited
the Sculpture Park once again which is always a
delightful stroll along grassy paths circling a lake with entertaining and unique
works of art scattered around the grounds.
The entrance to the scrulpture garden
I found a friend.
Along our walk we passed by rebuilt houses that once housed kiln workers and their families; now they are vacation cottages.
What a great family setting with a pool, expansive lawn, tennis courts and a
view of the beautiful marina. One of the cottages was painted red and had once
served as the little red school house for the children of the workers.
The
town was bustling, and it isn’t even the beginning of the season yet. There
were some huge vessels docked here. We always seem to see the massive yachts
here in the U.S.,
more so than in Canada.
Thankfully, we are not crowded by other boats in the bay allowing us plenty of
“wiggle room”.
Both
here and in Bedwell
Harbour we are one of a
kind. We have been the only wooden converted fishing boat around. One gentleman who came over to us to see the
Belle up close said, “Ya gotta love boating to have a boat like this! Lots of
work.” and the customs agent commented, “When I see someone come in with a boat
like this, I know they are serious about boating.”
Around
sunset each night, the people of Roche
Harbor gather around the
flagpole. The flag is brought down accompanied by Taps and then a rousing
patriotic tune is played. Last night an announcer welcomed visitors,
congratulated the newlyweds and wished someone in attendance a Happy Birthday. Another
charming aspect of this town is that the chapel bells ring out at noon each day.
A
woman I knew in Murphys through our local Black Bart Theater and school district now lives on
the Island and has a home furnishings store. “Dominique’s
Home” is housed in a beautifully restored building by the old kilns. We went in
hoping to catch her but our efforts were once again unsuccessful.
We
have been enjoying our time sitting at the bow reading our books…David in the
shade, Pat in the glorious sunshine. In
the morning we cruised ashore to the Lime Kiln Café for coffee and freshly
baked donuts. Almost hate to leave this place.
Cribbage
“tournament” now tied…6 games apiece.
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