The ride to Stuart Island was a non-event as it was only 5 miles. You need to be very careful in crossing as there are rocks and shoals to be mindful of. Like many of the San Juans, it was hard to figure out which island you were looking at. Stuart was no exception. I would have missed the entrance altogether if it weren't for the charts and electronics. The entrance to Reid Harbor is narrow but 30 ft. deep at low tide, so no worries. Once inside it layed out like glass. The state park is at the end of the bay. Several (older style) mooring buoys, two linear lines and two floating docks with picnic tables. The ramp to the state park also has a small dock. A surprise was a self contained floating pump out station. We chose one of the floating docks. There is little to no cell phone service here.
The next day, Kay and I decided to take the 2 1/2 mile hike out to Turn Point Light. Now, we could have beached the dinghy at the county road ramp, but NO....we docked at the state park ramp. Why is this significant, you ask? Because the trail to from there to the county road is straight down, we had to go back this way. Once you hit the road, it is up hill all the way to the school house... a very BIG hill. I almost collapsed and sucked down half of our water. Well, at least I am losing some weight. The school house is cool, dating back to the early 1900's. There is also a family that sells shirts, post cards and hats out of a "treasure chest". You choose what you want and mail a check in the envelope provided all on the honor system, very cool. We spent about $70 dollars for shirts for us and grandkids.
The rest of the hike to Turn Point was comfortable until the last half mile which is straight down. I was also surprised by how many houses there are on Stuart Island. There is no electricity here so folks use wind and solar. The Turn Point Light is a National Historic Place and is run by the BLM. There is also a group of folks called the Turn Point Light Preservation Society. They have done a wonderful job of restoring the buildings. If you want a treat, visit the outhouse to do your thing. It is the fanciest forest service toilet I have ever seen.
Canada is a few short miles across the straights and I had a good cell phone signal. I called Sidney Marina and made reservations for two nights. We decided to forgo Brentwood Bay next to Butchart Gardens. Instead, we rented a car and explored the place called Vancouver, BC. I also need to find a marine store and find a bigger charger as my current charger is not keeping up with the house batteries.
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