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Monthly Archives: June 2015

Nordhavn 47, Sea Eagle, anchored at Hope Island.

Nordhavn 47, Sea Eagle, anchored at Hope Island.

We’ve run through Squaxin Passage several times recently as we continue to explore the very Southern End of Puget Sound. Every time I pass through, I see more derelict vessels washed up on the beaches. This weekend’s cruise to Hope Island was no exception, we spotted at least eight vessels hard ashore. I’m beginning to think that Squaxin Passage may share some of the Bermuda Triangle’s bad MoJo?

The spring tides are still very strong, which makes anchoring out at Hope Island a bit of a challenge (the currents get ripping and swirling), but Sea Eagle’s big 150 lbs. stainless CQR anchor has grabbed and held firm every time it has been deployed. This weekend was no exception and I slept like a baby, knowing we weren’t going anywhere.

Friendly Deer are frequent visitors to Hope Island.

Friendly Deer are frequent visitors to Hope Island.

Some of the crew had never been to Hope Island, so we went ashore early Sunday morning and had the entire island to ourselves. This turned out to be quite a treat as we were getting scolded by Douglas Squirrels along the loop trail, spotting several very calm and friendly deer along the way. Once back at the beach, we spotted a large family of racoons loitering near the dingy. Fortunately, they were feeding on the shellfish that had been exposed by the minus tides and weren’t “investigating” the dingy and it’s contents! That could have been trouble.

The old growth forest that covers most of Hope Island really is an exceptional place to relax and unwind from the stress of life. I continue to be amazed that this little jewel is tucked away deep in South Puget Sound. It reminds me somewhat of Matia Island in the San Juan’s, but is far more beautiful.

Douglas Squirrel

Douglas Squirrel

Sailboat hard aground on Hope Island.

Sailboat hard aground on Hope Island.

Another Sailboat aground in Squaxin Passage.

Another Sailboat aground in Squaxin Passage.

Derelict Vessel in Squaxin Passage.

Derelict Vessel in Squaxin Passage.