The watch tower and English Flag at Garrison Bay
Negotiating Mosquito Pass from Roche Harbor to Garrison Bay is always a little stressful, but there is plenty of water and plenty of room (just don’t cut the corners)! Once inside the beautiful and protected bay, you never really want to leave.
English Camp was established in 1860 by the British as part of the joint occupation of San Juan Island during the infamous Pig War. Those of you that have been to the American Camp on the windy south end of the island will quickly realize that the British picked a much more comfortable site! Today, English Camp is a beautifully preserved park with a nice dinghy dock and is a great place to explore a little history.
Osprey Nest
The watch tower has been rebuilt and the tranquil setting is almost always home to lots of wildlife. This time a female blacktailed deer walked right past me before realizing I was there and we spotted an Osprey nest up in the trees behind the camp.
Behind the camp is an awesome hike to the top of Young Hill (650′ elevation). It is well worth the exercise for the spectacular panoramic views it provides!
Black tail deer at English Camp