My plan was to get off to an early start, motor all the way to Blake Island Marine State Park and get a slip for the night. I had anchored off of Blake in the past, but I had no dinghy then so was unable to go ashore. This time around I was really looking forward to exploring the island. Winds were predicted to be light to nonexistent so I knew it was going to be a boring day under outboard power, and I had nothing but sympathy for those who were going to be rowing all day.
Today's route was beyond simple: exit Gig Harbor and turn left! It was a straight shot up Colvos Passage with Vashon Island on the right, past the Southworth/Fauntleroy ferry and on to Blake Island dead north. Colvos Passage defies all logic, and the tide runs north no matter which direction it is flowing elsewhere. Amazing! Today we would pass the halfway point, about midway up Colvos Passage.
Compared to yesterday's excitement this was an easy and uneventful day. This makes for boring adventure writing I'm sorry to say, so pictures will have to tell the story.
Exiting Gig Harbor, the Gig Harbor lighthouse
The rowing begins. Tacoma and Mount Rainier provide nice scenery while
Edwin Slaughter pulls at the oars.
Vanilla and I motoring north, too lazy to raise sail
Even under power it ain't a bad way to spend a day!
Almost through Colvos Passage
Once out of Colvos Passage and through the Southworth/Fauntleroy ferry lane I motored along the east side of Blake Island. Anchored in the bay on the northeast corner of the island was the most beautiful sailboat in all of the Pacific Northwest, the magnificent Adventuress! I passed by near enough to wave before turning west and making my way into the narrow entrance of the Blake Island Marina.
Shortly after arriving and tying up in this peaceful, idyllic boater's sanctuary, I heard what I can only describe as "the party" arriving. Apparently Argosy Cruises visits Blake with one of their humongous tour boats, blasting hideous disco and hiphop at ear-damaging levels, 'cause...summer outdoors, right? A huge crowd of outdoor enthusiasts disembarked this vessel and wandered around sort of aimlessly, looking like they had no idea how to enjoy themselves without "the party". Fortunately, this floating day-rave was only staying for a short while, and before becoming too much of a nuisance the music cranked up, and "the party" motored off to take their revelers elsewhere.
But that is not what Blake Island will be remembered for, oh no...
Passing to the east of Blake Island, the spectacular Adventuress lies at anchor
Snugly tied up and ready for visitors
Ahhh, the peace and quiet...
...until "The Party" pulls in
Time to go for a walk and explore before dinner
Almost immediately after arriving they came out of nowhere. Dozens, hundreds, maybe thousands for all I know. Raccoons have taken over the island! They were like rats, crawling everywhere and trying to steal anything edible that they could get their creepy little hands on. They were fearless, crawling right onto boats when people's backs were turned, breaking into boats to steal food, and then disappearing under the dock before you could do anything about it. It was very unnerving, and we worked in shifts to keep them off of each other's boats while we were away. No matter what you were doing, or where on the island you were, they were right there, just waiting for an opportunity. After a while we got used to it, but still...creepy.
The evil Trash Panda!
Despite the trash panda invasion it was still a beautiful island to explore. And the evening was filled with socializing, and walking the docks talking boats and cruising. I was even able to enjoy dinner with only a couple of half-hearted attempts at animal piracy, easily repelled by clapping and forceful commands of "OFF! NO!!!"
Freeze-dried dinner is fast and tasty
Waiting, just...waiting*
"You have to sleep eventually"*
Day Three, estimated mileage
*These are not my photos and are only used for dramatic effect. They are not far very off from the truth though. Raccoons are an invasive and unmanaged menace on Blake, a detriment to tourism and the enjoyment of the island, and something really should be done about it.
