On the Hook!

 Wednesday, August 10, 2022

We woke up to a bright morning, and did a walking tour of the island.  It's surprising there is so much to see in a relatively small area of Roche Harbor. 

This beautiful house looks like a castle and sits high on the hill overlooking the harbor.  The owner was out and waved, but we didn't get an invitation to join for coffee (darn!)

One frequent mode of transportation to the island is by plane.  We watched this guy at the airport "gate" waiting for his ride, which pulled up, he got in and they took off!  No TSA check, no baggage, no lines!

Another interesting island landmark is "The Mausoleum" built in the 1930's as a memorial to one of the landowner's family. It's hidden deep in the trees, and you hike along a trail to get to it.  The structure incorporates all kinds of symbolism in stairs, columns and, and a round table surrounded by concrete "chairs" which are crypts for the ashes of family members.  The inscription on each chair includes info on the family member, their sorority or fraternity (Sigma Chi and SAE)  and political affiliation--interesting!

We kept seeing these huge beautiful trees with a rich orange-red bark.  I had to "google-lens" the picture to figure out what kind of tree it is--found it is a Madrona, found in the Pacific northwest coastal areas  It is a broadleaf evergreen tree. which can live for over 300 years!

These cottages on the island were built around 1890 to house workers on the island.  Eight of the cottages remain and have been restored and are rented as vacation accomodations.  Wouldn't this be a great place for a family reunion?

Our Lady of Good Voyage chapel sits on a hill towering over the harbor.  It was construted in 1892 as a Methodist church, and was also used as a school for the children.  It was renovated in 1960's and consecrated as a Catholic church.  Then, in 2014 it was deconsecated and made available for services of all faiths.  (I've never heard of a church being deconsecrated).  When the carillon bells rang, it echoed  over the water and created a beautiful peaceful melody.

After a pretty good hike around the island, we rewarded ourselves with a donut from the famous donut shop on the dock!  Yummy!

This guy brought his own transportation along.  I guess they don't make bike racks for a boat!

We left Roche Harbor headed through Mosquito Pass (yes that's really the name) looking for a nice cozy cove.   The weather quickly changed; it became overcast, the wind picked up and let us know it was in charge!  At one point there were small craft warnings out and we got a bit of rain. We found a great spot in a cove with some protection from the wind and dropped anchor to spend the night "on the hook".  (Yes, I'm learning "boat talk" )

We had a great dinner on the boat, compliments of Evelyn.

And, then settled in for the night.

Today was also the day our hearts got heavier when we received news that we lost our brother in law Noaman in a car accident in Indiana.  It's another reminder to live life to the fullest while you can.  We are so fortunate to have spent time with him just a short time ago at the wedding in Jackson Hole. 

https://www.callahanandhughes.com/obituary/dr-noaman-botros