This is my new favorite portrait of Eben. He definitely exemplifies a sailor here. He did a fantastic job guiding our boat during the trip and keeping us safe and comfortable.
Edison fell asleep right in the cockpit on our way from Roche Harbor to Obstruction Pass. You can see a ferry in the background.
We originally wanted to spend the night in Orcas Island's West Sound. But we didn't find a great anchorage there. So we went a little further, to a tiny cove along Obstruction Pass. There is a small state park there on the tip of Orcas that people can either hike into from the mainland. It also has two mooring buoys for boats.
We found our own little cove on the west side of the point.
There were a lot of starfish on the rocks of this cove. (This view is looking north, up into East Sound.)
Finally, a picture of the kids together. Nothing brings them together like snack time!
Early the next morning, we motored up to Rosario Resort, halfway up the east side of East Sound. Whenever I say, "Edison, come get in the picture," he runs away. So much for a family photo!
Here I am with the two kids and the sailboat is behind us. Edison is really excited for our time at Rosario, as you can see!
Edison discovered tetherball - and so did his dad. Eben found out he was really good at it, guess it had something to do with the fact he's 6'5". For those uninitiated, tetherball involves two players - each batting at the ball to wrap it around the post in a different direction.
Rosario Resort is centered around the estate of Robert Moran, built around 1938. He was a mayor of Seattle and a premier shipbuilder who retired to Orcas Island after his doctor told him he was a workaholic who would die unless he took it easy. He lived another forty years while he built this house, including a remarkable pipe organ on which concerts are given daily.
The resort includes three pools and a hot tub. Unfortunately, this one was only for adults, so Eben & I didn't get to swim in it since we always had the kids with us. But we did enjoy the one by the marina with the kids. Edison can put his head under and blow bubbles, but he is still pretty far away from swimming.
Rosario is consistently voted one of the most romantic getaways in the area. There are a few secluded overlooks that we enjoyed, I'm sure they've been used for many weddings.
Looking out over East Sound - so beautiful being ringed by the mountains.
Clowning around at the marina restaurant porch.
Eben & Edison found a red rock crab while going on their tidal exploration in the dinghy. But only Charlotte was courageous enough to touch it.
Eben & Edison went down the docks to release the crab.
Edison pointing at his adored sea plane coming in.
It was hard to leave Rosario. But we had to return the sailboat on Friday morning. So we spent our last afternoon at Initai Beach on the east side of Lummi Island, just a couple miles away from Bellingham. The kids enjoyed one last day on the beach.
Charlotte can also be a handful since she is really stubborned and determined. Of course, it is no surprise where she got those traits from, so I guess I shouldn't be too upset. But it is hard to be one year old. She wants a lot, but has trouble communicating. And then sometimes, she wants things she can't have - like my Diet Coke can or sunglasses. Oops - I gave in to the sunglasses request. She is also learning new words, like "ball and cat" to add to her repertoire of Dada, Mama, Nana (used for both her grandmother and bananas).
We couldn't resist - with a beautiful weekend forecasted, we went up to Sucia Island again. This time we stayed on the east side of the island - on Echo Bay. There was a beautiful view of Mount Baker in the distance. This picture shows how serene the bay looked when it was lit up by reflecting the sunset.
