Roche Harbor - Port of Call

It was 5.7 miles from Stuart Island to Roche Harbor. We made the crossing and entered the busy harbor about 5:00 PM. Ryan was at the helm and contacted the harbor master for directions to our slip. Sea planes were taking off port and starboard while large and small boats were coming and going, Ryan had to keep his eyes open and a firm grasp of the helm and throttle. It was exciting to be entering a working harbor and Ryan kept his cool and did a great job!

Holly and Linda raising the main.

As we slowly made our way to our assigned slip, we passed a huge yacht that I recognized from my trip while in Mexico. It was the Snowbored, a beautiful vessel owned by Bodi Miller of downhill skiing fame. We had anchored by it at our first anchorage in Pérula, Mexico but never ran into Bodi while there. Ryan was relentless teasing me about my "man crush" on Bodi. I have to admit that I did mention my coincidental meeting of the boat several times, but... a man crush?

Zane working the winch as he raises the main sail.

Linda and I took showers while the Edwards walked to the resort to swim and get cleaned up. We celebrated a great day with some delicious ice cream. Why does ice cream seem to taste so much better when you're on vacation? 

Just before sunset Captain Bob herded us off the boat to the main dock. Each night during the summer, the dock staff retires the flags of Roche Harbor, Washington state, Great Britain, Canada and the United States.  They lower the flags while a song plays, and before the American flag comes down a cannon shot booms through the harbor.  It was a very nice end to the day. The cannon boom was quite the surprise and Ryan said that it caught him so off guard that he wet himself a bit.

Bennetts at the helm.

Captain Bob had us wait around after the ceremony concluded because there was an announcement of the weather, a welcome of new and returning guests, and the recognization of special occasions being celebrated around the resort. The announcer welcomed Tivoli and its crew. The kids were thrilled to hear their names over the loudspeaker. (We thought it was pretty cool, too)

We walked back to the boat, fixed dinner and discussed what everyone wanted to do the next morning. It was cool and dark and the bed felt good once again.

In the morning Linda went for a run and the Edwardses went to the resort and played tennis. I drank some coffee and got ready for the day. Linda and I met Captain Bob and we all walked up and met Holly, Ryan and the kids and we hiked up to The Roche Harbor Mausoleum (also known as the Afterglow Vista.)

Trolling for salmon.

We hiked into the woods following the trail and came upon a gate with a sign explaining about the McMillin family and the mausoleum. We entered the gate and came face to face with six pillars and a single broken pillar. This is said to represent the unfinished nature of man’s life circle. In the center of the pillars is a limestone table surrounded by thick stone chairs, which represent the members of the John S. McMillin family to which the mausoleum belongs.The place was very eerie and Captain Bob pointed out many oddities and symbols that the family had built into the site.

Back in town we returned to the boat and readied to set sail for Rosario.

Sailing is hard work!

Entering the harbor at Roche Harbor

Seaplanes everywhere!

Bodi Miller's motor yacht. It was in Mexico
when I was sailing and I ran into it then.

Would you buy from this guy?

Dock staff retires the flags.

I saw them light the fuse so I didn't jump.

Sculptures from the sculpture park.