S is for ~SAILBOATS~

February photo challenge:
S is for ~SAIBOATS~

Tonight after work I ran down to the marina and got some picture of the sailboats that are moored here for the winter.

Sailing the San Jaun islands is a very popular thing to do in the summer months.

There are four major islands which include Orcas, San Juan, Shaw and Lopez. But in reality there are over 200 islands in the archipelago to see!

On your way to Orcas Island. (you often see porpoise in this area) You may catch a glimpse of abandoned lime kilns hidden in the forest along the shore.

There is also the remains of the 13 lime kilns that helped pave the streets of Seattle in the late 1800's. I love this bit of History. Last spring I took a picture of the bridge at Whatcom Falls park which at one time was part of downtown Bellingham. Workers moved the Chuckanut sandstone arches from a downtown
burned-out building to the park. In 1939 the sandstone was used to construct the landmark stone bridge.

You can also stop at Mosquito pass to Garrison Bay where British Camp is located, the museum/monument for the "Pig War" that took place between the Americans and British on San Juan Island. There is a great hike nearby to a viewpoint at the top of Mt. Young where British soldiers once stood watch. This is one of my favorite places to hike around and feel apart of the past..

You can also spot Orca whales nearby off the west side of San Juan Island and the salmon fishing can be good near here in the Fall.

Living here is probably one of the most beautiful places to be. We have a Bayliner and spend time out in the bay Crabbing and fishing ( for Salmon). I'm not sure I would be comfortable on a sailboat but I do enjoy watching them.