By Arnie Hammerman
I like a good tiki bar and a warm sand beach as much as anyone, and my early cruising reflected that by focusing on Florida and the Caribbean. I still enjoy the tropics but over the years I’ve discovered that there are other cruising destinations that offer a different flavor of Margaritaville that really must be experienced, islands but not the kind with palm trees. Years ago, I wound up in the Pacific Northwest and discovered the magic of the San Juan Islands. Emerald green waters and the pristine archipelago of Pacific Northwest islands provides a unique type of boating that is spectacular. There is something special about watching bald eagles carrying fish in their talons as they soar along the rocky shores. Cool breezes and calm tide pools provide contrast to the snow-capped mountains on the horizon and create a kind of tranquility and connection to nature that is unique to the West.
Contrary to popular belief it doesn’t always rain in the Pacific Northwest. Seattle (39”) has less annual rainfall than Ft. Lauderdale (61”) and the islands even less as they are in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains. You may still encounter rain, but it is far less gloomy than its reputation. Summer months (June-Sept) are the best times to cruise the islands as the weather is sunnier and milder, although you can boat all year round. For people escaping the heat in other parts of the country the climate is ideal with summer temperatures in the San Juan Islands averaging in the 70’s during the day and dipping into the 60’s or below at night. If you are used to hot weather, it is best to be prepared, bring long pants and even a light jacket for the evenings. The water, except for rare exceptions like Desolation Sound,Canada which is fed by warm springs, remains pretty chilly even in the warmer months. Most adults I know relegate their swimming to pools and hot tubs, but dogs and kids don’t seem to mind, and I like to take an occasional plunge on a hot day. The water is fine for kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, kite surfing, and other water activities, diving requires a wet or dry suit. The drop in nighttime temperatures also provides added benefits. Air conditioning for the most part is not needed, and as a general rule bugs are not a problem. Those days of waking up in a hammock on a beach covered in mosquito bites with my half-finished pina colada spilled in the sand next to me are not nearly as appealing as they once were. I find there is plenty of fun to be had in the islands of the Pacific Northwest and sometimes I even remember how I got here.
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