August PNW Cruise: La Conner

 

After getting battered a bit by the overnight storm in Coupeville. We headed north to La Conner.  Given the forecast wind direction it would offer good protection, water and power.  Additionally, we could top off our fuel tank prior to heading to the more remote islands.  The inside of “F” dock, at La Conner Marina, is a good secure place to dock.  There is a kiosk machine where you pay the overnight fee of ~ $1/ft.  Just beyond the kiosk is the building in which the showers and restrooms are located.  All facilities were clean and well maintained.

As you leave the grounds of the marina, you are just a short walk away from the downtown area, a good local market, and an auto parts store.  The market, importantly, had a decent wine selection and well stocked produce department.

Downtown is centered on the waterfront.  You can walk almost the entire length of town on the boardwalk, which overlooks the Swinomish Cannel.  As you walk, you will pass a brew pub, an excellent wine store, numerous restaurants, a scone, coffee and tea shop, gift shops, a bakery and Ice cream shops.  Believe me, they have all the essential food groups covered.

Just east of the marina, there is a small RV park.  From talking to the camp host, we found that it is popular during fishing season and other times that out-of-town boat owners come to the marina to use their boats or launch trailerable boats.

While in La Conner we discovered that some friends we had not seen in several years were going to be at Sucia Islands the next day.  So Sucia became our next destination.  We topped off our fuel tank prior to departure and headed north up the Swinomish Channel, past Anacortes, Guemes Island, Sinclair Island, and Orcas Island, in calm seas, to arrive at the anchorage about 2pm.  It was great to see our friends.  They prepared a wonderful meal of fresh caught salmon and we talked, visited, and caught up late into the night.