Island Pleasures

Approaching Deer Harbor Resort on Orcas Island

The Island Pie cafe at Deer Harbor

Our next stop was Deer Harbor Resort, a friendly, country-style marina where people come to relax, do a little fishing, take a dip in the swimming pool, and join friends over some good pizza and pasta dishes at “The Island Pie” café.

The Delicious Seasonal Squash Pizza Pie

We indulged in the Seasonal Squash pizza pie, a surprisingly delicious combination of house-made crust, roasted butternut squash, yam puree, roasted onions and hot chili oil, topped with feta cheese and mozzarella, all drizzled in a balsamic reduction with fresh chopped herbs; it was truly delicious.

You can also anchor out at Deer Harbor Resort & Marina

Fresh donuts at the marina are a popular treat during the months of July and August, available on weekend mornings. For a special dinner out, visitors can make reservations at Deer Harbor Inn, located a half mile up the road; a new gravel pathway parallels the country road most of the way for a pleasant, easy walk.

The seas were calm the following day, so we decided to visit nearby Jones Island by dinghy.

Jones Island dock and buoys on the north side of the island

Jones Island is another favorite stop in the San Juan’s. This island Marine State Park offers four mooring buoys on the north side, along with a 160-foot dock; and three mooring buoys on the south side of the island.

Mooring buoys and lovely beaches are also found on the south side of the island

Jones Island has some of the best hiking trails in the San Juan’s for nature lovers, complete with picnic tables and camp sites. There are even two covered shelters with bunks for a unique overnight camping experience, located next to the old tree orchard where deer are often seen.

Beautiful vistas along the northwest loop trail

While the south side loop trial on Jones offers lovely beaches and the old tree orchard, the northwest loop trail offers stunning views, with some steep pitches and lovely Madrones.

Jones Island feels magical

No matter where you go on Jones Island, the scenery is beautiful and the island seems magical.

The next morning we motored to Roche Harbor Resort on San Juan Island to help our friend Mark (editor/publisher of the Waggoner Cruising Guide) celebrate his 65^th birthday. His two sons, daughter, his daughter’s friend, and Mark’s girlfriend, Danielle, were all there for the special celebration over dinner at the resort’s Madrona Restaurant.

Historic McMillin Home houses the Madrona Restaurant

We had a great time and felt privileged to be included in the special occasion.

The historic Lime & Cement Co. Store at Roche Harbor

Roche Harbor Resort & Marina is a first-class resort with many amenities and activities for boaters and visitors, who come back again and again. The historic village of Roche Harbor includes the famous 1886 Hotel de Haro (visited by President Theodore Roosevelt), “Our Lady of Good Voyage Chapel,” and the former home of John S. McMillin, founder of the Roche Harbor Lime & Cement Co., which now houses two restaurants.
McMillin built his hotel near the original Hudson’s Bay Post, and by 1890 his company town had grown, complete with the lime factory, a barrel works, warehouse docks, offices, and a company store. Today, visitors can stay in the historic hotel, historic company cottages or in the resort’s new accommodations. The lime kilns on the property are also of interest, with hiking trails on the hill above.

The McMillin Family Mausoleum

Another trail, just past the small airport, leads to the impressive McMillin family Mausoleum, where members of the family are interned. The Sculpture Park adjacent to the airport is another delightful attraction, with artistic sculptures found along the pathways and in open meadows. On those hot summer days, a swim in the outdoor pool is a family favorite. Roche Harbor Resort, with its many attractions and other activities in the area, is always a fun destination.