Despite taking on water as we arrived to Roche Harbor, we were determined to still explore and have fun. The technician arrived after a few hours and he couldn’t find the source of the leak. He told us he would bring us a new bilge pump in a couple of days when we arrive in Friday Harbor. That meant, we would have to deal with the leak for the next 48 hours! Awesome. Since there was nothing we could do about it, the five of us, set out to explore Roche Harbor.
This was my third trip to Roche Harbor and Scott’s first. I had a work function here last year and I wrote a blog about the history of the resort and family. Check it out here.
Once we secured the boat, we headed over to the marina office (which is also where U.S. Customs is located) to pay our moorage for the night. They have all of the covid procedures in place and are operating business as usual.
Walking around “town”
Okay, so there is no town. But the resort is set up like a mini town, offering everything you might need. This includes a fresh fish market, souveniers, grocery store and spa. The fish market offered fresh crab, shrimp, clams, oysters and a variety of fish. It was a bit on the pricey side, but at least it’s fresh seafood!
A bit of history
Roche Harbor is rich in limestone, which is used to build roads and manufacture concrete and mortar. In 1886, Tacoma lawyer John S. McMillin and his business partners in the Tacoma Lime Company founded Roche Harbor Lime Company. The lime kilns are still present next to the hotel.
Next to the lime kilns, is the diesel-fired generator plants. I missed this the last time I was here. These generators were used up until the 1950’s to power the entire island.
Trekking into the woods
The resort is also know for the McMillin family mausoleum and the sculpture park. So the five us trekked off into the woods. Again, be sure to check out my last blog about Roche, for all of history behind the mausoleum. The founder, John McMillin, was a member of the Masonic Order and he built the mausoleum recognizing the traditions of the Masonic Order. As you walk through the forest, it reminds you a bit of the movie “Blair Witch Project“. There are some infant & toddler burial sites throughout the forest.
After about a 15 minute walk through the forest, you’ll come upon the family mausoleum and monument. There is significant Masonic meaning behind the entire structure, including the steps up to the table and chairs all of which represent the stages of life. Freemasons are very ritual and deliberate about everything they build and encompass. (In fact, my great uncle was a Freemason.)
Some people say they feel spirits while visiting the mausoleum. I will say the last time I was there, a creepy voice said “knight.” Who knows where that came from?
San Juan Islands Sculpture Park at Roche Harbor
From the mausoleum, we headed to the sculpture park. This was the first time I had walked through it and each art piece is for sale!
Could you imagine putting this bear in your front yard!? It takes about 45 minutes to walk the entire park (or longer if you check everything out). They do accept donations at the entrance, so be sure to support them if you can.
Enjoying a Fall evening in Roche Harbor
After a fun afternoon, we were ready to head back to the dock and relax before dinner. The weather was beautiful and we couldn’t ask for a more scenic setting.
The five of us had dinner at the famed McMillin’s Dining Room and it was fantastic! This is the nicest restaurant in the resort, but we were able to dress casual. We did make reservations when we arrived, otherwise, we would not have been able to get in.
Roche makes a specialty martini, The Pig War Martini, that you must try. This cocktail doesn’t contain a speck of bacon, but rather is a boozy tribute to the 12-year standoff between British and American troops over the sudden death of a foraging pig. At Roche Harbor, they serve this cocktail with a mini pig on the edge of your glass.
McMillin’s dining is known for their prime rib and fresh seafood. We all had an amazing meal!
The sunset was amazing and though our arrival to Roche was full of drama & stress, our evening ended perfectly. With great friends and scenery, Scott and I couldn’t ask for more (well, okay, perhaps a boat that wasn’t leaking!).
On to Stuart Island
The following morning, we threw off the lines and headed to Stuart Island to anchor overnight for the first time. Be sure to tune in to our next YouTube episode and follow our blog for updates on that trip.
As always, thank you for following our journey! Please be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel and follow us on social media @BoatingJourney. Until next time!
Cheers, Scott & Ally
