While in Roche Harbor, we encountered this unique boat that has proven to be a photo-op for many people!
How would you like this sign on your office door???
As we headed toward Orcas Island (hoping to see whales...which alas, we never did), we passed this mighty tugboat pulling a huge load of timber. It's hard to tell from this viewpoint, but the line of logs stretched far behind him as well as this wide.
When we rounded the bend, we had our first glimpse of Mt Baker. Awesome!
Somebody got tired and went below deck for a little nap.
In the lobby of the 103 year old Rosario Resort we found these wonderful "conversation" chairs.
A few years ago, the resort was renovated and the downstairs was made into several restaurants. The original designers felt that the walls did not need pictures, since the beautiful scenery would provide the best picture of all.
After the renovation, the upper rooms are now a museum and music room, and offices. The lowest level is a beautiful spa and gift shop. This historic mansion was built by famous ship-builder Robert Moran.
The view from the deck of our room.
On the deck
That afternoon, we drove thru Moran State Park to the Observation Tower on Mt Constitution.
What a view! we could see all the islands surrounding us, Mt Baker in the distance, and both the Canadian and American coastlines. We were so very thankful for a clear, beautiful day.
Mt Baker
Observation Tower was built by the Conservation Corps in 1936. The historical saga of that era and the building of this structure (patterned after 12th century watchtowers in Europe) is detailed on the walls of this tower as you climb to the top.
Some of us waited below and enjoyed the view...
...others climbed up and enjoyed the view thru the windows as we mounted.
Part of the dense forest of the Moran Sate Park.
Unique sign for the bathrooms of the old mansion.
Tame deer are everywhere on the island, and love eating granola bars!
The stately and beautiful Rosario Mansion Resort. (Notice the ship design?)
The flower basets were so beautiful
Part of the upstairs museum (the library)
That afternoon we were treated to a piano and pipe organ concert by Christopher Peacock in the music room.
While he played on the magnificent Steinway piano, a slideshow of Moran's photo collection was shown in the background.
The mansion's teak wood is a reflection of Moran's shipbuilding expertise.
The view from an upstairs bedroom window in the museum.
Another delicious meal; this time we had Dungenes crab as an appetizer.
A serene view later that evening
The Medrona tree trunks glow rust-red in the evening sunlight.
The setting sun
After spending two restful nights on Orcas Island, we got ready to leave on this misty Friday morning.
The last night of our cruise, we had thunderstorms, so our last day we had clouds as we made our way back to Bellingham. What a wonderful, blessed time we had. Our sincere thanks to G&A for hosting us on this 5-day "touch of Paradise."
