Roche Harbor to Garrison Bay

With another successful Grand Banks Rendezvous in the wake, we slipped the lines at Roche Harbor and made the short run over to Garrison Bay. While the anchorage itself is always a pleasant destination, our real motivation lay just around the corner in Westcott Bay.

We had reservations at the Westcott Bay Shellfish Company for a Mother's Day dinner with crews from three Grand Banks yachts. Like many boating plans, the holiday was simply a convenient excuse to gather with friends and enjoy good food.

the shore side entrance to the westcott bay shellfish company

westcott bay shellfish company enjoying a mother’s day early season rush

The oysters here are about as local as food can get. Harvested within sight of the restaurant, they travel only a few hundred yards from tide flat to table. Neither Karen nor I would consider ourselves oyster enthusiasts, but the preparations here have made us repeat customers. Whether grilled, baked, or served in one of their seasonal specialties, they consistently find ways to convert even reluctant oyster eaters.

the source of all the yummy shellfish are in sight in westcott bay

a smal section of the acres of shellfish cultivation operation at westcott bay

We were the first rendezvous boat to arrive in Garrison Bay, but solitude did not last long. Throughout the afternoon, familiar Grand Banks silhouettes began appearing around the point, many of them fresh from Roche Harbor. Before long, the anchorage had settled into its usual summer rhythm as cruising boats of every description joined the fleet.

garrison bay is popular any time of the year

There is something comforting about Garrison Bay. The holding is good, the surroundings are peaceful, and the anchorage sits within easy reach of both Roche Harbor and Westcott Bay. It is no surprise that so many Pacific Northwest cruisers return here year after year.

For us, it was the perfect place to unwind after several days of rendezvous activities and reconnect with friends over an exceptional meal.

no leftovers here with these crews. don’t forget the big cookie after you have your fill of oysters

a peacefull night settles in at garrison bay