A Steamer Cruise Through the San Juan Islands, Past Lime Kilns and Seal Rocks

Friday Harbor presented an animated appearance on Monday last. The day was fine, and nearly everybody indulged in the balmy atmosphere of the bay. The Evangel came in about noon, and many availed themselves of a trip down the Sound, a representative of The Islander being among the happy number. The Evangel is a fast and stanch boat, and Capt. Morgan was at the helm, which tended to imbue all with a feeling of safety and satisfaction. As the little steamer shot out of the bay and into the straits, the scene was delightful. Old Sol shone down in all his glory, and soon the islands to the east were brought in view. Lopez stood out prominently, and over the many little islands could be discerned Smiths Island lighthouse. The Olympics were not visible, nor the monarch of mountains, Rainier. Mount Baker, to the north, was grandly visible in its mantle of white, and the whole Cascade range reflected like a mirror in the bright sunlight. Orcas island, with its historic Mt. Constitution saddling it in the center, is the next object of interest. This is a large and prolific island, and on the summit of Mt. Constitution, it is said, a fine lake of pure water exists, teeming with fish and game.

The swift steamer soon transports her passengers into a scene of loveliness. East Point lighthouse on the British Columbia side is brought in full view, and the apparent bay ere reaching it resembles that of San Francisco. In the center stands [an island] nearly similar to Goat island, with a flat-top upshoot in the rear, which is said to be a great playground for seals in the summer time. This is in front of Waldron island, whose rock-bound shore affords basking to no end for the furry animals.

From this point a fine view is obtained. On nearing the entrance to Roche Harbor on San Juan island, in this county, Vancouver island and the Victoria lowlands are visible. Spieden island, to the west, has a romantic appearance, being nearly half of timber, with straight lines of brush pickets here and there. It is fine pastoral land. An Indian lady, with her son and daughter, occupy the center, and their flocks are so numerous that they extend from bay to bay. On the opposite side of the passage, on San Juan island, is a small Indian settlement—owning some fine ranches—the head of which is an American citizen—the only one in the islands.

Through this passage, or one of the many entrances to Roche Harbor, several islands are brought in view—chief among which is that of Stuart. On this island, it is said, are grown the finest potatoes in the world. Roche Harbor possesses three entrances, or channels, one of which is capable of admitting the largest vessels afloat. The town has a commanding appearance, situated as it is on the brow of a hill, or limestone quarry the most extensive, apparently, to be found anywhere. There is rock enough in sight to supply a century, at the rate they're running now, only four kilns being in operation. There are thirteen kilns in all, being first-class in every particular. Mr. J. Allen Smith, late chief engineer of the works, took our representative through the various departments, the magnitude of which merit a more extended report than we now have space at command. In our next issue, possibly, we may be able to find room for an adequate description of one of the principal industries of San Juan county.