About this time of year, the weather starts to improve and I begin to have newfound hope that summer is getting closer... Days are longer. Baseball is starting up. The local yacht clubs begin having events. And, there are even sailboats out on the water!

So, when these events begin to collide, I start thinking about my favorite local cruising grounds and usually forget (or take for granted?) the fact that they are an absolutely outstanding charter location with great cruising and a number of quality charter companies to choose from.

I'm talking about the San Juan Islands in Northwest Washington state. With tons of great anchorages and plenty of interesting little communities and marinas, the San Juans provide a little bit of something for everyone.

One of my favorite all-time places is Roche Harbor. A newly renovated marina, good holding anchorage, and plenty to do for the entire family, this little gem is a perfect place to spend a couple days while chartering a boat out of places like Anacortes or Bellingham.

A favorite event each evening at Roche is the "Retiring of the Colors". As the Roche Harbor site says:

"Be sure to catch the traditional "Colors Ceremony" at sunset every evening during summer, where the British, Canadian and U.S. flags are lowered to the sounds of each national anthem. Beware of the loud shot from the village cannon! An event you surely will not want to miss!"