The marina in La Conner is about 7 miles away from the tulip fields in the Skagit Valley.  The blooms were a couple of weeks late this season and that afforded me a perfect opportunity to view them while we waiting for the wind to die down a bit.  I assembled Jim’s folding full-size commuter bike and struck out to bicycle over to RoozenGaarde.  Usually everything is uphill from a marina, but that was not much of an issue for this marina.  However, the wind that was keeping us from heading out again in the Swinomish Channel was also blowing on the land.  I had a headwind the whole ride, and actually ended up just walking the final mile.  But, the struggle was worth it as the tulips were at their peak, and the daffodils were still showing nicely as well.  I was looking forward to the bike ride back, although the feeling didn’t last very long.  As I started heading back towards La Conner, I quickly noticed that the wind-at-my-back boost I was hoping for had turned and was right on my nose again.  As I limped back into town, I was passed by a public bus that read “Mount Vernon” as its destination.  I later learned that there is a bus line that runs between La Conner and Mount Vernon that stops at an intersection nearby RoozenGaarde.  If you find yourself in La Conner during bloom time with no wheels, take the bus! 

La Conner Marina has a unique feature that I wish more marinas had – they have a moorage payment kiosk that is simple and easy to use.  No trying to find the harbormaster office and  then wait while someone uses Windows 95 to enter all the details about your boat.  That is if you are lucky enough to arrive while they are open.  There’s also a decent grocery store within walking distance to the docks, and lots of welcoming shops and restaurants. (Melinda)