All quiet in Filucy Bay

Our conversation falls away, running low on gas, the old fellow sighs, the dock cleat at his feet getting a little kick as we think of something more to say. I’m a lousy conversationalist at the best of times, even now when its my cruising adventures in Puget Sound that we are talking about.

But the old guy, white whiskers springing from everywhere, turns slowly, brow arched for the kill.

“Been to Filucy Bay yet?” he says.

And there it was. The question. Seems every time we fall into conversation with a mariner in the southern reaches of Puget Sound, and they discover you are from other parts, that question eventually pops up.

Somewhere between the first time it was posed and the twentieth, we sailed into lovely Filucy Bay at the southern end of Key Peninsula and then could answer, happily, that yes, of course we have been there.

Though once you have answered the question with the affirmative, and agreed how beautiful it is, and it is, the conversation falls away again. There’s not much more to say because, really, there’s not that much to do here, other than enjoy the dazzling view of Mount Rainier and be at peace.

There is sheltered anchorage throughout the bay, with convenient depths and good holding in firm mud. Excellent protection can be found from any direction the wind might blow. Generally there is lots of room to deploy generous scope, even at the north end of the bay which tends to be the most popular with its sedate surroundings.

As well, at the little village of Longbranch along the western shore is a pleasant marina operated by the Longbranch Improvement Club. It welcomes transient boaters, with power, water and engaging smiles.

The marina is really the only spot where boaters can go ashore. The country roads nearby offer a good opportunity to stretch your legs, but there is not much of particular interest to mariners within walking distance.

Filucy Bay is a good place to spend time alone, maybe work on that boat project that needs to be done, taking a break now and then to just breathe your surroundings in.

(Filucy Bay is covered in Salish Sea Pilot’s Cruising Guide to Puget Sound.)