Sullivan Bay
Last year, our son Peter came to Sullivan Bay with a group of guys and just raved about all the fishing and beautiful scenery. We were excited to see and experience it for ourselves and we weren’t disappointed.
This is a floating community. There is one access to land to get to the fuel tanks, you can see the ramp to the left of the blue roofed house. There are no other structures or infra-structure on the island. This little community has multiple homes, a fuel dock, grocery store and restaurant. No potable water, but laundry and showers. This used to a favorite stopping place for Alaska bound travelers, but changes with First Nation land holdings, and the build up of Port McNeill, has caused struggles for this little community. Our team was the first group in and we were surprised how empty it was. Within minutes, more boats rounded the corner and it filled up quickly. The docks weren’t completely full, but there was a good number. Most were from the US and several from our own communities. We quickly made new friends, everyone swapping stories on where to go, what to do, and what to look out for. Then we headed to the store to pick up our pre-ordered pastries, hot out of the oven. We had cinnamon rolls and cherry turnovers waiting. Life was rough.
We had just exited the boat and someone spotted our official greeter. This was our first sighting of wildlife. There was some water between us and him but he was more interested in foraging. He was very big and very handsome. What a treat to just stand quietly and watch him.
There was plenty to do, from fishing off the dock and catching like crazy, to doing chores like laundry, and walking the docks and chatting with others. Everyone has a story and they are fun to hear.
Our second night, David and Holly joined us for dinner. We had made reservations ahead of time and were so glad we did. The food was buffet style with chicken cordon bleu and lasagna (even a vegan lasagna) and it was excellent. The outdoor staff clean up, change clothes and work the dinner. Everyone does everything and they were so pleasant and professional. It was great fun.
Meet Gabe. He’s 10 and you would think he was 30. His parents run the marina and Gabe was a part of everything, he even has his own 2 way radio. His role for dinner was Maitre d’ and he was adorable. He met us at the door, all dressed up with perfectly polished black leather shoes, welcomed us, asked our boat name, showed us to our table, and hoped we had a nice meal. We loved Gabe.
When we were getting ready to leave the marina and were paying our bill, we had his Dad call him to the store and we gave him a tip and thanked him. His eyes lit up like it was the 4th of July and thanked us several times. We were so proud of him. I’d love to see the young man he someday becomes.
Dad told us a little secret before we left. They have two other children in their late twenties and he really wanted another. He talked his wife into one more and they were so glad they did. He just couldn’t imagine life without Gabe. We can’t either!
Gabe’s parents, with additional staff, open the marina for the public May through October. They were all so kind and accommodating, even though it is getting towards the end of the season and they are getting tired. Then a caretaking group will come in for the winter to sell fuel and alcohol. The local residents don’t stay through the winter.
This is the walkway from the store down to the docks. The restaurant is the first red building in the picture and the rest are homes. This too was a magical place - one we would love to come back and visit again.