Who knew? … that Juan de Fuca was actually Greek? … or why the impressive limekiln which still stands at Cormorant Bay was only used once? … or that an odd series of events took place in these waters which sparked the 1850s gold rush?

These were some of the tales told by historian Tom Welch on the annual Cruise into History Tour last Sunday, circling Orcas Island in an afternoon on the comfortable and seaworthy “Orcas Express.” Dan and Denise Wilk of Orcas Island Eclipse Charters organize the event each year to benefit the Orcas Island Historical Museum and this year was a great success, with a sold-out 46 passenger seating, netting $2700 for a good cause. Thank you for smooth sailing, great food and “a historical good time”!

Irene Ekberg

Orcas Historical Museum