Pay attention to wind and tide/currents. If the wind is against the current, the wave action will come up fast. Wind with the current really isn't much of an issue in the San Juans. The Straits (Haro, Rosario, Juan de Fuca, and Georgia) can be "sporting" when wind is against current, then get downright friendly when the current changes.
Harvey mentions something pertinent: when working for the whale watch companies, we were on a schedule - you can't wait for the tide/current to change, so you look for the best way to get where you want to go. There is almost always protected waters to be found in the San Juans. The passes also can be challenging with wind/current: Cattle Pass, Pole Pass, Wasp Passage... even San Juan Channel near the northeast side of San Juan Island can get fugly where all those channels come together.
All that said, the San Juans (and Gulf Islands) are a world class cruising area: wildlife abounds, beautiful views every direction you look, great anchorages, and fun places to get off the boat and visit.
From this and the other thread, I understand the appeal of anchoring out. BUT, it would be a shame to miss wandering around Friday Harbor (good provisioning there, as well, with King's Market). Good restaurants and shops. Breakfast at the Lime Kiln Cafe in Roche Harbor is a delight - I'm pretty sure they put crack in the fresh donuts, 'cause you have to go back to have another. Rosario Resort is a another delight. Even being in the Cap Sante Marina in Anacortes is great: nice walking path along the marina, Safeway nearby, West Marine in easy walking distance, and the little ice cream shop in a garage. At some point, you are going to need to put on fresh water and get a real shower... when you experience how easy it is to just step off the boat to walk and enjoy the local character, you start looking forward to being at a dock. No reason to not mix it up a bit.
I think a dinghy expands your options. When the wind is out of the southwest (prevailing in that area), you can be snug in Blind Bay on Shaw Island, and dinghy over to the little store by the ferry landing for some ice cream. No, it isn't all about the food for me, but being able to have a nice meal or a special treat is something to look forward to after days of anchoring out. You can anchor in Roche Harbor and row your dinghy to the dinghy dock... but, spend a few bucks and be able to come and go from your boat at the dock is pretty great, too.
I understand that many of the Washington State people use the San Juans as a "quiet getaway"... an easy two or three night escape from work and traffic. But how many have explored San Juan Island by land? Rent scooters from Suzy's Mopeds or take the Island Transit bus to Lime Kiln State Park. Ride the scooters to the lavender farm (Pelindaba) or the Alpaca farm and shop. Or, the winery. Rent bicycles from the bike shop. The San Juans have interesting anchorages and quaint towns. Sunrise from the cockpit at anchor, or an easy walk to a coffee shop from your slip. It is a great place to get away from it all... or take it all in.
You could spend months in the San Juans and not see it all. Ten days there will give you a taste and you will want to come back for more. And then start expanding your cruising from there. As I mentioned before, going to Victoria and staying on your boat at the Inner Harbour feels pretty darn international. Stay at Poet's Cove at Bedwell Harbour (good place to check into Canadian Customs) and spend some time in the hot tub... downright decadent after a few nights at anchor. And both of those places are SO close to the San Juan islands.
Keep the schedule loose. Get up when the sun wakes you. Check weather for the next destination... or, if you are enjoying yourself, spend an extra night right where you are. Have the pizza and the melt-in-your-mouth beef sandwich at the Madrona Grill at Roche Harbor. Dinghy to English camp at Garrison Bay and walk around the grounds... learn about the Pig War between the US and England... walk to the top of the hill and enjoy the view over the gardens. Go to the Whale Museum in Friday Harbor. Listen to an organ recital at Rosario. Hike to the school house, the treasure chest, and the lighthouse at Turn Point on Stuart Island.
The San Juans are a true treasure, and your boat opens up so many possibilities for exploration there. No, I don't work for the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau, but we do love the area. Living there summers (on our boat or in our motorhome) gave us the opportunity to experience a lot of it.
Enjoy!
