One of these little rocks is named 'Zip Rock'. The origins of the name are uncertain but whenever I'm here I always wonder if 'Zip' refers to the potential effect of these rocks on my boat hull. It helps to keep me on my toes. You see, this is the outer coast on a rare flat calm day. This is Cape Spencer, where the Pacific Ocean coastline takes a hard turn into Cross Sound. Vessels headed south skirt these rocks as they seek the relatively calm waters of the inside passage. There is a contorted passageway through these rocks that captains with small boats and local knowledge sometimes use in calm weather. There are few marginal places to anchor. These rocks have claimed a few vessels, and the lighthouse visible on one of the bigger islands still operates as a clear warning to mariners: 'Beware!' Photographer: Bill Eichenlaub