Shaw Island

You may have heard about the friendly Franciscan nuns who operate the ferry landing on the otherwise elusive Shaw Island. Actually, this smallest of four islands, served by the ferry system, is home to three Catholic religious orders, all of them for women: the Franciscans, the Sisters of Mercy, and the Benedictines. In total, there are only about 150 residents who occupy the 5,000 forested acres of this fiercely private place. There is no commercialism of any kind on Shaw: no bed and breakfast inns, no shops, no restaurants, no mail delivery service even—and that’s the way the residents like it. Volunteers run the privately endowed—and marvelous—library, the historical society, and the fire department. Many residents have to purchase their water and have it ferried in from neighboring islands! There are really only a very few things to do on Shaw, so consider this when deciding if you want to venture over. You might want to put a bicycle on the ferry and head over for a brief visit that way. Visit the Little Portion Store at the ferry landing (open while the ferries are operating). Run by Franciscan nuns, this rustic store is stocked, in addition to the usual items, with a good selection of wines and handcrafted wonders made on the island, including herbal vinegars, teas, spices, Mother Prisca’s Hot Mustard (made by the Benedictine nuns at Our Lady of the Rock Priory), and llama droppings for fertilizer! Inquire in the store about a possible visit to the chapel at Our Lady of the Rock Priory. You’ll be given a phone number to call, and if the timing is right, you might be fortunate enough to be welcomed over for a visit. The Shaw Island Historical Museum on Blind Bay Road (ask a nun in the Little Portion Store for an island map) is located about 2 miles from the ferry landing. It’s very small and rustic, constructed with logs from the original post office, and features items reflecting its proud and quiet history. (Open Tuesday from 2 to 4 pm; Thursday from 11 am to 1 pm; and Saturday from 10 am to noon and from 2 to 4 pm.) The adjacent lending library is excellent. Local residents have amassed an impressive collection of books, and anyone is welcome to browse the shelves. Only Shaw Island State Park at Indian Cove offers picnic tables and primitive campsites, and the spot is spectacular if your needs are few. Take all “No Trespassing” signs seriously.