Jones Island Weekend

Saturday looked to be a nice day in October so Marie and I went up to the boat, put the headsail back on and headed for Jones Island on an overnight.  We had never been there before but it sounded like it was very popular with the cruising crowd.

The morning winds were light so we motorsailed through Thatcher Pass and into Lopez Sound.  We went through Pole Pass for the first time (narrow!) and found ourselves at the bay on the north side of Jones Island in about 4 hours from Anacortes.  There was only one other boat in the bay, tied up at the dock. 

We tied up there also because it was so convenient... then we noticed the sign about marauding raccoons.  However, we didn't have any trouble from them. 

We took a beautiful hike around to the south side of the island and then back up the west side and around the northwest corner back to the boat.  It was pretty bucolic with grazing deer, fall colors, beautiful twisted madronas, cactus, birds, tidepools and wonderful vistas.

That night, Marie whipped up some shrimp fettucine for dinner and then we settled in for the night with our heater flickering merrily away.  Marie was knitting on Seth's sweater while I fell asleep reading.

Next morning, it was a bit nippy in the cabin, but we got dressed and made breakfast of Swedish pancakes (crepes) and hot drinks.  The weather report was for 25-30 knot winds starting about 3:00 so we packed it in and headed back to Anacortes early.  Got back there about 3:00 as the winds were starting to rise.  Got a little sailing in along the way.

Can't wait for the next Fall trip!

Our first long trip, Marie and I departed Anacortes for Stuart Island on August 15th. We spent a peaceful night in Reid Harbor before checking in with Canadian Customs at Bedwell Harbor on Sunday morning. No difficulties.

Leaving Bedwell, we went up to Ganges on Saltspring Island, got in early and spent the night there. It's an interesting town with a number of galleries and shops. I liked the General Store the best... they had a little bit of everything.

From Ganges, we proceeded to Silva Bay (northwest corner of Galiano) and stopped for the night before the long leg across the Georgia Straits. Originally, we planned to stop at Clam Bay, but we were making good time, so we checked the tide table (for Fulford Harbor) and decided to go out Porlier Pass up to Silva Bay. Unbeknowst to us, Porlier Pass has its own current table and we were a couple hours late from slack. We gunned it through the worst part and I was prepared to turn around if we got down to less than 1.5 knots COG, but we were able to maintain about 2.5. Headed north fighting current. It was twilight when we pulled in to Silva Bay.

Next morning, we left about 8:00 AM and headed into 20-25 knot NWerlies with sails reefed. After numerous tacks, we decided to motorsail as we would be sailing into Pender Harbour in the dark otherwise. The last part to Pender Harbour was dead flat calm. Dropped the hook and spent a quiet night.

Up early again (we thought)... I poked my head out the hatch at 7:00 AM and most of the boat that were in the harbor last night were gone already. We started out in dead flat seas motoring north. We were trying to make the turn at Malaspina Peninsula before dark. Currents were fair and we made Grace Harbour just as the sun was setting.

Grace Harbour was beautiful. We spent 2 nights there. Did some exploring by dinghy and then we hiked up to the nearby lake for a swim/bath. I don't know what the name of the lake is, but we renamed it 'Leech Lake'! As we were sitting on a submerged log, Marie noticed a slithering across the top of her hand. Brushing it away, we made a quick exit and checked ourselves over. We found one leech had attached itself to Marie's leg... yuck! We know they are harmless, but the thought is disgusting. She pulled it off and it stretched out to about 3".

After our lake exploits, we left Grace Harbour for Prideaux Haven and stayed in Melanie Cove, stern tying to shore. That's a wonderful area to explore and we did so by dinghy and on foot. The nearby mountains come right down to the water and were spectacular.

During our stay there we met Greg and Leslie Grant on a 37' Cooper and their friends Brian and Bonita (on a beautiful old wooden pilothouse sloop). Greg and Leslie invited us over to share some apple pie and ice cream with them all. Marie brought freshed baked brownies and we stayed up late in good conversation.

They left the next day for a nearby fjord where the water temperature was reported to be 82°! We stayed a 2nd night at Melanie and then left the next morning for Teakerne Arm and Cassel Lake. We dropped anchor deep (100'), stern-tied and went ashore to hike up to the lake. It was crystal clear, deep and looked cold, but turned out to be very pleasant. It was nice to have a good fresh water swim.

The anchorage isn't the best there so we decided to pick up and go to Squirrel Cove for the night. Squirrel Cove was already on our itinerary so we picked up and extra day by going there the same day as Teakerne.

Another quiet night in paradise! Next morning we decided to go around Cortes Island to Gorge Harbour. Got to do a little sailing as the winds came up a bit and they weren't right on the nose. Pulled into Gorge looking for the petroglyphs that are on the entrance cliffs, but we couldn't spot them... maybe next time.

From Gorge, we traveled to Heriot Bay on Quadra Island. We pulled into the marina so we could use their facilities... ahh, showers!... and laundry.

Rather than go back down the east side of the straits, we decided to go down the west side so we headed out for Comox the next day. As we were approaching the Comox bar, we had trouble finding the range markers as the sun was right in our eyes and a structure about 1/4 mile north had one blinking light of some sort. It initially threw us off until we decided to just line up the two green buoys... then we found the range markers. There weren't very many anchoring opportunties, so we spent the night at the Comox marina and walked around town.

Next morning we decided to try to make Nanaimo but we also had a couple of 'hidey-holes' in case we weren't going to make it. Turns out we did and spent another night in the public marina. It was a tight fit. When we arrived, we were wedged in next to a floating restaurant moored to the pier next to us. With help from a neighboring boater, we decided to try to turn the boat around right then by him holding the bowsprit and me swinging the wheel hard over, motoring slow ahead. The boat gradually turned much to the delight of the diners sitting a few feet away.

They had nice showers that we took advantage of. Next morning we walked around Nanaimo because we were waiting for slack at Dodd Narrows. We decided we wanted to come back there to explore some more.

As we approached Dodd, I could see there were two tugs with log booms waiting for the slack also. We sped up and barely made it in ahead of them. When they go through, all traffic stops because they fill the Narrows.

We proceeded to head for Winter Cove, but as we were approaching Prevost Island, we decided to stop for the night in James Bay as a southerly was coming up, it was getting late and we were getting tired.

We explored the Marine Park where an old homestead used to be. Now, there is nothing left but a meadow and remnant orchard. The apples and prunes were just ripening.

That night the sunset was spectacular! And the winds died out to nothing.

Next morning we headed past Saturna Island and crossed Boundary Pass to Friday Harbor. Back in the USA! Got our BR# from Customs so that next time all we have to do is call in and proceed to our destination... Cool! While there, we enjoyed a nice dinner together with our niece Sabrina who works on the island as a summer ranger at American Camp.

Our last day we spent the morning walking around town waiting for the fog to lift. Left Friday Harbor and got back to Anacortes around 5:00 PM.

Marie said it was the best vacation she had ever had... enough said!

July 24-26 English Camp, Garrison Bay

Beautiful weather but no wind... We had to hoist the 'iron sail' from Anacortes all the way to Garrison Bay. Our niece Kirsten joined us. We opted for Thatcher Pass/Crane Island and north past Roche Harbor. Got into Garrison Bay about 3:00 and dropped the hook in 10' of water... a fairly shallow bay. We came to join in the festivities for the English Camp Sesquitennial (150 Yr. Anniversary) of the Camp. There were lots of 're-enactors' in period costumes and encampments. Kirsten was one of them... along with her mom, Anne, who arrived via ferry with her car.

An hour after we arrived, our friends Seth Siegal, Mary Doherty and Zoe (their dog) arrived in their boat Akari and rafted up with us. The bay was really getting full and we were wondering where the Lady Washington and the Hawaiian Chieftan were going to anchor. They were due to come in late that night with drafts of 11' and 5' respectively. They actually arrived next morning about 8:00 and were greeted with cannon fire salutes from the coming to which they responded in kind. The Lady Washington had to anchor out near the mouth of the bay due to the shallowness. The Hawaiian Chieftan was able to find a spot nearer the camp and stern tied to shore.

All during the day, there were re-enactment activities going on from black powder demonstrations (rifles and cannons) to cooking (for all the participants... and they ate well) to longboat rides out to tour the Lady Washington.

We managed to work in a hike up to the top of the hill behind the Camp and enjoyed an expansive, beautiful view of the islands and the bay.

Earlier Saturday morning, I took our crab pot around the south entrance to Mosquito Channel to the next south-facing bay on Henry Island. Westscott Bay was filled with crab pots and I figured (correctly) that this other bay did not get many visitors due to its exposure. There were only three other crab pots and we enjoyed a crab feast that evening. Only mishap was one pinched finger... a small price to pay.

That evening we went into the camp to attend the 'Ball', and were greeted by a thunderstorm shortly thereafter. The light show, both sunset and lightning, were spectacular. Went back to the boat in the rain... but it was a warm rain and much needed around there.

Next morning we said our goodbyes... Mary and Seth were going to try to make it back to Seattle that day... a very long trip. We pulled anchor and left about 15 minutes after them and were greeted by thick fog in Mosquito channel... had to turn on the radar all the way to Wasp Passage. We were thinking that Akari was in the thick of it all the way to Point Wilson.

Got back to Anacortes about 4:00 and Marie had dinner ready... the rest of the crab, with salad, thousand island dressing and homemade french bread. Life is good!

Fourth of July 2009

Last year we had such a good time at Port Townsend over the 4th that we decided to go back this year. We left on Friday, the 3rd with no wind all the way down. This was fine with Karen (Charnell and Tom Tredway)... no chance for sea sickness!

Got in after lunch about 1:00 and toured the downtown area. Marie had brought along homemade ice cream. I really wanted some in town, but I felt too guilty since we had it on the boat.

Had great sushi for dinner at a Japanese Restaurant in town.

On the 4th, we hiked along the beach to Fort Warden and explored the Fort areas. Tom and I reurned early so I could go set the crab pot for dinner. When I came back to the boat, Tom was taking a snooze so I skedaddled into town. Managed to get an ice cream there on the sly.

Got back to the boat, checked the crab pot, but it had only rock crab... but that was enough for a crab louie side dish for all... Main dish was Marie's homemade spinach ravioli... We ate pretty high on the hog.

At 7:00 p.m., we took in a concert at the Fiddle Tunes Festival at Fort Warden. As the last performers were finishing their program, the fireworks started in the bay below the fort. Walked back to the boat and finished off the ice cream.

Left the dock heading north at 8:30 a.m... no wind but the tides were with us. Back in Anacortes by 1:30. Had a great time with great friends!

June 28, 2009

Marie and I decided to go out for the day. Dead calm... high pressure but sunny skies. Motored and slow sailing up around Vendovi Island... had the fishing pole out for awhile... no bites.

Saw some darker water over toward Bellingham Channel. Trying to catch up to it but finally had to hoist the 'iron' sail again. Caught it by the Cone Islands and had a good sail back to the dock... tide was with us... 7-8 knots!

Well, we haven't done much sailing this winter. Marie didn't want to go out until I got the diesel heater operational... imagine that!

Anyway, the heater's in and we're starting to think about trips this summer. We're planning on the Fourth of July in Port Townsend and then heading up to Desolation Sound in late July or early August... as well as a slew of long weekend trips around the San Juans and Gulf Islands. We're working our way up to a circumnavigation of Vancouver Island next year and then probably Alaska after that.

In the meantime, I'm taking a course in Marine Diesel Engine Repair... it's 11 weeks, two evenings a week. It's teaching me what I want to work on and what I want someone else to do! Actually, I'm thoroughly enjoying it.

I 'm also going to race in some CYC Center Sound Races on a friend's Bavaria in the 'Recreational' class... as it's first time for skipper and most of the crew. First race is to Blakely Rocks this weekend. Should be fun. As Marie's grandmother used to tell her, "There's no bad weather... just the wrong clothes!"

That's all for now.

Labor Day

Sher and Doug came along for an overnight to Stuart Island. It was sunny (and cool), but the water was mostly flat the whole up and back. Went up east side of guemes, thru Peavine Pass and North Pass (Crane Island) and got to Stuart about 6:30.Caught some crab (mostly Rock Crab) overnight and cooked them Sunday morning before we started back. Got back to Anacortes about 6:30 and had a crab dinner on the boat before going home.