North to Desolation Sound, Summer of 2010
Friday, August 20th - Poet's Cove, Bedwell Harbor, South Pender Island BC
It’s 5:00 am and time to get up. Having not arrived at Karma until 23:30 the night before, 5:00 am came very early this morning. As we gently and quietly slipped the lines and started our trek north, the sun has not yet even begun to light the eastern sky. We glided slowly and carefully through the dark waters of Port Orchard. As the skies began to glow orange, we steadily increased our speed until we were running at fourteen knots. Up through Port Orchard Bay we ran and then out through Agate Passage to Puget Sound.
Upon reaching Puget Sound we set our course for Edmonds Marina where we are scheduled to rendezvous with Ken and Sandy on the R-29, Shared Dream. We arrived at the entrance to Edmonds at 7:10am. We soon spied Shared Dream making their way out of Edmonds Marina. Now, it was off for LaConner where we would hook up with Barry and Gill on their R-25, Laxey. The cruise up to LaConner was uneventful with flat seas and no wind! We did however spot what we were told was an Elephant Seal on the eastern side or Whidbey Island.
The Swinomish Channel though was another thing. We hit right at the bottom of the tide and a minus tide at that. And then to top it off, right there in the dead center of the channel was a sailboat aground. With four feet of water in center channel, there was not much room to stray to either side to pass him. We slowed to a dead crawl and passed within 18 inches of him. Only a bit more time and he will be on his way once again.
We arrived in LaConner at 10:00 am. Barry and Gill were patiently awaiting our arrival. We advised them that we were going to top off our fuel tanks. For the run from Port Orchard to LaConner we consumed 50 gallons of fuel. Not bad for an average speed of 13 knots over at total distance of 66 miles.
Karma and Shared Dream were once again fueled and ready to move on. We slipped the lines from the fuel dock and continued our trip north. The Swinomish Channel has a designated speed limit of five knots for pretty much the entire stretch to Anacortes. Once clear of the five knot zone we increased our speed to 11 knots for the crossing over to the San Juan Islands.
Again, the day could not have been better! Clear skies, light breeze, little traffic on the water! Coming through the San Juans was absolutely beautiful!
We arrived in Poets Cove at 14:30 greeted by Bob and Nita on the Nellie Too, Sonny and Fernando on Blessings, as well as Gary and Rosalee on Harbor Ranger. Along with the Ranger Tugs, we also had Anne on “Sea Coaster” a C-Dory 22, and Chris and Willow on their “Cruiser”, “Harbor Cruiser”.
Clearing customs was a breeze this time. A quick call in, answer a few questions, assure the customs agent that my name was not “John” but David, and then question Maureen as to who “John” is……
Once we cleared customs, we moved over to our slip next to the Nellie Too. As soon as all was secure, it was off to the spa for a facial and massage for Maureen while I stayed behind to clean all of the salt off of Karma.
It was not long after we arrived at Poets Cove that we spotted another Tug coming into the harbor. It was Patrick and Gail on their R-25, “That’s It”.
The cocktail and hor dourves party started at 17:30 on the dock. Chris on Harbor Cruiser made a special announcement during “Cocktail Hour”. Today was Rosalee’s 73rd birthday! We all joined in for a round of Happy Birthday for Rosalee. At 18:00 we were joined by Jeff and his family as well as his friend Todd along with his family. With the arrival of Jeff and Todd, our group was now up to ten! What a stir we created in the marina! Tugs, tugs, everywhere!
Tomorrow we will be is off for Gibsons! Planned departure time is 8:30.
Upon reaching Puget Sound we set our course for Edmonds Marina where we are scheduled to rendezvous with Ken and Sandy on the R-29, Shared Dream. We arrived at the entrance to Edmonds at 7:10am. We soon spied Shared Dream making their way out of Edmonds Marina. Now, it was off for LaConner where we would hook up with Barry and Gill on their R-25, Laxey. The cruise up to LaConner was uneventful with flat seas and no wind! We did however spot what we were told was an Elephant Seal on the eastern side or Whidbey Island.
The Swinomish Channel though was another thing. We hit right at the bottom of the tide and a minus tide at that. And then to top it off, right there in the dead center of the channel was a sailboat aground. With four feet of water in center channel, there was not much room to stray to either side to pass him. We slowed to a dead crawl and passed within 18 inches of him. Only a bit more time and he will be on his way once again.
We arrived in LaConner at 10:00 am. Barry and Gill were patiently awaiting our arrival. We advised them that we were going to top off our fuel tanks. For the run from Port Orchard to LaConner we consumed 50 gallons of fuel. Not bad for an average speed of 13 knots over at total distance of 66 miles.
Karma and Shared Dream were once again fueled and ready to move on. We slipped the lines from the fuel dock and continued our trip north. The Swinomish Channel has a designated speed limit of five knots for pretty much the entire stretch to Anacortes. Once clear of the five knot zone we increased our speed to 11 knots for the crossing over to the San Juan Islands.
Again, the day could not have been better! Clear skies, light breeze, little traffic on the water! Coming through the San Juans was absolutely beautiful!
We arrived in Poets Cove at 14:30 greeted by Bob and Nita on the Nellie Too, Sonny and Fernando on Blessings, as well as Gary and Rosalee on Harbor Ranger. Along with the Ranger Tugs, we also had Anne on “Sea Coaster” a C-Dory 22, and Chris and Willow on their “Cruiser”, “Harbor Cruiser”.
Clearing customs was a breeze this time. A quick call in, answer a few questions, assure the customs agent that my name was not “John” but David, and then question Maureen as to who “John” is……
Once we cleared customs, we moved over to our slip next to the Nellie Too. As soon as all was secure, it was off to the spa for a facial and massage for Maureen while I stayed behind to clean all of the salt off of Karma.
It was not long after we arrived at Poets Cove that we spotted another Tug coming into the harbor. It was Patrick and Gail on their R-25, “That’s It”.
The cocktail and hor dourves party started at 17:30 on the dock. Chris on Harbor Cruiser made a special announcement during “Cocktail Hour”. Today was Rosalee’s 73rd birthday! We all joined in for a round of Happy Birthday for Rosalee. At 18:00 we were joined by Jeff and his family as well as his friend Todd along with his family. With the arrival of Jeff and Todd, our group was now up to ten! What a stir we created in the marina! Tugs, tugs, everywhere!
Tomorrow we will be is off for Gibsons! Planned departure time is 8:30.
Saturday, August 21st - Gibsons BC
It was 8:00 am and time to cast off and start the next leg of our journey to Desolation Sound. Our route today will take us through Pender Canal out into Plumper Sound. One of the cautions you take prior to entering the canal is to call out a Securete to inform any vessel transiting from the opposite direction of your intentions. The canal is only wide enough for one vessel to transit at a time. I made the call and what do we hear? It is John and Rosa on their R-21 “Port Nut”. They are headed south through the canal headed for Victoria! We exchange hello’s and waves as well as a few toots of the horns as we cross wakes. We then bid John and Rosa safe passage and continue ours.
From Plumper Sound we make our way to Active pass and out into the big waters of the Straits of Georgia. Coming through Active Pass, we had to negotiate between a couple of BC Ferries. Once out on the Straits though it is amazingly flat. Jeff and a few of the others take off and run at speed across while the rest of us cruised across at eight knots. It was an uneventful crossing that takes us four hours.
We arrived in Gibsons Marina where we took on 62 gallons of fuel. Our burn rate coming across was six gallons per hour. That does include the run from LaConner to Poets which we did at 11 knots.
With running water available on the docks, everyone took advantage of the chance to wash all of the salt off of their boats. Again, we create quite a stir with so many little tugs in one place.
Saturday evening, everyone was invited to Tim and Kim Thompson’s home for one heck of a big crab feed! The Thompson’s were great hosts feeding us all and then leaving a car at the marina for anyone of us to use as needed. Many folks took advantage of it to run to the grocery store or anywhere else they needed to go.
We check the weather for Sunday and it does not look conducive to leaving with strong winds forecast. We will just have to wait until morning to see what it brings.
From Plumper Sound we make our way to Active pass and out into the big waters of the Straits of Georgia. Coming through Active Pass, we had to negotiate between a couple of BC Ferries. Once out on the Straits though it is amazingly flat. Jeff and a few of the others take off and run at speed across while the rest of us cruised across at eight knots. It was an uneventful crossing that takes us four hours.
We arrived in Gibsons Marina where we took on 62 gallons of fuel. Our burn rate coming across was six gallons per hour. That does include the run from LaConner to Poets which we did at 11 knots.
With running water available on the docks, everyone took advantage of the chance to wash all of the salt off of their boats. Again, we create quite a stir with so many little tugs in one place.
Saturday evening, everyone was invited to Tim and Kim Thompson’s home for one heck of a big crab feed! The Thompson’s were great hosts feeding us all and then leaving a car at the marina for anyone of us to use as needed. Many folks took advantage of it to run to the grocery store or anywhere else they needed to go.
We check the weather for Sunday and it does not look conducive to leaving with strong winds forecast. We will just have to wait until morning to see what it brings.
Sunday, August 22nd - Gibsons BC
As predicted, the winds are up as well as the seas. We have decided to stay in port for another day. The ladies were all excited as it gives them a chance to wander through downtown Gibsons. While the winds are blowing outside, it is really quite pleasant in the marina. I took advantage of a day in port to get a couple of minor projects done on Karma. Sunday evening found us all out on the dock in our usual positions…. Drink in one hand, snacks in the other!
Laxey Cruising to Gibsons
Monday, August 23rd - Pendrell Sound
Wow! It is dark at 5:00 am! There is not even a hint of the sun starting to rise in the east. We need to be up early as our planned departure time is 6:00 am bound to make the 85 mile run to Pendrell Sound in Desolation.
The sun was just starting to light the eastern sky when we cast the lines from Karma and headed out. Some folks have made the decision it is time to turn south while others of us are going to continue north. We bid farewell to Bob and Nita as well as Barry and Gill. Karma is headed north while they have chosen to head south.
The ride started out lumpy but smoothed out once we got north of Texada Island. What incredible country! Islands, trees, blue sky as well as great people in great boats! The run today will take us seven hours at an average speed of 15 knots. Rate of fuel burn is 12 gallons per hour. We will stop in Refuge to take on a load of fuel. At this rate it looks as though we will need about 70 gallons…… Oh well, it is only money!
We arrived at Refuge Cove in Desolation at 12:30. Not bad considering it was a run of 78 miles. We did not take on as much fuel as we thought we would. Total fuel consumed for this run was 65 gallons. The cost of fuel in Refuge surprised us. Only $1.18 per liter or $4.49 per gallon. In a remote location such as this, you would expect to pay considerably more.
After taking on fuel, we headed off to Pendrell Sound to catch up with Lyman and Janeane on Zuma. We found them anchored at the far end of the sound. What an incredible place. Snow capped mountain peaks rising at least 7000 feet from the sea. Along with Zuma, there were another half dozen boats anchored. All had a bow anchor out and a stern line to shore. We talked it over with Lyman and decided the best thing to do was to drop our anchor, and then back down to them. Once we were rafted, Taylor and Daniel ran a stern line to an attachment point on shore.
The boys showed off their stuff by swinging off of a tree with a rope. Once they tired of this, they took to cliff diving!
At 17:30, we heard Harbor Cruisers hailing on the radio. We guided them into the back end of the sound. We then assisted them with getting tied up. Sonny and Fernando were the next to come in. We had them drop anchor port of Karma. Gary and Rosalee on Harbor Ranger rafted with Harbor Cruiser. Patrick and Gail as well as Ann hung on their own hooks. Ann’s little CD-22 is sure a cute little boat. She is very excited about the days ticking by before she has her R-25.
Once everyone was secured and ready for the first night on the hook, it was time to break out the hor dourves and cocktails.
The sun was just starting to light the eastern sky when we cast the lines from Karma and headed out. Some folks have made the decision it is time to turn south while others of us are going to continue north. We bid farewell to Bob and Nita as well as Barry and Gill. Karma is headed north while they have chosen to head south.
The ride started out lumpy but smoothed out once we got north of Texada Island. What incredible country! Islands, trees, blue sky as well as great people in great boats! The run today will take us seven hours at an average speed of 15 knots. Rate of fuel burn is 12 gallons per hour. We will stop in Refuge to take on a load of fuel. At this rate it looks as though we will need about 70 gallons…… Oh well, it is only money!
We arrived at Refuge Cove in Desolation at 12:30. Not bad considering it was a run of 78 miles. We did not take on as much fuel as we thought we would. Total fuel consumed for this run was 65 gallons. The cost of fuel in Refuge surprised us. Only $1.18 per liter or $4.49 per gallon. In a remote location such as this, you would expect to pay considerably more.
After taking on fuel, we headed off to Pendrell Sound to catch up with Lyman and Janeane on Zuma. We found them anchored at the far end of the sound. What an incredible place. Snow capped mountain peaks rising at least 7000 feet from the sea. Along with Zuma, there were another half dozen boats anchored. All had a bow anchor out and a stern line to shore. We talked it over with Lyman and decided the best thing to do was to drop our anchor, and then back down to them. Once we were rafted, Taylor and Daniel ran a stern line to an attachment point on shore.
The boys showed off their stuff by swinging off of a tree with a rope. Once they tired of this, they took to cliff diving!
At 17:30, we heard Harbor Cruisers hailing on the radio. We guided them into the back end of the sound. We then assisted them with getting tied up. Sonny and Fernando were the next to come in. We had them drop anchor port of Karma. Gary and Rosalee on Harbor Ranger rafted with Harbor Cruiser. Patrick and Gail as well as Ann hung on their own hooks. Ann’s little CD-22 is sure a cute little boat. She is very excited about the days ticking by before she has her R-25.
Once everyone was secured and ready for the first night on the hook, it was time to break out the hor dourves and cocktails.
Shared Dreams (R-29) Cruising Gibsons BC to Desolation Sound
Factory 29, 27 and Shared Dream (R-29) cruising to Desolation
Factory R-29 Cruising to Desolation Sound
Wednesday, August 25th - Laura's Cove, Prideuax Haven
Another beautiful day has dawned. The sky is clear with just a very light breeze rippling the water. I sit in the cockpit and watch as the full moon sets behind the mountains to the west, at the same time, the sky to the east lightens. The plan for today is to head over to Laura Cove around 11:30. The run should be easy as it is only 9 miles.
It is now 11:00 and we are all preparing to shove off. All the gear is stowed safely. The stern lines are pulled in, anchors are retrieved. As we have never been to Laura Cove, we have Lyman and Janeanne take the lead. On our way to Laura Cove, I make up a batch of Brownies while Maureen takes the helm. These will be used to bribe the boys….. It is amazing what you can get for just a couple of brownies!
Upon our arrival at Laura Cove, Taylor and Daniel jump into the inflatable on Zuma while I jump into our inflatable. We race into the cove to check things out. We find suitable locations for all. The first to come in is Zuma. I then hail Harbor Ranger to proceed in. Gary drops his bow anchor while I take the stern line ashore. Once he is secure, we call Blessings in. Again, Blessings drops their bow anchor and then raft alongside of Harbor Ranger. This time though, Daniel makes the trip to the tree line to secure the stern line. Anne on Sea Coaster and Patrick and Gail on “That’s It”, both decide not to raft. I take care of securing Anne while Daniel and Taylor take care of assisting Patrick.
Now that all is secure, it is time to relax. Maureen and Janeanne take to the floating “dock” paddling it over to the others, while Lyman and I take to the Kayaks. We proceed to paddle all through Prideaux Haven checking out all of the other boats. You see every kind of boat imaginable in here from the 150 foot mega yachts to the 25 foot runabout!
Once we return to Zuma and Karma, it is time for my second dip in the water. This one is even briefer as the water is even colder….. It does feel good though after a couple of hours of paddling!
It is now 11:00 and we are all preparing to shove off. All the gear is stowed safely. The stern lines are pulled in, anchors are retrieved. As we have never been to Laura Cove, we have Lyman and Janeanne take the lead. On our way to Laura Cove, I make up a batch of Brownies while Maureen takes the helm. These will be used to bribe the boys….. It is amazing what you can get for just a couple of brownies!
Upon our arrival at Laura Cove, Taylor and Daniel jump into the inflatable on Zuma while I jump into our inflatable. We race into the cove to check things out. We find suitable locations for all. The first to come in is Zuma. I then hail Harbor Ranger to proceed in. Gary drops his bow anchor while I take the stern line ashore. Once he is secure, we call Blessings in. Again, Blessings drops their bow anchor and then raft alongside of Harbor Ranger. This time though, Daniel makes the trip to the tree line to secure the stern line. Anne on Sea Coaster and Patrick and Gail on “That’s It”, both decide not to raft. I take care of securing Anne while Daniel and Taylor take care of assisting Patrick.
Now that all is secure, it is time to relax. Maureen and Janeanne take to the floating “dock” paddling it over to the others, while Lyman and I take to the Kayaks. We proceed to paddle all through Prideaux Haven checking out all of the other boats. You see every kind of boat imaginable in here from the 150 foot mega yachts to the 25 foot runabout!
Once we return to Zuma and Karma, it is time for my second dip in the water. This one is even briefer as the water is even colder….. It does feel good though after a couple of hours of paddling!
Tuesday, August 24th - Pendrell Sound
I was up three times last night checking the anchors. There was a light breeze blowing over night giving us a pretty nice night. Morning broke clear and crisp. I was up at five to watch a new day dawning. The sun slowly peaked over the mountains lighting the peaks on the far side. I took the dinghy out for a short row just enjoying the solitude of the location. Slowly life starts to appear around me. I look up to see Chris rowing his dog ashore. The little converted fishing boat anchored off of our starboard side also is starting to show signs of life. Karma and Zuma are still quiet with no one stirring. Patrick and Gail are up sitting in their cockpit also enjoying the tranquility of the location. It is amazing. No airplane noise. No car noise. Just the quiet whisper of the fans on the propane heaters I have in the cockpit. It won’t be long and I will go inside and start the coffee. No sense in waking Maureen up until she is ready to get up. That’s what vacations are for.
I watch as one of the sailboats tied at the far end of the sound, quietly retrieves his anchor and starts his journey for the day. You fantasize about where they are from and where they are headed. You see boats up here with hailing ports from around the world. You are truly in the “cruising world” when you come to Desolation Sound. It won’t be long though before everyone starts their trek south as winter is just around the corner. I cannot imagine what it must be like up here once the snow starts to fly.
The coffee has finished brewing. Maureen is still sound asleep. She will be surprised when she wakes up to discover it is after eight.
Maureen finally woke at 9:15. I cannot remember the last time she has ever slept that late. We lazed about the cockpit over morning coffee. About 10:00, Lyman and I began to make the rounds in Zuma’s tender letting everyone know the plan for the day. We are going to remain here in Pendrell Sound for another night.
While speaking with Gary and Rosalee on Harbor Ranger, the conversation turned to the fact that Harbor Ranger was running about 20 degrees warmer than she should. Lyman and I volunteered to change out the impeller for Gary. As Lyman stood on his head in the bilge, I handed him the tools he called for. After an hour and a half, it was determined that the old impeller was not coming out. The decision was made that it felt to be in good condition with all fins still intact. The only thing we can figure is the raw water pickup must be blocked somewhere between the screen and the strainer. By the time we got things buttoned up on Harbor Ranger, it was after 2:00.
Once Lyman and I return to Zuma and Karma, we spot a rescue boat racing in. It pulls up to the sailing vessel that lies just south of us. We cannot see clearly what is happening, but we can tell they leave with additional personnel on board. Hopefully no one is seriously injured.
Today will be the first time I and Maureen have ever swam in a location this far north. Taylor and Daniel assure us the water is warm. What is warm to an 18 year old and a 50 year old is usually two different things! I climb to the roof of the hard top and take the plunge! While the water is not what would be considered cold…. I would also not consider it warm! I swim to the swim steps and promptly climb out. Maureen is next. She climbs along the side deck and steps off. She manages to stay in the water a bit longer than I.
Once again, cocktails and hor douvres take place on Zuma and Karma with all of the others joining us. We gather on the bow’s of both tugs watching the sun set.
I watch as one of the sailboats tied at the far end of the sound, quietly retrieves his anchor and starts his journey for the day. You fantasize about where they are from and where they are headed. You see boats up here with hailing ports from around the world. You are truly in the “cruising world” when you come to Desolation Sound. It won’t be long though before everyone starts their trek south as winter is just around the corner. I cannot imagine what it must be like up here once the snow starts to fly.
The coffee has finished brewing. Maureen is still sound asleep. She will be surprised when she wakes up to discover it is after eight.
Maureen finally woke at 9:15. I cannot remember the last time she has ever slept that late. We lazed about the cockpit over morning coffee. About 10:00, Lyman and I began to make the rounds in Zuma’s tender letting everyone know the plan for the day. We are going to remain here in Pendrell Sound for another night.
While speaking with Gary and Rosalee on Harbor Ranger, the conversation turned to the fact that Harbor Ranger was running about 20 degrees warmer than she should. Lyman and I volunteered to change out the impeller for Gary. As Lyman stood on his head in the bilge, I handed him the tools he called for. After an hour and a half, it was determined that the old impeller was not coming out. The decision was made that it felt to be in good condition with all fins still intact. The only thing we can figure is the raw water pickup must be blocked somewhere between the screen and the strainer. By the time we got things buttoned up on Harbor Ranger, it was after 2:00.
Once Lyman and I return to Zuma and Karma, we spot a rescue boat racing in. It pulls up to the sailing vessel that lies just south of us. We cannot see clearly what is happening, but we can tell they leave with additional personnel on board. Hopefully no one is seriously injured.
Today will be the first time I and Maureen have ever swam in a location this far north. Taylor and Daniel assure us the water is warm. What is warm to an 18 year old and a 50 year old is usually two different things! I climb to the roof of the hard top and take the plunge! While the water is not what would be considered cold…. I would also not consider it warm! I swim to the swim steps and promptly climb out. Maureen is next. She climbs along the side deck and steps off. She manages to stay in the water a bit longer than I.
Once again, cocktails and hor douvres take place on Zuma and Karma with all of the others joining us. We gather on the bow’s of both tugs watching the sun set.
Cruising to Laura Cove
Thursday August 26th, Pender Harbor
The morning breaks cooler and overcast. The wind is out of the southwest blowing at about 8 to 10 knots. We are protected sitting here in Laura Cove though, to any wind chop or waves that may build. Today we plan to start the trek south. We would like to be in Ganges tomorrow evening. We are not quite sure where we will anchor this afternoon yet. The weather will make that decision for us. The winds are predicted to lay down a bit this afternoon. We will see if the weather gods are listening to the weather man.
At 10:00 we pull the lines and retrieve the anchors. We start our journey south. The seas are a bit lumpy with the current 10-15 knot winds blowing. Once we make the turn south around Sarah Point, we pick up following seas. The ride is now much more comfortable. Just as we come into Thumin Passage, Blessing’s has a low oil pressure alarm go off. Fernando immediately shuts her down. With Zuma taking up the rear position of the flotilla, they are the closest to render aid. Lyman and Taylor jump in their tender and head over to Blessings. After adding four quarts of oil the alarm is silent. Lyman stays aboard through Thumin Passage to insure all is well. Once we determine all is well, it is back to our cruising speed of eight knots and on to Pender Harbor.
We arrive in Pender Harbor with no other issues. Blessings, Harbor Ranger, Harbor Cruisers, That’s It, as well as Sea Coaster choose to tie up in the marina tonight. Karma drops her hook and takes Zuma alongside. Once all is secure, cocktail hour begins!
We have brief periods of rain but the winds are calm. We have a great evening on the hook.
At 10:00 we pull the lines and retrieve the anchors. We start our journey south. The seas are a bit lumpy with the current 10-15 knot winds blowing. Once we make the turn south around Sarah Point, we pick up following seas. The ride is now much more comfortable. Just as we come into Thumin Passage, Blessing’s has a low oil pressure alarm go off. Fernando immediately shuts her down. With Zuma taking up the rear position of the flotilla, they are the closest to render aid. Lyman and Taylor jump in their tender and head over to Blessings. After adding four quarts of oil the alarm is silent. Lyman stays aboard through Thumin Passage to insure all is well. Once we determine all is well, it is back to our cruising speed of eight knots and on to Pender Harbor.
We arrive in Pender Harbor with no other issues. Blessings, Harbor Ranger, Harbor Cruisers, That’s It, as well as Sea Coaster choose to tie up in the marina tonight. Karma drops her hook and takes Zuma alongside. Once all is secure, cocktail hour begins!
We have brief periods of rain but the winds are calm. We have a great evening on the hook.
Friday, August 27th - Off to Ganges, Salt Spring Island
We awaken to broken clouds and more light showers. Lyman and I run over to the docks to check on the rest of the group to find out what their plans are. They have made the decision to head to McKendrick Island in the Gulf Islands to spend the night. Zuma and Karma are headed for Ganges. We chose to head due west to the Ballenas Islands. If we time it right, we will cut into Gabriola Passage and then run the inside. The weather out on the straits is incredible, just a light ripple on the water, broken clouds. The rest of the group chooses to head south and then cut across. Hopefully their crossing goes as well as ours. By choosing this route, we reduce the amount of time we are out on the big water. The less time out there, the less chance of getting caught in any rough weather.
The crossing of the Straits of Georgia was great! Flat sea’s and no wind! Once we get to the Ballenas Islands, we have to decide which pass we will duck into to get onto the inside of the islands. With time running out, we know we will not make the slack water at Galleano or Porlier Passes so it is Dodd Narrow’s. Dodd’s has a nasty reputation which forces a considerable amount of people to avoid it. Looking at the charts, tide and current tables, as well as the guide book, they all caution you to go through within a one hour window of slack water. That window will be very close for us! We set our course towards Dodd’s and increase our speed to 9.5 knots. This should put us there right on time.
We arrive at Dodd’s 1 hour and 25 minutes after slack. We can see the water boiling outside the entrance. Maureen lines Karma up with the entrance and we go in. First we are shoved port, then starboard. Maureen applies more power yet we gain no more head way. We are at 2500 RPM’s and only making 3 knots. This means we are against a five knot current. Karma inches her way forward being forced one way and then the other by the boiling rapids and then finally, we are through! Next it is Zuma’s turn! I give Zuma’s crew the low down on what we experienced. But, even then, from my vantage point, I can see the waters turbulence increasing. Their ride through won’t be the same as Karma’s. On top of all of the information we were able to relay back to Lyman, he has to take into consideration the fact they are towing their tender. Zuma approaches the mouth of the opening and disappears from sight. We can no longer see the opening nor Zuma. The radio is silent. I stand in the doorway watching and waiting. It seems like an eternity, finally I spot their roof moving forward above the rocky shore. They are through!
We can now chalk off another of one of the things that a considerable amount of people avoid while boating in the PNW. Dodd Narrows, Straits of Georgia, Straits of Juan de Fuca, Deception Pass, and running after dark. In less than a year we have done all of these and many more than once! It is all about timing and watching the weather. With Dodd’s, I would say we pushed the envelope. I am not sure I would have wanted to come through any closer to max current. However there were other trawlers that were headed through from the southern end. Local knowledge and experience certainly is worth a lot in these situations.
We set our “guide to” systems for Ganges City Marina and settle in for another four hours on the water. We could not have asked for a better day though! The winds are calm with just a ripple on the water. We proceed down the Trincomali Passage to Salt Springs Island with no issues. We round the southern end of the island and start up the pass to Ganges. We hail the marina to check on space for the evening. The marina is full. Maureen and I check out the public docks while Lyman hails Salt Springs Marina to see about space. Lyman is informed that they do have two spots available if we would like them. We are not so lucky in the public marina. The docks all have boats rafted two abreast. We quickly decide that we would much rather just hang on the hook for another night! Zuma quickly locates a spot to plant her hook. It is not long and Karma is snuggled up alongside her! It is now after five and time to start happy hour! What a great location we have chosen to hang on the hook. We can see all of the vessels coming and going from the marina as well as watch the dozens of seaplanes take off and land! This is far better than hanging out at the marina!
The crossing of the Straits of Georgia was great! Flat sea’s and no wind! Once we get to the Ballenas Islands, we have to decide which pass we will duck into to get onto the inside of the islands. With time running out, we know we will not make the slack water at Galleano or Porlier Passes so it is Dodd Narrow’s. Dodd’s has a nasty reputation which forces a considerable amount of people to avoid it. Looking at the charts, tide and current tables, as well as the guide book, they all caution you to go through within a one hour window of slack water. That window will be very close for us! We set our course towards Dodd’s and increase our speed to 9.5 knots. This should put us there right on time.
We arrive at Dodd’s 1 hour and 25 minutes after slack. We can see the water boiling outside the entrance. Maureen lines Karma up with the entrance and we go in. First we are shoved port, then starboard. Maureen applies more power yet we gain no more head way. We are at 2500 RPM’s and only making 3 knots. This means we are against a five knot current. Karma inches her way forward being forced one way and then the other by the boiling rapids and then finally, we are through! Next it is Zuma’s turn! I give Zuma’s crew the low down on what we experienced. But, even then, from my vantage point, I can see the waters turbulence increasing. Their ride through won’t be the same as Karma’s. On top of all of the information we were able to relay back to Lyman, he has to take into consideration the fact they are towing their tender. Zuma approaches the mouth of the opening and disappears from sight. We can no longer see the opening nor Zuma. The radio is silent. I stand in the doorway watching and waiting. It seems like an eternity, finally I spot their roof moving forward above the rocky shore. They are through!
We can now chalk off another of one of the things that a considerable amount of people avoid while boating in the PNW. Dodd Narrows, Straits of Georgia, Straits of Juan de Fuca, Deception Pass, and running after dark. In less than a year we have done all of these and many more than once! It is all about timing and watching the weather. With Dodd’s, I would say we pushed the envelope. I am not sure I would have wanted to come through any closer to max current. However there were other trawlers that were headed through from the southern end. Local knowledge and experience certainly is worth a lot in these situations.
We set our “guide to” systems for Ganges City Marina and settle in for another four hours on the water. We could not have asked for a better day though! The winds are calm with just a ripple on the water. We proceed down the Trincomali Passage to Salt Springs Island with no issues. We round the southern end of the island and start up the pass to Ganges. We hail the marina to check on space for the evening. The marina is full. Maureen and I check out the public docks while Lyman hails Salt Springs Marina to see about space. Lyman is informed that they do have two spots available if we would like them. We are not so lucky in the public marina. The docks all have boats rafted two abreast. We quickly decide that we would much rather just hang on the hook for another night! Zuma quickly locates a spot to plant her hook. It is not long and Karma is snuggled up alongside her! It is now after five and time to start happy hour! What a great location we have chosen to hang on the hook. We can see all of the vessels coming and going from the marina as well as watch the dozens of seaplanes take off and land! This is far better than hanging out at the marina!
Saturday, August 28th - Friday Harbor
We have now hung on the hook for five days. Our water is now down to an eighth of a tank. Along with the 76 gallons that our water system holds, we carried an additional 30 gallons in solar showers. We have only used five gallons out of these though. We now know that with a little more conservation, we could go for seven or eight days without having to take on any additional water.
The last fuel that we took on was in Refuge Cove. Since then we have traveled over 120 miles. Our main tank still contains 50 gallons while our auxiliary tank contains 28. With the amount of fuel on board, we can make it back to Port Orchard without refueling.
Our plan for today is to catch the market in Ganges and then head south to Friday Harbor. Once we clear US customs there, we will decide where we are going to overnight. If there is space available, we will stay in the marina tonight. If not, we will hang on the hook. Either way is fine with us!
We arrived at Friday Harbor at 15:30. The Customs dock was clear of any other vessels. While I took care of clearing us back in, Maureen contacted Friday Harbor to check on the status of a couple of slips for the evening. They confirmed they indeed had space available. The decision was made, we would spend the night at the dock. Once on the dock, it was time for taking out the trash…. Actually, it was not bad. After eight days on Karma, we had two thirds of a bag of trash and one bag of bottles and cans. We did a bit of housekeeping and then it was time for the final cocktail hour of the trip. Come morning, Karma would head south to Port Orchard while Zuma would head east to Bellingham.
The last fuel that we took on was in Refuge Cove. Since then we have traveled over 120 miles. Our main tank still contains 50 gallons while our auxiliary tank contains 28. With the amount of fuel on board, we can make it back to Port Orchard without refueling.
Our plan for today is to catch the market in Ganges and then head south to Friday Harbor. Once we clear US customs there, we will decide where we are going to overnight. If there is space available, we will stay in the marina tonight. If not, we will hang on the hook. Either way is fine with us!
We arrived at Friday Harbor at 15:30. The Customs dock was clear of any other vessels. While I took care of clearing us back in, Maureen contacted Friday Harbor to check on the status of a couple of slips for the evening. They confirmed they indeed had space available. The decision was made, we would spend the night at the dock. Once on the dock, it was time for taking out the trash…. Actually, it was not bad. After eight days on Karma, we had two thirds of a bag of trash and one bag of bottles and cans. We did a bit of housekeeping and then it was time for the final cocktail hour of the trip. Come morning, Karma would head south to Port Orchard while Zuma would head east to Bellingham.
Sunday, August 29th - Home to Port Orchard
Dawn broke clear and very crisp. Our thermometer read 44 degrees for the outside temp! I thought it was supposed to get warmer the further south you went! This is the coldest temp we have seen all week!
We pulled our lines and were off the dock by 7:00. Lyman came out to assist us and to say goodbye. We headed south out of Cattle Pass into the Straits of Juan de Fuca. The weather was great! Light breeze from the south, clear skies. Once we got abeam of Smith Island, we started to pick up some wind chop from the south as well as ocean swells from the west. While the ride was bumpy, it was not uncomfortable. We ran across at 14 knots to shorten our exposure time on the big water. We rounded Point Wilson at 9:15. Two hours and fifteen minutes from Friday Harbor to Port Townsend.
We chose to run down Admiralty Inlet to Puget Sound. The waters of Admiralty were flat calm. Not the same though once we reach Puget Sound. The weather has started to turn. The winds were now up to 20 knots out of the south. The wind chop was starting to build. Hopefully it will not get much worse before we reach Port Madison where we will duck into Agate Passage and then into Port Orchard Bay.
Our luck holds. The chop never got much bigger than 2 to 3 feet. We were taking water over the roof and once again ended up with sea weed on the windshield… Once we make the turn south on Port Orchard Bay we spot a green R-25. It is Barb and Benny on Honu Kai. They have had her for five weeks now and berth her in Poulsbo. We pass close enough to wave to each other and then carry on. The weather is not conducive to idling and chatting.
We make the turn into Sinclair inlet and there we spot another R-29. It is Gene and Pam aboard Wolf Pack out for a Sunday cruise.
It is now 1:30 and we have secured the lines to the dock. Karma is back home in her berth in Port Orchard. It is time for a bubble bath for Karma and then a shower for me! While I bathe Karma, Maureen cleans and straightens the cabin. She then ready’s her suitcase as she is headed back to Vegas this evening.
The week in Desolation was great! We spent time with many wonderful people in some of the prettiest country you can imagine! Thank you to the following folks for allowing us to be part of such a great group:
Bob and Nita, Nellie Too
Lyman and Janeane, Zuma
Barry and Gill, Laxey
Ken and Sandy, Shared Dream
Patrick and Gail, That’s It
Gary and Rosalee, Harbor Ranger
Sonny and Fernando, Blessings
Anne, Sea Coaster
Chris and Willow, Harbor Cruiser
Facts of Karma’s Trip:
Fuel burned: 332 Gallons
Average GPH: 6.25
Average MPH: 8.75
Miles Covered: 463
Hours Ran: 53
Water used: 70 gallons
We pulled our lines and were off the dock by 7:00. Lyman came out to assist us and to say goodbye. We headed south out of Cattle Pass into the Straits of Juan de Fuca. The weather was great! Light breeze from the south, clear skies. Once we got abeam of Smith Island, we started to pick up some wind chop from the south as well as ocean swells from the west. While the ride was bumpy, it was not uncomfortable. We ran across at 14 knots to shorten our exposure time on the big water. We rounded Point Wilson at 9:15. Two hours and fifteen minutes from Friday Harbor to Port Townsend.
We chose to run down Admiralty Inlet to Puget Sound. The waters of Admiralty were flat calm. Not the same though once we reach Puget Sound. The weather has started to turn. The winds were now up to 20 knots out of the south. The wind chop was starting to build. Hopefully it will not get much worse before we reach Port Madison where we will duck into Agate Passage and then into Port Orchard Bay.
Our luck holds. The chop never got much bigger than 2 to 3 feet. We were taking water over the roof and once again ended up with sea weed on the windshield… Once we make the turn south on Port Orchard Bay we spot a green R-25. It is Barb and Benny on Honu Kai. They have had her for five weeks now and berth her in Poulsbo. We pass close enough to wave to each other and then carry on. The weather is not conducive to idling and chatting.
We make the turn into Sinclair inlet and there we spot another R-29. It is Gene and Pam aboard Wolf Pack out for a Sunday cruise.
It is now 1:30 and we have secured the lines to the dock. Karma is back home in her berth in Port Orchard. It is time for a bubble bath for Karma and then a shower for me! While I bathe Karma, Maureen cleans and straightens the cabin. She then ready’s her suitcase as she is headed back to Vegas this evening.
The week in Desolation was great! We spent time with many wonderful people in some of the prettiest country you can imagine! Thank you to the following folks for allowing us to be part of such a great group:
Bob and Nita, Nellie Too
Lyman and Janeane, Zuma
Barry and Gill, Laxey
Ken and Sandy, Shared Dream
Patrick and Gail, That’s It
Gary and Rosalee, Harbor Ranger
Sonny and Fernando, Blessings
Anne, Sea Coaster
Chris and Willow, Harbor Cruiser
Facts of Karma’s Trip:
Fuel burned: 332 Gallons
Average GPH: 6.25
Average MPH: 8.75
Miles Covered: 463
Hours Ran: 53
Water used: 70 gallons
Running Admiralty Inlet
Crossing the Straits of Juan de Fuca
Southern Gulf Island Cruise, June 11th - 20th, 2010
Friday, June 11th, Driftwood Key
The big day finally arrived. We started planning this trip to the Gulf Islands back in March. The build up to the trip did not come without any apprehension or trepidation as to which route we would take.
The direct route across the Straits of Juan de Fuca is the fastest and shortest. This though does not always come without a price. The weather can turn quickly making for a very rough crossing. Our other option was to take the “inside” route around the east side of Whidbey Island and then turn west into the San Juan Islands thus avoiding a good portion of the open waters of the Straits.
I watched the weather closely for the five days prior to the departure date. The forecast did not look good for any day other than the day we planned to cross, Saturday. However, come Friday morning, the day we had to make the final decision “Straits” or “Inside”, the weather prognosis was not looking so good. They were calling for light wind in the morning building throughout the day. Sea were forecast for 1 to 2 in the morning 3 to 4 by afternoon. At 11 knots, it would take three hours to cross. Could we make it before the winds and seas built? There was one person I knew that could give us the best advice, Jeff Messmer of Ranger Tugs. He has made this crossing with his family many times. I gave Jeff a call, ran down the weather forecast for him, he said “go across the straits, you will be fine, get an early start”.
So go across the straits we did. We cast off from Port Orchard at 12:15 on Friday afternoon. Our first nights stop would be Dennis and Darlene of “Tug of My Heart” backyard dock. They live just east of Port Ludlow in a community known as Driftwood Key. They along with June and Herb of “Sea Sweeper” (who just happen to live in the same community) were great hosts. They had a BBQ with all the fixings for us on Friday night.
The direct route across the Straits of Juan de Fuca is the fastest and shortest. This though does not always come without a price. The weather can turn quickly making for a very rough crossing. Our other option was to take the “inside” route around the east side of Whidbey Island and then turn west into the San Juan Islands thus avoiding a good portion of the open waters of the Straits.
I watched the weather closely for the five days prior to the departure date. The forecast did not look good for any day other than the day we planned to cross, Saturday. However, come Friday morning, the day we had to make the final decision “Straits” or “Inside”, the weather prognosis was not looking so good. They were calling for light wind in the morning building throughout the day. Sea were forecast for 1 to 2 in the morning 3 to 4 by afternoon. At 11 knots, it would take three hours to cross. Could we make it before the winds and seas built? There was one person I knew that could give us the best advice, Jeff Messmer of Ranger Tugs. He has made this crossing with his family many times. I gave Jeff a call, ran down the weather forecast for him, he said “go across the straits, you will be fine, get an early start”.
So go across the straits we did. We cast off from Port Orchard at 12:15 on Friday afternoon. Our first nights stop would be Dennis and Darlene of “Tug of My Heart” backyard dock. They live just east of Port Ludlow in a community known as Driftwood Key. They along with June and Herb of “Sea Sweeper” (who just happen to live in the same community) were great hosts. They had a BBQ with all the fixings for us on Friday night.
Saturday, June 12th, Crossing the Straits of Juan de Fuca
As I am an early riser and love to be on the water at first light, I left it up to the group as to what time we would cast off. I explained the importance of an early morning start. June looked up and said “5:30”. So 5:30 it was. At 5:20, Sea Sweeper was idling in the bay behind Karma. At 5:25 the lines from Karma were cast and we were off! The first hour the weather, water, and view were incredible. Flat seas, no wind, outgoing tide.
As we approached Point Wilson off of Port Townsend, we knew we were quickly approaching the “go, no go” zone. The seas were good; the breeze was light so off we went. We quickly realized we should have put more distance between us and Point Wilson before making the turn to the west. The seas quickly built to 4 to 5 feet, short, steep, and very close together. We took a beating for about the first thirty minutes until we got away from Point Wilson. Once we were away, the seas dropped to a foot and it was smooth sailing from there on.
We cruised at 11 knots making it a comfortable crossing. At this speed, it would take us three hours. As we approached Victoria, you could start to make out various building on shore. Then, from five miles out, we saw the most impressive sight. Anchored right outside of Victoria was the USS Ronald Reagan! What a sight to see!
Coming into Victoria presents a whole new set of obstacles……. Sea planes and water taxis going in every direction. Then to top that off, you have the very large ferries that also ply these waters carrying tourist back and forth from the US.
Clearing customs also proved to not to be as easy as we had hoped. The procedure is, you pull up to the dock, pick up the phone, talk to the person on the other end…… welllllllllll....... I guess they did not like my answers. They instructed me that they were going to come down and take a look at Karma. They also instructed, no one was to get off of the boat, on the boat, take anything off, or put anything on……
Two custom agents arrived within fifteen minutes. They asked Maureen and I to step off of the boat. They went aboard and proceeded to go through every cupboard and nook and cranny there was. After searching the boat, they reported that we had 1 glass to much wine on board……. I should have drunk it on the way in…… Oh well, they told us next time; know how much alcohol we had on board. We thanked them for their time and off they went! They did decide though as they were walking by to do a “random check” of Sea Sweeper. June and Herb got the green light from them and we were off.
The wharfs in front of the Empress Hotel are beautiful. You are right downtown with a great view of everything including the naked people on their bicycles!
The five tugs sitting here in Victoria have caused quite a stir. Numerous people have walked down to the docks to admire our little ships. Currently we have Zuma, Karma, Sea Sweeper, Tug of My Heart, and Lobo here in Victoria.
We will spend Saturday and Sunday here in Victoria. Monday we are off for Sidney Spit Marine Park.
As we approached Point Wilson off of Port Townsend, we knew we were quickly approaching the “go, no go” zone. The seas were good; the breeze was light so off we went. We quickly realized we should have put more distance between us and Point Wilson before making the turn to the west. The seas quickly built to 4 to 5 feet, short, steep, and very close together. We took a beating for about the first thirty minutes until we got away from Point Wilson. Once we were away, the seas dropped to a foot and it was smooth sailing from there on.
We cruised at 11 knots making it a comfortable crossing. At this speed, it would take us three hours. As we approached Victoria, you could start to make out various building on shore. Then, from five miles out, we saw the most impressive sight. Anchored right outside of Victoria was the USS Ronald Reagan! What a sight to see!
Coming into Victoria presents a whole new set of obstacles……. Sea planes and water taxis going in every direction. Then to top that off, you have the very large ferries that also ply these waters carrying tourist back and forth from the US.
Clearing customs also proved to not to be as easy as we had hoped. The procedure is, you pull up to the dock, pick up the phone, talk to the person on the other end…… welllllllllll....... I guess they did not like my answers. They instructed me that they were going to come down and take a look at Karma. They also instructed, no one was to get off of the boat, on the boat, take anything off, or put anything on……
Two custom agents arrived within fifteen minutes. They asked Maureen and I to step off of the boat. They went aboard and proceeded to go through every cupboard and nook and cranny there was. After searching the boat, they reported that we had 1 glass to much wine on board……. I should have drunk it on the way in…… Oh well, they told us next time; know how much alcohol we had on board. We thanked them for their time and off they went! They did decide though as they were walking by to do a “random check” of Sea Sweeper. June and Herb got the green light from them and we were off.
The wharfs in front of the Empress Hotel are beautiful. You are right downtown with a great view of everything including the naked people on their bicycles!
The five tugs sitting here in Victoria have caused quite a stir. Numerous people have walked down to the docks to admire our little ships. Currently we have Zuma, Karma, Sea Sweeper, Tug of My Heart, and Lobo here in Victoria.
We will spend Saturday and Sunday here in Victoria. Monday we are off for Sidney Spit Marine Park.
Sunday, June 13th, Victoria
Sunday in Victoria was great. We just hung out, walked around town, and had an impromptu cocktail party on the dock….. just had fun!
Victoria is a beautiful town that is easy to walk. Maureen and I also jumped on one of the little Harbor tour boats and went for a ride up the gorge. The winds were very strong so we will see what Monday brings. If weather is not conducive to travel, we will spend another day in Victoria.
So far we have five vessels that have come along. Zuma, Tug of My Heart, Sea Sweeper, Lobo, and Karma. We have drawn quite a bit of attention sitting here at the docks in Victoria.
Weather permitting; we will head for Sidney Spit Marine Monday morning. Our planned departure time is for 9:30 am which should put us in Sidney Spit no later than 1:30. We will also have to see how the weather is once we approach the spit. Strong westerly’s could make for a bumpy night. If that is the case, Sidney harbor will be the next stop!
Victoria is a beautiful town that is easy to walk. Maureen and I also jumped on one of the little Harbor tour boats and went for a ride up the gorge. The winds were very strong so we will see what Monday brings. If weather is not conducive to travel, we will spend another day in Victoria.
So far we have five vessels that have come along. Zuma, Tug of My Heart, Sea Sweeper, Lobo, and Karma. We have drawn quite a bit of attention sitting here at the docks in Victoria.
Weather permitting; we will head for Sidney Spit Marine Monday morning. Our planned departure time is for 9:30 am which should put us in Sidney Spit no later than 1:30. We will also have to see how the weather is once we approach the spit. Strong westerly’s could make for a bumpy night. If that is the case, Sidney harbor will be the next stop!
Monday, June 14th, Another Night in Victoria!
As planned, we started out for Sidney Spit. At the mouth of the breakwater, one of the tugs suffered minor engine problems. We all immediately turned around as we leave no boat behind. It was determined that the impeller was going to need to be replaced on Zuma. Since none of us had ever done it, it was going to be a learning lesson for all of us! It took us a couple of hours but we got it done. Once done, “the men” piled into Zuma and took her outside to make sure all was working. The run outside went off without a hitch. However by now the seas had built to five to six feet and the wind was roaring. Not a good day to head out! The decision was made! One more night in Victoria! New plan head out on Tuesday morning for Winter Cove.
Tuesday, June 15th, Winter Cove
Eight AM arrived and just as planned we were off! Coming around the corner of the breakwater departing Victoria, we were amazed at what a day can bring. Flat seas, no wind!
We motored along at seven knots thus conserving fuel and just enjoying the day! We ran up the west side of San Juan Island with hopes of seeing whales. Unfortunately, we did not.
When we made the turn into Boundary Pass, we cut over and went through the Pender Canal. As it was low tide, this did create some excitement when the depth meter hit 4.4 feet! We all made it through unscathed and having experienced another new adventure!
From here it was another hour over to Winters Cove. (we were cruising at five knots to allow us to take in the scenery) Winters Cove was beautiful!
Zuma was the first to put her anchor down. Maureen brought Karma alongside. Karma and Zuma rafted while Sea Sweeper and Tug of My Heart dropped their anchors a short distance away. Once all was secured I launched the dinghy from the roof, hung the motor on the transom, and she was off for her first cruise!
Taylor (Lyman and Janeane’s son) ran over to Tug of My Heart and brought Dennis and Darlene to Zuma for the evening cocktail party. Herb and June motored over in their dinghy. The night was beautiful! Mild temps with a beautiful clear blue sky.
Looking through the binoculars, I was able to spot five bald eagles in various trees! What a place! Tomorrow will bring another day of adventure for the four Tugs!
We motored along at seven knots thus conserving fuel and just enjoying the day! We ran up the west side of San Juan Island with hopes of seeing whales. Unfortunately, we did not.
When we made the turn into Boundary Pass, we cut over and went through the Pender Canal. As it was low tide, this did create some excitement when the depth meter hit 4.4 feet! We all made it through unscathed and having experienced another new adventure!
From here it was another hour over to Winters Cove. (we were cruising at five knots to allow us to take in the scenery) Winters Cove was beautiful!
Zuma was the first to put her anchor down. Maureen brought Karma alongside. Karma and Zuma rafted while Sea Sweeper and Tug of My Heart dropped their anchors a short distance away. Once all was secured I launched the dinghy from the roof, hung the motor on the transom, and she was off for her first cruise!
Taylor (Lyman and Janeane’s son) ran over to Tug of My Heart and brought Dennis and Darlene to Zuma for the evening cocktail party. Herb and June motored over in their dinghy. The night was beautiful! Mild temps with a beautiful clear blue sky.
Looking through the binoculars, I was able to spot five bald eagles in various trees! What a place! Tomorrow will bring another day of adventure for the four Tugs!
Wednesday, June 16th, Poet's Cove Resort, South Pender Island
This morning I awoke early with a plan to add yesterday’s leg of our journey to Tugnuts. However upon opening the web page, I read that Pete Cleland has cast his line from this dock and moved onto his next.
I am a firm believer in the fact that when life ends here on this earth, you simply move onto another. While we are saddened by hearing of Pete’s passing, remember at the moment he departed, somewhere on this great planet of ours, a new life was born. This new life will bring great joy to many people. Pete has simply made room for this life.
While Pete was a true “character” he was one that you were amazed by when he spoke of all the things he had done in this life. I will always remember Pete for the “Oysters”…… for every time oysters are mentioned, we all think of Darrell and Bruce eating Pete’s 20 year old oysters!
Sail on Pete Cleland, sail on…….
We awoke on Wednesday morning to a partly cloudy sky with a light breeze from the south. As the morning unfolded, the clouds began to clear. It was our first night at anchor on Karma (I guess you could say we were at anchor, we were rafted to Zuma). It was also Dennis and Darlene’s first night to sleep overnight on an anchored vessel. While they were a bit concerned at first, they quickly got comfortable with the fact that they were not drifting.
While we sipped our coffee in the cockpit enjoying great company, we looked up to spot a red R-21 coming through Boat Pass. Who could this be??? I quickly grabbed the glasses to see if I could see who was at the helm of this great looking vessel. While I did not recognize the skipper, we quickly brought him along side and discovered it was John of “Port Nut”. Many of you may recall John from last year’s rendezvous; he came to see what this “Ranger Tugs” thing was all about. After leaving the rendezvous, he headed to South Dakota to pick up his retirement present, Port Nut.
We departed Winter Cove bound for Poets Cove Resort in Bedwell Harbor at 12:55. Our journey today took us around the south end of South Pender Island. The cruise from Winter Cove to Poets was amazing also. A very light breeze with incredible sunshine and the bluest skies I have ever seen.
It was no more than an hour and twenty minutes after pulling the anchors that we were not securing our first lines to the docks in Poets. What an amazing place. This beautiful resort in a beautiful setting with great people along to share the experience.
While the marina was not full by any means, the five little tugs caught everyone’s attention as we came in. It was not long after that we had the few people in the resort walking the docks admiring our little ships. We had one gentleman who came in on a beautiful 40 foot Hunter Sailboat, walk down from the fuel dock to admire our vessels.
Once we were secured it was off to the spa for Maureen and Janeane. They arranged for pedicures, facials, and massages……. It appears we may depart a bit later than planned on Thursday. Oh well, we are on vacation!
While Maureen and Janeane were making their arrangements, Taylor and Conner quickly made use of the pool.
At four, it was break out the food and wine, social hour was to begin.
Tomorrow’s leg of the journey will find us dropping the hooks in Glenthorne Passage on Prevost Island.
I am a firm believer in the fact that when life ends here on this earth, you simply move onto another. While we are saddened by hearing of Pete’s passing, remember at the moment he departed, somewhere on this great planet of ours, a new life was born. This new life will bring great joy to many people. Pete has simply made room for this life.
While Pete was a true “character” he was one that you were amazed by when he spoke of all the things he had done in this life. I will always remember Pete for the “Oysters”…… for every time oysters are mentioned, we all think of Darrell and Bruce eating Pete’s 20 year old oysters!
Sail on Pete Cleland, sail on…….
We awoke on Wednesday morning to a partly cloudy sky with a light breeze from the south. As the morning unfolded, the clouds began to clear. It was our first night at anchor on Karma (I guess you could say we were at anchor, we were rafted to Zuma). It was also Dennis and Darlene’s first night to sleep overnight on an anchored vessel. While they were a bit concerned at first, they quickly got comfortable with the fact that they were not drifting.
While we sipped our coffee in the cockpit enjoying great company, we looked up to spot a red R-21 coming through Boat Pass. Who could this be??? I quickly grabbed the glasses to see if I could see who was at the helm of this great looking vessel. While I did not recognize the skipper, we quickly brought him along side and discovered it was John of “Port Nut”. Many of you may recall John from last year’s rendezvous; he came to see what this “Ranger Tugs” thing was all about. After leaving the rendezvous, he headed to South Dakota to pick up his retirement present, Port Nut.
We departed Winter Cove bound for Poets Cove Resort in Bedwell Harbor at 12:55. Our journey today took us around the south end of South Pender Island. The cruise from Winter Cove to Poets was amazing also. A very light breeze with incredible sunshine and the bluest skies I have ever seen.
It was no more than an hour and twenty minutes after pulling the anchors that we were not securing our first lines to the docks in Poets. What an amazing place. This beautiful resort in a beautiful setting with great people along to share the experience.
While the marina was not full by any means, the five little tugs caught everyone’s attention as we came in. It was not long after that we had the few people in the resort walking the docks admiring our little ships. We had one gentleman who came in on a beautiful 40 foot Hunter Sailboat, walk down from the fuel dock to admire our vessels.
Once we were secured it was off to the spa for Maureen and Janeane. They arranged for pedicures, facials, and massages……. It appears we may depart a bit later than planned on Thursday. Oh well, we are on vacation!
While Maureen and Janeane were making their arrangements, Taylor and Conner quickly made use of the pool.
At four, it was break out the food and wine, social hour was to begin.
Tomorrow’s leg of the journey will find us dropping the hooks in Glenthorne Passage on Prevost Island.
Thursday, June 17th, Glenthorne Passage, Prevost Island
It was 3:00 pm when we departed Poet Cove as the girls had spent the better part of the day up at the spa getting all of the primping and pandering that they could.
The Cruise up to Glenthorne Passage on Prevost Island was uneventful. Partly cloudy skies with a light breeze blowing. We have been on the water now for a week. We have only had one day with just a sprinkle of rain. The rest of the time it has been either beautiful sunny days or just partly cloudy. Mornings have been overcast, normally burning off around noon.
We approached Prevost Island from the south. Once we were directly abeam of the passage between Secret Island and Owl Island I made the turn to starboard and headed for the passage between the two islands. The chart showed a minimum depth of 24 feet. It was still a bit nerve wracking though as both islands seemed to be solid rock. The opening was no more than 100 feet across. We approached slowly keeping a close eye on the depth meter. The minimum depth we saw was 19 feet. I called back on the radio to let the others know what they would see as far as depth.
Once inside Glenthorne we were immediately greeted by a huge Bald Eagle flying right down the center of the passage. What a sight! We cruised all the way to the end, made a couple of circles, and decided this was the place we would spend our evening. Once again Zuma dropped her anchor and we rafted Karma along side. John on “Port Nut” dropped his hook just slightly aft of Zuma and Karma while Herb and June dropped theirs just slightly forward.
While there were not many boats in the passage, we had every eye on us as we paraded by in our tugs.
Once all was secure, the boy’s went out crabbing and the adults gave into “happy hour”….. Happy Hour had no sooner started when I looked up and spied a Ranger Tug coming through the opening! Who could this be? I quickly grab my binoculars to check out our new arrival. I could see it was an R-25 with full enclosure. That quickly eliminated Lobo as he does not have the full enclosure. I quickly came to the conclusion it had to be “That’s It”. Patrick and Gail live on Salt Spring Island not five miles from where we were presently at. I gave them a call on the radio and sure enough, it was. I instructed them to tie alongside Karma. Once all was secure, we all had to comment on Patrick’s clothing, a suit and tie. We were not sure if they were just very formal in their cruising here in the Gulf Islands or if they thought we were. We quickly found out that Patrick had gone directly from work to the boat where he met Gail. It was just a quick ten minute cruise out from their dock to our location.
When the boys returned in an hour, they had five crabs in their bucket! Jeneane had the boys clean the crabs while she prepared to cook them up. Within 30 minutes there was hot crab for all! What more could you ask for? A beautiful location, great people on great boats, and great food and wine! Cruising on a Ranger Tug is the only way to go!
Patrick and Gail shoved off just before dark as Ganges Harbor is full of crab traps. They did not want to attempt to ply these waters in the dark. They are planning on coming down to the docks tomorrow afternoon to meet with us once we tie up.
Our destination for tomorrow is just a short hop over to Ganges Harbor on Salt Spring Island. We will spend Saturday morning at the farmers market and then head for Friday Harbor on Saturday afternoon.
The Cruise up to Glenthorne Passage on Prevost Island was uneventful. Partly cloudy skies with a light breeze blowing. We have been on the water now for a week. We have only had one day with just a sprinkle of rain. The rest of the time it has been either beautiful sunny days or just partly cloudy. Mornings have been overcast, normally burning off around noon.
We approached Prevost Island from the south. Once we were directly abeam of the passage between Secret Island and Owl Island I made the turn to starboard and headed for the passage between the two islands. The chart showed a minimum depth of 24 feet. It was still a bit nerve wracking though as both islands seemed to be solid rock. The opening was no more than 100 feet across. We approached slowly keeping a close eye on the depth meter. The minimum depth we saw was 19 feet. I called back on the radio to let the others know what they would see as far as depth.
Once inside Glenthorne we were immediately greeted by a huge Bald Eagle flying right down the center of the passage. What a sight! We cruised all the way to the end, made a couple of circles, and decided this was the place we would spend our evening. Once again Zuma dropped her anchor and we rafted Karma along side. John on “Port Nut” dropped his hook just slightly aft of Zuma and Karma while Herb and June dropped theirs just slightly forward.
While there were not many boats in the passage, we had every eye on us as we paraded by in our tugs.
Once all was secure, the boy’s went out crabbing and the adults gave into “happy hour”….. Happy Hour had no sooner started when I looked up and spied a Ranger Tug coming through the opening! Who could this be? I quickly grab my binoculars to check out our new arrival. I could see it was an R-25 with full enclosure. That quickly eliminated Lobo as he does not have the full enclosure. I quickly came to the conclusion it had to be “That’s It”. Patrick and Gail live on Salt Spring Island not five miles from where we were presently at. I gave them a call on the radio and sure enough, it was. I instructed them to tie alongside Karma. Once all was secure, we all had to comment on Patrick’s clothing, a suit and tie. We were not sure if they were just very formal in their cruising here in the Gulf Islands or if they thought we were. We quickly found out that Patrick had gone directly from work to the boat where he met Gail. It was just a quick ten minute cruise out from their dock to our location.
When the boys returned in an hour, they had five crabs in their bucket! Jeneane had the boys clean the crabs while she prepared to cook them up. Within 30 minutes there was hot crab for all! What more could you ask for? A beautiful location, great people on great boats, and great food and wine! Cruising on a Ranger Tug is the only way to go!
Patrick and Gail shoved off just before dark as Ganges Harbor is full of crab traps. They did not want to attempt to ply these waters in the dark. They are planning on coming down to the docks tomorrow afternoon to meet with us once we tie up.
Our destination for tomorrow is just a short hop over to Ganges Harbor on Salt Spring Island. We will spend Saturday morning at the farmers market and then head for Friday Harbor on Saturday afternoon.
Friday, June 18th, Ganges Harbor, Salt Spring Island
We departed Glenthorne Passage at 11:50 Friday morning bound for Ganges Harbor Marina. It was a short one hour cruise at six knots. Ganges Marina is one of those marinas that actually send folks out to take your lines as you approach the docks. While the docks are old and need some attention, they do have a picnic table in between each finger pier! What a great place to have afternoon social hour!
The city of Ganges is really a nice little town. The grocery store is within a block of the marina. There is a hardware store that also doubles as a chandlery (very limited selection) as well as a number of restaurants within walking distance.
The marina staff assigned our four boats to one very long finger pier therefore we were grouped together.
Patrick and Gail came down for the evening cocktail party on the dock. It turned into a big crab feed as the boys from Zuma caught seven crabs again on Friday! After the grab feed and cocktails, it was off to the opening of the local art studio. The art that is displayed here is all from local artists.
After returning from the studio, we launched the dinghy and took it for a spin through the anchorage. Pretty amazing! There were vessels in the anchorage from as far away as the UK! Ganges is an international port to say the least!
Tomorrow (Saturday) it is off to the local market that everyone says you must attend when coming to Ganges. After the market we will head for Friday Harbor to clear customs and spend the night. Sunday morning will find us off to an early start to get back to Port Orchard by mid afternoon.
The city of Ganges is really a nice little town. The grocery store is within a block of the marina. There is a hardware store that also doubles as a chandlery (very limited selection) as well as a number of restaurants within walking distance.
The marina staff assigned our four boats to one very long finger pier therefore we were grouped together.
Patrick and Gail came down for the evening cocktail party on the dock. It turned into a big crab feed as the boys from Zuma caught seven crabs again on Friday! After the grab feed and cocktails, it was off to the opening of the local art studio. The art that is displayed here is all from local artists.
After returning from the studio, we launched the dinghy and took it for a spin through the anchorage. Pretty amazing! There were vessels in the anchorage from as far away as the UK! Ganges is an international port to say the least!
Tomorrow (Saturday) it is off to the local market that everyone says you must attend when coming to Ganges. After the market we will head for Friday Harbor to clear customs and spend the night. Sunday morning will find us off to an early start to get back to Port Orchard by mid afternoon.
Saturday, June 19th, Friday Harbor, San Juan Island
The morning broke sunny and clear. Looks like it is going to be another tough day in paradise. The crews of the Ranger Tugs all make their way up to the Market in Ganges. It is quite an event. I do have to say, Ganges has some very interesting people that call it home. While speaking with one of the merchants about his wares, his fellow merchant friend sat on a log smoking a joint….. Very interestinggggg.
After a stroll through the market and a few small purchases, we headed back to our tiny ships to prepare to depart. As planned we were away from the docks by 11:00 with Friday Harbor as our destination. We will clear back through customs there and then spend the night on their docks.
The cruise to Friday was uneventful with beautiful weather all the way. Just after departing Ganges, John on Port Nut turned north to continue his adventure.
Clearing Customs in Friday Harbor was easy, a few questions over the phone and then instructions to wait with the vessels for a look see from the Custom Agents. The Friday Harbor Custom Officers were polite and well mannered. They reviewed our passports, welcomed us home, and wished us fair winds and following seas.
We motored over to the fuel dock where we took on 78 gallons of fuel into our main tank. With price of fuel being $3.35 per gallon, we will wait and fill the auxiliary tank once we get back to Port Orchard. While this seems high, the lowest price we saw for fuel in Canada was at Victoria for $4.45 per gallon….
After we got all squared away and the boats cleaned up in Friday Harbor, we were just heading off to stroll the town when we looked up to see Lobo coming through the breakwater. It seems he just can’t get away from us! Once we got Dave secured, we all took a stroll up through the streets of Friday Harbor. I purchased a nifty little hammock that would hang between the uprights on the hardtop from Kings Sporting Goods. Now I have a place a little more comfortable to take my afternoon nap.
Sea Sweeper and Karma plan to depart Friday Harbor at 5:30 am for the run across the Straits of Juan de Fuca. The weather forecast calls for 10 to 15 knot winds with one to three foot seas. We shall see……
After a stroll through the market and a few small purchases, we headed back to our tiny ships to prepare to depart. As planned we were away from the docks by 11:00 with Friday Harbor as our destination. We will clear back through customs there and then spend the night on their docks.
The cruise to Friday was uneventful with beautiful weather all the way. Just after departing Ganges, John on Port Nut turned north to continue his adventure.
Clearing Customs in Friday Harbor was easy, a few questions over the phone and then instructions to wait with the vessels for a look see from the Custom Agents. The Friday Harbor Custom Officers were polite and well mannered. They reviewed our passports, welcomed us home, and wished us fair winds and following seas.
We motored over to the fuel dock where we took on 78 gallons of fuel into our main tank. With price of fuel being $3.35 per gallon, we will wait and fill the auxiliary tank once we get back to Port Orchard. While this seems high, the lowest price we saw for fuel in Canada was at Victoria for $4.45 per gallon….
After we got all squared away and the boats cleaned up in Friday Harbor, we were just heading off to stroll the town when we looked up to see Lobo coming through the breakwater. It seems he just can’t get away from us! Once we got Dave secured, we all took a stroll up through the streets of Friday Harbor. I purchased a nifty little hammock that would hang between the uprights on the hardtop from Kings Sporting Goods. Now I have a place a little more comfortable to take my afternoon nap.
Sea Sweeper and Karma plan to depart Friday Harbor at 5:30 am for the run across the Straits of Juan de Fuca. The weather forecast calls for 10 to 15 knot winds with one to three foot seas. We shall see……
Sunday, June 20th, Heading Home to Port Orchard
I was up at 4:45 getting the coffee started. Can’t head out without that first cup of coffee…. Herb is up and about on Sea Sweeper preparing her for the journey home.
Once the coffee is done, and Maureen’s cup is poured, it is easy to get her out of bed. I go outside and do our final preparations for our departure and crossing of the Straits. Everything needs to be put away and secured in the event the weather should turn out rough.
Once all is secured, the first half of the cup of coffee downed, we fire up the engine. We try to do so quietly so as not to disturb the sleeping crew of Zuma. Maureen nudges Karma out of the slip and June and Herb are quick to follow. We come out into the San Juan Channel and all looks well, smooth water, light breeze from the west. As we approach Cattle Pass, we start to take on huge rolling waves coming through the inlet. We attribute it to the outgoing tide with the opposing winds. Not to be so. Once outside, it continues to get rougher. We make the decision to turn east and head for Deception Pass. The drawback to going through Deception is the fact that we will arrive right in time for the maximum flood current, 5.7 knots today! However, as we approach Deception the waters of the Straits started to flatten out a bit. We make the decision to turn south and run to Port Townsend after all. For the most part the ride was just slightly bumpy with some confused seas. As we make the turn in to Admiralty Inlet, we spot another tug! It was R-Matey with Joe and Ruth aboard. They are heading north to take their new R-25SC home to Bellingham! We exchange greetings, snap a few pictures and then we continue on our separate ways. June and Herb head through the Port Townsend cut to the Hood Canal while Maureen and I continue down Admiralty Inlet. We get a nice boast from the incoming tide gaining some speed and saving some fuel! That’s the kind of thing I like.
Currently we are two miles from Port Madison. We will cut through Agate Passage and then down Port Orchard Channel. Total time for the run from Friday to Port Orchard should be seven hours. We cruised at an average of 11 knots burning and average of 7 gallons per hour.
It has been a great week and a great adventure. People came and went as their schedules permitted. We enjoyed evening cocktails and just being with great people. Now that this adventure is over, it is time to finalize the Points North Cruise!
Thank you to all that joined us and allowed us to be in their company!
Once the coffee is done, and Maureen’s cup is poured, it is easy to get her out of bed. I go outside and do our final preparations for our departure and crossing of the Straits. Everything needs to be put away and secured in the event the weather should turn out rough.
Once all is secured, the first half of the cup of coffee downed, we fire up the engine. We try to do so quietly so as not to disturb the sleeping crew of Zuma. Maureen nudges Karma out of the slip and June and Herb are quick to follow. We come out into the San Juan Channel and all looks well, smooth water, light breeze from the west. As we approach Cattle Pass, we start to take on huge rolling waves coming through the inlet. We attribute it to the outgoing tide with the opposing winds. Not to be so. Once outside, it continues to get rougher. We make the decision to turn east and head for Deception Pass. The drawback to going through Deception is the fact that we will arrive right in time for the maximum flood current, 5.7 knots today! However, as we approach Deception the waters of the Straits started to flatten out a bit. We make the decision to turn south and run to Port Townsend after all. For the most part the ride was just slightly bumpy with some confused seas. As we make the turn in to Admiralty Inlet, we spot another tug! It was R-Matey with Joe and Ruth aboard. They are heading north to take their new R-25SC home to Bellingham! We exchange greetings, snap a few pictures and then we continue on our separate ways. June and Herb head through the Port Townsend cut to the Hood Canal while Maureen and I continue down Admiralty Inlet. We get a nice boast from the incoming tide gaining some speed and saving some fuel! That’s the kind of thing I like.
Currently we are two miles from Port Madison. We will cut through Agate Passage and then down Port Orchard Channel. Total time for the run from Friday to Port Orchard should be seven hours. We cruised at an average of 11 knots burning and average of 7 gallons per hour.
It has been a great week and a great adventure. People came and went as their schedules permitted. We enjoyed evening cocktails and just being with great people. Now that this adventure is over, it is time to finalize the Points North Cruise!
Thank you to all that joined us and allowed us to be in their company!
Karma's 2010 Holiday Cruise
Day One, Port Ludlow
We departed Port Orchard on bone chilling cold December 26th 2009 bound for the San Juan Island. Our original departure time of "first light" did not materialize as we did not even arrive in Port Orchard until well after Midnight. We had spent Christmas Day in the San Fransisco Bay area with Maureen's Aunt and Uncle.
The weather was brisk and clear. So brisk in fact, the water had a very thin layer of ice on it. This did not matter to us. We had plenty of heat and hot coffee! He headed up the Port Orchard inlet into Agate Passage out into Puget Sound. Once we were out in the sound, the water was smooth as glass. Our original plans were to go all the way to Friday Harbor but our late start changed that. We headed for Port Ludlow as our first nights stop. As we came around the corner approaching Port Ludlow we spotted another Ranger Tug. It was June and Herb in their R-25 Sea Sweeper. We came along side and chatted for a few minutes and then decided we should finish this conversation safely tied up at the dock. June and Herb stayed and chatted for about thirty minutes and then shoved off in order to make it home before dark.
After a very restful night in Port Ludlow, we awoke to a very chilly and frosty morning. The docks were covered with ice and frost however the sky was crystal clear and deep blue.
After a breakfast of Coffee and Bagels, we were off for another great adventure! Crossing the Straits of Juan de Fuca!
The weather was brisk and clear. So brisk in fact, the water had a very thin layer of ice on it. This did not matter to us. We had plenty of heat and hot coffee! He headed up the Port Orchard inlet into Agate Passage out into Puget Sound. Once we were out in the sound, the water was smooth as glass. Our original plans were to go all the way to Friday Harbor but our late start changed that. We headed for Port Ludlow as our first nights stop. As we came around the corner approaching Port Ludlow we spotted another Ranger Tug. It was June and Herb in their R-25 Sea Sweeper. We came along side and chatted for a few minutes and then decided we should finish this conversation safely tied up at the dock. June and Herb stayed and chatted for about thirty minutes and then shoved off in order to make it home before dark.
After a very restful night in Port Ludlow, we awoke to a very chilly and frosty morning. The docks were covered with ice and frost however the sky was crystal clear and deep blue.
After a breakfast of Coffee and Bagels, we were off for another great adventure! Crossing the Straits of Juan de Fuca!
Day Two, Crossing the Straits of Juan de Fuca and Friday Harbor
The first hour of day two was spent making our way to Port Townsend. Once beyond here, we would be in the straits. We had heard all of the horror stories of crossing the straits. Big waves, high winds, ships everywhere. While we did not doubt that any of these things could happen, we knew with proper planning and paying attention to the weather, this crossing does not have to be a horror story! We followed three other boats out and watched their moves. As they all continued across, we were confident that we too could make this crossing. The first two hours were uneventful. We saw three ships and two other boats. As we began the third hour of the journey, the winds began to build. Since they were coming out of the north though, we knew we were in good shape. We were now only forty five minutes out of Cattle Pass, due north of us. We were in the lee of the land! The waves managed to build to about two feet before we got into Cattle Pass but nothing that Karma nor her crew could not handle.
Coming through Cattle Pass was incredible. There were hills, a lighthouse, and beautiful homes on both sides. What a place to be able to call home. We now only had another hour and we would make Friday Harbor. Our final stopping place for the day.
We cruised for another hour and then made the turn into Friday Harbor, right before the ferry was to make theirs! Coming into Friday Harbor is hard to describe. It is a beautiful little town with a first rate marina out in the middle of no where basically. To get to any major city from here, you either have to fly or take a boat. Yet, it is not hard to imagine why anyone would not want to call it home!
The people in Friday Harbor are all very friendly and helpful. When I asked the Harbor Master about coming in during the busy season, he insisted that I would need reservations. Then in the same breath he said, but we never turn anyone away. We will always find room for the next boat! What more could you ask for!
After getting Karma all secured and in her berth for the night, we wander about town. Friday Harbor boosts a grocery store, marine supply, hardware store, and a great sporting goods store. Don't forget to stop into the local wine shop right by the marina. They have a great selection of wines from the region. What a place to spend night two of our Holiday Cruise.
Coming through Cattle Pass was incredible. There were hills, a lighthouse, and beautiful homes on both sides. What a place to be able to call home. We now only had another hour and we would make Friday Harbor. Our final stopping place for the day.
We cruised for another hour and then made the turn into Friday Harbor, right before the ferry was to make theirs! Coming into Friday Harbor is hard to describe. It is a beautiful little town with a first rate marina out in the middle of no where basically. To get to any major city from here, you either have to fly or take a boat. Yet, it is not hard to imagine why anyone would not want to call it home!
The people in Friday Harbor are all very friendly and helpful. When I asked the Harbor Master about coming in during the busy season, he insisted that I would need reservations. Then in the same breath he said, but we never turn anyone away. We will always find room for the next boat! What more could you ask for!
After getting Karma all secured and in her berth for the night, we wander about town. Friday Harbor boosts a grocery store, marine supply, hardware store, and a great sporting goods store. Don't forget to stop into the local wine shop right by the marina. They have a great selection of wines from the region. What a place to spend night two of our Holiday Cruise.
The "Straits"
Friday Harbor
Day Three, Roche Harbor
After taking on a load of fuel at Friday Harbor, we were off for Roche Harbor! We headed out with cloudy skies above. By the time we reached Roche though, the sun was out and a very light breeze was blowing!
We tied up at the guest docks and then headed out to check out the action in Roche. We were told that the Sculpture park was a must so that would be our first stop. Well, it may be a must for some folks, just not for Maureen and I.
We headed back to check out town. We quickly discovered that there was no town, just a very small post office and store along with the hotel. We were a bit disappointed in Roche. After talking to a few folks we found out that most people that come to Roche come only for one reason. To party on the docks. Well, not quite what we were looking for in late December. While Roche was a nice marina, it is not on our list of places that we need to get back too.
We tied up at the guest docks and then headed out to check out the action in Roche. We were told that the Sculpture park was a must so that would be our first stop. Well, it may be a must for some folks, just not for Maureen and I.
We headed back to check out town. We quickly discovered that there was no town, just a very small post office and store along with the hotel. We were a bit disappointed in Roche. After talking to a few folks we found out that most people that come to Roche come only for one reason. To party on the docks. Well, not quite what we were looking for in late December. While Roche was a nice marina, it is not on our list of places that we need to get back too.
Day Four, Deception Pass and Langley
What a week it has been! First we cross the straits, then we shoot through Deception Pass! We see a very small piece of the San Juans and catch up with some new friends and make some more new friends!
Our day started out at first light this morning. We headed out of Roche Harbor bound for Coupville via Deception Pass. The weather was magnificent with a brilliant sunrise. We arrived at Deception pass at 11:00 am just shy of the high tide by 37 minutes. The good news was it was still flooding so we would get an extra boost going through! We entered running at 8 knots and by the time it "spit" us out the other side we were running at 11.5 knots without touching the throttle!
For those of you that have heard the horror stories of running across the straits or going through Deception, all I can tell you is make a plan, check the weather and tides, if all is good, go for it!
We ended our day meeting up with John and Laurie Gray on the Laurie Ann at the Langley Marina. We had a great afternoon swapping 'old" boat stories and splitting a bottle of wine. We walked up to town and had a nice dinner at Mikes. The plan for tomorrow is to run down to Shilshone. We want to check it out for the "Halfway There" cruise. However, when you are on the water, plans change. We will see where the winds and tides carry us. Still planning on being at Elliott for the big New Years Eve firework show over Seattle and then Blake Island on Friday night.
So far we have run 148 NM burning 90 gallons of fuel. We have average 9 knots with runs up to 85% throttle every couple of hours.
Our Longest run in time so far would be today with a run of seven hours. By the time we get back to Port Orchard this weekend we should have covered over 200 miles and will have over 60 hours on Karma. Not bad for only having her for six weeks! By the time I fly home on the ninth of January I will have spent 40 nights on board Karma. Not bad considering we will have only owned her for 56 days!
Our day started out at first light this morning. We headed out of Roche Harbor bound for Coupville via Deception Pass. The weather was magnificent with a brilliant sunrise. We arrived at Deception pass at 11:00 am just shy of the high tide by 37 minutes. The good news was it was still flooding so we would get an extra boost going through! We entered running at 8 knots and by the time it "spit" us out the other side we were running at 11.5 knots without touching the throttle!
For those of you that have heard the horror stories of running across the straits or going through Deception, all I can tell you is make a plan, check the weather and tides, if all is good, go for it!
We ended our day meeting up with John and Laurie Gray on the Laurie Ann at the Langley Marina. We had a great afternoon swapping 'old" boat stories and splitting a bottle of wine. We walked up to town and had a nice dinner at Mikes. The plan for tomorrow is to run down to Shilshone. We want to check it out for the "Halfway There" cruise. However, when you are on the water, plans change. We will see where the winds and tides carry us. Still planning on being at Elliott for the big New Years Eve firework show over Seattle and then Blake Island on Friday night.
So far we have run 148 NM burning 90 gallons of fuel. We have average 9 knots with runs up to 85% throttle every couple of hours.
Our Longest run in time so far would be today with a run of seven hours. By the time we get back to Port Orchard this weekend we should have covered over 200 miles and will have over 60 hours on Karma. Not bad for only having her for six weeks! By the time I fly home on the ninth of January I will have spent 40 nights on board Karma. Not bad considering we will have only owned her for 56 days!
Day Five, Shilshole (Seattle)
The run from Langley started out nice enough. One to two foot sea's, wind out of the south. As we were passing Edmonds, the waves started to build. By now they were three to four. Not bad though. We gave John and Laurie a call on the cell and told them it was a good thing that they had chosen not to come down to Shilshole with us as Boots, their cat, would be telling them it was too rough. And, the way Boots tells you, well, you don't really want to know!
We continued on headed for Shilshole. A mile south of Edmonds the waves built to five to six! Stuff was flying all over the cabin. Things that we thought would never move, moved! I asked Maureen if she wanted to turn around and go back to Edmonds. Her look told me everything I needed to know! We were going to Shilshole! We continued to pound into the waves for another hour before reaching Shilshole! Karma was a mess but we were safe! We now know that Karma can take a lot more than what her crew can take! She is a well found boat that just kept plugging along!
We headed for the south entrance of Shilshole. Once we were in the lee of West Point, the waves settled down and things calmed down! We made the 180 that we had to make to enter Shilshole. The wind was now on our tail. We headed for our assigned slip. Maureen did a perfect job getting Karma into the slip. Once secured, I asked Maureen if she needed anything before I went outside to clean the salt off of Karma. "A Lemondrop" was her response! After making Maureen a Lemon Drop I headed outside to get Karma cleaned up. While it was a wild and bumpy ride, we now know that Karma can take it and keep on going!
We continued on headed for Shilshole. A mile south of Edmonds the waves built to five to six! Stuff was flying all over the cabin. Things that we thought would never move, moved! I asked Maureen if she wanted to turn around and go back to Edmonds. Her look told me everything I needed to know! We were going to Shilshole! We continued to pound into the waves for another hour before reaching Shilshole! Karma was a mess but we were safe! We now know that Karma can take a lot more than what her crew can take! She is a well found boat that just kept plugging along!
We headed for the south entrance of Shilshole. Once we were in the lee of West Point, the waves settled down and things calmed down! We made the 180 that we had to make to enter Shilshole. The wind was now on our tail. We headed for our assigned slip. Maureen did a perfect job getting Karma into the slip. Once secured, I asked Maureen if she needed anything before I went outside to clean the salt off of Karma. "A Lemondrop" was her response! After making Maureen a Lemon Drop I headed outside to get Karma cleaned up. While it was a wild and bumpy ride, we now know that Karma can take it and keep on going!
Day Six and Seven, Poulsbo (The Weather Started Getting Rough!)
You know, the great thing about boating is, there is no set agenda for where you are going and how long you are going to stay!
We changed our plans today after hearing the prediction on 30+ knot winds out of the south on Friday. We had enough fun on Wednesday pushing through those six foot seas! We ended up instead in Poulsbo for New Years Eve. I am sure it is not going to be as eventful as Seattle would have been but none the less, we are still on Karma so how bad could it be!
What a contrast today to yesterday. The seas today were flat calm and glassy! After arriving in Poulsbo at 11:30 this morning the rain began to fall. Oh well, one day of rain out of eight...... what can I say?
Tomorrow we are off for Blake Island for the night. Not sure if we will "run the outside" or take the "inside passage". It will all depend on the wind.
We are having a great time and would encourage all of you to get out on the water as much as possible. Your tugs can handle most anything that you will throw at it!
As like any other time on the water, tomorrows final destination will be decided by Mother Nature!
Today brought high winds, 20-25 with gusts to 35! Wind waves were predicted at 4 to 6 feet..... a good day to stay in the harbour and relax. We are going to spend another night here at Poulsbo. We can see no reason to go out and get beat up when we do not have to. As you may have seen on my other post, we got to meet a very interesting couple here in Poulsbo.
If the weather gives us a break tomorrow, we will head for Blake Island. Sunday it will be back to Port Orchard as Maureen has to fly back to Vegas Sunday afternoon.
It has been a great week! The weather has been great, the water has been incredible, the people amazing!
We changed our plans today after hearing the prediction on 30+ knot winds out of the south on Friday. We had enough fun on Wednesday pushing through those six foot seas! We ended up instead in Poulsbo for New Years Eve. I am sure it is not going to be as eventful as Seattle would have been but none the less, we are still on Karma so how bad could it be!
What a contrast today to yesterday. The seas today were flat calm and glassy! After arriving in Poulsbo at 11:30 this morning the rain began to fall. Oh well, one day of rain out of eight...... what can I say?
Tomorrow we are off for Blake Island for the night. Not sure if we will "run the outside" or take the "inside passage". It will all depend on the wind.
We are having a great time and would encourage all of you to get out on the water as much as possible. Your tugs can handle most anything that you will throw at it!
As like any other time on the water, tomorrows final destination will be decided by Mother Nature!
Today brought high winds, 20-25 with gusts to 35! Wind waves were predicted at 4 to 6 feet..... a good day to stay in the harbour and relax. We are going to spend another night here at Poulsbo. We can see no reason to go out and get beat up when we do not have to. As you may have seen on my other post, we got to meet a very interesting couple here in Poulsbo.
If the weather gives us a break tomorrow, we will head for Blake Island. Sunday it will be back to Port Orchard as Maureen has to fly back to Vegas Sunday afternoon.
It has been a great week! The weather has been great, the water has been incredible, the people amazing!
Day Eight, Blake Island
What a great week! It is now Saturday afternoon and Maureen and I just got back from doing the island loop trail on Blake Island. We cannot believe the week we have had. We touched on the San Juan Islands, visited with June and Herb on Sea Sweeper, had dinner with John and Laurie Gray from the Laurie Ann, spent an incredible evening with a famous sailing couple. We "battled" six foot seas. Saw countless Bald Eagles, sea lions, harbor seals, and a couple of deer.
The weather was incredible with the exception of two very windy rainy days. However, those days added to the adventure. Tomorrow will find us once again back in our home berth in Port Orchard. Maureen will fly off to Vegas and I will stay behind to work the Seattle market this week. We are sad to see the week end but know there are many more to come.
We have covered more than 240 miles. This week we will have put an additional 22 hours on Karma. We now have 54 hours on Karma! We have taken on a total of 115 gallons of fuel. Our average speed was 8.8 knots with the maximum being 17.7.
Thank you to the people of the Pacific Northwest for sharing such a great body of water with a couple of desert dwellers!
The weather was incredible with the exception of two very windy rainy days. However, those days added to the adventure. Tomorrow will find us once again back in our home berth in Port Orchard. Maureen will fly off to Vegas and I will stay behind to work the Seattle market this week. We are sad to see the week end but know there are many more to come.
We have covered more than 240 miles. This week we will have put an additional 22 hours on Karma. We now have 54 hours on Karma! We have taken on a total of 115 gallons of fuel. Our average speed was 8.8 knots with the maximum being 17.7.
Thank you to the people of the Pacific Northwest for sharing such a great body of water with a couple of desert dwellers!
Cruising amongest the Islands
One of the best parts of cruising the San Juan Islands is just that, Cruising the San Juan Islands. The beauty is incredible. The scenery unbelievable. The wild life spectacular. Deer, Bald Eagles, HUGE Sea Lions, and Orca's! it is hard to imagine what this land was like 100 years ago if it looks like this today. The few that are lucky enough to call this paradise "home" really don't know how lucky they are. The rest of us are only lucky enough to come up for a week or two for a brief visit.
The pictures below just show a very small piece of what is truly available for all to see. It will take many years to experience it all. How lucky could we be!
The pictures below just show a very small piece of what is truly available for all to see. It will take many years to experience it all. How lucky could we be!
Halfway to Tug Fest 2011!
Halfway There Cruise, March 2010
During our Holiday Cruise we ran into June and Herb aboard Sea Sweeper. We had a great visit with them in Port Ludlow. We talked of the up coming "Ranger Tug Fest" in September. June wanted to know why we had to wait until September to take another cruise. We thought the same thing and the "Halfway There Cruise" was born.
We met in Shilshole Bay Marina on a cold and blustery March morning. We spent the first night tucked away safely in the confines of this state of the art marina. An impromptu dock party broke out in the early afternoon!
The following morning we were all up bright and early. It was to be a big day for many! We were going through the Ballard Locks to Lake Union and then onto Lake Washington. It would be the first time Karma had tasted truly fresh water!
We had all anticipated going through in the small locks. Not to be so. The lockmasters directed us into the large locks. First vessel directed in was Karma. Next came Tim and Kim of Gibsons British Columbia in their brand new R-29 "The Boat". They tied directly behind Karma. Next in was Bruce and Vicki on Moondance. They were instructed to "raft" alongside Karma. Another first for Bruce and Vicki! Last boat in was Johnny on Red Ranger, a R-21. Red Ranger was instructed to raft alongside Moondance. Karma was playing host to two others!
Locking through was uneventful. We went up, the doors opened, one by one we left. Johnny being first. We spent our second night in Fishermans Terminal. Home to the boats of the TV Show, The Deadliest Catch! That afternoon we all headed out to cruise the fresh water of the lakes. What a sight it was to see. Cruising right up into the backdoor of downtown Seattle. The weather gods were kind to us. The sun shone, the wind was just a light breeze out of the west. You could not have asked for better. We enjoyed dinner at Chinook Restaurant that evening. What a great group of people Ranger Tug owners are! Bruce says it best; "When you buy a Ranger Tug, you are not buying a boat, you are buying a lifestyle!" He is so right!
Sunday broke cloudy and drizzly. Who cares!!!! We are on the water amongst friends! The boats headed back to BC were the first to take off. They had a long haul ahead of them! Sea Sweeper with June and Herb aboard as well as Moondance, Red Ranger, and Karma all took off last. We got a new experience on the way out, we went down in the little lock! Once again Moondance was our neighbor for the ride down!
As the lock gate opened, we all headed in our own directions. The wind was out of the south building a nice three foot wind chop. We bumped along until we came to our turn into the Rich Passage and made our way back up to Port Orchard.
For those of you contemplating buying a Ranger Tug, I say go for it! Like Bruce says "your buying a lifestyle"!
This cruise inspired two additional cruises. The first being to the Southern Gulf Island in British Columbia and the other being to Desolation Sound, also in BC.
We met in Shilshole Bay Marina on a cold and blustery March morning. We spent the first night tucked away safely in the confines of this state of the art marina. An impromptu dock party broke out in the early afternoon!
The following morning we were all up bright and early. It was to be a big day for many! We were going through the Ballard Locks to Lake Union and then onto Lake Washington. It would be the first time Karma had tasted truly fresh water!
We had all anticipated going through in the small locks. Not to be so. The lockmasters directed us into the large locks. First vessel directed in was Karma. Next came Tim and Kim of Gibsons British Columbia in their brand new R-29 "The Boat". They tied directly behind Karma. Next in was Bruce and Vicki on Moondance. They were instructed to "raft" alongside Karma. Another first for Bruce and Vicki! Last boat in was Johnny on Red Ranger, a R-21. Red Ranger was instructed to raft alongside Moondance. Karma was playing host to two others!
Locking through was uneventful. We went up, the doors opened, one by one we left. Johnny being first. We spent our second night in Fishermans Terminal. Home to the boats of the TV Show, The Deadliest Catch! That afternoon we all headed out to cruise the fresh water of the lakes. What a sight it was to see. Cruising right up into the backdoor of downtown Seattle. The weather gods were kind to us. The sun shone, the wind was just a light breeze out of the west. You could not have asked for better. We enjoyed dinner at Chinook Restaurant that evening. What a great group of people Ranger Tug owners are! Bruce says it best; "When you buy a Ranger Tug, you are not buying a boat, you are buying a lifestyle!" He is so right!
Sunday broke cloudy and drizzly. Who cares!!!! We are on the water amongst friends! The boats headed back to BC were the first to take off. They had a long haul ahead of them! Sea Sweeper with June and Herb aboard as well as Moondance, Red Ranger, and Karma all took off last. We got a new experience on the way out, we went down in the little lock! Once again Moondance was our neighbor for the ride down!
As the lock gate opened, we all headed in our own directions. The wind was out of the south building a nice three foot wind chop. We bumped along until we came to our turn into the Rich Passage and made our way back up to Port Orchard.
For those of you contemplating buying a Ranger Tug, I say go for it! Like Bruce says "your buying a lifestyle"!
This cruise inspired two additional cruises. The first being to the Southern Gulf Island in British Columbia and the other being to Desolation Sound, also in BC.
