tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16734514604302195732024-03-13T05:22:04.100-07:00Boating and Sailing The San Juan Islands and Surrounding Area<br><br><br>
Travel Guide, Itineraries, Maps, Charts, Parks and Camping Cruises. Places to go. <br>Things to do. Pictures, Reviews, Moorages, Marinas, Boat Ramps and Much More.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger206125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1673451460430219573.post-63865104738778175432024-02-29T20:11:00.000-08:002024-03-01T07:42:46.958-08:00Taking your boat to the San Juan Islands - what you need to know.<p> This post covers just the bare basics needed for a San Juan Islands visit. Think of it as simple answers to some very important questions.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQ84EMtSCFwR1NZoeNXA3PAjgxNlbBz30nkuHHB8v77ARu-sXr-2m6WOnU1x9bTQs30n55cESEj3pZvdfqJKID_HeFvD-onOJIVU1wP_OpnmF62RrVkNLyfLvMG2eG5JwRTkS_FGeIrY/s1280/DSCF2101.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Taking your boat to the San Juans" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUQ84EMtSCFwR1NZoeNXA3PAjgxNlbBz30nkuHHB8v77ARu-sXr-2m6WOnU1x9bTQs30n55cESEj3pZvdfqJKID_HeFvD-onOJIVU1wP_OpnmF62RrVkNLyfLvMG2eG5JwRTkS_FGeIrY/w640-h480/DSCF2101.JPG" title="What you need to know" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just because it is on a trailer does not mean it is a good idea.</td></tr></tbody></table><p><b>#1 Where to begin this epic outing?</b> </p><p>One of these four places may offer exactly what you need to get the boat wet. First, but not necessarily best, consider<b> Cap Sante Boat Haven in Anacortes</b>. Cap Sante offers light and heavy travel lift slings but no launching ramp. They also offer short or long-term pay trailer parking and an RV park. You definitely will want a reservation for slinging and mast stepping. You may be able to reserve a slip at the transient dock. The costs are not cheap.</p><p>The next place to consider is <b>Squalicum Harbor in Bellingham</b>. While travel lifts are available at the port, their multilane all-tide boat ramp, long-term parking, and abundant transient slips are what most boaters come for. If your destination is the northern San Juan islands or perhaps jumping over to Canada, this is by far the best place to begin and end your voyage. No reservations are needed, and they operate 24/7 with a self-pay kiosk. </p><p>Next, back in the Anacortes area are <b>Washington Park</b> and Deception Pass Park. Washington Park is a city-owned campground with a two-lane boat ramp and float and trailer parking. You don't need to stay at the campground, you can simply use the ramp and park for up to two weeks. Pay 24/7 at the pay station. Parking may be limited so avoid weekends if you can or have an alternate plan. <b>Tip:</b> Plan an outing staying in the campground, taking the boat into the San Juans for day trips. Of course, you will need reservations for camping. Lastly, just a few miles away is Deception Pass State Park. The launching ramp and transient docks are at <b> Cornet Bay</b> and are just a stone's throw from the famous Pass. The ramp is usable at all tide levels, has four lanes and floats and has abundant long term parking. Pay 24/7 at the Kiosk. Cornet Bay also boasts a marina, fuel and a convenience store. All four locations have nice restrooms with pay showers.</p><p>There are a few other options for launching such as boat yards and some inferior ramps but these are the ones recommended that have parking. <a href="http://www.sailingthesanjuans.com/p/taking-your-boat-for-camping-vacation.html" target="_blank">all the ramps</a> As an aside, taking your boat on a ferry expecting to launch from a ramp on one of the islands is not a well thought out plan.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>#2 Before you get going </b>you need to take a good hard look at your gear. Ill-prepared skippers not only risk ruining their cruise but they jeopardize the safety of everyone around them. On the flip side, well-prepared captains seem to always have great drama-free vacations. Speaking of gear, you need a way to get to shore from your anchored yacht. A cheap two-three-man inflatable will work, paddle boards work, but beaching your boat is not going to work well for you. <a href="http://www.sailingthesanjuans.com/2019/04/newbies-guide-to-san-juans.html" target="_blank">basic gear needed</a></p><p><br /></p><p><b>#3 Okay, you're all packed</b> and on the highway but where will you spend the first night? Good question and the answer is all up to you and what you want. What I have learned, is that what works best for me is to stay at Cornet Bay or Squalicum Harbor on the boat. It is usually late and we are tired, simply getting on the water is enough for day one. Your plan may be different so here is a list of parks. <a href="http://www.sailingthesanjuans.com/p/parks-parks-parks-charts-charts-charts.html" target="_blank">parks, parks, parks</a> , and here is a list of resorts and marinas waiting for your arrival. <a href="http://www.sailingthesanjuans.com/p/san-juan-areacitys-marinas-resorts.html" target="_blank">resorts and marinas</a></p><p><b>#4 You are well on your way now. </b>I hope you brought some food and fuel, if not, don't worry, here is a list of places you can go to get all the stuff you forgot to bring. <a href="http://www.sailingthesanjuans.com/2015/10/where-are-grocery-stores-san-juans-anacortes-friday-harbor-roche-orcas-lopez-fisherman-bay-sailing-boating-travel-places-names-cap-sante-laconner-deception-pass-blakely-shaw-cornet-west-beach.html" target="_blank">places with food and supplies</a></p><p><b>#5 If you are really going to the San Juans </b>you will have dozens of new questions now that you are thinking about it. So try this link for more answers >> <a href="http://www.sailingthesanjuans.com/p/q-as-without-qs.html" target="_blank">basic questions answered</a></p><p><b>#6 </b> <b>Lastly, along with planning</b> where to go it really helps to know the distance between points. Use this handy mileage chart. <a href="http://www.sailingthesanjuans.com/2016/07/milage-distances-from-where-to-rosario-roche-sucia-laconner-squalicum-harbor-stuart-saddlebag-deer-blind-bay-cap-sante-pelican-beach-blakely-james-jones-fisherman-cornet-friday-anacortes-deception-pass-bellingham.html" target="_blank">water mileage chart</a> Remember, currents and tide fluctuations are part of every passage.</p><p><b>#7 When to go. </b>This is not a difficult choice, just go when you are able, but avoid winter weather. July and August weather attract more people but there is plenty of room. Holidays can get festive and tend to attract crowds but sometimes that is what makes it a great vacation.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1673451460430219573.post-69864212158911231522024-01-02T10:47:00.000-08:002024-01-04T14:55:42.096-08:00Cruise the San Juan Islands – Sample Itinerary, Trip Plan, Info Guide<p style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">T</span>alk to ten San Juan Island cruisers and you will get ten different answers to the question, "What's the best place to go or thing to do in the San Juan's." Each will be correct, mostly. To support their answers, they will offer first-hand exciting personal experiences. That is why you must gather the best information, inject your wants and quirks, and then chart your own course to the San Juan's. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Our experiences and local
knowledge have been earned the old-fashioned way – one cruise at a time. Sailing,
hiking, biking and gunkholing, all while immersed in nature has been our
reward. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> This website is a compilation of our
travels in five sailboats and two trawlers spanning over two decades.<o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> Along the way we published a cruising
guide, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1495384381/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1495384381&linkCode=as2&tag=boaandsaithes-20&linkId=8ed998652936f3c53fe22ab5bd6b3462" target="_blank">“San Juan Islands Cruise Guide,”</a> followed later with a Land and Sea Guidebook, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1541063740/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1541063740&linkCode=as2&tag=boaandsaithes-20&linkId=9d7cc0742c3f2494ffad4c2f9c14a522" target="_blank">“San Juan Islands Travel Guide.”</a> My goal
for this website and these books is to help boaters, travelers, sailors, and families
enjoy the good times we have enjoyed for many years.<o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> What is the best five-day itinerary? That's like asking what's the best color. But there are certain things that our experience and local knowledge will help with. Sometimes, one just needs a little push in the right direction to get on the right tack, so to speak. It is impossible in an essay or article to cover everything important to everybody or all the possible places to go. However, this website does cover every state park, every county park, every public dock, and much much more. You will find many links to pictures and specific posts, all composed for San Juan Island boaters. Be sure, while reading to click the links and follow your interests. Be sure to use the search box at the top of this page on the left side.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">You're invited!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> To help you muddle through this dilemma and provide some interesting reading, please come along with us on our summer cruise in the San Juan Islands. Of course, you will be taking your own boat since ours is full. </p><p> Today, we use our laptop as a chart plotter, I only use the GPS function. The program was free online <b><i><u><a href="https://opencpn.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #01ffff;">Free chart plotter software</span></a></u></i></b> but I had to buy a USB antenna for $19.95. You can get by with a small handheld GPS or even your cell phone but I enjoy the big screen. I don't want you to get lost if we get separated, or your battery is dead, so you should pick up a paper chart and a compass. <span style="color: red;"> </span> <u><i><b><a href="https://www.charts.noaa.gov/OnLineViewer/18421.shtml" target="_blank"><span style="color: #01ffff;">chart #18421</span></a></b></i></u> I carry a colorful roadmap with us as well.</p><p> Let's get on the same page and assume this is your first boat trip to the San Juan's, and you are in a trailerable sailboat with a 5-6 mph speed. There are five or six starting points we have used but only three are preferred. They are Cornet Bay in Deception Pass, Cap Sante in Anacortes or Squalicum Harbor in Bellingham. If you have a fast powerboat or are coming up from the Seattle direction you will want to make time and distance adjustments. We will plan to sleep on board but use bathrooms on shore. Okay, let's go. ----- We have narrowed it down to about twenty parks to choose from for the first night, and that's not counting the marinas at Friday Harbor, Roche Harbor, or Rosario. Not to worry, I have a plan >>> <span style="background-color: #b45f06;"> <b><i><u><a href="http://www.sailingthesanjuans.com/p/parks-parks-parks-charts-charts-charts.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #01ffff;">all the parks and then some</span></a></u></i></b></span><br /><br /> Sometimes when we plan a vacation trip to the San Juan's, we try to make a great circle route because it saves time and resources. But this time we're going to decide where we go, as we go. We will see how that non-plan works out. Certain people on the boat have expressed a desire for hot showers, I guess we will see how that works out too. Since we may travel all the way across the San Juan's and back, your boat will need a minimum 75-mile range. Fuel is readily available everywhere but smart skippers figure one-third of the miles out, one-third back, and a third as a cushion. If your fuel tank is a little small you can tie a five-gallon can on deck. Knowing you have reserve fuel will ease anxious thoughts and ensure you have a great visit. Shall we also assume that you have a seaworthy vessel with all safety gear? If not, correct it before we head out, or stay home.<span style="color: white;"> </span><b><i><span style="color: #01ffff;"><u><a href="http://www.sailingthesanjuans.com/2013/05/law-who-should-wear-life-jacket-pfd-rule-require-safety-coast-guard-passenger-crew-skipper-travel-san-juan-islands.html" style="background-color: #b45f06;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #01ffff;">Life jackets for all</span></a></u></span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Plan as we go itinerary:</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjKqQ9S7rHOYjdxv4uTbIqFLwgH4Hh7N2J6gS3qKku8ILFNEYD5FKAhrdpiZOmmHbRb1nRSz67h6QqUKP1hJJVyBSHRR4AsA4WhPtrzyndHuI4_aI5SmKKDKz4L1lImGSzhi_kCuZK_TySblyL2pEXp2DE52ZNstw6dSioKVFWKKlPsuk6mSBuXSM3ihtg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Cornet Bay boat launch San Juan Island's" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjKqQ9S7rHOYjdxv4uTbIqFLwgH4Hh7N2J6gS3qKku8ILFNEYD5FKAhrdpiZOmmHbRb1nRSz67h6QqUKP1hJJVyBSHRR4AsA4WhPtrzyndHuI4_aI5SmKKDKz4L1lImGSzhi_kCuZK_TySblyL2pEXp2DE52ZNstw6dSioKVFWKKlPsuk6mSBuXSM3ihtg=w640-h480" title="Cornet Bay boat launch San Juan Island's" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cornet Bay Launch Ramps</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p><span> Let's begin at Cornet Bay in Deception Pass Park. However, after reading this post, I suggest that you search this website and check out the other launch locations. Some may fit your plans better.</span><b><i><u> <a href="http://www.sailingthesanjuans.com/p/taking-your-boat-for-camping-vacation.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #01ffff;">launch points</span></a> </u></i></b><span>Also, search the other parks and marinas and things to do. It is easy to overlook a great place or mini adventure that will make your cruise the best of all. I chose to launch at Cornet Bay this time because I really enjoy the pass scenery. The dock and the long-term parking are ideal. </span>Plus being able to take off or return from both directions 24/7 opens up even more possibilities when not having a firm plan. If I was heading for the Sucia area first off, I may have chosen Squalicum Harbor in Bellingham but where we end the cruise may dictate where to begin.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Read the rest?<span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span></span><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;"> Day # 1 </span>- We launch at Cornet Bay and head for James Island - 9.5 miles right up the center of Rosario Strait. This could be 9.5 miles of current for or against us. <a href="http://www.sailingthesanjuans.com/2017/12/five-know-cruising-san-juans-tides-current-weather-fog-wind-pets-bathrooms-where-to-go-what-do-emergencies-travel-.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #01ffff;"><b><i style="background-color: #b45f06;">currents the dumb way vs the smart way</i></b></span></a> And possibly fog, and we will need to time our departure for slack water in the pass. <a href="http://www.sailingthesanjuans.com/2023/08/deception-pass-how-to-navigate-strong.html" target="_blank"><b><i><span style="background-color: #b45f06; color: #01ffff;">slack water in the pass</span></i></b></a></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span> </span><span> </span>Alternatively: We can head through Swinomish Channel - 29 miles is much longer but as a backup plan it makes sense. We usually make our final decision at the last minute based on the weather and sea state. And then change our entire itinerary accordingly. Changing your plans may seem drastic but not changing them may be a very foolish and dumb mistake.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"> When we cast off on day number one we will have full tanks and full provisions and so should you. Both Bellingham and Anacortes have large major grocery stores. Out in the islands, are well-stocked stores but it makes no sense to take off with half your gear or half your provisions. Ice lasts in coolers for about three to four days so I suggest heading for a state park first, not a marina or resort. The first and closest park to Cornet Bay or Cap Sante is James Island State Park, a distance of about nine and a half miles, give or take depending on your steering. James Island has a small 4-6 boat dock, two somewhat protected coves, and a handful of anchor buoys. On shore are two campgrounds including a third one designated for kayakers. If you are driving a fast boat or, you are starting out early, you may want to run much further to Jones Island State Park, about twenty-one miles, or Sucia Island State Park, also about twenty-one miles, both have larger docks and campgrounds. It is very important that you give yourself enough time to get to your evening's destination well before sunset. Seasoned cruisers avoid navigating or arriving in the dark. As a newcomer in an unknown area, the simplest mistake will potentially ruin everything. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"> Sail boaters and puttsters should familiarize themselves with the currents and the effects an opposing current has on their vessel. I suggest slow boaters go online and print out current charts for the area and time they will be there. At the very least, secure tide forecasts for local landmarks. Remember, as a rule of thumb, in the San Juan's during a flood tide (incoming or rising tide) the current generally flows north and during a falling or outgoing tide, currents flow south. There are local exceptions where it is hard to tell what constitutes north and south flow. After a few passages, most skippers will learn what to expect out of their boats and to plan accordingly. Fast boats, generally can get anywhere regardless, but no one is immune to fuel expenses. <a href="http://www.sailingthesanjuans.com/2019/02/san-juan-gulf-islands-current-atlas-tide-strait-Georgia-Haro-Rosario-juan-de-fuca-bay.html" target="_blank"><i><b style="background-color: #b45f06;"><span style="color: #01ffff;">Current charts</span></b></i></a> When anchoring you must know the forecasted tide range or you may choose a poor location. Anchoring is something that even seasoned boaters may not have experience doing or doing well. I suggest reading some anchoring posts to review the basics. <span style="color: #01ffff;"><b><i><span style="background-color: #b45f06;"><a href="http://www.sailingthesanjuans.com/2019/09/anchor-yacht-boat-steps-basic-set-chain-scope-snagged-rode-dig-in-.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #01ffff;">basic anchoring</span> post</a> </span></i></b> </span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQaNjdLtpWmyGIAxJcEjI0_ht4rNzfv_B3N2Hbw913ALNRBzN954l2Enm57rdDvn5iYucSQKQ6ofcc7RzgaSjdhdTa7umagLC98Mgou6pDf9Y-sTuT4NDngIdH54GZE0BpiyEsRRaIsEOgaDoInhr-hZzCZPz7oUte2du2pF8l7RwVVHswPtd-4SYgGtE" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="James Island - San Juan Island's" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQaNjdLtpWmyGIAxJcEjI0_ht4rNzfv_B3N2Hbw913ALNRBzN954l2Enm57rdDvn5iYucSQKQ6ofcc7RzgaSjdhdTa7umagLC98Mgou6pDf9Y-sTuT4NDngIdH54GZE0BpiyEsRRaIsEOgaDoInhr-hZzCZPz7oUte2du2pF8l7RwVVHswPtd-4SYgGtE=w640-h480" title="James Island - San Juan Island's" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">James Island</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: large; text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;"> We always expect to anchor upon arrival. There is competition for dock space with a lot of turnover until about 3pm when cruisers tend to settle in for the night. Many places have docks that only hold four boats so bringing a dinghy is mandatory. Hopefully, we found an open space at the James Island dock but we can raft our two boats together even if we have to anchor or hook a buoy.</span><p style="text-align: justify;"> We enjoy the south-end shoreside trail despite one particularly precarious spot where we sometimes see the resident Bald Eagles. Let's have a campfire in an empty campsite tonight. If we anchor or hook to one of the buoys it is a short paddle to shore which means we can share the dinghy. On our last cruise, we brought an extra inflatable dinghy plus two paddle boards. It really made a difference with half of us sleeping on shore.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: x-large;">Day #2 </span>We seem to always fritter away mornings, and end up leaving late. But not this morning, the wind came up during the night and Rosario Strait is in white caps, so ducking into Thatcher Pass and relatively calm Lopez Sound is a no-brainer. We swing over to Spencer Spit State Park and as always, many boats are tied to buoys. There is no dock and being a spit means there is always a welcoming windward shore to anchor off of or dinghy over to. But being a spit also means it is usually windy too. You can rent bicycles at the concession on shore or mingle with the car campers that came by ferry. Possibly one of your friends can meet you here. We simply drive by Spencer Spit and just for fun, cut through the narrow channel that separates the spit from Frost Island. At this point, there are several choices we can make as to where to go. It is still early and there is a decent following wind, so let's run all the way to Eastbound on Orcas Island. Normally sailing is poor to non-existent in the inner islands so this wind today is a real bonus. If it is the weekend, even better because Eastsound hosts music festivals and Saturday Markets all Summer long. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjE63HThzJj8rhiTnhLCl3wO3c2jT73GGVyCbotdVwscrnOGw-rDL_SnuIP0cWbpXN24nUmXXNN84RAKQbkctbXJwZCaBcwKAOJLp4ew8ohJ9f7AOakiliXj_8rCtGYiIZdmdT95_q52_j1GNY5Y68rxyKBuDX4wjLiZQC29kTBSJzVJ1Uhiw6EZJ9EzC0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Eastsound county dock" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjE63HThzJj8rhiTnhLCl3wO3c2jT73GGVyCbotdVwscrnOGw-rDL_SnuIP0cWbpXN24nUmXXNN84RAKQbkctbXJwZCaBcwKAOJLp4ew8ohJ9f7AOakiliXj_8rCtGYiIZdmdT95_q52_j1GNY5Y68rxyKBuDX4wjLiZQC29kTBSJzVJ1Uhiw6EZJ9EzC0=w640-h480" title="Eastsound county dock" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">County dock at Eastsound</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> From the county dock, it is a short one-block walk into the village center. Eastbound is home to the largest grocery store on Orcas so grabbing any forgotten essentials is easy too. If it gets late we can always spend the night but we will have to anchor because overnighting at county docks is prohibited. This might be a time if you want to, to run back to Rosario Resort and get a slip for the night but I prefer staying put and having breakfast in town. Lots of good choices are not a bad thing at all. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2W0ANK-JEEAHBlfdtmFMfMGkxfgrzXXz9p-HH6L2BFNsvbpg-01kC3DhNTW8mHi77CIIuQ4It7ts8kz1Hwudns-9W6ds-JJk-IeAqBzs49jLtvUb9QW5-EA25wNAAthvSRZK2HPHnYlIFlXrmAlDe5LOWFdqhs-Z7QgFdPGqiYMTSc_bRoQilcx0lOLc" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Eastsound on Orcas Island" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2W0ANK-JEEAHBlfdtmFMfMGkxfgrzXXz9p-HH6L2BFNsvbpg-01kC3DhNTW8mHi77CIIuQ4It7ts8kz1Hwudns-9W6ds-JJk-IeAqBzs49jLtvUb9QW5-EA25wNAAthvSRZK2HPHnYlIFlXrmAlDe5LOWFdqhs-Z7QgFdPGqiYMTSc_bRoQilcx0lOLc=w640-h482" title="Eastsound on Orcas Island" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eastsound Green and music venue</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Day #3</span> It was a rolly polly night at anchor until the wind died and took the swells away. Finally, we tear ourselves free of Eastbound only to find ourselves facing the incoming flood tide and the current pushing it. This makes the decision to stop at Rosario that much easier. One time at Rosario our youngest son played outdoor shuffleboard and petted deer while we went through the museum. On another visit, we parked the boat and rode our bicycles up to and around Moran Park and lake. This time we might top off the fuel tank and walk the gardens. It is only four miles from Eastsound to Rosario so we still have hours and miles yet to exhaust, so let's stop by Olga next, it's just two and a half miles further. Olga isn't much but the dock is right on the way so why not drop in and walk the quarter mile up to the gallery/restaurant. There was a devastating arson fire at the Artworks and Olga Bakery a decade ago, they since have bounced back. <a href="http://www.sailingthesanjuans.com/2013/06/visit-olga-orcas-island-travel-san-juans-dock-mt-constitution-bicycle-things-places-to-do-go.html" target="_blank"><b><i><span style="color: #01ffff;">Olga and gallery - restaurant</span></i></b></a></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhTa5BzdSi7wDcbiELdaSGjn3-ro4ZBixXw7c5puqZzMb9PMZNa8j58icL6tPFylUNxla_HCOG_-trQZWk3qn949aEyuWMMeeK54718rFKEy0YBR3jfi5LgniWadFSo7YHkVdLfUZ4_5WMef1PVr7Fu3GHLMZbgGQUN2CwCeRaCc_GS2LO8oo66Na0v4H8" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Olga dock - Orcas Island" data-original-height="482" data-original-width="640" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhTa5BzdSi7wDcbiELdaSGjn3-ro4ZBixXw7c5puqZzMb9PMZNa8j58icL6tPFylUNxla_HCOG_-trQZWk3qn949aEyuWMMeeK54718rFKEy0YBR3jfi5LgniWadFSo7YHkVdLfUZ4_5WMef1PVr7Fu3GHLMZbgGQUN2CwCeRaCc_GS2LO8oo66Na0v4H8=w640-h482" title="dock at Olga" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Olga dock</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> From where we are at Olga, it is only about ten or eleven miles to Jones Island State Park. If we don't get too sidetracked along the way we will get there in about two to three hours, still early enough to get situated and hike the one-and-a-half-mile west coast trail.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"> Once we turn the corner out of East Sound we pick up a little favorable current and whisk by Orcas Landing and Blind Bay. I count well over a dozen boats anchored in Blind Bay. Like Spencer Spit, I don't see the attraction of Blind Bay. All it is is a semi-peaceful place to anchor. There is no dock and all the shore is private. There is no place you are allowed to land a dinghy and there are lots of keep out no trespassing signs dotting the shore. Orcas Landing is right beside the ferry terminal and is a good pit stop for bathrooms and snacks but the wakes from passing trawlers are brutal. Newcomers mistakenly think ferry wakes are bad but the recreational boats are the killers. I park on the inside at Orcas Landing or I stay with the boat, holding it off the float. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrbsOtV6Se5md79_oTw6xa0y9UHLaeDe5mB6BaCJlk7h012Pl0nOxcMIl8I6a4G6h6hxyXjvtlnqmv2Jnlm29aYe0E8eH8j7UozEWSrV3rKmgX8Xi_WIHW2wUw0I_FEwf98IwJLcTLTAY1sr5ezreSBmoxMOGtSqIw6g1q80em7nc1bgQELA1peDJx5bo" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Orcas Landing - San Juan Islands" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrbsOtV6Se5md79_oTw6xa0y9UHLaeDe5mB6BaCJlk7h012Pl0nOxcMIl8I6a4G6h6hxyXjvtlnqmv2Jnlm29aYe0E8eH8j7UozEWSrV3rKmgX8Xi_WIHW2wUw0I_FEwf98IwJLcTLTAY1sr5ezreSBmoxMOGtSqIw6g1q80em7nc1bgQELA1peDJx5bo=w640-h482" title="Orcas Landing - San Juan Islands" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orcas Landing</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></p><p></p><p style="text-align: start;"> Still riding a one-mile-per-hour current, we scoot past West Sound and shoot the two-hundred-foot gap at Pole Pass. Deer Harbor is off to the side but we just got fuel and don't need any hamburgers, fries, or beer. Jones Island is two miles past Deer Harbor. As we get near, I see other boats and wonder if they are going there too. Will they get the last open dock space? At Jones, the dock is not visible until you turn the corner into the cove and then you are so close you don't need the binoculars anymore. The anxiety builds as we close in the last thousand feet. I cut the power and speed to a crawl when we turn in. None of our new neighbors-to-be will appreciate any wake and everyone is watching. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEim4Hpu1WcPOaUz28K_GQirBNIsye3hL8qqMf6ZS56humtqeFbtdvTTL_Pntm5Y3a7H1UKrEaBNDjuUqBhHWtXKrsZ8dv_kaRM69ZVn0PR7hu1kNS1WSOpPMvtXCAFG2xDpfMyizSUNoXp6AeAaR0J9zFcfgpCUIPYUTr6du2FXQY8qwc6FZyPBC7izHmM" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Jones Island - San Juan Island's" data-original-height="282" data-original-width="398" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEim4Hpu1WcPOaUz28K_GQirBNIsye3hL8qqMf6ZS56humtqeFbtdvTTL_Pntm5Y3a7H1UKrEaBNDjuUqBhHWtXKrsZ8dv_kaRM69ZVn0PR7hu1kNS1WSOpPMvtXCAFG2xDpfMyizSUNoXp6AeAaR0J9zFcfgpCUIPYUTr6du2FXQY8qwc6FZyPBC7izHmM=w640-h454" title="Jones Island - San Juan Island's" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jones Island North Cove (old pic of nearly empty dock)</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> The dock is full, I can relax and I just saved $21. I don't even look for an empty anchor buoy. My favorite anchor spot is open as I had hoped. I lower the main anchor leaving the line loose and slowly back towards the gravel shore. When the depth gets down to three feet I cleat off and set the anchor and then lower the grapple anchor off the back. We have been at Jones all of five minutes and it already feels like home as I pull the boat forward and center it in between the two anchors in fifteen feet of water. We are in line with the boats at the dock and close enough to talk. The dinghy ride is only fifty feet over to the dedicated dinghy spots under the ramp. I notice the first campsite at the top of the ramp is empty. It always is, I guess no one wants to be on display. It is still four hours from sunset. We have lots of time to hike and relax but first, we should set out some folding camping chairs in the empty site and gather firewood from the forest for tonight's fire. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"> If a boat leaves the dock opening a space for us, I could up anchor and move over but not today. For now, my plan is to leave first thing in the morning to hike up Young Peak before the day gets hot. However, if we decide to just hang around for a few days, I will move to the dock.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Day #4</span> Another sunny morning welcomes us after a great campfire last night. We met several people from other boats, told stories, and shared local information. Today we are hiking up a grueling but short hike with a great view. We are heading for Garrison Bay and English Camp. To get there we will cut through Roche Harbor and into Mosquito Pass. The distance from Jones Island to Roche Harbor is about six miles and then three more to English Camp, so about two hours will be our time to get there.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"> We up anchor and prepare to leave the cove at Jones Island and wouldn't you know it, three spots have opened at the dock. It sure would be easy to cancel our hike and claim a spot. If we did that, it would also mean skipping lunch at Lime Kiln Cafe in Roche Harbor. Something I haven't told anyone about but have been quietly looking forward to. By the time we get back, there will be a new group of boats at the dock. I sure hope my favorite anchor spot stays open.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"> I idle out leaving no wake and turn west, in two hours it will be low tide and the current will reverse in our face. We have just enough time to get to Garrison Bay before the flood tide rushes back in, cutting our speed in half and doubling our time, not to mention our fuel usage. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZL8wVK3xx6Bt2Z4RNVwHktFJRsVl2L_UsAnN4raHs_0gdUyJTAjo-SMjsxO-xBn2cjned4LZ0jP0M29dEUzkNFl4WOjc500sHoJMp4eYgy80fyAmZOUc2di2Lfesau_arszTXjJjMqR0fB40gxxzxsw-q65cVhFxkoKLaU0BNyvHKa5gDDQd39bG7PDw" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="English Camp San Juan Island" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZL8wVK3xx6Bt2Z4RNVwHktFJRsVl2L_UsAnN4raHs_0gdUyJTAjo-SMjsxO-xBn2cjned4LZ0jP0M29dEUzkNFl4WOjc500sHoJMp4eYgy80fyAmZOUc2di2Lfesau_arszTXjJjMqR0fB40gxxzxsw-q65cVhFxkoKLaU0BNyvHKa5gDDQd39bG7PDw=w640-h480" title="English Camp San Juan Island" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">English Camp dinghy dock</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> We make it in good shape to English Camp. The Young Hill hike was a little over two and a half miles. The view from the 665 foot summit is panoramic all the way to Canada's Vancouver Island. On the way back the interpretive center was open so we stopped and learned more about the 12-year Pig War and the British occupation of the area.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjw2IUKwl6PkQwfhdn9DQqO8OxQ4EQAjFJbNQV1XzXCG1YnQd-wsafFj4uZROGqqXQkkJRu9m0-JcV-hFWPaE2cCLOYm50js8m0HrOcL-v8vGLRjmANvU6qzIesxy-Y4DzgM6HxZ4wcBug88AEnk9uC2Y7Nzhhp4TRlzrSWB62gWYYFH81SsxDeVtk4300" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Young Peak view - San Juan Island" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjw2IUKwl6PkQwfhdn9DQqO8OxQ4EQAjFJbNQV1XzXCG1YnQd-wsafFj4uZROGqqXQkkJRu9m0-JcV-hFWPaE2cCLOYm50js8m0HrOcL-v8vGLRjmANvU6qzIesxy-Y4DzgM6HxZ4wcBug88AEnk9uC2Y7Nzhhp4TRlzrSWB62gWYYFH81SsxDeVtk4300=w640-h480" title="Young Peak San Juan Island" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from Young Peak Summit</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="text-align: left;"> As we headed back through Roche Harbor we decided to radio the Harbormaster and she gave us a complimentary slip for a few hours. We shopped at the open-air market booths, and visited the Sculpture Garden checking out the new displays. We skipped lunch, opting for a bottle of wine, a sack of ice, and a quick run with the current's help, back to Jones for a late lunch.</span><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEibSoiCrlW3dK9XagMew2xJvgj-3jJF-C-w4ObImC6yZeCvmT1LfHjGSOjtHFe-S8Z6MkkpbrOlmkq3Et0joHxYe9dEqsrQM2jOB3SCINqw86mMBZHhOptojjkVcgpWqExAv4VXAedXJOQ606fXe52cw1HAHo4PKYHHIDITUJC9J4ZNbl7Q6-XgxBB0g4U" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEibSoiCrlW3dK9XagMew2xJvgj-3jJF-C-w4ObImC6yZeCvmT1LfHjGSOjtHFe-S8Z6MkkpbrOlmkq3Et0joHxYe9dEqsrQM2jOB3SCINqw86mMBZHhOptojjkVcgpWqExAv4VXAedXJOQ606fXe52cw1HAHo4PKYHHIDITUJC9J4ZNbl7Q6-XgxBB0g4U=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Open-air booths at Roche<br /><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhVLpLuh917fBs7Mlwz0vEG91Ctlf5eth55rgjMRf8U-rzWSgFIPshE_vBweF9mlKYYjeg-2dFcUIZDxLquZ34j5bIx1UW5v_jAVkUypsXSX8ENSXps9oovtpMgEw0MUblKmEZ0x8hYnr8vSP42DJt2EF7gpHIkjxyMGi1wtIgBjwCAqkHr84QGLyK7VAs" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Roche Harbor San Juan Island" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhVLpLuh917fBs7Mlwz0vEG91Ctlf5eth55rgjMRf8U-rzWSgFIPshE_vBweF9mlKYYjeg-2dFcUIZDxLquZ34j5bIx1UW5v_jAVkUypsXSX8ENSXps9oovtpMgEw0MUblKmEZ0x8hYnr8vSP42DJt2EF7gpHIkjxyMGi1wtIgBjwCAqkHr84QGLyK7VAs=w640-h480" title="Roche Harbor San Juan Island" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Roche Harbor on a busy day just like Friday Harbor can be a little intimidating but it need not be. Slow down, poke around, anchor anywhere sensible, find one of three dinghy docks or for a slip call the harbormaster on channel 66, and refer to everyone as "skipper"<br /><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2sAitBnsl1_g-lkbYJT4t1C9hIG7AfYloSwpDnRdGvmVMZ2BhANIlCgf6lqjww49yecI7uvmmDRnQ2q0bZg4UqhKMnA8wPiBw28JW0WyjHYGxHk44wGolddngATDSRaoPIBU8XTWxOOw/s1600/Roche+Harbor+marina+map.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1523" data-original-width="1600" height="610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2sAitBnsl1_g-lkbYJT4t1C9hIG7AfYloSwpDnRdGvmVMZ2BhANIlCgf6lqjww49yecI7uvmmDRnQ2q0bZg4UqhKMnA8wPiBw28JW0WyjHYGxHk44wGolddngATDSRaoPIBU8XTWxOOw/w640-h610/Roche+Harbor+marina+map.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">When anchoring, we try to get as close to the dinghy dock as possible, it makes a big difference trying to row across the entire harbor when lots of boats are around.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXujep1V2jeZZXAGDG04BtXyvbR3MQeebwRLgYFRVxX0RfT3JHwfXTmSDinHoW0xM5nVkpR7RIKp5jQ5QLATuCzCDtVE_nKR1Q83asrpAKq4f9jWFyoxcYb74hAVRY7uGesV0VolempavBSvEvVkJaiYNkGH69-gPvqpstJHrPxjsqE17aaHxLnDR4-w0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXujep1V2jeZZXAGDG04BtXyvbR3MQeebwRLgYFRVxX0RfT3JHwfXTmSDinHoW0xM5nVkpR7RIKp5jQ5QLATuCzCDtVE_nKR1Q83asrpAKq4f9jWFyoxcYb74hAVRY7uGesV0VolempavBSvEvVkJaiYNkGH69-gPvqpstJHrPxjsqE17aaHxLnDR4-w0=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Sculpture garden is accessed by boat via Roche Harbor and is twenty acres of outdoor art. </span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> Back at Jones Island, the dock still has one spot open and my favorite anchor spot is open too. We tie to the dock, and my son and his wife thank me for inviting them along on this summer's cruise vacation and comment that although they have enjoyed the experiences we have shared, it has been quite a <i><u>whirlwind trip </u></i>for them. And, they were looking forward to this afternoon and exploring the cove with their paddle boards and relaxing on shore.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgOFoIVpG97Wby21vVp15XdVh8BtIBRuUD4TuNiBPB_5c3VMDvJ8xLWOAQA5bH7dIYpfZwFix6BP42bIwuO_QxfrTBLK5Ca4m6WEIOp00kwS7axIPE6zAn8OPqSPTB_BtFsSPERHv8cS1THhdpgtPHUwsmy5x5MdmRrxD12H0m9jq9WLp9qUOJ57ZHVF-Q" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgOFoIVpG97Wby21vVp15XdVh8BtIBRuUD4TuNiBPB_5c3VMDvJ8xLWOAQA5bH7dIYpfZwFix6BP42bIwuO_QxfrTBLK5Ca4m6WEIOp00kwS7axIPE6zAn8OPqSPTB_BtFsSPERHv8cS1THhdpgtPHUwsmy5x5MdmRrxD12H0m9jq9WLp9qUOJ57ZHVF-Q=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The first campsite at the top of gangplank is a favorite meeting place.<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhYrG5VuJUSW52FYbIu4DZt2wFDX97h_qOOnvY_RrvrJURhZ98n3Czz-30CA-QlMUSS3o-zJIqL5vnZcUy0Ep1nSVI1tT_cyR_qEml6Nfr5vzxOA8P80pASypbnM9mUaZAiEStuMzthTCd3ODnCeISdz5PnhqGTRJUCbAI_KvanS32yggR4sNsh0sFq-mA" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhYrG5VuJUSW52FYbIu4DZt2wFDX97h_qOOnvY_RrvrJURhZ98n3Czz-30CA-QlMUSS3o-zJIqL5vnZcUy0Ep1nSVI1tT_cyR_qEml6Nfr5vzxOA8P80pASypbnM9mUaZAiEStuMzthTCd3ODnCeISdz5PnhqGTRJUCbAI_KvanS32yggR4sNsh0sFq-mA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">All the deer on Jones have developed to a smaller size. This little buck has no fear of fire or anything else.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;"> "Whirlwind trip," he said. It struck me that perhaps I was trying hard to cram too much of the San Juan's into one vacation. Maybe, I thought, we should skip the Stuart Island Lighthouse and China Caves on Sucia, and maybe Matia Island could wait also, and remain my secret place of solitude.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Day #5</span> Once again the morning sun dazzles us awake. With coffee cups in hand, Linda and I stroll ten minutes up the center trail to the south cove. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhw5NmttnP6IL-8vudO1ssuHHQv-WUobgYRd8V6LEyZzOA_PrV5xvfxSswNtEcpTn_goqrLjBbJTN5VtIP34V2EinXzmhicrV9T3pY8VmdD_XFy_xFfk5kDrdLL8OZn_5UVAxEKUfvPe372TrRV2u3ypGXco32Vgv7MSmrQgvK8lhqt7SJcu0einvranJ8" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhw5NmttnP6IL-8vudO1ssuHHQv-WUobgYRd8V6LEyZzOA_PrV5xvfxSswNtEcpTn_goqrLjBbJTN5VtIP34V2EinXzmhicrV9T3pY8VmdD_XFy_xFfk5kDrdLL8OZn_5UVAxEKUfvPe372TrRV2u3ypGXco32Vgv7MSmrQgvK8lhqt7SJcu0einvranJ8=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Not having a plan leaves Linda wondering which way</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> Kayaker tents fill the meadow, and their sleek boats litter the beach. Jones Island tiny deer browse under the apple trees as if they own the place. There is no dock in the south cove but the two buoys have sailboats tied to them. Across the channel is a steady stream of boats heading for Roche Harbor, some are probably setting out for Haro Strait and crossing to Victoria. The other way is Friday Harbor, about five miles away, less than an hour riding the incoming flood tide.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"> We enjoy a late breakfast using a picnic table on the dock. I casually bring up our non-plan plan asking everyone what they would like to do. I avoid mentioning Stuart Island, Sucia, Matia, Patos Island, or whale watching, and Smallpox Bay. I let slip that Lopez Village has free showers. Someone mentions Deer Harbor is only two miles away, I comment that there is nothing to do there except maybe laundry, fuel, and showers. Bingo, after five days of splashing saltwater on us, mentioning showers hits a home run. So I suggest running to Friday Harbor for dinner and showers. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"> We leave our son's camp set up in the campground. Returning after dark will be as easy as coming home from any day of sightseeing by car. The incoming tide delivers us to Friday Harbor in under an hour. It is just past noon and the normal checkout time is one pm, so we get lucky again and find vacant spots on the inside of the breakwater dock. If we wanted, we could spend the night, eventually the Friday Harbor staff would check us in and collect the fee. The Harbormaster office changes dollars for handfuls of quarters for use in the private showers downstairs. An hour after arriving all of us meet up on the waterfront promenade listening to local musicians playing for donations dropped into their open instrument cases.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_pkNG0HG3YZ_cAcaM3cHxUYUm3_Ca85e-6xPaNt9OmCIXIbwWAqMFYuPJgUtzsRjpQCeFeZAotxpoPp7Cabbo7NWX_tlZFOeo9e8IbrKuDRwbGouibS743ZRYEOKSkOaR_w3cY5rzmkyEUB7ibaTr_Z-f6IB9F4DY4VOb3jtTRU6hJN4vsC3F96eujPA" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_pkNG0HG3YZ_cAcaM3cHxUYUm3_Ca85e-6xPaNt9OmCIXIbwWAqMFYuPJgUtzsRjpQCeFeZAotxpoPp7Cabbo7NWX_tlZFOeo9e8IbrKuDRwbGouibS743ZRYEOKSkOaR_w3cY5rzmkyEUB7ibaTr_Z-f6IB9F4DY4VOb3jtTRU6hJN4vsC3F96eujPA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Friday Harbor Marina</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> Friday Harbor packs a lot into a five or six-square-block area. Being on foot we find the swarms of cars annoying, especially when the ferry unloads over a hundred new cars with each landing. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPIhINxiaRd2_S06mcwEEzSTu7TEngZb5pWbQYsgM4Jq_3eaN8i4L_641RhJfUTmdRL17PFzXFUpJsY4XyR52lUn37FDg1vmzs4A61cJv_r12KW0EpBMFKWU1dZjahshXDw9eO6mS3Uvg/s1600/POFH-Marina-Map-8.5-x-11.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1232" data-original-width="1600" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPIhINxiaRd2_S06mcwEEzSTu7TEngZb5pWbQYsgM4Jq_3eaN8i4L_641RhJfUTmdRL17PFzXFUpJsY4XyR52lUn37FDg1vmzs4A61cJv_r12KW0EpBMFKWU1dZjahshXDw9eO6mS3Uvg/w640-h492/POFH-Marina-Map-8.5-x-11.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Breakwater "A" is where you will want to arrive unannounced, park on the inside if you can goes without saying.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;"> The day, and then the evening slip away from us, and at my prodding, we cast off with the setting sun low in the sky. Riding the currents has helped us a lot so far. Is that experience or luck? Anyway, our luck holds. We hitch a smooth ride back to Jones. It seems a shame to spoil a perfect evening by letting it get dark. When we turn the corner and ghost into the cove the high west bank is casting its cloak over the entire area. I know the dock is full. And as we creep closer it appears that a boat is in my precious spot. Closer yet and I see the offending boat is just a skiff pulled up on shore. I don't recommend and would never attempt anchoring somewhere unknown in the dark in tight quarters, but I know the cove well and use the dock as my guide. In a few minutes we are home again and my son and his wife are paddling to their waiting tent.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Day #6 </span>Our time is coming to an end and we need to start heading for our waiting trailers at Deception Pass. The distance back is nearly 25 miles, even longer if we go through Swinomish channel. We need to dedicate most of a day or break up the trip into two shorter runs. I suggest for the last night. we head for Pelican Beach on Cypress Island. Doing so will get us much closer but importantly get us to the other side of Rosario Strait which could throw big waves or even fog at us unexpectedly. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"> No one wants to leave Jones Island behind, so we all vow to plan more time next time. We cast off into slack water which soon turns to a helping boost and we are past Friday Harbor in no time. While underway, I ask my wife and son if they would rather go straight to our Pelican Beach destination or make a four-mile detour and swing into Lopez Village for a quick fudge shop visit.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqoZwdFcZbMOZYmQlBQbE-yeK2IulFeduZRocV6wJoupzHHk82MXHlPr0RrTlVmc71G5d3jXqsEqyIqbKt9a91iY_OE7O9hzcVqZhAHBbm6QcQ-la_JQIoE4lJU4VKnlMUIYMS1Klqb5IrCldWR0ejI5kZ836Ol72bALmSDJU5DtpFpwJLvdWBVTa-HGg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqoZwdFcZbMOZYmQlBQbE-yeK2IulFeduZRocV6wJoupzHHk82MXHlPr0RrTlVmc71G5d3jXqsEqyIqbKt9a91iY_OE7O9hzcVqZhAHBbm6QcQ-la_JQIoE4lJU4VKnlMUIYMS1Klqb5IrCldWR0ejI5kZ836Ol72bALmSDJU5DtpFpwJLvdWBVTa-HGg=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #4c4c4c; font-size: 12.32px;">This is the sign that authorizes you to walk from your dinghy on the beach to the grocery store only one block away. The beach beyond this stairway in the background is private. Its odd that there are plenty of no trespassing signs telling you where not to go, but this is the only sign telling where you may go.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> Lopez Village does not have a dock, public or private. The nearest docks are at two marinas in Fisherman Bay adding a two-mile round-trip walk. We choose to anchor and dinghy ashore at the public stairway which is in the center of the village. <a href="http://www.sailingthesanjuans.com/2013/07/lopez-village-dinghy-anchor-ashore-access-private-public-stairs-places-things-to-do-go-san-juan.html" target="_blank"><b><i><span style="color: #01ffff;">Accessing Lopez Village the easy way</span></i></b></a> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-2H8MfSBxuXITqFqqyFyXLs63U0n7xYktoCBUnlkVQbLvXh09B_LlZ82To8awsSFBPUVKEgeVvIylZ5GeYpCbfMTob2YF4a1qrwf64Tuujat1Evq5iDaLndPCypQ5qCT96aZYg4G58_fNYZlc5Bu-KC2tEDiIcLn4y-04wKbsabRpJ3hgtgyzDQmdU7E" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-2H8MfSBxuXITqFqqyFyXLs63U0n7xYktoCBUnlkVQbLvXh09B_LlZ82To8awsSFBPUVKEgeVvIylZ5GeYpCbfMTob2YF4a1qrwf64Tuujat1Evq5iDaLndPCypQ5qCT96aZYg4G58_fNYZlc5Bu-KC2tEDiIcLn4y-04wKbsabRpJ3hgtgyzDQmdU7E=w400-h300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;"> We dragged the dinghy all the way up and tied it to the posts to be safe.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> A highlight of this short stopover was wading through a herd of feral domestic rabbits that congregate on the lawn at Lopez Village Park. <div><br /></div><div> On our way again and still riding the incoming tide we slide by the dock at Odlin County Park. The waterfront campground is full of car campers and bike hikers, but the four buoys are empty which is not surprising since the open area gets the brunt of wakes from boat traffic to and from Friday Harbor. Soon we cross Lopez sound and our track from five days earlier. Peavine Pass is dead ahead but we can't pass Blakely's without a quick pit stop and ice cream. The deer are bigger than at Jones and a little skittish but we all share the same lawn on the point above the Pass. I notice Peavine Pass is still and flat so our free ride is about to change directions. We will be crossing Rosario Strait over to Cypress Island in a matter of minutes and the sooner the better. <br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiD93Et5EIMu4F-JwSWB2VeMJMQr8TmcEboBZ2Gdys6_QtbIO1OWhZf2qjajk3Ce1MP4dBgIdwGstTpiHLeUeJ-sM4EQvmfwCDY0gNQBe3vy8PeyRg7gm3keoDVCCKvDUzakzgMN1wPOrmPE31TQWIcDqPiMN0htacVnSmv6W0_NO4gtzkAkUlgTYG6pEg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="639" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiD93Et5EIMu4F-JwSWB2VeMJMQr8TmcEboBZ2Gdys6_QtbIO1OWhZf2qjajk3Ce1MP4dBgIdwGstTpiHLeUeJ-sM4EQvmfwCDY0gNQBe3vy8PeyRg7gm3keoDVCCKvDUzakzgMN1wPOrmPE31TQWIcDqPiMN0htacVnSmv6W0_NO4gtzkAkUlgTYG6pEg=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The water taxi has just dropped someone off at the Blakely Island dock</span></div></div><div><br /></div><div><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> With Cypress in sight, a gentle Rosario Strait welcomes us. Soon we will be anchored on the east side at Pelican Beach and ferrying our passengers and camping equipment to shore.</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgOkwN4Y2g68qHqMxk1NeN_CJYdqfZr1fV8dOpB_fsgPj5aZQB9kZtNV4ozlI_CC4QNS5MNzaZyXaD6ud2zbhWWl9SnxgyNgkDDMO-LzPBXyWBx5fsjmCRSbY7_22eusa96eiyht6M6OQ2PPZn4OI8lv6CxW-F51y8VTRtJvlqtWAnc_MW1Fzk01btjFP0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgOkwN4Y2g68qHqMxk1NeN_CJYdqfZr1fV8dOpB_fsgPj5aZQB9kZtNV4ozlI_CC4QNS5MNzaZyXaD6ud2zbhWWl9SnxgyNgkDDMO-LzPBXyWBx5fsjmCRSbY7_22eusa96eiyht6M6OQ2PPZn4OI8lv6CxW-F51y8VTRtJvlqtWAnc_MW1Fzk01btjFP0=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Eagle Bluff is a favorite two-hour up-and-back hike for many who visit Pelican Beach.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Pelican Beach is a free DNR campground maintained by locals. It's a very popular kayaker destination. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzjy_S4tvSjBHqqBOK5qquivNylXYZoPuK-sDt_HoitnNWa1Rwl-A6viVyR7WkOvnf_DOU9bgSZmGovQ1WbNDvNfHs3LZmwtEgq7pvjlxJrXXL7bQg7ph7aeDaYM1bEUWzucUpOaJoEHCwmdhe-_6hCoSLmOLxH_3Gn7sn-3cDN2nTEgo-rAzZoLaK8wE" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzjy_S4tvSjBHqqBOK5qquivNylXYZoPuK-sDt_HoitnNWa1Rwl-A6viVyR7WkOvnf_DOU9bgSZmGovQ1WbNDvNfHs3LZmwtEgq7pvjlxJrXXL7bQg7ph7aeDaYM1bEUWzucUpOaJoEHCwmdhe-_6hCoSLmOLxH_3Gn7sn-3cDN2nTEgo-rAzZoLaK8wE=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The view from Eagle Bluff is spectacular, but a sunny day is best. Peavine Pass is in the distance.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiz84FzFpD10NpJGhTaiq0MLrB0PLClrfo5Nyoj807za0YlDDiCXKFePApG2bpj0K5JdkH7UYGHXoTdzPZjLI1JnaI5-z-67va7p-MrBd4z-Q_d8pkXRE5ayMDxB-_ip5gEEvN1Y9feLE0tUKyiWLoT-71OV29-AOAzUtXr4QlOJeFYitkj3jjMBfVn-P0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiz84FzFpD10NpJGhTaiq0MLrB0PLClrfo5Nyoj807za0YlDDiCXKFePApG2bpj0K5JdkH7UYGHXoTdzPZjLI1JnaI5-z-67va7p-MrBd4z-Q_d8pkXRE5ayMDxB-_ip5gEEvN1Y9feLE0tUKyiWLoT-71OV29-AOAzUtXr4QlOJeFYitkj3jjMBfVn-P0=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNi-wgshJh33rLn7fVQ7PFlVF6x6xkE3qAh499PCpBHJEMAIZ89ukCiGk2bx1d2pZhukWS5Or5YzgxAYMqDVyd69_KXczGLPOrllOja2fiJrBCi7yimy5X5WvJFbMOSTz71eCO_wtktRhB83aAxb7PmB8vXKjZGq8E04XFNRhprec4Xhi_5xMp2j3FJPA" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNi-wgshJh33rLn7fVQ7PFlVF6x6xkE3qAh499PCpBHJEMAIZ89ukCiGk2bx1d2pZhukWS5Or5YzgxAYMqDVyd69_KXczGLPOrllOja2fiJrBCi7yimy5X5WvJFbMOSTz71eCO_wtktRhB83aAxb7PmB8vXKjZGq8E04XFNRhprec4Xhi_5xMp2j3FJPA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a><br /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The facilities at Pelican Beach are ADA-compliant which seems strange for no dock, a gravel beach, and boats which are not. </span></td></tr></tbody></table><a href="http://www.sailingthesanjuans.com/2012/09/pictorial-hike-bluff-cypress-island-pelican-beach-san-juan-islands-eagle-harbor-hike-dnr-anchor-buoy.html" target="_blank"><b><i><span style="color: #01ffff;">Pictorial hike of Eagle Bluff</span></i></b></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"> Our last night is wrapped up with another campfire. Tomorrow we will sleep in and then decide if we want to drive down Rosario Strait for about eighteen miles battling the incoming tide most of the way and attempt to arrive at Deception Pass at slack high water or add ten more miles and take a leisurely tour through Swinomish Channel with a lunch stop over at La Conner.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Day # 7</span> All of Swinomish Channel is a no-wake zone. The mostly unenforceable slow pace is actually very enjoyable and no one does not enjoy walking the boardwalk at La Conner. As we go by Saddlebag Island I resist the urge to make a whirlwind tour, even though it is my favorite figure-eight hike. <a href="http://www.sailingthesanjuans.com/2017/08/eight-lessor-known-places-things-to-do-San-juan-islands.html" target="_blank"><b><i><span style="color: #01ffff;">Ten little known places to visit in the San Juan's</span></i></b></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEigtzgeQxGwK54YtubQWsdef2zPUWBc9nG1m0pj0yofmt1CJz3KbVe_7borPMVatZX6NhRI2WQens0hxy7SqhacvM6fODniT3unv7zbCdsfC5O-K8rodDhinJ2H04KcYzEDubt7KFH0dLMTgwBFjzYgxSO0Cd2WXOKrSI4w3VVR_cAphqkKJ1IzePfxObg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="482" data-original-width="640" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEigtzgeQxGwK54YtubQWsdef2zPUWBc9nG1m0pj0yofmt1CJz3KbVe_7borPMVatZX6NhRI2WQens0hxy7SqhacvM6fODniT3unv7zbCdsfC5O-K8rodDhinJ2H04KcYzEDubt7KFH0dLMTgwBFjzYgxSO0Cd2WXOKrSI4w3VVR_cAphqkKJ1IzePfxObg=w640-h482" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #4c4c4c; font-size: 12.32px;">La Conner boardwalk wraps around and connects local businesses</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> La Conner has three smaller public docks where you may overnight plus a large transient dock at the marina. We still have ten miles to cover and nowhere on our cruise or anywhere in the San Juan's is there no current. We tend to take the current for granted when it helps out but when it takes away half your speed, doubling or tripling your trip time, it becomes a real force to be reckoned with.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhT7mAmlTgmkL431nVbWhXphFwSwh72Y9EY6Etnm9MBJTIshylV0dm8AmTIAuCW3T0KOfVjooirxPA1Bg6P5MNo3swzRLdfRKjXpe10jXdXoVBxmjOrUbkMu8i95oIYdYa95T73bT6pX1rZ-W_KqxV7EIkeJ5VuFEPRqBXg8Z2bkHD7ccVs7BdHNRj02s0" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1493" data-original-width="2000" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhT7mAmlTgmkL431nVbWhXphFwSwh72Y9EY6Etnm9MBJTIshylV0dm8AmTIAuCW3T0KOfVjooirxPA1Bg6P5MNo3swzRLdfRKjXpe10jXdXoVBxmjOrUbkMu8i95oIYdYa95T73bT6pX1rZ-W_KqxV7EIkeJ5VuFEPRqBXg8Z2bkHD7ccVs7BdHNRj02s0=w640-h478" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by Charles B</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> Ducking under Rainbow Bridge and nearing the end of the channel at "Hole in the Wall" we look up on the cliff and spot the six foot tall Eagle sculpture. Next, we acquire the fresh outgoing tide that we will ride to Deception Pass. Again, I resist a whirlwind side trip and decide not to re-explore Fort Whitman but I tell my son about it and point at Goat Island as we go by saying, maybe next time. <a href="http://www.sailingthesanjuans.com/2012/10/fort-whitman-goat-island-places-things-deception-pass-swimomish-channel-hike-free-kayak-.html" target="_blank"><b><i><span style="color: #01ffff;">Fort Whitman at Goat Island</span></i></b></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXhkbNeE2yF65cv1omBW_VDS4lzTvFL-ssDKpoosaawK_luS9EvJbLS__F5JTwgnniu86kYIL8aBt1332iemF30MraVASgbp0Oz57-EOFjjxGY21kmM-aCulKftm4Z2duter9atq0CCPqdggwhbkTTTirxTJ1KoPDVw7CMXDL5LZIY172kYoXNyHf3jyw" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXhkbNeE2yF65cv1omBW_VDS4lzTvFL-ssDKpoosaawK_luS9EvJbLS__F5JTwgnniu86kYIL8aBt1332iemF30MraVASgbp0Oz57-EOFjjxGY21kmM-aCulKftm4Z2duter9atq0CCPqdggwhbkTTTirxTJ1KoPDVw7CMXDL5LZIY172kYoXNyHf3jyw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This old war relic is just ten minutes from your boat.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> And just like that we are back at Cornet Bay. My son and his wife take off for home. I would imagine you have pressing matters as well so I will say goodbye. For me, I settle in at the dock, I plan to watch the sunset from the bridge, and begin planning my next whirlwind adventure cruise in the San Juan Islands.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwG2PKFawHLoSxy2dBFciTndL8K0mjqHVwMa8CodEjiVkyxTV-q0IynXs4NYejlUs_gqRGjIhr2Cxoe6eupXkl8NT7lwgTNhysa2ODcca7MJEYQF9ZXLbELNjV_Qj0YL8li-SKoWmW93VBB1hr43ov8CFo4dBpAetvoh_CdSSbFFntrCZEJrP5kaUjZN4" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwG2PKFawHLoSxy2dBFciTndL8K0mjqHVwMa8CodEjiVkyxTV-q0IynXs4NYejlUs_gqRGjIhr2Cxoe6eupXkl8NT7lwgTNhysa2ODcca7MJEYQF9ZXLbELNjV_Qj0YL8li-SKoWmW93VBB1hr43ov8CFo4dBpAetvoh_CdSSbFFntrCZEJrP5kaUjZN4=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deception Pass Bridge</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfW-OqFzuvUfRjcKCHUGZghyRf8OCWzl_L5ZHFqyE2wAHu6dCnTIuL8yN7nI8pqJe-tQ4HohjQlJkpWKC8K21PsFEOdZnpInsKpA6cl5v9x7BgNsbR1Jri-W0UM9PV8wCsr7P96BEdlsJtc8bvJDjY_AlcJpMbhc_TmoeSDyaaFl3t0MSJffdHzROZ1lk/s803/sample%20plan.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="San Juan Island's cruise trip plan" border="0" data-original-height="614" data-original-width="803" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfW-OqFzuvUfRjcKCHUGZghyRf8OCWzl_L5ZHFqyE2wAHu6dCnTIuL8yN7nI8pqJe-tQ4HohjQlJkpWKC8K21PsFEOdZnpInsKpA6cl5v9x7BgNsbR1Jri-W0UM9PV8wCsr7P96BEdlsJtc8bvJDjY_AlcJpMbhc_TmoeSDyaaFl3t0MSJffdHzROZ1lk/w640-h490/sample%20plan.jpg" title="San Juan Island's cruise trip plan" width="640" /></a><br /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The red line follows the six-day trip we took on this cruise. We began at Deception Pass Park and camped the first night on James Island. The second night was at Eastsound. The third fourth and fifth nights were at Jones Island and the last night was at Pelican Beach. This trip could have been done in the reverse direction, added days to or reduced. Overall, it was about one hundred twenty-five miles.<br /><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1495384381/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1495384381&linkCode=as2&tag=boaandsaithes-20&linkId=8ed998652936f3c53fe22ab5bd6b3462" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff00fe;">San Juan Islands Cruise Guide</span></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> If you enjoy reading about other people's mishaps, mistakes, foggy weather, grumpy kids, and trips that end well, try this link. >> <a href="http://www.sailingthesanjuans.com/2011/07/deception-pass-port-townsend-fog-canoe-sailboat-power-current-tide-keel-cornet-bowman-wind-fishing-puget-sound-orca-danger-travel-guide-book-ferry-tourist-sights-things.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff00fe;">Port Townsend Pea Soup Fog</span></a></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1673451460430219573.post-41436531456058336802023-11-19T17:37:00.000-08:002023-11-21T10:06:38.038-08:00Cruising, camping and wok cooking in the San Juan Islands<p> Do you use a wok at home? How about on the boat or camping on shore? Okay, that was easy, what about cooking on your propane fire pit? Hot dogs and marshmallows don't count.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7HVxPIz2GJLYIQtGX19hqe3FyriPTwoPkpDkvFUXISSfWpotcU065SfZuqKXZdGKiJCqQVKT5UTOFDvxXd-PAirX48zBIJm96THLFsD2lZEuXIX4Mi0xC294WxhI5SOdEE39XlMhM_lyJeOo-J_jCOQqkTRrzDU-oOvOWDT5vQutQCA9Z0jP75AcBBPo/s669/wok%20pix%20cropped.jfif" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Wok Cooking and Propane fire pit while cruising the San Juan Islands" border="0" data-original-height="669" data-original-width="502" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7HVxPIz2GJLYIQtGX19hqe3FyriPTwoPkpDkvFUXISSfWpotcU065SfZuqKXZdGKiJCqQVKT5UTOFDvxXd-PAirX48zBIJm96THLFsD2lZEuXIX4Mi0xC294WxhI5SOdEE39XlMhM_lyJeOo-J_jCOQqkTRrzDU-oOvOWDT5vQutQCA9Z0jP75AcBBPo/w480-h640/wok%20pix%20cropped.jfif" title="Wok Cooking and Propane fire pit while cruising the San Juan Islands" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tossing stir fry in wok.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p>I am certainly not a cook, chef, or even someone who barbecues but I have become completely sold on woks and open flames. About five years ago while camping, one of our group said, "Shall we stir fry dinner?" He then pulled out a round wok and inserted a three-foot-long broken-off shovel handle into the wok's hollow metal handle. Using a paper towel he wiped off the inside, squirted in some canola oil, and held it in the campfire flames. Out of the cooler came baggies full of chopped veggies, fish, and chicken. The wok was smoking hot by the time we had paper plates organized. I still remember the sizzle as the first of the chicken went in. A minute later chopped carrots, chestnuts, mushrooms, sprouts, noodles, etc, etc. He cooked one large plate at a time almost as fast as we could load them up. It was very, very good and really hit the spot considering it was early spring and we were all freezing and trying to stay warm.</p><p>When I got home from the trip, the first thing I did was find myself a wok at an Asian cookery store. I chose a 14" thin, lightweight wok with a hollow metal handle, $13.99. Five minutes with an angle grinder and my old broken handle slid neatly (jammed) into the wok's handle. I couldn't wait to go camping and stir-fry something.</p><p>That summer the drought continued and open fires were banned once again so our fire consisted of our propane fire pit. Of course, I had to try the wok and it worked. In fact, it works better with the fire pit than the open campfire because the flame height is easily adjusted. Plus the open fire tends to smoke and burn the chef. I made two modifications, greatly improving the system. I bought a three-legged folding stand that is ten inches high. The stand is for campfires but fits in my fire pit perfectly. I also found three scraps of stainless sheet flashing about 6 x 8 inches that I lean against the stand to act as a chimney and wind stopper. Before I used the wind stopper, the flames lazily blew around, afterward they concentrated under the wok getting much hotter, much faster.</p><p>That's it, I stir fry, make popcorn, and cook in the cockpit, or on the dock, or in camp. I plan to make another, shorter handle before our next boat trip. Overall the wok and handle is about four feet, and our cock pit is about four feet so I am banging into things and people. I think about two feet overall should do it. The wok gets sooty and smudgy so I keep everything in a drawstring bag I made out of old dirty sailcloth.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdbcyumMLvAaBCFy9wkbskqy885Yfq5gYR37J531KPYIi2JxM2nM82pav_WjnAq01Io5ciVb2akHgFB1Ai0ZYEDlStnrl2t8Y5XGuG92h4WUCrnUY82FlE07NqZ20Fa0E4etCNzdwH9e7bkTSLR6ggG6ynrg53pcTn5KdR2LgP8Pe1hHvTD8ZhZ-lSnYo/s1280/DSCF8255.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="wok cooking with propane fire pit" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdbcyumMLvAaBCFy9wkbskqy885Yfq5gYR37J531KPYIi2JxM2nM82pav_WjnAq01Io5ciVb2akHgFB1Ai0ZYEDlStnrl2t8Y5XGuG92h4WUCrnUY82FlE07NqZ20Fa0E4etCNzdwH9e7bkTSLR6ggG6ynrg53pcTn5KdR2LgP8Pe1hHvTD8ZhZ-lSnYo/w640-h480/DSCF8255.JPG" title="wok cooking with propane fire pit" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">To take this picture I had to set the wok down<br /> so it immediately began burning.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9bxxeyVgagyvF5wVLShmmlpCnyHC4A7Yoj6J8994gD9hLsp9MgvaU8nRjneShk8lukMHgiPHWnv9dIolot9FQwhrVVnX44039tOIXfabWlBtchJDmg9_KO7ED9EXDGTXEDUlHrBskQ67nOvw9uNYummczCq-EVcQbZkUT-fB0fnVP6-kDQTJo2A7UzaM/s1280/DSCF8256.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="wok cooking popcorn on fire pit" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9bxxeyVgagyvF5wVLShmmlpCnyHC4A7Yoj6J8994gD9hLsp9MgvaU8nRjneShk8lukMHgiPHWnv9dIolot9FQwhrVVnX44039tOIXfabWlBtchJDmg9_KO7ED9EXDGTXEDUlHrBskQ67nOvw9uNYummczCq-EVcQbZkUT-fB0fnVP6-kDQTJo2A7UzaM/w640-h480/DSCF8256.JPG" title="wok cooking popcorn on fire pit" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The foil is extra wide and is loosely attached with four little spring clips. Foil burns easily so it <br />doesn't last forever unless you are careful with flames. I wait until I hear the first couple of pops and then lift the wok up about a foot above the flames shaking continuously. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRUZX8cdmCoGZUDKddjyPVdR7vbucAq-pnAyOyum4NG1Sj5WAxSKE7FBzw2GKvo1avKEcEBeQsnwwfkijjuEQfw3DfZSKXuf2mz8Q-k_SxOxTUMDdB45jvcbWliSk2Of784MBa4T2US8DtvWSdkSUr0bHV5Vwdi3jOtA-1mj8mXKD7PCdFflzPSPEmwCs/s1280/DSCF8258.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRUZX8cdmCoGZUDKddjyPVdR7vbucAq-pnAyOyum4NG1Sj5WAxSKE7FBzw2GKvo1avKEcEBeQsnwwfkijjuEQfw3DfZSKXuf2mz8Q-k_SxOxTUMDdB45jvcbWliSk2Of784MBa4T2US8DtvWSdkSUr0bHV5Vwdi3jOtA-1mj8mXKD7PCdFflzPSPEmwCs/w640-h480/DSCF8258.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Excellent results in a couple minutes, see the stand and the flame deflectors leaning against it? </td></tr></tbody></table>When we cook meals, I do two portions at a time, the wok easily handles four but tossing is heavy and challenging. In the boat, or with large portions, I use wood spatulas to avoid making a mess.<div><br /></div><div>I clean up with soap and water and scour with salt. Reheat a little to dry and then lightly re-oil. Or if it looks okay, I just oil it inside and out and put it back in the sack.</div><div><br /></div><div>I need to update my boat camping list to include the wok. Here is a link to that list.</div><div><a href="http://www.sailingthesanjuans.com/2017/10/important-camping-equipment-list-boating-sailing-San-juan-islands-packing.html" target="_blank">Cruising and camping equipment list</a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1673451460430219573.post-6760066400320950382023-09-26T15:29:00.007-07:002023-10-11T17:21:02.806-07:00Deception Pass - How to Navigate Strong Currents and Dangerous Waves<div style="text-align: justify;">Deception Pass, located in Deception Pass State Park in Washington, is notorious for its strong tidal currents and swirling eddies. The pass can be treacherous for boaters and kayakers. Here are some tips for navigating safely through the Pass:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie_pymL1qkjtpI3xWtd02DGZSV3GV1DQLN6PyzOxqSHtKaRYuJWVA8PnZtIPFCXAmAwqO5b_vkoO4gGzueml8NlpKDaBnmIc6hhE8A_9X6S4yg3o9Nd7KQrn-58-o_1z4wCQLwlEndEnxvu_EEBcfuU7VZoDY5gMMiBpOVHa2Vdehnpxl_MuTa9ehVic0/s1280/DSCF2721.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Deception Pass bridge, Canoe Pass on left" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie_pymL1qkjtpI3xWtd02DGZSV3GV1DQLN6PyzOxqSHtKaRYuJWVA8PnZtIPFCXAmAwqO5b_vkoO4gGzueml8NlpKDaBnmIc6hhE8A_9X6S4yg3o9Nd7KQrn-58-o_1z4wCQLwlEndEnxvu_EEBcfuU7VZoDY5gMMiBpOVHa2Vdehnpxl_MuTa9ehVic0/w640-h480/DSCF2721.JPG" title="Deception Pass bridge, Canoe Pass on left" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking inbound at what actually is two separate bridges.<br />You can see narrow slot of Canoe Pass on left side, Deception Pass on right side.<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: justify;">First, let's understand that in the San Juans, Puget Sound, Gulf Islands, pretty much everywhere, there are nasty places where you can get into trouble if you are prone to doing stupid things. Driving into a storm or wild surf with breaking waves is a mistake for most of us regardless of our boat or skill level.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">That being said, the rising/falling tides cause currents. Large tide ranges usually mean faster currents. Narrow passes or jutting headlands tend to intensify things. Add to that, strong winds and storms and you get places to avoid on your vacation cruise. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Deception Pass is very narrow, but only narrow for a short section directly under the bridge. Consequently, the high current speed and accompanying swirlies and waves are confined. As you approach the bridge you notice your speed or lack of it rapidly changing making you acutely aware or your boats agility's. Most sailboats don't have the top speed needed to overcome normal pass conditions on a calm summer day. The water may be mostly flat, whirlpools minimal, no waves and yet the boat stalls out under the bridge with the skipper wishing his 6.75 mph boat could make 7 for just another hundred feet. Of course going the other way the same boat will whisk through at a breath taking 12 mph.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">If the current and wind oppose each other and this is very common, the conditions will be pretty much the same except with increasing wind there will be standing waves directly under the bridge for a short distance. These waves could range from not much to something that buries the bow and sheets across the deck into the cockpit, making an open boat a very big mistake and a wet thrill ride for sailboaters. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Slack water: There is no way for me to predict what you will face, that is up to you but slack water happens four times every 24 hrs when the tide changes from incoming to outgoing and vice versa. Normally during slack water it is flat, the whirlies go away and you can paddle a dinghy around Pass Island. Keep in mind though that a far away storm can still send swells and waves your way, so no guarantees. Slack water may last just five minutes before a change is noticeable, up to an hour before things reverse and really get going again. You can figure that if you missed the window by three hours, then you really didn't care. Powerful, capable boats generally don't pay much attention except when stormy weather is afoot, then even the big boys watch out.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Pass Island: Deception Pass is actually two passes and two bridges separated by Pass Island. Canoe Pass on the north is quite narrow, not wide enough for boats to safely pass each other. There is a S curve causing limited sight distance and probably should not be attempted by anyone reading this article. From time to time excursion jet boats will run through Canoe Pass and competent boaters looking for a thrill will shoot through but it is not worth the risk of life or vessel. On the other hand, I have taken my dinghy and circled Pass Island many times taking pictures but only during slack water. I remember vividly once stalling out in Canoe Pass with my 2.5 hp outboard, unable to make headway. I moved back and forth for a minute trying to gain a little ground. When I gave up and prepared to turn around I was shocked to see how the waves had grown behind me. A chill of fear hit me because to turn around I would be broadside for a bit and in a very bad place mere feet from cliffs and in an S turn no less.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Cornet Bay: Less than a mile inside the pass is Cornet Bay. At Cornet Bay is a large boat ramp, transient docks, restrooms, showers, long term parking, fuel and a convenience store. Cornet Bay is a great place to start and end your cruise or just hang out while waiting for pass conditions to improve.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Bowman Bay, Sharpe Cove: Is just a short half mile outside the pass. There is a small dock and protected bay where you can wait for pass conditions to swing your way.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Swinomish Channel: Fog and bad weather sometimes plague Deception Pass and the Strait of Juan De Fuca. Sometimes, even in summer the weather gods wont line up with the best planned vacation. If that happens, simply go another way. Swinomish Channel is about four or five miles from Deception Pass, back towards Seattle. Going through the eleven mile channel pops you out near Anacortes and very handily avoids, waves, currents and sometimes pea soup fog. Along the way you can visit La Conner, walk the boardwalk, or even spend the night at one of three city docks or the county marina.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9KNZ4P0KfLedjZZt1VJazxLhhs6ZUhzdXVS_AsnKeV8UMLGchJH78fLDzWdcQpe4MpGEJoaDrlZqArMi3FVjfmEXP5BM58I_knRvK3Nh70fAvFu9MXxS4zmgNClgaWBwF_0XcW3k9GMOjXZDXNCPk8EiUqfo5NhSjj1wTLfUMxRjHqZYnybVkCeWIwoQ/s1280/DSCF2726.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sharpe Cove float at Deception Pass Park, Bowman Bay" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9KNZ4P0KfLedjZZt1VJazxLhhs6ZUhzdXVS_AsnKeV8UMLGchJH78fLDzWdcQpe4MpGEJoaDrlZqArMi3FVjfmEXP5BM58I_knRvK3Nh70fAvFu9MXxS4zmgNClgaWBwF_0XcW3k9GMOjXZDXNCPk8EiUqfo5NhSjj1wTLfUMxRjHqZYnybVkCeWIwoQ/w640-h480/DSCF2726.JPG" title="Sharpe Cove float at Deception Pass Park, Bowman Bay" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tiny Sharpe Cove dock, outside Deception Pass</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFzlWJm0kyhvmbO8Gv8RaJoMJm7pfvzk1iRlV0Z25MzBoZ6pYPVqv66utFkacmAoNY-Wwo2M1KyhCMOLMB-0ukbZVk-yn0vaHQfAH0seLrV5h0PwZnPhoOzL1lZ4Eoom8MmYoLG5m3ksl8YFmdTF6JjLqzxckcdy2KKGC6g8dFMPg5VnsxxwEo-1gnmcs/s1280/DSCF0614.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Deception Pass outbound, view from Cornet Bay" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFzlWJm0kyhvmbO8Gv8RaJoMJm7pfvzk1iRlV0Z25MzBoZ6pYPVqv66utFkacmAoNY-Wwo2M1KyhCMOLMB-0ukbZVk-yn0vaHQfAH0seLrV5h0PwZnPhoOzL1lZ4Eoom8MmYoLG5m3ksl8YFmdTF6JjLqzxckcdy2KKGC6g8dFMPg5VnsxxwEo-1gnmcs/w640-h480/DSCF0614.JPG" title="Deception Pass outbound, view from Cornet Bay" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deception Pass on left, current beginning to speed up, directly under bridge about 5mph </td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMtCPoxxH5LbcgTvlt-vXCKmlNqSOMU1TfNKxi4vYxE3fGozU_8SfSdebB_oOcQo0T83in4iPXvqI7z5IRDrh2Mp0It4TgNQrsqyGHjm0GZq97muTQg3P_QYzD-M_T3VI0a-yKyWEKxhj1DQfP3nnaFybP5LhmhACJUqYNVaVpykQ_mMicgU9DghOXs6Q/s1280/DSCF2835.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Cornet Bay docks and boat ramps" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMtCPoxxH5LbcgTvlt-vXCKmlNqSOMU1TfNKxi4vYxE3fGozU_8SfSdebB_oOcQo0T83in4iPXvqI7z5IRDrh2Mp0It4TgNQrsqyGHjm0GZq97muTQg3P_QYzD-M_T3VI0a-yKyWEKxhj1DQfP3nnaFybP5LhmhACJUqYNVaVpykQ_mMicgU9DghOXs6Q/w640-h480/DSCF2835.JPG" title="Cornet Bay docks and boat ramps" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cornet Bay transient floats, 3 day max.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;">In this article I have tried not to downplay risk nor make it seem that the pass doesn't deserve your utmost respect, it does. Just make it part of your trip, time you passage for near slack water and have a great cruise.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">more Deception Pass insights > <a href="http://www.sailingthesanjuans.com/2011/07/deception-pass-port-townsend-fog-canoe-sailboat-power-current-tide-keel-cornet-bowman-wind-fishing-puget-sound-orca-danger-travel-guide-book-ferry-tourist-sights-things.html" target="_blank">Almost losing our battle with the pass</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0San Juan Islands, Washington, USA48.560178849999993 -122.9444312520.249945013821147 -158.10068124999998 76.870412686178838 -87.78818125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1673451460430219573.post-66118582728871183372023-08-10T22:40:00.021-07:002023-10-13T11:32:10.647-07:00 Fifteen best lessor known destinations and hikes not to miss when cruising the San Juan Islands<p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; background-color: #f7f7f8; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; color: #374151; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; font-size: 17px; margin: 0px 0px 1.25em; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>San Juan Islands Boaters Must-See List</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">These are special places to go and great things to do that our years of cruising have rewarded us with. Some of the very best places are walks or hikes that are off the beaten path and seldom visited. I have listed them in somewhat of a great circle to help you stay oriented, but you will not be able to visit all of them in one day. I suggest that you mark them on a paper map or chart for later reference.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Check out these places too. Not really must see places but exploring and gunkholing places. <a href="http://www.sailingthesanjuans.com/2015/12/bay-coves-san-juans-local-knowledge-parks-marine-secret-secluded-quiet-matia-sucia-saddlebag-inati-cypress-head-pelican-eagle-bluff-doe-judd-olga-east-sound-westcott-garrison-smallpox-county-blind-fisherman-places-to-go-thing-see-boating-sailing-camp.html" target="_blank">little coves and back doors</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>#1 Spend at Least Half a Day at Friday Harbor</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">While technically not off the beaten path, nor seldom visited, Friday Harbor must be listed. If you only have time for one choice, make it a visit to Friday Harbor, even if just for a few hours. Arrive around noon when marina slips are being vacated from the day before. Walk up the stairs and go to the whale museum. Circle Spring Street and the core area on foot, and visit the many boutiques, bistros, and souvenir shops. If you stop by on a Saturday, there is a Saturday Market at the Brickyard. Shop at Kings Market for all you need for a special meal on board or choose from one of the many restaurants all within a short walk. Walk to the end of Spring Street landing pier and look at the local sea creatures in the huge saltwater aquarium.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">While out on the wharf, watch seaplanes land and take off. Stay long enough to watch a 460-foot, 5,000-ton ferry expertly pull into the terminal next to you. Check your watch; you don't want to miss the sunset bus tour to Lime Kiln Point State Park. San Juan Transit van/bus loads alongside the ferry terminal parking lanes and leaves promptly each evening one hour before sunset, delivering passengers to Lime Kiln Park parking lot in time to watch the sun set over Vancouver Island and Haro Strait. Be sure to bring your camera; you may be fortunate and catch an Orca breaching in the evening sun. San Juan Transit will have you back to Friday Harbor in time for your late dinner.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNdYr8GnirybUhlKgfI7k4-SkB87_WMnc3r9Mmc7-d8fdJxJZDjSY5tVFEjcZUDMcjskMqc7jJcRsbF_RnLakfK6hHyZmoUnzMc5srnY7Hhh1gP7t2U1GANe6Y4DHjcIgexMhKg8o5wITiUfDzTJpu6-dFvozJJl8W454BqAS51cXWqcA9K6u0YUitK-0/s2048/friday%20harbor%20main%20street.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="Spring street Friday Harbor" border="0" data-original-height="1540" data-original-width="2048" height="481" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNdYr8GnirybUhlKgfI7k4-SkB87_WMnc3r9Mmc7-d8fdJxJZDjSY5tVFEjcZUDMcjskMqc7jJcRsbF_RnLakfK6hHyZmoUnzMc5srnY7Hhh1gP7t2U1GANe6Y4DHjcIgexMhKg8o5wITiUfDzTJpu6-dFvozJJl8W454BqAS51cXWqcA9K6u0YUitK-0/w640-h481/friday%20harbor%20main%20street.png" title="Main Street Friday Harbor" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring Street (main st) Friday Harbor</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN0MxvL4zqhd5jHsDuAzgMvAvViVQEN1OFHbDI5BFL3qUFZ31ayKp7edyG1k72cqJvh0wVhty3S-ReDl7mTvh7X_4GlI-IPq1EBbnyPi9JWbOtRRLe8Ik-aOndWLWmE7iIM3n_KbShPNGUvxMkNdNnA4OrGv3HA-ucwS0ESdaYs_fVNBC_ljsv2G7gf4E/s1600/DSCF4737.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="Lime Kiln Lighthouse" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN0MxvL4zqhd5jHsDuAzgMvAvViVQEN1OFHbDI5BFL3qUFZ31ayKp7edyG1k72cqJvh0wVhty3S-ReDl7mTvh7X_4GlI-IPq1EBbnyPi9JWbOtRRLe8Ik-aOndWLWmE7iIM3n_KbShPNGUvxMkNdNnA4OrGv3HA-ucwS0ESdaYs_fVNBC_ljsv2G7gf4E/w400-h300/DSCF4737.JPG" title="Lime Kiln Lighthouse" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lime Kiln Park Lighthouse<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The next morning, if you have an inkling to go for a free ferry ride, check the schedules and go as a foot passenger. Simply walk on, using the foot passenger lane, while cars are being loaded. Eat breakfast onboard, ride to Orcas Landing, do some shopping, and then ride the opposite direction ferry back to Friday Harbor.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">If you are more adventurous, bring your bicycle and spend the day riding around Orcas, Lopez, or Shaw Island; your boat will be waiting in your slip when you return. Ferry rides for foot and bicycle riders are free in the inner islands. There is a fee only when departing from Anacortes.</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXBuxwcgzAiQJQDKpHBsfhRACydhPRy0imZv3xYkK1-wSRG1d6BmbTyVcEVNwGrW4A5eHp7VbnVJbjt8Epnn-b-N5ss7X96jUQ2_yUBs2RyPzi_iCuXGbMRgtAloeKfJbsS_qVn5JNB4YSTv0VBhqitvr_DJ3bjZSuMIXiz36GT9CqChXk3dzhZCKyGlU/s1024/DSCF5996.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img alt="Friday Harbor Ferry" border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXBuxwcgzAiQJQDKpHBsfhRACydhPRy0imZv3xYkK1-wSRG1d6BmbTyVcEVNwGrW4A5eHp7VbnVJbjt8Epnn-b-N5ss7X96jUQ2_yUBs2RyPzi_iCuXGbMRgtAloeKfJbsS_qVn5JNB4YSTv0VBhqitvr_DJ3bjZSuMIXiz36GT9CqChXk3dzhZCKyGlU/w640-h480/DSCF5996.jpg" title="Friday Harbor Ferry" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Friday Harbor<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><b>#2 Hike Turtleback Mountain</b></p><div style="text-align: justify;">When we began lugging our bikes with us on our boat, a new world of adventure presented itself. Few boaters carry bicycles; if they did, it would certainly make getting to this trailhead much easier. However, walking a mile down the highway to the trailhead is not too bad.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">When viewing Orcas Island across the water, you will notice several summits. The tallest to the east is Mt Constitution, and much shorter to the west is Turtleback. The easiest boat access is at the top of West Sound. Tie up to or anchor near the county dock, which is just to the west of the West Sound Marina. Follow Deer Harbor road 1.25 miles west to Wild Rose Ln. One block up Wild Rose Ln is a small parking lot and the Turtleback Mountain Preserve trailhead. Hiking up the trail, you will soon be rewarded with outstanding views of the islands. You may get a glimpse of your boat far below.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRuuOkI1eBq8SXOPacxXjMhBJw_T5M4QfvHpD_Tkt2xl2kT0MP7dgAoSW4G0J306DM-hNQGBAwUH7xrJcsbZbZSOF2EIzW5WQW54YSkdKi2Evbn0R1GcIAmUG-qUJipi5ZJjxqLr_FNgsSY8nGdZu4KWD4Ss5dSVqmnO_eQ9VDr4_fqbVAKkbZiX0wlDY/s2048/IMG_5928.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img alt="Turtleback Mt view of West Sound" border="0" data-original-height="1151" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRuuOkI1eBq8SXOPacxXjMhBJw_T5M4QfvHpD_Tkt2xl2kT0MP7dgAoSW4G0J306DM-hNQGBAwUH7xrJcsbZbZSOF2EIzW5WQW54YSkdKi2Evbn0R1GcIAmUG-qUJipi5ZJjxqLr_FNgsSY8nGdZu4KWD4Ss5dSVqmnO_eQ9VDr4_fqbVAKkbZiX0wlDY/w640-h360/IMG_5928.JPG" title="Turtleback Mt view of West Sound" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">West Sound from Turtleback Mt. trail</td></tr></tbody></table><p><b>#3 Visit Jones Island </b></p><p>At 188 acres, Jones Island packs a lot into one great place to visit. A good sized dock, excellent protected anchorage, anchor balls, four distinctly different campgrounds, running water, apple orchard, mowed lawns, grazing deer. Easy hiking trails. What's left to want? How about a pea gravel dinghy friendly beach and only two miles to Deer Harbor for provisions.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Jones Island Deer" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQCKlull0G3FyS0GeJgF2b6KhA17ksTn9C_7yboBNy0RCeqxaZQrg-NpBfYa-2KNxNsjd4sceJMZ5Xjv3ujhnI078Nm5l27rqBikpasCfzEA9BtzKfXgVncwb448FUaGezlS-e27kvIBKh-6k8k1EHdFBwJUqTsa4VyZ-U8hUYtu0ia1934atop2p1ATw/w640-h480/DSCF5903.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Jones Island Deer" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table>Jones is located between Orcas and San Juan Island about five miles west of Friday Harbor. I recommend stopping by for a day visit even if you don't plan on spending the night. Hike the waterfront trails, soak up the restful ambience. It is very likely you will walk among the small semi tame pygmy deer Jones is known for.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwgwZ0vjmDg2HPw_esaaxRp_-x67JZ_i4o5Ok1vNL1AT3k43y51PLdaAsW68a_kAilGMWBbEm8TWHpDW48hbIfkZpro7EyhgI1R6VuCZeJ0SXJzlEAKJ5qvwtE9Wbr3fLhD1T8dSgW-adGh5ceTTzVnGbmCKjmvdjMN-8S9_8d9KLfISMs7KrY_6mPt78/s1024/DSCF5095.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="Jones Island Deer" border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwgwZ0vjmDg2HPw_esaaxRp_-x67JZ_i4o5Ok1vNL1AT3k43y51PLdaAsW68a_kAilGMWBbEm8TWHpDW48hbIfkZpro7EyhgI1R6VuCZeJ0SXJzlEAKJ5qvwtE9Wbr3fLhD1T8dSgW-adGh5ceTTzVnGbmCKjmvdjMN-8S9_8d9KLfISMs7KrY_6mPt78/w640-h480/DSCF5095.jpg" title="Jones Island Deer" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jones Island Deer</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><b>#4 Visit Roche Harbor. </b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">At Roche Harbor you may take a complimentary slip for a few hours or anchor and dinghy over to one of three dinghy docks. Explore the manicured gardens of Hotel De Haro. Hike to the Afterglow Vista mausoleum and spend an hour or two discovering the unique sculptures at the 20 acre San Juan Islands Sculpture Park and nature reserve on the edge of Westcott Bay. Before you cast off, resupply at the grocery store. If you can spend the night, don't miss the evening color guard and flag lowering ceremony, punctuated with a cannon firing sure to wake you up if you are napping at sunset.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4WOEWr47zZ7Xk46ojqgZ1DM0fT2NTEx2EPEf0RLa0qMTXofgmXI-ObCEqCq1CIxpNymEUiavCCbXzEJeu6Sd-YwmpvlNBq-cYqAn3Xm4Yl498DYzLk_ayjBXag0FlZQwkdhTSmlW1BthVEjGOK-Ufnzv0JnvgYCk3KkzzbqGlD1BetjRNDwIVaMYtnis/s1024/DSCF5170.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Roche Harbor Marina" border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4WOEWr47zZ7Xk46ojqgZ1DM0fT2NTEx2EPEf0RLa0qMTXofgmXI-ObCEqCq1CIxpNymEUiavCCbXzEJeu6Sd-YwmpvlNBq-cYqAn3Xm4Yl498DYzLk_ayjBXag0FlZQwkdhTSmlW1BthVEjGOK-Ufnzv0JnvgYCk3KkzzbqGlD1BetjRNDwIVaMYtnis/w640-h480/DSCF5170.jpg" title="Roche Harbor Marina" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roche Harbor Marina<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><b>#5 Anchor at English Camp and hike up Youngs Hill. </b></p><div style="text-align: justify;">Just a mile around the corner from Roche Harbor is Garrison Bay, where the English made their camp during the 13-year Pig War, a semi-formal standoff between the Americans and English. Anchor or tie up to the small dinghy dock. Visit the interpretation center and learn about the war and the pig that became the only casualty after rooting around in the wrong garden.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Next, bring your water bottle and hiking shoes for a grueling 1-hour trudge up Youngs Hill. Head through the parking lot and follow the trail, always uphill. Eventually, you will reach the summit and be treated to a splendid view of Mosquito Pass, Haro Strait, Vancouver Island, and possibly your boat far below.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoGvUi6Tyf_-oIx33fLG31muJWff9LwSsWEITOdYkLhpVbmFyS30I0bMU-zIanXaB4PDNqJaFUCJlTSUWvC3XLMqJvP_5-NAiC0UVZQEc1GlSo2sbggFrXIAbuBVLLU-Es1vxQSrjvt003BJqTSbuG8kywVkgqVFOrHgZYh-xpJxk6aSP1GeecVa7O0B4/s2048/DSCF7068.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="Youngs Hill view of Mosquito Pass" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoGvUi6Tyf_-oIx33fLG31muJWff9LwSsWEITOdYkLhpVbmFyS30I0bMU-zIanXaB4PDNqJaFUCJlTSUWvC3XLMqJvP_5-NAiC0UVZQEc1GlSo2sbggFrXIAbuBVLLU-Es1vxQSrjvt003BJqTSbuG8kywVkgqVFOrHgZYh-xpJxk6aSP1GeecVa7O0B4/w640-h480/DSCF7068.JPG" title="Youngs Hill view of Mosquito Pass" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from summit of Youngs Hill</td></tr></tbody></table><p><b>#6 Hike to Turn Point Lighthouse.</b></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ9P4HDXY-xNHqjBLfoSx7fEN_AVH6I4qpmiTGo78zkewtHDFzjzCyWp6BZ6DlNysFpXnvYoadGjYSnP-xJYRbExrO90QQiqor2DOIPgsGdUQKfWVesede6tYweGpI1Cdd1dh5H5BZNwC_GV80zmAttr6va9wTvZ6pTJWmuCqLUYDvhSnWromdtov_NwA/s3264/P7220107.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img alt="Boundary Pass Traders on Stuart Island" border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ9P4HDXY-xNHqjBLfoSx7fEN_AVH6I4qpmiTGo78zkewtHDFzjzCyWp6BZ6DlNysFpXnvYoadGjYSnP-xJYRbExrO90QQiqor2DOIPgsGdUQKfWVesede6tYweGpI1Cdd1dh5H5BZNwC_GV80zmAttr6va9wTvZ6pTJWmuCqLUYDvhSnWromdtov_NwA/w640-h480/P7220107.JPG" title="Boundary Pass Traders on Stuart Island" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">San Juan tee shirts for sale</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">"Four miles due north of Roche Harbor is Stuart Island, home to Turn Point lighthouse, the farthest northwest point in the continental United States. You can anchor or tie up at the park dock in Prevost or Reid Harbors. For a much shorter walk, you can tie up (short term) at the county dock at the far north end of Prevost Harbor. The walk or bike ride up the gravel county road is about 1.5 miles. If you hike from either marine park dock, add another 1.5 miles (one way).</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">At the old lighthouse, there is a museum with lots of pictures. If local volunteers are available, you may get a free guided tour. Boundary Pass Traders maintain an honor system self-serve kiosk along the road where you can buy souvenir cards and screen-printed T-shirts. Simply choose your purchases, take them with you, and then send your payment in the mail. As a bonus, while out at the lighthouse, you may spot Orcas rounding Turn Point."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS1sVi6y195FK_DjmOoGfZX9oDkcnPj55Li1BZ7gloYvTYF4iqtnUVJqwpd5eu8l8CH99XYOnp9fAZuz71x2ETYEd3-B9LA1gw3HnGJFYtyFBjQyKi1cR6Lg99mP_3cRyO8eW6bSVkmzgCIlTNo-CxmAj8zf7dpKlRfz7s9Scjb4HCd9KL4XjXN71xTpo/s2048/2017%20Stuart%20Island%20county%20dock%20.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="San Juan County dock Stuart Island" border="0" data-original-height="1546" data-original-width="2048" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS1sVi6y195FK_DjmOoGfZX9oDkcnPj55Li1BZ7gloYvTYF4iqtnUVJqwpd5eu8l8CH99XYOnp9fAZuz71x2ETYEd3-B9LA1gw3HnGJFYtyFBjQyKi1cR6Lg99mP_3cRyO8eW6bSVkmzgCIlTNo-CxmAj8zf7dpKlRfz7s9Scjb4HCd9KL4XjXN71xTpo/w640-h484/2017%20Stuart%20Island%20county%20dock%20.png" title="San Juan County dock Stuart Island" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">County dock at Prevost Harbor on Stuart Island</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1PgLWs3_iwsTnC0gguJYodpt6eS8aB3SLuHVMr5vRA9_2tqZwg7QZO0xFxkXLuwMywO4ljkpi5FEx0FTNOBYnK6tB9-RSi9HWOzav5lZt-QGNucNKkbsjWX0kOAWOEZM4nWPgWdlXTOIFe2Oo6kGBfL8_gptC9hxVrkOnp9CqqD_2dR2_q5chVQtzdDg/s2048/P7220126.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Turn Point Lighthouse museum on Stuart Island" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1PgLWs3_iwsTnC0gguJYodpt6eS8aB3SLuHVMr5vRA9_2tqZwg7QZO0xFxkXLuwMywO4ljkpi5FEx0FTNOBYnK6tB9-RSi9HWOzav5lZt-QGNucNKkbsjWX0kOAWOEZM4nWPgWdlXTOIFe2Oo6kGBfL8_gptC9hxVrkOnp9CqqD_2dR2_q5chVQtzdDg/w400-h300/P7220126.JPG" title="Turn Point museum on Stuart Island" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turn Point Lighthouse museum</td></tr></tbody></table> <br /><p></p><p><b>#7 China Caves are for the children in us.</b></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsGfKA8aRE8KY_SH51UheiWra_zUwxgfhKiFTbBlQInXXy55P6bXJDvNC9vDHdHqaeVXuJGOHP1br8vf63tmMZQr5PNRbXwgAtHErapIldjWX8UBEIaPRRGyCPaFhTI194oiEbivnc_yTurERE6qkVa151KrLhXTRwcHAHGFoM_pc6HVjrbGeRZAEDxZM/s878/DSCF1527.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="Shallow Bay and China Caves on Sucia Island" border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="878" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsGfKA8aRE8KY_SH51UheiWra_zUwxgfhKiFTbBlQInXXy55P6bXJDvNC9vDHdHqaeVXuJGOHP1br8vf63tmMZQr5PNRbXwgAtHErapIldjWX8UBEIaPRRGyCPaFhTI194oiEbivnc_yTurERE6qkVa151KrLhXTRwcHAHGFoM_pc6HVjrbGeRZAEDxZM/w640-h340/DSCF1527.jpg" title="Shallow Bay and China Caves on Sucia Island" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Narrow business entrance to Shallow Bay with China Caves in background</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; background-color: #f7f7f8; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; color: #374151; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; font-size: 17px; margin: 1.25em 0px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">About fifteen miles east of Stuart Island lies Sucia Island. You will discover a formation known as China Caves at Shallow Bay. The caves aren't actual caves; instead, they're an eroded, pockmarked cliff situated about midway within the cove. Many of the holes are easily accessible for scrambling and are large enough to conceal a child or an adult of full size. Legend has it that immigrants once sought refuge on Sucia. I believe these "caves" served as a convenient shelter from the wind and rain, though not particularly effective for hiding.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">To visit, you can anchor in Shallow Bay, but we typically opt for a hike from Fossil Bay or a hike across the narrow isthmus from Echo Bay. There are signs guiding the way to China Caves, but they are also easy to find once you arrive at Shallow Bay. However, be aware that Shallow Bay isn't our preferred anchoring or landing spot. The beach is not suitable for dinghies, except during high tide, and the bay is susceptible to swells.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikdAzcB1w9VzuTWiSFtY6e8fe6xCGn0j1Gdf48O6cUvZXJxu_yrbXBalY7Cxeg9iw6HJpAonG2vHA_h31Kcwwhkx5_83DT1RgJo9APHHKOzX7gaL8nAKz2eMVtK1q2jokkFIfptHgXuVcfzqnco8MjBrErHR3iAhrG-QE5gYfCvzIwCTeORlmLjNUOab8/s600/china%20cave.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="China Caves on Sucia Island" border="0" data-original-height="411" data-original-width="600" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikdAzcB1w9VzuTWiSFtY6e8fe6xCGn0j1Gdf48O6cUvZXJxu_yrbXBalY7Cxeg9iw6HJpAonG2vHA_h31Kcwwhkx5_83DT1RgJo9APHHKOzX7gaL8nAKz2eMVtK1q2jokkFIfptHgXuVcfzqnco8MjBrErHR3iAhrG-QE5gYfCvzIwCTeORlmLjNUOab8/w640-h438/china%20cave.jpg" title="China Caves on Sucia Island" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">China Caves</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><b>#8 Matia Island rain forest trail.</b></p><div style="text-align: justify;">"This jewel in the San Juans is often overlooked by cruisers heading to the more popular Sucia. Matia Island is just two and a half miles west of Sucia but may as well be in another world. The small anchorage holds two buoys and has room for four small boats at the dock. Onshore is a short dinghy-friendly beach and a two-site camp area. Nearby is the usual composting toilet. What is so special is the level one-mile trail that circles the south portion of the island. Campfires are not allowed on Matia, and a sign says no pets. Within seconds of entering the quiet forest, the trail immerses you in nature. Massive moss-covered boulders, tall mature trees, thick mosses, and ferns so envelop you that you find yourself whispering and walking carefully so as not to disturb what the island offers. Five minutes in and you forget about your boat, only a few hundred feet away.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Not a legend, but real history tells of a hermit who once lived on Matia. He would row his skiff to Eastsound for provisions. One day he never returned, presumably lost at sea. An apple tree near a freshwater spring is his legacy. We have looked for evidence of his cabin but only found what may be a few foundation stones near the spring. Even after many visits, the hour or two spent walking Matia is always the most pleasant and relaxing part of my San Juan cruise."</div><p></p><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRzSAVc503nNuwua542ZLyTDbFjG1-xeZqK3uNiz1IYj8UhX8nvuQ2lPFoPX1XrH9m74UteBJumzcsx8TLDUzwLXa_hh09zv4-IMJNGhi3oKGtn2nOJgNy-GLiopFCnpyInJWsceonl2UO34SISNzNXz3ogSkwsDby6uNBfyEW-iq9hHd4AX_f5rbl1OM/s1600/2014-07-20%2009.27.03.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Matia Island dock" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRzSAVc503nNuwua542ZLyTDbFjG1-xeZqK3uNiz1IYj8UhX8nvuQ2lPFoPX1XrH9m74UteBJumzcsx8TLDUzwLXa_hh09zv4-IMJNGhi3oKGtn2nOJgNy-GLiopFCnpyInJWsceonl2UO34SISNzNXz3ogSkwsDby6uNBfyEW-iq9hHd4AX_f5rbl1OM/w640-h480/2014-07-20%2009.27.03.jpg" title="Rolfe cove float Matia Island" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old wooden Matia float is due for replacement.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><b>#9 Patos Island lighthouse tours.</b><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;">About five miles north of Sucia Island is Patos Island, sometimes referred to as the most northern of the San Juans. Patos has a protected anchorage, a campground on shore and just like Stuart Island, Patos has a working lighthouse with volunteers offering tours. At Patos you can climb the stairs and see the fresnel light lens up close. The walk out to the lighthouse is ten minutes along a mostly concrete trail. If lighthouses thrill you, this is the one to go see.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwVOhdMhJDHmiauJmIQNZh27MOWwvs2k5rfmRPvzh6riHvPjNFjILIhiWuRehJw55zBk4-akFOk5M97_6kS1v624Sjd2bc5AQhYsJd5EJwmU6N0g29eFPPaEL1NXdmteZiWtAPUFqzRaLbQLfDgsqSb2h2DWbngaP0zSzngSVCLVzbeRq5gsgRAmX7H48/s1024/Patos6.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="Patos Island anchorage" border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwVOhdMhJDHmiauJmIQNZh27MOWwvs2k5rfmRPvzh6riHvPjNFjILIhiWuRehJw55zBk4-akFOk5M97_6kS1v624Sjd2bc5AQhYsJd5EJwmU6N0g29eFPPaEL1NXdmteZiWtAPUFqzRaLbQLfDgsqSb2h2DWbngaP0zSzngSVCLVzbeRq5gsgRAmX7H48/w400-h300/Patos6.jpg" title="Patos Island anchorage" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Patos anchorage</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><b>#10 Inati Bay and Lummi Island Campground</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">"Lummi Island is technically not one of the San Juan Islands, but those of us coming from Squalicum Harbor in Bellingham must go right by it or around it to get anywhere. Lummi is quite large and only inhabited on the northern third. The southern two-thirds are mountains with rocky cliffs right down to the water.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We have found that when we get a late start but don't want to risk darkness or if we just want a place to hide out from nasty weather, Inati Bay is perfect. The very protected cove holds a dozen or so anchored boats and is about eight miles from Bellingham, making it a great place to drop the anchor for the night. The easiest way to find Inati Bay is to use your chart; it is marked, but just know that Inati Bay is on the east side of Lummi Island, two miles from the southern tip.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Lummi Island Campground is not much more than an indent in the cliffs with a gravel beach barely one or two hundred feet long. There is room for only one boat, or two if they are rafted together, and you must run a line to shore or stern anchor to check your swing. Onshore, there is a hiking loop and four or five campsites along with pit toilets. Mostly visited by kayakers, I don't recommend anyone anchor here unless you strive for maximum privacy and your own personal beach. We have stayed here several times and enjoyed it immensely, but I would not attempt it during poor weather or with questionable ground tackle. There will be no second chances should you drag or break out. If the weather is questionable, simply run a mile up to Inati Bay where you will have no problems.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Like Inati, Lummi Island Campground is on your chart on the east side of Lummi Island. It is about one mile from the southern tip."</div><div style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .75pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 1pt;">
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<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh10QXudr4RBYWCNIQav8jCtwoMwDufpMcjNe0MltnPUnK5bC-pj5BqkLaAPpnohpboeFgo_bf4wpyARv-gUjePi__hdY3NtbPwA6FaLDUqGHP4s1zxkT47Ow56SMF0d0dEgea65iLrUq1SpTul7IX-OXo2Lgpg0MmvvdPuCQgE2uS2bza5vd1Sd4OWHP0/s2048/IMG_5994.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Lummi Island campground" border="0" data-original-height="1151" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh10QXudr4RBYWCNIQav8jCtwoMwDufpMcjNe0MltnPUnK5bC-pj5BqkLaAPpnohpboeFgo_bf4wpyARv-gUjePi__hdY3NtbPwA6FaLDUqGHP4s1zxkT47Ow56SMF0d0dEgea65iLrUq1SpTul7IX-OXo2Lgpg0MmvvdPuCQgE2uS2bza5vd1Sd4OWHP0/w400-h225/IMG_5994.JPG" title="Lummi Island preserve" width="400" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU4hxqJ_rcsBYMymZHTFPMZ4369rE4Wxijhh02RiSl5Xx6Xw8TDOBxaOCqwCRZHIv1AJydwu2SBhbx0dWm-Q7hUVOF2yXy4oL5anoul8mvhp3xmdNfUxjhvyHnbeU_0hlJiA-f8bF7NFx7z3zMFBxlZ3TGfH9fM2A07ACGmKu4JiMMo_egXT32cL10WkY/s2048/IMG_5988.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="Lummi Island campground" border="0" data-original-height="1151" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU4hxqJ_rcsBYMymZHTFPMZ4369rE4Wxijhh02RiSl5Xx6Xw8TDOBxaOCqwCRZHIv1AJydwu2SBhbx0dWm-Q7hUVOF2yXy4oL5anoul8mvhp3xmdNfUxjhvyHnbeU_0hlJiA-f8bF7NFx7z3zMFBxlZ3TGfH9fM2A07ACGmKu4JiMMo_egXT32cL10WkY/w640-h360/IMG_5988.JPG" title="Lummi Island cove campground" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lummi Island Campground</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><b>#11 Vendovi Island Preserve</b></p><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">"Vendovi Island is located about one and a half miles due south from Lummi Island and was a private 200+ acre island that was acquired by the San Juan Preservation Trust, presumably to protect it from future development. Currently, there is a small rocky breakwater bay with a seventy-foot dock. You are free to walk the island's three main trails and have lunch at the old family picnic area. The wild puffins nesting in the holes of the breakwater are sure to entertain you. This is day use only; overnighting or anchoring is not allowed. You should visit the San Juan Preservation Trust website to check on current hours. The flora is great here, and the trails are in fine shape, but we see much of that everywhere we go. The real attraction is the puffins."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9gHugSYPqu9npj589nJTrpRjGrwaXOzMvBfqpM8wJhIQFk4MqRhcLfxB_h_KBbHzysEF6PcUs7A5vCzh3zNIQOpMO7NzmjmDUVfFRaN_17BQkW9WBW84GtZ6pyFi2bhEsFnyezBPOmELopGG2SN0JCmfYTeiwinNQ1xA9sZpojN-dgggIB2NE7-MNpuo/s2048/DSCF7114.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9gHugSYPqu9npj589nJTrpRjGrwaXOzMvBfqpM8wJhIQFk4MqRhcLfxB_h_KBbHzysEF6PcUs7A5vCzh3zNIQOpMO7NzmjmDUVfFRaN_17BQkW9WBW84GtZ6pyFi2bhEsFnyezBPOmELopGG2SN0JCmfYTeiwinNQ1xA9sZpojN-dgggIB2NE7-MNpuo/s2048/DSCF7114.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Vendovi Island preserve" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9gHugSYPqu9npj589nJTrpRjGrwaXOzMvBfqpM8wJhIQFk4MqRhcLfxB_h_KBbHzysEF6PcUs7A5vCzh3zNIQOpMO7NzmjmDUVfFRaN_17BQkW9WBW84GtZ6pyFi2bhEsFnyezBPOmELopGG2SN0JCmfYTeiwinNQ1xA9sZpojN-dgggIB2NE7-MNpuo/w640-h480/DSCF7114.JPG" title="Vendovi Island preserve dock" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p><b>#12 Eagle Bluff on Cypress Island</b></p><div style="text-align: justify;">"Continuing mostly westward from Vendovi Island while dodging the few Rosario Strait boats and occasional big swells, we come to the north end of Cypress Island. Cypress, like Lummi, is not a San Juan Island simply because it is in another county.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">What we are looking for is Pelican Beach. Your chart may not show it, or only show it as an anchorage area without a name. Pelican Beach is on the east side of Cypress, about one-half mile past the north tip. Don't confuse it with Eagle Harbor, which is much further at about two miles south of the northern tip of Cypress.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">At Pelican Beach, there are four or five anchor buoys and ten or so campsites along the shore and the trailhead to Eagle Bluff. The trail takes you to a high, prominent cliff overlooking Rosario Strait. On a clear day, you can see much of the San Juans and the surrounding area. One visit, we watched young eagles staging mock fights in the thermals and updrafts. Below, you can make out boats as they struggle with currents in Obstruction and Peavine Pass. Due to the cliff at the summit, this is not a safe place for young children or pets. Please be sure to keep them safe. You can make the hike and be back on the boat in two hours, but bring water and lunch. Have a campfire on the beach and then sleep on the boat; you will have earned it. The trail to Eagle Bluff is closed until July 15 each year to protect young eagles."</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSYL8tjDUQo4PNtuYJmOYpO4KkER_gvmSbMnYVSoNbwFoMjB5rP0fANhU1Va5XQQLkiJpm-7C_pW27wHMqtXTX3FhcqqWW5CJqVn-8ArWRXnAEJDU_rayVr_E5EZFFe7Pg7NG7-jesiOa22xVxr8A0LESeucjpIycZCph1zlmgqRytsPArILrbSdtmRr0/s924/DSCF3450.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;" target="_blank"><img alt="Eagle cliff on Cypress Island" border="0" data-original-height="616" data-original-width="924" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSYL8tjDUQo4PNtuYJmOYpO4KkER_gvmSbMnYVSoNbwFoMjB5rP0fANhU1Va5XQQLkiJpm-7C_pW27wHMqtXTX3FhcqqWW5CJqVn-8ArWRXnAEJDU_rayVr_E5EZFFe7Pg7NG7-jesiOa22xVxr8A0LESeucjpIycZCph1zlmgqRytsPArILrbSdtmRr0/w640-h426/DSCF3450.JPG" title="Eagle Bluff Cypress Island" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eagle Bluff or Eagle Cliff is nearly 600 feet tall. 1.3 mile trail is on the other side.<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>#13 Goat Island and Fort Whitman</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">"I hesitated to include Fort Whitman in this list because it is on the far edge of what I consider the San Juan cruising area. However, it would be totally wrong to leave out one of the best and yet least-known exploration places in the entire area.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Goat Island is located at the far south end of Swinomish Channel. It is two miles past La Conner, actually in Skagit Bay. If you were coming from the Deception Pass direction, you would find Goat Island about seven miles from the pass or Cornet Bay.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Goat Island is small, at less than 100 acres, but the army built a gun battery there in the early 1900s with four six-inch guns to protect against enemy ships foolish enough to attempt sneaking through Deception Pass. The concrete structure is overgrown but open to explore. Back in the woods are the ruins of fire control lookouts and other buildings.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Fort Whitman was built to be hidden from the water. A hundred years of growth completed the deception. Anchor your boat close to the island near the side of the channel by the pilings. Dinghy ashore and then bushwhack westward. Look for trails others have left. It's only a five-minute walk. Bring a flashlight and your imagination; this place is spooky."</div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDLXwDDHpk29447yqmVqhOUHz_C8kU3G68TJc8v9TWFwryvXIvCJHM63cvpeVUEw6KIzYZ2ML23k2Qf5p3VOMqA0TyvxvMdKN87Vtboz3OjHjiYr47YDh-WQ0ffTTDjK2-Q8a7sN6rzzJfSXznt7UvV5O6hCaIzrOx_vzWnD1ReDU88U3xZVVRvaomTK0/s1600/DSCF4700.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="Fort Whitman on Goat Island" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDLXwDDHpk29447yqmVqhOUHz_C8kU3G68TJc8v9TWFwryvXIvCJHM63cvpeVUEw6KIzYZ2ML23k2Qf5p3VOMqA0TyvxvMdKN87Vtboz3OjHjiYr47YDh-WQ0ffTTDjK2-Q8a7sN6rzzJfSXznt7UvV5O6hCaIzrOx_vzWnD1ReDU88U3xZVVRvaomTK0/w640-h480/DSCF4700.JPG" title="Fort Whitman on Goat Island" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fort Whitman on Goat Island<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><b>#14 Rosario Beach and the Maiden of Deception Pass</b></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKiUQdLwGb8zcEcOVydB-u7b1CdIQar0BK0GkmId3e73lg09AGKf1o1HMHjeDy561qINKyvtQCXYEwD6pTTPa0IAl1Irt25XgRtFz_MTUhH4nzj69m6qX2cFZKC_0UfCLdZIMee5QIrZq0NhXysIchDdKAlLWF9xmKXOz6BntOw-OWXCSuhC3XjmmIU2o/s1280/DSCF2752.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="Sharpe Cove Deception Pass Rosario Beach" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKiUQdLwGb8zcEcOVydB-u7b1CdIQar0BK0GkmId3e73lg09AGKf1o1HMHjeDy561qINKyvtQCXYEwD6pTTPa0IAl1Irt25XgRtFz_MTUhH4nzj69m6qX2cFZKC_0UfCLdZIMee5QIrZq0NhXysIchDdKAlLWF9xmKXOz6BntOw-OWXCSuhC3XjmmIU2o/w640-h480/DSCF2752.JPG" title="Maiden of Deception Pass" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sharpe Cove</td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;">"I name some places as 'drive by' because boaters, not knowing what is there, simply drive by and perhaps miss out. Bowman Bay, and specifically Sharpe Cove, fit this description. When heading outbound from Deception Pass, Sharpe Cove is the last little bit of land on the north side before you are thrust out into the Strait of Juan De Fuca. Sharpe Cove has a small two- to four-boat dock. At the top of the gangplank is the 24-foot-tall, two-sided, and two-faced wooden maiden holding a salmon over her head. The Samish Indian Nation erected the story pole to inspire future generations. Just beyond the maiden are the renowned Rosario tidepools, with guided tours managed by Walla Walla University. Good news for non-boaters, Rosario and the Maiden are accessible by vehicle to Deception Pass State Park visitors."</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhZlwuZhvtUn7mx-9NqjvtxcGuB0Uc4-8zTZ3XW8tWdpc0mAxkoAYY3sqa_-d109T9EZJNkyqtZPLi8sEksUxX-ltQ7I2g5iU5gs6A0_HsTN4AY-OPzvBRnwws-rWCL53FQFfJJBl0DDtQLTBB8zAFydvPY0lPn-QlM1OetT_E5yGVCKd_i5zLtRnBDEo/s1280/DSCF2814.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="Maiden of Deception Pass" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhZlwuZhvtUn7mx-9NqjvtxcGuB0Uc4-8zTZ3XW8tWdpc0mAxkoAYY3sqa_-d109T9EZJNkyqtZPLi8sEksUxX-ltQ7I2g5iU5gs6A0_HsTN4AY-OPzvBRnwws-rWCL53FQFfJJBl0DDtQLTBB8zAFydvPY0lPn-QlM1OetT_E5yGVCKd_i5zLtRnBDEo/w640-h480/DSCF2814.JPG" title="Maiden of Deception Pass" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Maiden of Deception Pass</td></tr></tbody></table><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyUecOBp7SQeM5Sdoz99s7fEbm6NEpUYJVFJnlApm10O4zDiD70Hie0Meu_Asoaj-wy2gET3nMAoED1vY9Mgb9HUHURhHzcggkAOPjfEaRIsmg2i7c0Q45rd3Aft3qW-Yl23BRX9-oMkvnE0zvOXKpKTot-QMF8UUptwTzE2U6m67yWPqEbpXD2sxxoYk/s1600/DSCF4784.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Maiden of Deception Pass" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyUecOBp7SQeM5Sdoz99s7fEbm6NEpUYJVFJnlApm10O4zDiD70Hie0Meu_Asoaj-wy2gET3nMAoED1vY9Mgb9HUHURhHzcggkAOPjfEaRIsmg2i7c0Q45rd3Aft3qW-Yl23BRX9-oMkvnE0zvOXKpKTot-QMF8UUptwTzE2U6m67yWPqEbpXD2sxxoYk/w400-h300/DSCF4784.jpg" title="Maiden of Deception Pass" width="400" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p><b>#15 Victoria and Butchart Gardens</b></p><div style="text-align: justify;">"It is a real stretch listing Victoria and Butchart Gardens in a lesser-known category, but newbies to the San Juans don't know that and may benefit. First, some perspective: the distance from Roche Harbor to Victoria is 21 miles, and the distance to Butchart Gardens is 25 miles. So, even in a real putt-putt boat at 5 mph, it's only a 4-5 hour trip. Compare that to Bellingham to Roche, 36 miles. These numbers are estimates, but they clearly show that if you made it all the way to Roche Harbor, you should be able to top off your tank and continue to Canada.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">What we do is spend the night in a slip at Roche. We try to ride an ebb tide in Haro Strait to Victoria, and for Butchart, we leave an hour or so before the flood tide for a lift most of the way. When going to Victoria, you must go straight to the inner harbor to check in. When going to Butchart Gardens, you must first go a little out of your way to Sidney to check in. As an in-between plan, we have gone to Victoria, got a slip in front of the Empress Hotel, and then ridden a double-decker tour bus out to the gardens. You should check your weather forecast and be prepared to scrap your plans if high winds or waves are forecast. It is no fun being tossed around miles from shore, and having to stay at Jones Island or Roche Harbor is actually a very good trade-off."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">One day Butchart Garden cruise ></span><a href="http://www.sailingthesanjuans.com/2013/03/butchart-garden-intinerary-travel-guide-steps-customs-haro-strait-tod-inlet-fireworks-San-juan-islands-sidney-victoria-empress-inner-harbor.html" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Butchart Garden Cruise</a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqcokngAGAghnlNhQ64ABHcTmkt6OxHu52uHLAKfZc8Xs2K6ecrU0tTe-vY_vxcS9sjqnaI6A9_U3ahgpKac8eDCZREps3LdiyEHTkw-UljTKpZnqsxdMBKtBR34TzcRDaaO3i-6yeaNjKKTVf5qdZBSMup05lyPdq4n7pplunJskIRYBbdw_v2f-M0mY/s1600/DSCF0799.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Victoria Marina Inner Harbor" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqcokngAGAghnlNhQ64ABHcTmkt6OxHu52uHLAKfZc8Xs2K6ecrU0tTe-vY_vxcS9sjqnaI6A9_U3ahgpKac8eDCZREps3LdiyEHTkw-UljTKpZnqsxdMBKtBR34TzcRDaaO3i-6yeaNjKKTVf5qdZBSMup05lyPdq4n7pplunJskIRYBbdw_v2f-M0mY/w640-h480/DSCF0799.JPG" title="Victoria Marina Inner Harbor" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Victoria inner Harbor slips</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzE2kuVPmN2wrvBwxwXorVKo_5w1Q5vuf6zsDjabta5boJsi4nYmZXgLT4SK63GqBawDDlwz47P7VqLTSyZds1V1w-nNucumiGRGb_uzWHwnszt7JyUG1L1lzCLMEEjuCPbdAJz1BYQAAK6aAs3hLXNN1A805Hbs3yk1az6WMu2oxJp9UKveGXUR27BDc/s1600/DSCF0718.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Butchart Gardens Canada" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzE2kuVPmN2wrvBwxwXorVKo_5w1Q5vuf6zsDjabta5boJsi4nYmZXgLT4SK63GqBawDDlwz47P7VqLTSyZds1V1w-nNucumiGRGb_uzWHwnszt7JyUG1L1lzCLMEEjuCPbdAJz1BYQAAK6aAs3hLXNN1A805Hbs3yk1az6WMu2oxJp9UKveGXUR27BDc/w640-h480/DSCF0718.JPG" title="Butchart Gardens Canada" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Butchart Gardens</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3b8DzgpXo96DBRxM1lFvt3JmFOcGV3Gg84KYK3H5VbreaDqCu0gTAfWDRcQ3uqZOcRqbgIqGc-znrU1YYHDVpWQIIrVMlgyGhNKTkrStLzjzDpinu5PaNHA3Gyixo_5qUAmUDIySpmUsnOKM7fArmkQnRIJ_en0Pb5sGPgjuMXr1FgLhB1bnq8hu7pAM/s1280/DSCF3377.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="Butchart Gardens moorage Canada" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3b8DzgpXo96DBRxM1lFvt3JmFOcGV3Gg84KYK3H5VbreaDqCu0gTAfWDRcQ3uqZOcRqbgIqGc-znrU1YYHDVpWQIIrVMlgyGhNKTkrStLzjzDpinu5PaNHA3Gyixo_5qUAmUDIySpmUsnOKM7fArmkQnRIJ_en0Pb5sGPgjuMXr1FgLhB1bnq8hu7pAM/w640-h480/DSCF3377.JPG" title="Butchart Gardens dinghy dock Canada" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Butchart Garden dinghy entrance with five free to use buoys<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1673451460430219573.post-77411165666059957032023-07-14T10:08:00.016-07:002023-08-17T19:58:33.725-07:00First Time Trip to the San Juans Suggested Itinerary for a Nine Day Trip<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><b><b><span style="font-size: 20pt;">San
Juan Islands for First Timers<span style="color: #8e6126;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #8e6126; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Suggested Itineraries for San Juan Island boating trips</span></b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">(Updated (2014) alternate itinerary with Echo Bay at Sucia Island as 1st stop)</span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">click here <a href="http://www.sailingthesanjuans.com/p/this-cruise-itinerary-is-for-first.html" target="_blank">Sucia Trip Intinerary</a></span></b></span><br />
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<span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">(For a <a href="http://www.sailingthesanjuans.com/p/this-cruise-itinerary-is-for-first.html" target="_blank"> shorter itinerary on your first cruise and with different island stopovers (click here)</a><span style="color: red;"> </span></span></span></h4>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"> This article is designed to get you
going on that first boating/sailing trip to the San Juan Islands in Washington
State.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Below is a snapshot map
of your dreamed about vacation land (or water) <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq7VGkSMJkoFuZmgfF4mkfabjizJcbkM-X9qv1YOs2PdWcyHSG7G0qdG-s2kuYlatDiNlDQdMPchYoX_nJykUC6tt9YZ2bDsGTOBH6xvkrn1E8sdeL8MEH8C9lfMU92vaG-VGvJ6VVyB8/s1600/San+Juan+area+map-2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="map of San Juan Island area" border="0" height="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq7VGkSMJkoFuZmgfF4mkfabjizJcbkM-X9qv1YOs2PdWcyHSG7G0qdG-s2kuYlatDiNlDQdMPchYoX_nJykUC6tt9YZ2bDsGTOBH6xvkrn1E8sdeL8MEH8C9lfMU92vaG-VGvJ6VVyB8/w640-h580/San+Juan+area+map-2.JPG" title="map of San Juan Island area" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">The
map above identifies many (not all) common names and places<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Take
a moment to familiarize yourself with some locations you may have
read about.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: #fcff01; font-size: 17.9398px;"><span style="color: #444444;">You may want to follow this link and take a quick look at the detailed marine parks list and then come back to the suggested itinerary below, </span><a href="http://www.sailingthesanjuans.com/p/parks-parks-parks-charts-charts-charts.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #444444;">"</span><span style="color: black;">MARINE PARK LIST AND MAPS" click here</span></a> </span></span></div><div style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: #fcff01; color: #444444; font-size: 17.9398px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: #fcff01; color: #444444; font-size: 17.9398px;">for your detailed itinerary click (read more) below >></span></span></div>
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<span><a name='more'></a></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">You may skip all this and go right to the day by day itinerary > just scroll and scroll until you see</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: lime;"><span style="background-color: lime; color: red; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">day #1 </span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"> but all you first mates and newbies should keep reading.</span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Boat launches: <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Resorts and Marinas:<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">The following text and
pictures briefly outline:</span></b><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 20.4667px;"><b>Let's</b></span><b style="color: #8e6126; font-weight: bold; line-height: 15.35pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"> start with a few
fun observations</span></b></i><b style="color: #8e6126; font-weight: bold; line-height: 15.35pt;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Water levels fluctuate. (tides)<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"> The San Juan's have high
and low tides every day, some very high, some very low. This means you will
need to be prepared to deal with going ashore at locations lacking
floats. The easiest solution is to bring a dinghy; if you don't have a
dinghy I suggest you buy a cheap inflatable boat or 2 person kayak for around
$75. Once in the San Juan's most people simply tow the dinghy everywhere
they go, or deflate and stow it away. Those of you going in a ski boat or skiff
may be thinking you can beach your boat, which will work, but only for a few
minutes. On a falling tide in ten minutes your boat may be high and dry, unless
you can carry it, you're stuck until the tide comes back up. On a rising tide
your boat will float away while your on shore. Since you're going to anchor
in six feet of water at low tide you will need one hundred feet or more of
anchor rode to accommodate a ten foot plus increase at high tide. Smart boaters
bring two anchors and rode and very few beach their boats intentionally.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Currents:<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"> San Juan currents are
notorious, and the root of many stories. For fast planing boats you can pretty
much ignore adverse current; however slower boats live and die by planning
passages to get an assist from the current. A typical sailboat may putt along
at 4.5 mph, <u>against</u> a 2.5 mph current their real speed over ground
is 2mph. Going <u>with</u> the same current their sog is 7
mph. So a ten mile passage takes 5 hours the dumb way or 1 hour 25
minutes the smart way. There are many prediction and forecast books and charts
available and online. (search this site for <i>current chart</i>) While you don't need a publication, I recommend
that you buy something and keep it with you. I would also go online and print
out a tide schedule for the time and area you expect to cruise.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">In a nutshell: </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> Here's a
simple rule of thumb to follow. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: 13.5pt;"> <span style="background-color: lime;">On a incoming or rising tide, the water
in most straits and passes flows "north" </span>while <span style="background-color: lime;">during a falling tide
the water reverses and flows "south." (in Puget Sound it's the opposite) </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">When the current hits an
island straight on, the water will split and flow around the island usually at
a slightly higher speed creating eddies at headlands and the tips of the
island.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: 13.5pt;">Weather could be fog:<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: 13.5pt;"> You can get lost in the
dark, in the fog, or just plain lost on a sunny day. You need to bring
with you a chart, (your smartphone app is not a paper chart) and you would be smart to protect it from getting wet or torn
up. I sandwich mine between two clear acrylic sheets held together with velcro.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
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</span></span>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: 13.5pt;">Some will say the chart
needs to be new and of the highest resolution, which may be true for ship
captains and other navigators. What were talking about here is not getting
lost, even a google print out may do the trick. If you are going to boat
in the fog you must have a compass, and GPS, a portable handheld GPS will
do fine and some new phones may do the trick too. (in thick fog you will go in
circles and be totally disoriented without a compass - true!) </span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><i style="background-color: #ffe599;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599;">To hammer home this point: boating in thick fog requires a compass and a gps, one or the other is not enough, </span><span style="background-color: yellow;">you must have both</span></span><span style="background-color: yellow; font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">.</span></i></span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<div style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"> Many times in the San
Juan's visibility may be down to 3 or 4 miles and you think you can sneak across
some open water to the next island, and you probably can, but if the fog
thickens to pea soup you will be glad you have your compass and GPS. BTW,
fast boats can't always go fast when waves and swells stack up. And only very
dumb skippers go fast when they can't see.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Wind or lack of wind:<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"> Okay, here's some bad news
for sailors. The San Juan Islands are not known for great sailing winds in July
and August. Out in the straits (Haro, Rosario, Georgia, Juan De Fuca) </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">you may get some decent
sailing, but inside the islands, don't bet on it.</span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><b style="color: #8e6126; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-weight: bold;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Crowd control:</span></b></b></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><b style="color: #8e6126; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-weight: bold;">
</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"> Most likely you wont
have any problems with crowds except on the 4th of July and Labor Day.
The good side is that you will always find a place to anchor, even on holidays,
the dinghy ride may just be a little longer for some. Most marinas take
reservations and you may as well take them up on it, but you don't need
to. I suggest you slow down a little and enjoy the freedom of not
planning ahead, take one day at a time and see where you go. Lastly,
because this area is so close to Bellingham and Anacortes many boaters are day
boaters. At the end of the day they head for home, leaving some resorts
and parks half empty, especially on weekend Sunday nights. Monday or Tuesday
are good days to begin your outing if you want to be alone.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
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<b style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUZjOlgAHa3mA0LD4z0L6Byq3V8mW8tI5SB90voJ5Cb9nTic0YNizIaTSpTh41_fk97Sa9U8MwGB_7yw3YT6cRIh8PIT5BxRLoxGo2V38thvexCiBZmgnwyV6LRYHnvLhYkf20USu521Q/s1600/DSCF5164.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Roche Harbor on the 4th of July" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUZjOlgAHa3mA0LD4z0L6Byq3V8mW8tI5SB90voJ5Cb9nTic0YNizIaTSpTh41_fk97Sa9U8MwGB_7yw3YT6cRIh8PIT5BxRLoxGo2V38thvexCiBZmgnwyV6LRYHnvLhYkf20USu521Q/w640-h480/DSCF5164.JPG" title="Roche Harbor 4th of July" width="640" /></a></b></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 10pt;">Roche
Harbor 4th of July balloon contest for kids in dinghys</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjYE7jR0vSslx20S0_ncVVIwFuq_osIGIIQdwVrJYNpqn-_N4Ue67A4ujUD4X6Hh8UGciWUzcRNWJsV114ki-Llr4Nt4EhvaG_gBVUk625W5BP_4KmI3LHZ5UR3MNTjsN7rwL76uqMfXI/s1600/DSCF5170.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Roche Harbor full marina" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjYE7jR0vSslx20S0_ncVVIwFuq_osIGIIQdwVrJYNpqn-_N4Ue67A4ujUD4X6Hh8UGciWUzcRNWJsV114ki-Llr4Nt4EhvaG_gBVUk625W5BP_4KmI3LHZ5UR3MNTjsN7rwL76uqMfXI/w640-h480/DSCF5170.JPG" title="Roche Harbor full marina" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="color: black; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><b><span style="color: black; font-size: 7.5pt;">yes, there was room for more, lots more</span></b></b><br />
<b style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></b>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Expenses:</span></b></div>
</div>
</div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">DNR buoys are free
(Cypress Island) State Park buoys are $10, many park floats are 50 cents a
foot, Marinas charge between 75 cents and $2 a foot. (2010 prices - expect modest increases) Gasoline is a little
more expensive than on land, but not much more. Food, groceries, ice are
just a little more than the mainland but very fair priced overall.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">How many days to plan:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Plan a minimum of four
days, but up to two weeks depending on what you like to do. (I like to sit on
the dock at Jones Island and read my book between naps and walks, then I make a
campfire in a empty tent site and cook Kielbasa followed by a glass of wine.
Then retire to my boat for a good nights sleep. The next day, do it
again)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Salt Water:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Salt water drys sticky
and does not suds up well with soap, you will get it all over you and your
boat, count on it. After a week you will look forward to a shower.
Your boat will be covered with salt crystals. Most marinas
have little water and don't want you washing your boat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Squalicum Harbor in
Bellingham has boat and trailer fresh water wash-down hoses in the parking lot.
You should use them each time you dunk your trailer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Provisions:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">For the most part you
will want to provision before you leave on the boat. Anacortes and
Bellingham have all the big stores and each has a West Marine store. All
the resorts and towns have grocery stores, if you drive a fast
boat, supply's may be only minutes away, putt putt's should work a
store visit into your circuit. I say circuit because most cruisers will
follow a circle of some sort trying to hit many stops. We find that ice
needs renewing after four days, so a stop over at Friday Harbor, Deer Harbor,
Roche Harbor, Blakely's, or Orcas landing fits the bill. All these places
except Orcas, have gas and showers. Showers will cost a handful of
quarters so be quick or be poor. Cold showers are free.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Garbage:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">All the parks are pack
it in and pack it out, the marinas have dumpsters. If you are new to boat
camping you will find garbage to be a pain because you are not used to storing
everything in your boat. Little things like empty water bottles suddenly
take space you don't have. You must give careful thought to what your
bringing, and the garbage it will generate. We don't use disposable
bottles, minimize pop consumption, and try to have campfires to burn burnable
trash. It is against the law to toss anything, (even a apple core) in the
water.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Animals:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Your dogs must be on a
leash, period, everywhere. Raccoon's are on all islands and will
climb right into your boat or kayak in the daytime if you let them. Deer
are all over too, but they shy away, except on Jones Island where you can hand
feed them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Otters live under most
floats and docks, they will crawl all over your boat, get into things and make
a mess. Otters will mark their territory by pooing on your stuff, coiled dock lines are a favorite and not very cute.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Bathrooms:</span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">All the parks have nice
composting toilets, (each island mentioned for overnight is a park) the rangers
service all parks on a regular basis. You will be pleasantly surprised at
how clean the facilities are.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="background-color: #99ff00; color: #cc0000; font-size: 13.5pt;"> Where
to launch </span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #8e6126; font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Squalicum Harbor in
Bellingham is probably the best of all places. At Squalicum you will find a
four lane all tide all hours ramp with floats. There is a freshwater wash down
area, truck and trailer parking is free for long term or short term stays. The
guest docks are 75 cents a foot</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Cap Sante in Anacortes
has a sling hoist and a travel lift for bigger boats. They can step your mast
for a fee. You probably should book your launching in advance and then be
prepared for delays. Check for hours of operation, parking fees are charged for
trailers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Washington Park is a
city park in Anacortes, the ramp is exposed to the strait, has a float and
sometimes is covered with sand. Parking is limited and signs warn you to
make sure you have a space before launching. On weekends they fill up.
They also have a campground onsite which may work into some people's
plans. (if you have a fast boat, camp at Washington Park and make day trips to
the islands coming back each night)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Cornet Bay at Deception
Pass State Park, the ramp is four lanes with floats and lots of pay parking.
The dock adjacent to the ramp has plenty of room to overnight, on shore
are some so so bathrooms and quarter pay showers. Parking is $10 each 24 hours.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Ramps are in
most cities, but are further away, you might consider, Twin Bridges (ick), Oak
Harbor, or La Conner.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Even if your boat is
fast, do not consider Port Angeles, or Port Townsend or any launches
across the Strait of Juan De Fuca because weather and sea conditions may ruin
your vacation. Leave crossing Juan De Fuca for another trip.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="background-color: #99ff00; color: #cc0000; font-size: 13.5pt;"> Parks,
Parks, Parks </span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">This a partial list of lesser known islands and parks I judged to be of value and worth a visit when cruising,
resorts are not included:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">James Island, Jones
Island, Sucia, Matia, Patos, Stuart, Cypress, Saddlebag, Obstruction
Pass, Spencer Spit, Odlin County Park, Doe Island (closed), Deception Pass.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="background-color: lime;"> Suggested
80 mile Itinerary (5+ days) starts right here. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYgujVn3yofF8Kvj9KisXhVAcRtsRhFfZ3LbQfKyB8WapyKZjfK89G9Jug1fhMz8sTbO1MpgQshRgj8_EKLj1WUigetnILa7zA5aL91SbwGoRWK8fMifBZA9KQxpyk4iWLFTAUkzNeBK4/s1600/Bellingham+to+Jones+Island+and+back+via+James+Island-1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="nine day intinerary around the San Juan Islands" border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYgujVn3yofF8Kvj9KisXhVAcRtsRhFfZ3LbQfKyB8WapyKZjfK89G9Jug1fhMz8sTbO1MpgQshRgj8_EKLj1WUigetnILa7zA5aL91SbwGoRWK8fMifBZA9KQxpyk4iWLFTAUkzNeBK4/w640-h476/Bellingham+to+Jones+Island+and+back+via+James+Island-1.JPG" title="nine day intinerary around the San Juan Islands" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="background-color: #99ff00; color: #cc0000; font-size: 13.5pt;"> Lets
start this cruise in Bellingham at Squalicum Harbor </span></b><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: lime; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"> Day # 1 </span></span><span style="color: #8e6126; font-size: 13.5pt; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><b>You arrive late
in day and launch boat, (don't forget to hose down the trailer) then secure a
space at the overnight dock and pay at the self pay kiosk. Bathrooms,
showers, restaurants are all on site for you to use, now park the trailer
and drive into town (ten minutes) and shop for all those last minute
provisions. (Costco, Walmart, Fred Meyer,. etc.) Eat dinner out or come back to
boat for a Barbecue, and your first night on board. It is ill advised to cast off late in the day or at dusk. NAVIGATING IN THE DARK IS NO VACATION FOR NEWBIES!</b><span style="color: #8e6126; font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="background-color: #04ff00;">Day # 2 </span> Cast off
for Cypress Island, leave early or late it doesn't matter, (you're now on Island
time) Bellingham Bay should be good sailing, make your way to Inati Bay for a
quick look, or anchor for lunch. Head for Pelican Beach on Cypress Island, grab
a free buoy or anchor, there's no docks on Cypress. If for some reason
you can't stay at Pelican Beach, no problem just motor south about one half
mile and tie up at Eagle Harbor where you will find 16 more free buoys and lots
of anchor room. Pelican Beach has a steep gravel (90% skipping stones) beach
suitable for dinghy's at all tides. On shore are camp sites, campfire
rings and bathrooms. If you have some daylight, take a quick hike on the
Islands trail system.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="background-color: #04ff00;">Day # 3 </span> You may
cast off for Matia but I suggest you stay put and hike up to Eagle Cliff, on
your way back detour to Smugglers cove on the Rosario Strait side of Cypress
(don't forget your camera, it will be worth it) If you want to spend another
day hiking you can hike the ten miles or so to Cypress lake and the old
airstrip. Back at the boat, relax, but be sure to go ashore and mingle with the
kayakers, wrap up the day with a sunset campfire with s'mores and drinks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="background-color: #04ff00;">Day # 4 </span> Rise and
shine, say goodbye to Pelican Beach and head for Matia Island. The current may
be against you, if you have a puttster boat you should wait for the tide
change, then get a free ride all the way, remember your on Island time now.
On your way to Matia, swing into either side of Clark Island for a quick
dinghy ride to shore and lunch stop. Clark has anchor buoys and a campsite on shore, but doesn't get much use probably because it's not that cool of a place and has no trail system).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">When you get to Matia,
run straight to the cove on the far west end and hopefully get a spot at the
little four boat dock, there are a couple anchor buoys and room for a few
anchors to be dropped. If for some reason you can't stay at
Matia, that's OK, simply move on to Sucia. Sucia is only an hour
further and has unlimited room. Matia is a little gem and should not be
missed, there is a cove on the east end where you can anchor if the west end
cove is full. On shore are the standard state park composting toilets and
a great trail taking you through a rain forest setting. </span><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"> Unfortunately campfires are not
allowed and pets may not use the Matia trails. </span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">However -- If foul weather, fog,
high seas, or beach combing keep me in port, Matia is where I want to be.
It is easy to spend quality, quiet, leisure time.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="background-color: #04ff00;">Day #5 </span> Pry yourself away
from Matia and set course for close by Echo Bay or Fossil Bay on Sucia Island.
Sucia has many, many bays where you can find good anchoring plus a host
of buoys and linear tie ups. (Fossil Bay has two docks) It is easy to spend several days exploring
the trail system on Sucia. You can spend some more days exploring by
dinghy. For many, Sucia is the ultimate destination, and boat clubs
routinely have gatherings. (rendezvous)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="background-color: #04ff00;">Day # 6</span> (or day # 12 if
you've been taking my suggestions) check your tide table and up anchor when a
favorable current will assist you, then set course for Jones Island, home of
the famous tame pygmy deer you can pet, feeding them is frowned upon. On the way to Jones cut over
to West Beach Resort on Orcas Island. Tie up at the dock and enjoy a
waffle ice cream cone from the small store. You can also pick up ice,
groceries and gas. At Jones Island sail straight into the north cove and
grab a spot at the dock, the dock holds six to ten boats depending on size, if
no dock space, there are half a dozen buoys and plenty of anchor room. Jones is
a favorite spot for day visitors and kayaker's from Deer Harbor, expect boats to
come and go, be ready to move to the dock should a space open up. The
cove at Jones is very protected and is a great place to weather a
storm. Hiking and tide pooling are awesome. On shore are lots of
campsites, running water, and a great shoreline trail. Deer wander around and
may be approached. ( they say,"don't feed the animals, they will come to
expect it, then starve when you leave," (phooey) these deer have got it great) There are apple trees,
help yourself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Ck8IHtlSso1rR0tZxGwlTmi8ScDfW_yg4bhk6dW6dAcCwH2Tx_KD9zNIYx-ShNM2Wx3ZxllmER9CgctsKdmFohDW276ATufqukplEEUacmEfvwdibYhhIQfQmnMnkVvbYZBh02FoGPg/s1600/jones+island+deer.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="tame pygmy deer on Jones Island" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Ck8IHtlSso1rR0tZxGwlTmi8ScDfW_yg4bhk6dW6dAcCwH2Tx_KD9zNIYx-ShNM2Wx3ZxllmER9CgctsKdmFohDW276ATufqukplEEUacmEfvwdibYhhIQfQmnMnkVvbYZBh02FoGPg/w640-h480/jones+island+deer.JPG" title="tame pygmy deer on Jones Island" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="background-color: #04ff00;">Day # 7 </span> It is hard
to leave a place you enjoy, and most likely will have met some new friends too.
Jones is a place you will come back to again and again, but for now, cast off
to the fair winds, leave Jones Island and set sail for Deer Harbor.
Its just a short run to Deer Harbor on Orcas Island, you can skip this
stop, but should you need anything, the on the water resorts store and deli has what
you want including overnight slips, gas, etc. You can also skip the next stop
at Orcas landing, but it is right on the way, the docking is easy, so why not
stop for a few minutes. A few feet up the plank at Orcas, you will find a
gift shop, restaurant, a park for lunch, public bathrooms with <i><u>running
water, wahoo</u></i>. The ferry lands here and is a good place to watch them
coming and going. Now get going for James Island our
next overnight-er is still a long way to motor. You probably
will have some adverse currents that can't be avoided since leaving Jones, the
good news is that the currents are less on the inside than they were out in the
straits. At this point in the trip you could detour and stay at Friday Harbor or
Rosario, or skip James and head straight for Bellingham to end your cruise. If big city life at Friday Harbor doesn't beckon you, go to James for your last night in the San Juans. At James is a small
four boat dock and a cove to anchor. The cove on the Rosario Strait side has some buoys. James has a shoreline trail plus two
summits you can hike. On shore are bathrooms, campsites with fire pits.
Otters and raccoons are a real nuisance on James, they will
leave muddy footprints all over your boat, make sure your cooler is latched or tied shut. From James you may spot orcas in Rosario Strait.</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Wind song Anchored at James Island" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiC8vBxPiJ-JEqL9CZdLSashasweanjYoYa_YsuCB4wGp3O4liRe8Iyajm32FAoe5b_gcuF9wb1M7pD6BsqpdNEWgIP_qej_hd4cfyuIQF5_Xpm7TjWAAgL7o0-QYWI_FeyklyvPdzw1U/w640-h480/DSCF4842.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Wind song Anchored at James Island" width="640" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wind Song anchored off Kayak campsite at James Island</td></tr></tbody></table>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="background-color: #04ff00;">Day # 8 </span>Study your tides
and currents, time your departure properly and you may get a free ride all the
way to Squalicum Harbor. With a little luck the wind in Rosario Strait
and Bellingham Bay will team up for a fast broad reach all the way to
the guest dock. When you arrive back at Squalicum late in the day, plan
on spending your last night on board but take a long hot shower ashore. The boat basin never closes and
they have three or more areas for transient boaters with self pay kiosks. As a
last resort you can always go get your trailer and sleep aboard in the parking lot. (they don't </b></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>officially</b></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><b> allow sleeping in parking lot)</b></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: medium;"><b>The official transient boater policy at both Friday Harbor and Squalicum Harbor is that they never turn boaters away, they will always find room. If you arrive after office hours (about 5-6pm) contact security for guidance.</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="background-color: #04ff00;">Day # 9 </span>Load up and drive for
home, while driving make plans for your next trip to the San Juans, you're no
longer a first timer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #99ff00; color: #cc0000; font-size: 18px;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #99ff00; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-size: 18px;"> </span><span style="background-color: #99ff00; color: #cc0000; font-size: 18px;"> <b><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"> Swinomish
Channel and Deception Pass</span> </b> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 18px;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 13.5pt;">
</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"> Oh boy, here's a love
hate relationship for sure, although I think most would swing towards love
after some wild (fun for some) experiences.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Scroll back up to the
map at the very top and familiarize yourself with Deception Pass and
Swinomish channel. When heading north, Deception Pass provides quick
access to Juan De Fuca Strait and the San Juans, but along with that you get
big open water to cross, the potential for heavy seas and nasty pea soup fog.
Plus the pass itself may be impassable to slow boats if the current is against
you. Many years ago, along comes the Corp of Army Engineers, and cuts a
channel through to Padilla Bay creating Swinomish Channel and a neat
bypass route to avoid the aforementioned nastiness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Note: </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"> Some people coming
from Seattle or even Olympia will travel the other side of Whidbey Island, past
Port Townsend and out into the Strait of Juan De Fuca on their way north. That
is just fine, but they deal with commercial traffic, heavier seas, and could
run smack into a wall of fog with no way around. Deception Pass, like everywhere, is subject to
two high tides, two low tides every day and the resulting currents that
accompany tide changes. Because some tidal changes are huge and some not
so huge, the pass will see fast and not so fast currents (0-9 mph) along with
standing waves that are less big at times, and then much much bigger (1ft and
up+++) when the wind blows the other way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"> Don't be scared away,
the scenery is spectacular and well worth your visit, just consult your tide
tables and arrange to go through near low or high tide (slack water) the water
will be still, flat, calm, and glossy smooth as silk. Fog is another
thing and does not respect tides or your
schedule, remember your on island time, your schedule is, and should
be subject to change. Many times the fog will hover at the pass and
outside all the way to the islands, while inside is sunny, sometimes for days.
Transiting the pass is a five minute 1,000 foot ride, but if you miss your time
slot you may have a 4+ hour wait. Waiting it out at Cornet Bay (Deception Pass
State Park) is not a bad thing, our son once talked us into staying there two
extra days. (it's an easy place to hang around)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"> Okay, now about Swinomish
channel, it's about 11 miles long and supposed to be dredged to a 12 foot
channel depth. The south entrance is only 5 or 6 miles from
Deception Pass, so when heading north or launching at Cornet Bay, it is easy to
make a final decision of which way to go after you arrive in area. If
your destination is the Bellingham Bay area or Anacortes, the channel may be
your first/best choice, and visiting La Conner along the way is a major
plus anyway. (you can overnight, get gas and provisions at La Conner) I personally like using the channel because it is dependable. Rosario Strait is like a crazy relative, throwing fits once in awhile, and making you wish you were somewhere else.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"> Lets not forget the
current in Swinomish Channel, if your driving a puttster, the current may take
half your speed away, or double your sog (speed over ground). Locals joking, have told me that the current
flows northward for 23 hours and south for only 1 hr, and no one knows when
that hour is. My experience has been that the current seems to be against
me both ways, but after stopping in La Conner for ice cream, I don't care.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 13.5pt; font-weight: bold;"> That's it, I have tried to give you some basic answers to help get you going. If some little thing is holding you back and you need an answer, you may e-mail me or - post a comment so others may benefit.</span></div>
</div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">John <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Washington, USA48.603857608232545 -122.9370117187547.256348608232543 -125.51879871875 49.951366608232547 -120.35522471875tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1673451460430219573.post-91051301002221661052023-07-13T12:23:00.007-07:002023-10-11T18:31:45.717-07:00Planning your San Juan Island's cruise is as easy as two things.<p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Many
moons and several magnificent sunsets had passed when I finally embarked on the
grand adventure of planning a summer trip to the enchanting San Juan Islands.
However, fate had a different plan in store for me. Due to circumstances, we
found ourselves without a vessel. We were at Yellowstone National Park, gazing
at the late spring snows. Time was slipping away, and our planned departure
date to the San Juan’s was fast approaching, yet we were still boatless. A
thousand miles away from home in a campground full of bears, I resorted to
browsing Craigslist on my laptop while clutching my cell phone in hand. It was
then that I stumbled upon a boat for sale posting that caught my attention.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">To
my surprise, the boat in question was of the type I had previously owned. The
price was right, and a surge of confidence swept over me. I made a daring
decision to promise to buy it sight unseen upon our return in two weeks.
However, there was a hitch. The seller had just embarked on their own vacation
and would not be back for another three weeks. Oh, dear! That meant they would
only be back a week before our planned departure for the San Juans. Time seemed
to be playing a cruel game with our hopes.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Fast
forward three weeks later, and I found myself standing at the seller's
doorstep, armed with cash and eager to drive away with our trusted vessel for
the San Juan Islands. Back at home with our new boat and trailer, time was
short, and I could only manage a few essential tasks. I diligently checked and
greased the bearings, stepped and un-stepped the mast, and on the eve of our
departure, I hurriedly took her for a test run in the river to gauge the
motor's performance. As fate would have it, the 7.5 Honda motor ran smoothly
for ten minutes before suddenly quitting. I drifted back towards the ramp in semi-darkness.
Moments before hauling her out, I tried the motor once more, and lo and behold,
it roared back to life. Quite perplexing, indeed.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Undeterred
by this glitch, we embarked on our journey to Anacortes the following day. Upon
launching at Twin Bridges on the Swinomish Channel, the motor graced us with
its smooth-running presence just long enough to steer us away from the dock and
set a course for Padilla Bay before surrendering once more. Still undeterred,
we continued our voyage under sail, finally anchoring at Pelican Beach on
Cypress Island. There, we reveled in the joys of a magnificent beach fire
before retiring for the night. Throughout the evening, my mind couldn't help
but wonder if the motor would start the next morning and if the capricious
currents and winds would carry us to our next destination at Matia or Sucia.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">But
enough of my ramblings. We spent a glorious week in the San Juan Islands, and
to our relief, the motor never faltered again. It proved to be a reliable
workhorse that faithfully served us on several more boating expeditions in the
years to come. The initial mystery of its temporary failure remained unresolved.
As soon as we returned home, with plenty of summer still ahead, I wasted no
time in placing a Craigslist ad to sell the boat. I recouped my entire
investment, and as a bonus, I held onto the now trusty Honda outboard for many
years afterward.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Reflecting
upon this adventure, it became evident to me that setting a firm departure date
was the catalyst that made the trip possible. Of course, we took a gamble with
an unknown boat, motor, and rigging. However, I had the foresight to equip ourselves
with basic essential gear: PFD’s, a bucket, a portable GPS, a handheld radio, a
cell phone, and a paper chart. I had done my homework and discovered that the
boat ramp offered long-term parking for a modest fee of $8 per day. With all
the pieces falling into place, we made our dream of a San Juan vacation cruise
a reality.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">So,
my advice to all you dreamers longing for a San Juan vacation cruise is simple
yet crucial: Mark your calendar this instant. Purchase a paper chart or just a map and
proudly display it on a wall where it will catch your eye everyday. Trust
me, with these two actions as your guiding stars, everything else will
naturally fall into place. You'll see your dream materialize before your very
eyes.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Easy Itinerary for spur of the moment cruise ><a href="http://www.sailingthesanjuans.com/2015/05/san-juans-islands-where-launch-ramps-boat-sail-places-things-travel-advice-anchor-docks-parks-camp-visit-itinerary-charts-maps-bellingham-anacortes-cap-sante-laconner-fuel-marina-resort-washington-swinomish-channel-cornet-bay-deception-pass-strait-.html" target="_blank">Fast track to the San Juans</a></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRr29-00zGhx6bkt5kjhFLI63bBI-YYbE_ueWjevmDG4fRwQmCl5I8cfjJFcgNsWOtsErgC-our0K1bUASFNGxLxiSg5u5C8ULvaUx0GPtsvIjOrcYO-xfXWO6mKwmpiubu9vLQeaI7NWE4gXmeFQuqgFo_cMalSV7vpAjKfJ_6l4kGAegYdGn9Ano5qo/s1600/DSCF0642.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Friday Harbor Marina" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRr29-00zGhx6bkt5kjhFLI63bBI-YYbE_ueWjevmDG4fRwQmCl5I8cfjJFcgNsWOtsErgC-our0K1bUASFNGxLxiSg5u5C8ULvaUx0GPtsvIjOrcYO-xfXWO6mKwmpiubu9vLQeaI7NWE4gXmeFQuqgFo_cMalSV7vpAjKfJ_6l4kGAegYdGn9Ano5qo/w640-h480/DSCF0642.JPG" title="Friday Harbor Marina" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Friday Harbor Marina</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1673451460430219573.post-2130678684011888402023-06-15T09:16:00.003-07:002023-07-07T08:09:32.284-07:00 What is the Best Dinghy for Cruisers in the San Juan Islands? The Dinghy Dilemma!<span style="font-size: x-large;"> W</span>e all know asking "What's the best dinghy" is a loaded question; boaters can be passionate when it comes to equipment choices. Based on my own frugal, <i>sailing/boating should be affordable philosophy </i>"The best dinghy is the one you already own." Whoa now, lets start listing exceptions. I don't mean too small, too big, leaky, unsafe, etc. etc. I mean a basic dinghy, that only has to float you and your stuff to shore.<br />
<br />
In keeping with this blogs purpose to help first timers get to the San Juans, lets talk reality.<br />
<br />
Here are ten or more irrefutable truths about dinghies.<br />
<ul>
<li>You must have a dinghy to go ashore at most parks, because you can't count on there being room at the dock. Many docks have room for only four boats. Many parks have no dock.</li>
<li>You don't need a dinghy if you only go to resorts and marinas.</li>
<li>You will probably tow your dinghy everywhere you go.</li>
<li>You may not use it at all (makes you wish you left it home).</li>
<li>If you need it you will be thankful you brought it with you.</li>
<li>There is no place you will go that you can't drag your dinghy along.</li>
<li>Dinghies may be major status symbols among some groups.</li>
<li>Towing a dinghy slows you down and uses fuel</li>
<li>You may run over your tow line and foul your prop or rudder (use a floating tow line).</li>
<li>Certain people have a hard time climbing into or out of a dinghy alongside their boat.</li>
<li>Children need a dinghy.</li>
</ul>
<div>
Okay, that list is far from complete but highlights some points. Yes you need a dinghy, even if you can beach your boat, there are simply too many limitations and problems with beaching your water borne camper. Lets say for example you rush to shore to use the bathroom at one of the great State Parks. In the ten minutes you're ashore, a falling tide could leave you high and dry. With a dinghy you simply pick it up and carry it back to the water. You need a two or three person dinghy, a one person craft can't ferry others to shore. When using dinghies, a multi hull catamaran style such as a <i>Livingston </i>is very stable, rows well, beaches easy, and can carry big cargoes, however when towed they track to one side, hunt back and forth, forcing you to keep them on a very short leash. A conventional V hull dinghy is tipsy crawling over the bow on the beach, carry's less cargo, but rows very nice and will tow directly behind you on a long or short leash. Inflatables can carry enormous loads, some (not all) row poorly and some create so much drag they are impossible to tow. Just about all dinghies can be outfitted with an outboard motor, but you really don't need one for simple cruising in the San Juan Islands unless you plan on doing miles of shoreline exploring.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In the summer season you probably wont see any big dinghy capsizing waves, but storms and adverse winds can churn up anywhere anytime, my dinghy floats when swamped, but not with the outboard, with the outboard bolted to the transom it's straight to the bottom or at least as far down as my tow line is long. Inflatables may be swamped without damage or sinking, which is something to think about if your main boat is not up to the challenge, and could itself be sunk somehow.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrECyZW2_iF3MLdTIlURP2Hc_U7TXfuADhxn2B9skQKuJJG0edWVyMuEwx_jgg6zdrso20Uzq_p_gS8ObtkfVCYsSTzV5g7T_hgI7GSD9kPBri4OlSIWe1owICL51rIlIrztWV6cVFnrk/s1600/P7080084.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Livingston Dinghy, one of five best shore boats" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrECyZW2_iF3MLdTIlURP2Hc_U7TXfuADhxn2B9skQKuJJG0edWVyMuEwx_jgg6zdrso20Uzq_p_gS8ObtkfVCYsSTzV5g7T_hgI7GSD9kPBri4OlSIWe1owICL51rIlIrztWV6cVFnrk/w640-h480/P7080084.JPG" title="best dinghy for the San Juans" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Livingston dinghy is nine feet long and a tad bit overloaded</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqxRhUaxRgWgHDH502hHI0RXS-J2y-paMR1_geymjW2GdFELmueDnDZ0M5Fq8BbpQ884vQXvcZoN48EiWsh6Ox7SlguDNKf4wZgacvFQXxmyD9KxVTLcKWPij0nSrCIzYkmGGBI5EbHmI/s1600/P7100209.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Two man inflatable kayak for cheap shore boat in the San Juan Islands" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqxRhUaxRgWgHDH502hHI0RXS-J2y-paMR1_geymjW2GdFELmueDnDZ0M5Fq8BbpQ884vQXvcZoN48EiWsh6Ox7SlguDNKf4wZgacvFQXxmyD9KxVTLcKWPij0nSrCIzYkmGGBI5EbHmI/w400-h300/P7100209.JPG" title="Two man inflatable kayak for a San Juan Island dinghy" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This inflatable was $69 and holds two people</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4o7hP9TVmBafByPrG7beF9gA1XYlpFxJ-A37emsa5sh-2lQ_81vDBSE1SAxpk4w0lY7zInrUHHnpe97y90jAA20fd2F1xjnwZP7EWyOJ9XAMOUg7SnRTLooPdzSfSJveLn6o7oXgGBAg/s1600/DSCF1255.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4o7hP9TVmBafByPrG7beF9gA1XYlpFxJ-A37emsa5sh-2lQ_81vDBSE1SAxpk4w0lY7zInrUHHnpe97y90jAA20fd2F1xjnwZP7EWyOJ9XAMOUg7SnRTLooPdzSfSJveLn6o7oXgGBAg/s400/DSCF1255.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This inflatable stows on deck, or deflated stows below and carries three people. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
How about two dinghy's?<br />
If you have children that take off with the dinghy, they are effectively leaving you stranded on the boat or ashore. Well that's not going to happen you may say. I say, "what if they get hurt ashore and call you on the phone or radio for help? What do you do? What if they take off in the dinghy and it gets dark, what do you do? (swim)"<br />
Several years past I sent my bored and restless son (in the dinghy) to shore at dusk, telling him to invite himself to one of the many campfires we could see from the boat. He met some other boaters with kids and before you know it it was after 10:00 pm and very dark. His mother and I started to wonder what to do as we were stranded, and had no way to communicate with him. After a few minutes I took a strong flash light and blinked it into the darkness in the direction we thought he was last seen. A short while later he appeared at our transom asking if we wanted him or something. This little non event made me realize how handy a second dinghy would be, so we bought an inflatable kayak to stow below, just in case.<br />
<div>
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
10/13/13 update worth noting<br />
<a href="http://www.sailingthesanjuans.com/2013/10/my-new-sailing-dinghy-is-for-sale-yes.html" target="_blank">I'm selling the new sailing dinghy</a><br />
<br />
4/17/17 update on converting the 9' Livingston dinghy to sailing<br />
>> go to the do-it-yourself page and scroll way way way down to see the finished conversion << The dinghy conversion section is before the Bimini top on the cheap instructions and after the Boat acronyms if that helps you find it.<br />
<a href="http://www.sailingthesanjuans.com/p/doing-it-your-self-page.html" target="_blank">Livingston dinghy sailing conversion</a></div><div>
<br /></div><div>9/13/20 another dinghy update. Last winter I plunked down about a grand in boat bucks and bought a new inflatable. My criteria was as follows. First, it must be light enough for me to muscle it around onto and off of the cabin roof by myself. It must have two seats. I must be able to inflate and deflate it on the boat. I bought a 9.5 foot boat with aluminum seats, plywood transom and high pressure inflatable floor. Without seats, oars or pump, the rolled up package is about 4 feet long, 1.5 feet in diameter and weighs in at 73 pounds.</div><div><br /></div><div>Standing on the cabin roof, I was able to fully inflate the new boat and slide it into the water. Dragging it back up was much more work, even with two of us. Then we drove around for three days with the inflated boat on the roof. All in all I like the new boat and am happy with my choice.</div><div><br /></div><div>Testing complete, we deflated our new dinghy, rolled it up and headed for the San Juans. At the last minute before heading up the freeway, I put the Livingston back on it's swim step snap davits. I know my plan was to replace the Livingston with something more seaworthy but I decided to bring the new and the old anyway.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the San Juans we never inflated the new dinghy, and used the Livingston as usual. Now the new inflatable is sitting collecting dust in my boat shed. I used it once for one hour. I still have high hopes to somehow justify my purchase. I hope mice and squirrels don't chew on it in the meantime.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1673451460430219573.post-91730741703519366272023-06-01T12:12:00.015-07:002023-10-12T11:04:58.523-07:00How to Plan an Unforgettable San Juan Islands Vacation Boat Trip<p> </p><div style="border: 1pt solid rgb(217, 217, 227); mso-border-alt: solid #D9D9E3 .25pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in;">
<p style="border: none; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 15.0pt; margin: 15pt 0in; mso-border-alt: solid #D9D9E3 .25pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in; padding: 0in;"><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10.5pt;">Embarking
on an adventure begins with making a firm decision and setting a date. If
you're considering a San Juan Islands vacation boat trip, we offer sound advice
based on our many visits to these beautiful islands and villages.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="border: none; margin-bottom: 15.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 15.0pt; margin: 15pt 0in; mso-border-alt: solid #D9D9E3 .25pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in; padding: 0in;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7VmgVGV1BXd3jEFy2wQmVEyQUzVOoBdQhC3bV6nQMS6CGuwvvKyT_0nsXF_bRIdIu4dzF6Y_FChO0RPJI7CQ_e1Y2vYgshMyMOYuepHO96E9wcNcwZUZ82rLY-2alslkc_ZQtveoNCXOugnmk3tf7Gzw-HWuBIZgWb1ts-zGfTaLwMoI5niyusgYQBr8/s3264/P7130389.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Washington Park launch ramp" border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7VmgVGV1BXd3jEFy2wQmVEyQUzVOoBdQhC3bV6nQMS6CGuwvvKyT_0nsXF_bRIdIu4dzF6Y_FChO0RPJI7CQ_e1Y2vYgshMyMOYuepHO96E9wcNcwZUZ82rLY-2alslkc_ZQtveoNCXOugnmk3tf7Gzw-HWuBIZgWb1ts-zGfTaLwMoI5niyusgYQBr8/w400-h300/P7130389.JPG" title="Washington Park launch ramp" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Washington Park ramp</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10.5pt;"><br /></span><p></p>
</div>
<div style="border: 1pt solid rgb(217, 217, 227); margin-left: 0.25in; margin-right: 0in; mso-border-alt: solid #D9D9E3 .25pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 0in 5pt;">
<p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: none; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in; mso-border-alt: solid #D9D9E3 .25pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 5.0pt; padding: 0in; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Segoe UI";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10.5pt;">Setting
the Perfect Date: Choosing the right time for your trip requires careful
consideration. We have traveled throughout the San Juans from early spring to
late fall, and each month offers a unique experience. July and August offer the
best weather and blooming flowers but also attract the most visitors. May and
June may bring cooler and wetter days, but they also offer excellent sailing
winds and the chance to see newborn fawns. September and October may bring
foggy days, especially near Deception Pass and the Strait of Juan De Fuca, but
you might be rewarded with fewer crowds and wonderful weather. Keep in mind
that early spring and late fall may find some businesses and parks closed or
partially operational. It's essential to make inquiries to ensure it doesn't
affect your plans.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: none; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in; mso-border-alt: solid #D9D9E3 .25pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 5.0pt; padding: 0in; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Segoe UI";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10.5pt;">Where
to Start: The answer to this question varies for each boater, but there are a
few common options. If you're coming by boat from Seattle or the Puget Sound
area, you'll need to go around Whidbey Island through either Admiralty Inlet
and Port Townsend or Deception Pass. Many skippers prefer Deception Pass due to
calmer waters and no commercial shipping. The Deception Pass route also allows
for a visit to Cornet Bay or a detour through Swinomish Channel to explore La
Conner and Anacortes. Although Port Townsend is an option, personally, I
recommend choosing La Conner and Cornet Bay.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: none; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in; mso-border-alt: solid #D9D9E3 .25pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 5.0pt; padding: 0in; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Segoe UI";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10.5pt;">Trailering
Boat Arrival Options: Most boaters arrive with their boats on trailers. To find
suitable ramps for launching, you can refer to this comprehensive list: (<a href="http://www.sailingthesanjuans.com/p/taking-your-boat-for-camping-vacation.html" style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--tw-prose-links); text-underline-offset: 2px;" target="_new"><span style="border: 1pt solid rgb(217, 217, 227); mso-border-alt: solid #D9D9E3 .25pt; padding: 0in;">http://www.sailingthesanjuans.com/p/taking-your-boat-for-camping-vacation.html</span></a>).
However, only three ramps are typically preferred: Squalicum Harbor in
Bellingham, Cornet Bay at Deception Pass Park, and Washington Park in
Anacortes. Cap Sante Marina in Anacortes offers a travel lift hoist but no
ramp. Washington Park is the closest to the San Juans and allows for a quick
start, but parking may be limited during peak times. Parking at Cornet Bay and
Squalicum Harbor is always readily available. We have utilized all three ramps
multiple times, and our choice depends on our destination and who accompanies
us. Sometimes, dropping off children at Washington Park is convenient if they
need to return home early. Personally, I enjoy the Deception Pass area, so if
our agenda is clear, Cornet Bay is our preferred choice. Note: I do not
recommend taking a ferry to the islands with plans to launch at any of the
county ramps. The ramps are inferior, and most don't allow overnight parking.
An exception may be small skiffs or kayakers.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: none; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in; mso-border-alt: solid #D9D9E3 .25pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 5.0pt; padding: 0in; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Segoe UI";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10.5pt;">Rest
After Travel: If you've traveled a long distance and then rigged and splashed
the boat, chances are you are exhausted, and it is getting late. It's advisable
to spend the first night at a nearby dock or location. Both Cornet Bay and
Squalicum Harbor offer transient docks next to the launch ramps. Note that
Washington Park only offers a launch dock and is not suitable for overnight
stays. Anchoring out front in exposed Guemes Channel, while very doable, will
not be much fun due to the many wakes. Nearby welcoming places like James's
Island, Cypress Head, or Saddlebag Island, located about four miles away, offer
great options depending on your route. Keep in mind that anchoring requires a
dinghy to reach the shore. Alternatively, last summer, we tried inflatable
paddleboards instead of a dinghy, but their usefulness as a full-time dinghy
substitute is still uncertain.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: none; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in; mso-border-alt: solid #D9D9E3 .25pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 5.0pt; padding: 0in; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Segoe UI";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10.5pt;">Planning
Your Itinerary: Your itinerary doesn't have to be rigid, with specific stops
for each minute or day. It's more enjoyable to have a rough idea and a list of
preferred stops. For example, you might want to have a late lunch and buy ice
and groceries at Friday Harbor, but you can do the same at Lopez Village, Roche
Harbor, or Eastsound. Consider visiting stores when your ice melts on day two
or three and take the opportunity to enjoy a hot shower. Most villages and
marinas offer groceries, fuel, and shower facilities. Don't worry about being
turned away as ample anchorage is available throughout the islands. Consider
saving fuel and time by following a great circle route and avoiding
backtracking. Visit the outer points early while you still have ice and snacks,
and then recharge in the villages. Allowing seven days for your trip is ideal,
as anything less might feel rushed, while more time will be well spent.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: none; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in; mso-border-alt: solid #D9D9E3 .25pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 5.0pt; padding: 0in; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Segoe UI";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10.5pt;">Additional
Excursions: Don't miss out on Butchart Gardens and Victoria; both can be
day-only or overnight additions to your San Juan Islands trip. While
reservations aren't necessary, make sure to carry your passports for re-entry
into the US.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: none; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.25in; mso-border-alt: solid #D9D9E3 .25pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 5.0pt; padding: 0in; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Segoe UI";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10.5pt;">Easy
Quick Itinerary:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<ul style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; box-sizing: border-box; display: flex; flex-direction: column; margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: none; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.25in; min-height: 28px; mso-border-alt: solid #D9D9E3 .25pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 5.0pt; padding: 0in; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10.5pt;">Day 1: Launch
at Cornet Bay in Deception Pass Park, spend the night at the transient dock.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: none; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.25in; min-height: 28px; mso-border-alt: solid #D9D9E3 .25pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 5.0pt; padding: 0in; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10.5pt;">Day 2: Run to Jones Island, spend the night at anchor or dock.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: none; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.25in; min-height: 28px; mso-border-alt: solid #D9D9E3 .25pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 5.0pt; padding: 0in; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10.5pt;">Day 3: Run to
English Camp, hike up Young Hill, have lunch at Roche Harbor, and return
to Jones.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: none; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.25in; min-height: 28px; mso-border-alt: solid #D9D9E3 .25pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 5.0pt; padding: 0in; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10.5pt;">Day 4: Run to
Friday Harbor, have lunch and showers, buy groceries, and return to Jones.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: none; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.25in; min-height: 28px; mso-border-alt: solid #D9D9E3 .25pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 5.0pt; padding: 0in; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10.5pt;">Day 5: Run to
Stuart, hike to the lighthouse, and dock or anchor for the night.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: none; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.25in; min-height: 28px; mso-border-alt: solid #D9D9E3 .25pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 5.0pt; padding: 0in; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10.5pt;">Day 6: Run to
Sucia, anchor or dock for the night in Fossil Bay, hike to China caves and
Ewing Cove.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: none; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.25in; min-height: 28px; mso-border-alt: solid #D9D9E3 .25pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 5.0pt; padding: 0in; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10.5pt;">Day 7: Stop by
Saddlebag Park for a short hike, run through Swinomish Channel, have lunch
at La Conner, and arrive late back at Cornet Bay to spend the last night
at the dock.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div style="border: 1pt solid rgb(217, 217, 227); margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; mso-border-alt: solid #D9D9E3 .25pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 0in 5pt;">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-border-alt: solid #D9D9E3 .25pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 5.0pt; padding: 0in;"><span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="background: rgb(247, 247, 248); color: #374151;">By
following these guidelines, you'll be well-prepared to embark on an
unforgettable boat trip through the stunning San Juan Islands. Enjoy the
breathtaking beauty and create lasting memories.</span> Most of all, you will
have fun.<span face=""Segoe UI",sans-serif" style="font-size: 10.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-border-alt: solid #D9D9E3 .25pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 5.0pt; padding: 0in;">If you really want to take advantage of tides and currents, consider this guide</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-border-alt: solid #D9D9E3 .25pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 5.0pt; padding: 0in;"><a href="http://www.sailingthesanjuans.com/2019/02/san-juan-gulf-islands-current-atlas-tide-strait-Georgia-Haro-Rosario-juan-de-fuca-bay.html" target="_blank">San Juan Islands area current atlas</a><br /></p>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1673451460430219573.post-79453190710046890832023-04-24T10:55:00.010-07:002023-08-22T10:34:55.819-07:00I signed up with ChatGPT<p></p><br /><br /> Not sure, but I think this is artificial intelligence. <br /><br />I had and still have high hopes and expectations. <br /><br />At first, I thought, oh-boy, ChatGPT can write articles about the San Juan’s for me so I jumped in without any idea what to do or how to do it. <br /><br />I randomly chose James Island for my experiment and entered into the chat box, “create essay about James Island State Park, WA” <br /><br />I have pasted below the exact response created. Please take note, there are a bunch of errors and inaccurate reporting’s. Those of us familiar with James will spot the egregious miss-information right away. At the end of the essay, I noted some mistakes.<br /><br /><span style="color: #fcff01;">My Instructions for ChatGPT: “create essay about James Island State Park, WA”<br /><br />Results: <br /> <br /><br />James Island State Park is a breathtaking destination located in the state of Washington. The park, which spans 554 acres, is situated on the Strait of Juan de Fuca, offering visitors stunning views of the Olympic Mountains and the surrounding islands. In this essay, we will explore the history, features, and attractions of James Island State Park. <br /><br />The History of James Island State Park<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br />James Island State Park has a rich history that dates back to the early 1900s. The island was initially used as a quarantine station for people with communicable diseases, such as smallpox and tuberculosis. In 1918, the United States Public Health Service took control of the island and built a hospital to treat patients with these diseases. <br /><br />The island's ownership changed hands several times over the years, with the state of Washington acquiring it in 1978. The state then designated it as a state park in 1993, opening it up to the public. <br /><br />Features of James Island State Park <br /><br />James Island State Park is a unique destination that offers visitors a wide range of features and amenities. The park is home to a vast network of trails that wind through old-growth forests, meadows, and along the shoreline. Visitors can explore the park's natural beauty by hiking, biking, or horseback riding. <br /><br />The park's shoreline is also a popular attraction, with a long sandy beach perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. Visitors can also enjoy boating and fishing in the surrounding waters, which are abundant with marine life. <br /><br />The park has several picnic areas, complete with picnic tables and barbeque pits, making it a great spot for a family outing or a gathering with friends. The park also has a playground and a basketball court, providing visitors with even more recreational opportunities. <br /><br />Attractions at James Island State Park <br /><br />One of the main attractions at James Island State Park is the historic lighthouse, which was built in 1918 to guide ships through the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The lighthouse is not open to the public, but visitors can view it from the shore or from the water. <br /><br />Another popular attraction at the park is the James Island Marine State Park Campground. The campground has 12 campsites, all of which are located on the water's edge, offering stunning views of the surrounding islands and mountains. The campsites are equipped with picnic tables, fire pits, and vault toilets, providing visitors with a comfortable camping experience. <br /><br />Conclusion <br /><br />In conclusion, James Island State Park is a beautiful destination that offers visitors a wide range of features and attractions. From its historic lighthouse to its sandy beaches, the park has something for everyone. Whether you're looking for a relaxing day on the beach or an adventurous hike through the forest, James Island State Park is sure to provide you with an unforgettable experience. <br /><br /></span> <br /><br /><b>Okay, where do I start? After quickly reading the disappointing results I re-did (re-submitted) my instructions with no changes and got a different but also error prone yet nicely written essay that challenged my recent memory of James Island. <br /><br />I’ll list some mistakes. <br /><br />1. No lighthouse, nada, none, major goof <br /><br />2. Water’s edge campsites ??? maybe water view is a better choice. <br /><br />3. Breathtaking stunning views of Olympic Mountains, not sure but doubtful there is any view . I'll take a look next time I'm there.<br /><br />4. Situated on Strait of Juan de Fuca, no, Rosario Strait. <br /><br />5. Hospital for quarantine, this was way before I was born but where is the old foundation or pilings. <br /><br />6. Vast trail network, no, there are some trails but vast is a huge stretch. <br /><br />7. Biking is not going to happen, neither is horseback riding. <br /><br />8. Playground and basketball court, again, no such thing on James. <br /><br />Okay, that’s enough. When I re-submitted, I got some more goofy information. But, after much more submission tweaking and some obvious subtractions, I got a reasonable essay or article suitable for reading. <br /><br />I did similar test submissions for other favorite San Juan locations and got pretty much the same poor results. Since ChatGPT searches the internet for its information, I must assume that this bad error prone text is out there potentially misleading all of us. The scary part is that the ChatGPT writing is actually very good, making the misinformation very believable. <br /><br />I am sure I will rewrite this short-sighted impulse driven post, but I think for the time being we should be very very careful what we believe lest we go looking for a lighthouse that is not there.<br /><br />Meanwhile you can search James Island in this sites home page search box and get some actual real first hand information you can use right now. Most likely this post will come up first in the results - oops!</b><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1673451460430219573.post-76173486016461060502023-03-30T12:45:00.004-07:002023-10-13T11:53:02.950-07:00Quick distance chart from where you are to where you want to be in the San Juan IslandsFirst published 7/30/2016 <span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><div><span style="font-size: x-large;">E</span>very skipper needs to know how far it is from A to B.<br />
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Here's a handy chart with the work already done, the distances are via the shortest route.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiuyccZpLgwENjR8NEJupVBXiZzj74Pequ9EnF5xMLRR281Vlcod6eZcNYEGQNhvz_RFbdG40zgZvQAzhNYivLFvJx045Wft4-ehMgYgeNiwl6fgRVth8G_oJzj0L-eCg1_-u5cabgpbQ/s1600/mileage+chart+3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Chart showing distance in miles between the san Juan's popular stops" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiuyccZpLgwENjR8NEJupVBXiZzj74Pequ9EnF5xMLRR281Vlcod6eZcNYEGQNhvz_RFbdG40zgZvQAzhNYivLFvJx045Wft4-ehMgYgeNiwl6fgRVth8G_oJzj0L-eCg1_-u5cabgpbQ/s16000/mileage+chart+3.jpg" title="Mileage chart for the San Juan Islands" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Note: The shortest route may not be the fastest or best route when currents and other issues are taken into account!<br />
These numbers are approximate, and were derived by simply clicking "measure route" on a chart. Since making this chart I have come across several u-tube videos with distances that don't agree with mine. Be sure to not rely on others and do your own calculations. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">When you are rushing from place to place, be very careful around unfamiliar surroundings so that you don't get a surprise. The best advice is to slow down and keep watch. Follow this link to learn of some shockers. > <a href="http://www.sailingthesanjuans.com/2016/06/thin-water-and-safely-navigating-san-juans-boating-sailing-fisherman-bay-blind-jones-garrison-ewing-cove-sucia-patos-prevost-harbor-skagit-padilla-swinomish-channel-rocks-reefs-storm-high-tide-low-depth-chart-plotter-entrance-marked-un-deadhead.html"><span style="color: red;">Eight nasty surprises</span></a></div></td></tr>
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<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Whatcom County, WA, USA48.4656371004498 -122.81616210937547.797582100449794 -124.107055609375 49.1336921004498 -121.525268609375tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1673451460430219573.post-73625873634766897362023-02-25T13:54:00.001-08:002023-07-07T08:13:53.082-07:00Map locating Boat Ramps, Docks, Marine Parks and boat launching ramps serving the San Juan Islands<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "verdana" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>Map of San Juan Island Area</i></b></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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With selected Parks, Docks, and Trailer Boat Ramps<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4c8H3orOyCxZNYWsgbdVexSs-LB5RtTtrYqTwB0PazTLIumLqIAQh0RzE8gsXnFHoQkutSixVp8btWHeWyX1mWJIjpk5V-RzBPzmCQ1rJ7HF5WA-5Bk98RmNblkMH59aa3SB1vbUvsM0/s1600/San+Juan+Area+ramps,+parks,+dock+2-2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Map of the San Juan Islands showing launching ramps, parks and docks" border="0" height="489" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4c8H3orOyCxZNYWsgbdVexSs-LB5RtTtrYqTwB0PazTLIumLqIAQh0RzE8gsXnFHoQkutSixVp8btWHeWyX1mWJIjpk5V-RzBPzmCQ1rJ7HF5WA-5Bk98RmNblkMH59aa3SB1vbUvsM0/w640-h489/San+Juan+Area+ramps,+parks,+dock+2-2.JPG" title="San Juan area map of parks, docks, ramps" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #681db3;"> •</span><span style="color: #681db3;"> Boat Ramps = Purple </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">•</span><span style="color: #cc0000;"> Parks = Red</span> <span style="color: #00682f;">• </span><span style="color: #00682f;">Docks = Green</span></b></div>
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<b>Most docks (floats) are in parks, resorts, marinas and may be used for overnight camping. Boat launching ramps have long term parking. </b><b>Parks without docks have anchor buoys or areas suitable for anchoring.</b><br />
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<b>The facilities listed, are in my opinion, most useful for cruisers, which means lots of private resorts are not shown because they don't cater to transient boaters.</b><br />
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<b>Click on the picture and then enlarge it to see dot colors better!</b><br />
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<b>Note on trip planning:</b><br />
<b>I don't recommend taking your boat on a ferry and launching somewhere in the islands. However if you must, there are county ramps on all four islands served by the ferries except Shaw. Many private resorts have ramps but they are inferior at best, nonfunctional at worst. The one exception is Jackson Beach Park (Port of Friday Harbor) near Friday Harbor on San Juan Island. Jackson has a good double ramp and float and you can park for free up to 72 hours.</b></div>
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The mainland ramps I recommend are Washington Park, Deception Pass Park or Squalicum Harbor (#1 choice most trips is Squalicum Harbor in Bellingham)</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1673451460430219573.post-59954297280407842072022-12-23T15:01:00.009-08:002023-07-07T08:15:56.168-07:00What happens when a big boat drags anchor and slams into you?<span style="font-size: medium;"> What happens when a big boat drags anchor and slams into you? The quick answer is, "nothing good." This is a short synopsis of what happened to us one 4th of July at Roche Harbor.</span><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbsztyfs2TzXq3KqGxwqLkKdlbQc0sVCBlUz6vf1a9_flXI-ZfMMbOT-lJkyDPZBu7Vn0f5nAmohwIVGtewX-gfBG5riuYKUPy1q5Hsi7_7SCOthsEjOhDwiTNBpGr7yj_Zmvj9SlA2YMbwf_y96dbZt1l60orndje_AXMde5un6w7D2BQL5fTWH_X/s1600/DSCF5170.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Roche Harbor 4th of July boats at dock" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbsztyfs2TzXq3KqGxwqLkKdlbQc0sVCBlUz6vf1a9_flXI-ZfMMbOT-lJkyDPZBu7Vn0f5nAmohwIVGtewX-gfBG5riuYKUPy1q5Hsi7_7SCOthsEjOhDwiTNBpGr7yj_Zmvj9SlA2YMbwf_y96dbZt1l60orndje_AXMde5un6w7D2BQL5fTWH_X/w640-h480/DSCF5170.JPG" title="San Juan Islands 4th of July at Roche Harbor" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"> In about thirty minutes the Roche Harbor staff will be lowering the flags and firing the cannon. Several times in past years, circumstances or poor planning have caused me to miss the ceremony. The firing of the cannon is what I really want to see. The belching smoke, the jagged dagger of flame, the explosive echo’s ricocheting across Roche Harbor. I anticipate a fantastic kick off for my best fireworks ever. Finally, the stars have aligned for me, and on the fourth of July at that. This is already a great trip. The kids will stay on the boat while Linda and I paddle ashore. The lowering of the flags and cannon firing will be at sundown.</span><div> <span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> I am in the cockpit tending to the dinghy, anxiously waiting to leave. When I look over at the boat anchored near us, I sense that it looks different. It is about thirty-five or forty feet long and easily over fifteen feet tall at the upper bridge. The wind has been steadily increasing for the past hour and I suspect this apartment size power boat is catching the wind and straining at the anchor lines which would make him appear to move a little closer to us. I ask Linda, “Do you think that boat is getting closer?” As I’m watching, I become sure it is half the distance it was when I first noticed. Now I know for sure, we have a problem, the boat is only ten feet away. There is nothing I can do. The other boats anchor has broken out and it is dragging into us. The last ten feet closes rapidly, suddenly he is against us. I hold him off long enough to grab a fender and place it between us saving us both from damage. I am yelling and banging on his hull with my fist trying to get their attention, but Linda tells me she saw all of them leave earlier. <span><a name='more'></a></span> <br /><br /> This is not good. Our ground tackle will hold us just fine but not with a twenty-five thousand pound boat pinned to us. His surface area alone is probably greater than all our sails. I know our 1/2” nylon anchor rode will hold, but our 35-pound plow anchor could break out at any second. Then I glance at our braided yellow stern line, oh boy, it is stretched to the breaking point. It is so tight it is only half the diameter it’s supposed to be. The light poly line was never intended to take this kind of load. I had bought an inexpensive floating line for dinghy work, not this. <br /><br /> The wind is picking up, if our stern line parts or anchor breaks free were going to have two boats crashing into the line of rafted boats on the other side of us. I yell over to the first rafted boat. There are ten or more people in the cockpit having drinks, waiting for darkness. "I have a serious problem,” I yell, ”this guy has dragged into us and soon to become your problem too." They immediately jump into a couple of inflatable dinghies with outboards and begin pushing against the wayward captain less yacht, moving it away from our boat. My daughter Kailey gets in our dinghy while I untie our yellow stern line and hand it to her with instructions to paddle towards shore making sure to keep herself and the line out of the way. <br /><br /> Freed of our unwelcome guest, I start our motor and weigh anchor when I hear "ka-boom" as the cannon roars and the color guard completes the flag ceremony on shore. I look up in time to see the cannon smoke shoot off the high bank next to the flagpole. Rats, I missed the flag lowering and cannon blast again.<br /> <br /> Meanwhile, the boys in the inflatable dinghies have boarded the runaway windblown boat and found the ignition keys. They start the engine, raise the useless weed and mud coated anchor and motor away with the dinghies following. Once they clear out, I circle Windsong around and anchor back in the same spot, only this time there is a lot more room without the big boat. Kailey rows the stern line over and we are back in business.<br /> <br /> <br /> The guys in the rafted boats really saved the day for us, they soon return in their inflatable dinghies minus the big boat. Curious, I ask them, “What did you do with the boat?” They said, "We took it to the customs dock and tied it to the red painted area marked customs only.”<br /> <br /> We never saw the big power boat or skipper again. Pretty soon a sailboat anchors in the now vacant space beside us and rows a stern line back to shore. Life on board has returned to normal. Linda and I decide not to go ashore. With all the commotion we had missed the flag ceremony and cannon firing again. It is nearing ten o’clock and getting dark. The fireworks barge is almost directly in front of us, we have a front row seat.<br /> <br /> FYI, a year or so later, but not on the fourth, I was finally able to attend a flag ceremony on shore. When they fired the cannon, I was not paying attention, so it took me by surprise. Up close, it was louder than I expected and every bit as exciting as I had hoped. <br /> John</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><!--more--></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1673451460430219573.post-48922782060759792742022-11-11T09:38:00.001-08:002023-07-07T08:18:29.793-07:00Eight places in the San Juans where you can dent your pride and check your ego <span style="font-size: x-large;">S</span>omeone famous once wrote, "I only worry near shore because that is where the shallow water is." Okay, I don't remember exactly what I read but you get the idea.<br />
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In the San Juan's we are pretty much always near shore (it's not that big an area) so should we worry all the time? No! We should pay attention using our heads and our tools.<br />
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All the rocks, reefs and shallows are marked on charts, the especially egregious places have buoys, signs, sticks and posts out in the water. Of course with storms, high tides, poor maintenance, things go missing, so we are back to paying attention and using the old noggin.<br />
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Once not too long ago we were motoring in flat mirror perfect water at about 7 knots in twenty feet of depth. Up ahead I saw a disturbance (some itty bitty ripples) I glanced at my chart plotter and saw nothing alarming, nevertheless as we neared the ripples I braked and prepared to go full astern.<br />
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While watching the depth gauge, suddenly -- there it was -- the depth dropped to six and then four -- and we came to a halt. (no we didn't hit) I stopped, turned and went around the shallow spot.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuLGs2rX2j4Kd8ohGYBgGfwEyCz7_ERbS-BZSlw-8iWzX5qzlS560sHFEqIthZOs-X3mbuMRVyjLI4staxbUCBT-MQSPw5NT0aSjQx8wiEamAvzCfV9iiOSKwxthTDwixnEb9xhzC2j2w/s1600/DSCF5136.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Worst places in the San Juans for rocks and running aground" border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuLGs2rX2j4Kd8ohGYBgGfwEyCz7_ERbS-BZSlw-8iWzX5qzlS560sHFEqIthZOs-X3mbuMRVyjLI4staxbUCBT-MQSPw5NT0aSjQx8wiEamAvzCfV9iiOSKwxthTDwixnEb9xhzC2j2w/w200-h150/DSCF5136.jpg" title="uncharted and charted places in the San Juans where you can run aground" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">on watch</td></tr>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: large;">Here is a list of potentially problem spots where you could easily relax your vigilance and get hurt.</span><br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;">read more - click here</span></div>
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<li><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Swinomish Channel (both ends)</span></li>
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<li>Padilla Bay - the channel is clearly marked with poles, dolphins, and some buoys, but at high tide some boaters will (local knowledge) leave the channel luring others aground.</li>
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<li>Skagit Bay - same thing, at low tide there is no water in the glass past the markers. Go look at this pic to see for your self >>><a href="http://www.sailingthesanjuans.com/2014/11/swinomish-channel-nightmare-aground-shallow-fourth-july-channel-goat-island-fort-whitman-san-juan-boating-sailing-bad-day-navigation-marker-.html" target="_blank"> Click here to see - disaster off Goat Island in Swinomish Channel</a> We have seen local fisherman cut across the flats, but you should stay in the well marked channel.</li>
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<li>Prevost Harbor (south entrance)</li>
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<li>south of Satellite Island is a rock strewn entrance to Prevost Harbor that saves time and distance, however you must not cut straight across even though it looks open. Use your chart - go dead slow - spot the rocks - and stay in deep water hugging the Stuart side. Or just go around, it's only ten minutes. At low or minus tide, deep water may be only three feet making this entrance unusable to some sailboats.</li>
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<li style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Patos Island</li>
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<li>Watch out for the very small channel between Little Patos Island and Patos. This enticing short cut is small and easily transited, but you must only venture through with full control with the current in your face. That way you can throttle back to zero speed over ground and still maneuver keeping only a few feet from a shelf. (rock ledge) Once again it is only a few minutes to go around.</li>
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<li><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Ewing cove at Sucia</span></li>
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<li><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">When approaching Ewing Cove from the northeast (Patos, Blaine, Vancouver, etc.) you will need to give wide berth to clearly marked offshore rocks. There is a temptation to cut through when you get close, the marker is surprisingly far out and easy to miss. When coming from Echo Bay or Matia this is not an issue.</span></li>
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<li><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Garrison Bay</span></li>
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<li><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">While approaching from the north (Roche Harbor) in Mosquito Pass, the last buoy before making the turn into Westcott and Garrison bays is way out on the other side. The temptation to turn early is reinforced by other boaters cutting across, but remember, chart depths are at mean low water, and that is why so many boaters get away with doing dumb things.</span></li>
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<li><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Jones Island</span></li>
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<li><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">This peaceful hunk of enjoyment has a nasty surprise off its east shore. No, not the charted and postmarked rock at the entrance to the north cove. This rock is charted ( XX ) but goes under water at high tide and has no post. It is a little more than halfway down the shore towards Deer Harbor and out far enough that if you are just poking along looking for deer and seals you may run into it. The answer is simple, know where it is and be looking for it - or stay farther offshore in deeper water.</span></li>
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<li><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Blind Bay</span></li>
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<li><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Two issues here, first people ignore the warning of well charted rocks on the west side of Blind Island. Just pass on the other side.</span></li>
<li><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">The other problem I cannot substantiate, but is noted on Activecaptain, is that the charted rock just inside the mouth is charted wrong and is off by one hundred feet. When warned, it means you must take heed and proceed with caution.</span></li>
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<li><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Fisherman Bay</span></li>
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<li><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Two primary problems once again. First, people ignore the marker at the entrance and cut between it and the point running aground. The dolphin marker is hard to miss, but skippers try to sneak across.</span></li>
<li><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Second problem is that the Fisherman Bay channel may be too shallow to transit at low tide leaving you stuck outside or at the dock or anchored until the bay refills. (oops)</span></li>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"> This is by no means all the places to watch out for, you can get your gel coat scratched anywhere. If you practice safe habits and slow down when you are unsure, you will be fine. </span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif">Remember, a safe practice is to keep watch at all times, autopilots do not steer around floating deadheads, and this is an active logging area where lost logs will float butt up and weigh thousands of hull piercing pounds.</span></span></h3>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1673451460430219573.post-59676939540773839462022-11-06T11:48:00.007-08:002024-03-08T11:54:35.577-08:00Top Things to do and Places to go in the San Juan Islands<p style="text-align: center;">Discover the top places to go and the best things to do by boat in the San Juan Islands. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The difference between a truly wonderful vacation and a ho-hum boat ride is the memorable experiences and special places visited along the way. These are some of our favorite haunts and things to do. Maybe some will become your favorites as well. </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="text-align: justify;">Matia Island one-mile loop trail: This easy one-mile loop immerses you deeply into the shaded forest the minute you take your first steps. Towering trees, oversized ferns, and thick mosses line the trail. Our first walk many years ago was so serene and calming that even our young kids were quiet and talked in whispers. <a href="http://www.sailingthesanjuans.com/search?q=matia" target="_blank">Matia Island pictorial</a></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="text-align: justify;">Pygmy deer on Jones Island: The northwest is full of wildlife and deer are everywhere, or so it seems sometimes. However, apparently, the many deer on Jones Island have developed to a much smaller size. Even the older bucks with big racks are only about waist-high. Many of the deer are tame, and some are downright annoying. One time a deer met me at the water's edge as I came ashore in the dinghy. Several times deer have joined us around our campfires looking for handouts and letting the kids rub their heads and pet them. I remember once a spike kept crowding too close to the fire, he was intent on getting at a bag of corn curls. It is against park rules to feed the animals so I don't know how they learned to expect treats from boaters. <a href="http://www.sailingthesanjuans.com/search?q=jones+island+deer" target="_blank">Jones Island deer</a></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><p style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: rgba(69,89,164,.5); --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 transparent; --tw-shadow: 0 0 transparent; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; border: 0px solid rgb(217, 217, 227); box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 1.25em;"></p><div style="text-align: justify;">While Deception Pass isn't located within San Juan County, any boating enthusiast would be remiss not to include it in their cruising itinerary. In fact, Cornet Bay, with its well-facilitated ramp, serves as a prime launch point for those embarking on their nautical adventures. But, here's a piece of advice – don't just launch and rush through; take the time to savor the breathtaking scenery.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Consider planning part of your voyage around the four daily occurrences of slack tide. At slack tide, the turbulent waters temporarily calm, providing an excellent opportunity for exploration. A mere quarter-mile beyond the pass, still within the park's boundaries, you'll discover Sharpe Cove. Here, you can moor your vessel at the floating dock, and at the head of the ramp stands the remarkable Maiden of Deception Pass.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This extraordinary statue, carved from a towering cedar tree, stands at an impressive twenty-five feet. It portrays a Samish woman gracefully holding a salmon aloft. The story it tells is one of unwavering sacrifice, representing a Native Indian woman who risked her life to ensure her people would never go hungry. It's a powerful testament to the deep connection between the indigenous people and the land.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Just a stone's throw from the Maiden lies Rosario Beach, a renowned tide pool area. It's a place where nature's wonders are on full display, offering an opportunity to observe a rich variety of marine life and coastal ecosystems up close. So, when charting your course through these waters, ensure you dedicate some time to exploring Deception Pass and its fascinating surroundings. The remarkable beauty and cultural significance of the area are sure to leave a lasting impression on any adventurer. <a href="http://www.sailingthesanjuans.com/2012/11/bowman-bay-at-maiden-of-dock-san-juan-islands-deception-pass-state-park-travel-camp-hike-sharpe-cove-rosario-beach-bridge-swinomish-channel-.html" target="_blank">Deception Pass</a></div><p></p></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="text-align: justify;">Did you notice?</li><ul><li style="text-align: center;"> As a writer wannabe, I enjoy playing with words. Lately, I have been kicking around artificial intelligence. The next passage and the preceding passage were passed through an AI program. I supplied the basic information, the fluffy language, not so much, enjoy.</li></ul><li style="text-align: justify;">The Swinomish Channel, a hidden gem for seasoned boaters, provides a picturesque and relaxing alternative to the sometimes turbulent waters of Deception Pass. Many visitors who park long-term at the Cornet Bay boat ramp in Deception Pass Park, myself included, choose to embark on this delightful detour. When heading out, instead of veering right into the unpredictable waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Rosario Strait, consider retracing your route for a few miles and setting a course through the serene Swinomish Channel. This not only offers a respite from the challenges of the Pass but also shields you from the often encroaching fog in the Straits. As a delightful bonus, you can make a pit stop at the charming town of La Conner. Nestled along the banks of the channel, La Conner welcomes boaters with open arms. The town offers four docks, perfect for short-term or overnight stays. A leisurely stroll along the charming boardwalk presents a plethora of quaint shops, inviting bistros, and even a provision store for all your needs.So, when charting your course, why not opt for the scenic great circle route, meandering through the Swinomish Channel? Along the way, take in the breathtaking scenery, and don't forget to treat yourself to a delectable ice cream cone at La Conner, making your journey all the more memorable. (not bad, but not me)</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="text-align: justify;">The San Juan's are full of hikes, walks, and places to explore and I'm not going to list all of them on Sucia, Stuart, Matia, James, Jones ... But two hikes beckon me back again and again because they reward me, not just exhaust me. Hiking to the top of *Eagle Bluff on Cypress and the top of *Youngs Peak, aka Young Hill at English Camp. Both hikes are thigh burners and just plain hard work. Both are short and intense, we pace ourselves, rest, and keep coming back. The summit views are worth it. Bring cameras and water. <a href="http://www.sailingthesanjuans.com/2017/08/eight-lessor-known-places-things-to-do-San-juan-islands.html" target="_blank">Go to this link and then scroll down to #7 and #9</a></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="text-align: justify;">Use your dinghy, kayak, or paddleboard to explore Echo Bay: Sounds simple enough and you probably already plan to, but I suggest you go to Ewing Cove at the far northeast end of Echo Bay. You can sneak in with your big boat but using the dinghy allows you to paddle through some narrow slots and get up close to some cool cliffs and rocks. You can even go ashore to use the privy, have a campfire, or drop off passengers who want to make the long hike back through the woods to Fossil Bay. Ewing Cove has two buoys and is at the far north end or point of Echo Bay on Sucia Island. Watch for rocks, follow your chart, watch the sounder, and go slow.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="text-align: justify;">Sculpture Park at Roche Harbor: I don't believe the park is part of Roche Harbor but if you go by boat, you need to get a slip at the marina or anchor and go ashore at a dinghy dock. Once on shore, walk uphill past the pool and cabins, and cross the road, you can't miss it. It's free, donations are welcome. We enjoy strolling through the fields, meadows and woods. The unique large art pieces are spread out over twenty acres. Some spin and whirl, some are interactive, and some have deer grazing nearby. There is something for all ages and dogs are welcome too.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="text-align: justify;">Turn Point lighthouse museum hike: Chances are that you already know about this very popular destination. Most newcomers will be staying at either Prevost or Reid Harbors and then hike the 2.5 miles (one way) from the State Park docks. You can save two miles and an hour by taking the dinghy to the county dock at the far north end of Prevost Harbor. We usually anchor near the county dock and then leave the dinghy tied to the small float while we walk out to Turn Point.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="text-align: justify;"> Moran Museum: You should stop by Rosario Resort in East Sound on Orcas Island. You may anchor, tie to a buoy, ask for a complimentary slip, or spend the night. While you are there make your way to the third floor of the mansion-turned-resort office and restaurant. The top floor museum is dedicated to the early days of Robert Moran and the San Juans.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="text-align: justify;">Friday Harbor music on the promenade: The short promenade that runs between the marina office and main street is a small city park. Most summer weekends the stage is filled with musicians entertaining cruisers and locals. It is lots of fun and free, Music will drift out on the dock to your boat but not if you are somewhere else. When planning your travels, plan Saturday at Friday Harbor. </li></ul><div style="text-align: center;">Your interests will vary from ours, so this list may not be perfect for you. I suggest that you search this website, you may discover the perfect idea.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMCnckO8idZoqlOo-ABWfi0E7VDjChFUovpbdGtL4pvQL8QLOwBYPnZgge82J-4iR4j1AAn8tPQHBFZpqR1R7ZsiPwYFjPakvU2MaYIKlgrgH5_ZIFsNMDnwXHsx8-Cjn11XxI57F4m_NfW7i3iqCWnN7fVlXNJTcG18sdshyphenhyphen8DCjARn1xhjLg6ta-GV0/s2361/Turn%20point%20museum.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Turn point lighthouse museum" border="0" data-original-height="1771" data-original-width="2361" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMCnckO8idZoqlOo-ABWfi0E7VDjChFUovpbdGtL4pvQL8QLOwBYPnZgge82J-4iR4j1AAn8tPQHBFZpqR1R7ZsiPwYFjPakvU2MaYIKlgrgH5_ZIFsNMDnwXHsx8-Cjn11XxI57F4m_NfW7i3iqCWnN7fVlXNJTcG18sdshyphenhyphen8DCjARn1xhjLg6ta-GV0/w640-h480/Turn%20point%20museum.png" title="Turn point lighthouse museum" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turn point museum at the lighthouse</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1673451460430219573.post-83464537760813495462022-10-14T20:53:00.005-07:002023-09-27T14:26:44.156-07:00Leaving for La Conner this morning!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTh3sBn7eLFmMJd-aFc-lYqb7tHrfoyQVFM5JfJPTE-I2T5-Wz5wfH2Eyf8iN7KCBNB7da8-FDRVH-08Uz33zoJW2_JPHVc1XtyMoBJ06CBZ6FqpWEvCF-YuUEFtj38SlGiet7qJm1xfI/s1600/DSCF2395.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="New Bombay motor sailor anchored at Cypress Island in the San Juan Islands" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTh3sBn7eLFmMJd-aFc-lYqb7tHrfoyQVFM5JfJPTE-I2T5-Wz5wfH2Eyf8iN7KCBNB7da8-FDRVH-08Uz33zoJW2_JPHVc1XtyMoBJ06CBZ6FqpWEvCF-YuUEFtj38SlGiet7qJm1xfI/w640-h480/DSCF2395.JPG" title="New Bombay motor sailor anchored at Cypress Island in the San Juan IslandsNew Bombay motor sailor anchored at Cypress Island in the San Juan Islands" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Windrose, aka "Rosey" has made it to the San Juans</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZFwrX9X-wyJq927c8gmiGrh7gp2HaVhbTToP8iMRKfghzrasond75T4A65F1e94EGQWgyIOedbUHco3uFiAmXn1oLSnp239ltKiiP0IXX91BHiYDD7TYetKpP2Ch_pzIKUmz9uz-yttk/s1600/DSCF2624.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZFwrX9X-wyJq927c8gmiGrh7gp2HaVhbTToP8iMRKfghzrasond75T4A65F1e94EGQWgyIOedbUHco3uFiAmXn1oLSnp239ltKiiP0IXX91BHiYDD7TYetKpP2Ch_pzIKUmz9uz-yttk/s400/DSCF2624.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In good company anchored at Jones Island</td></tr>
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<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>I wrote this post ten years ago. It is about a tsunami damaged boat we rescued following the Fukushima Japan earthquake of 2011. Windrose was pummeled but not quite sunk as her slip was destyroyed around her in </i></b><b><i>Cresent City, CA.</i></b></div>
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As I write this post Rosey's journey back is finally almost complete. Today will be another white knuckle trip up the interstate for six hours, and then Monday we will be slinging her into Swinomish Channel. After a day or so rigging we will be heading the wrong way to Hood Canal to visit Camp Parsons Boy Scout Camp to pick up our son. Next week we expect to head to San Juan Island with three bicycles on board so we can do a little bike riding. Right now I am preparing to download some tide forecasts and somehow appease the fog gods to lay off the Strait of Juan De Fuca. I'm still short a trusted gps, the radar is not tested, and my brand new Humminbird was shipped off for repairs and wont be back in time. So we will be dependent on our eyes, good looks, and the antique spinning sounder that makes a whirring sound. I think we will be just fine, but don't count on us to make any appointments on time, which is what I would say if we were on a modern newer boat with all systems functioning.<br />
7/22/12<br />
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Read about Rosey here > <a href="http://www.sailingthesanjuans.com/2012/08/San-juan-sailing-current-friday-harbor-hood-canal-submarine-james-island-spencer-spit-laconner-windrose-new-bombay-31-pilot-guemes-rainbow-bridge-anchor-navy-boy-scout-camp-parson-.html" target="_blank">Rosey's first trip after arriving at her new home in the San Juans</a><br />
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Read about Rosey's tsunami nightmare and repair here > <a href="http://www.sailingthesanjuans.com/p/bombay-pilothouse-31-project.html" target="_blank">Bombay Pilothouse Project</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1673451460430219573.post-5035341970602651802022-09-17T10:17:00.002-07:002023-08-31T08:04:12.442-07:00Visit Olga on Orcas Island and ride your bikes up Mt Constitution or Moran Park <span style="font-size: x-large;">O</span>lga offered us an empty dock, so we gladly accepted. On other visits we turned away vowing to return when there was room. The private mooring field is peppered with so many buoys it demanded full attention slipping through. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF5bGR-kdOqSjsH2mhMuXjqhonRq-2JgHiWg4cR1V5q7DtSV9KE_Ona08KqavE2nntfDF1W6C5M87jR7O9E7_VCpQ3onRvXX0BNypN4qdUAUWFU17xzcn14Y1cL1I85nKUOzIuDJgPG_I/s1600/2013-06-18+14.49.02.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Kraken at Olga dock in the San Juan Islands" border="0" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF5bGR-kdOqSjsH2mhMuXjqhonRq-2JgHiWg4cR1V5q7DtSV9KE_Ona08KqavE2nntfDF1W6C5M87jR7O9E7_VCpQ3onRvXX0BNypN4qdUAUWFU17xzcn14Y1cL1I85nKUOzIuDJgPG_I/w640-h482/2013-06-18+14.49.02.jpg" title="Olga dock on Orcas Island" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Olga public dock has room for about three boats on each side, all buoys are private.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyHqr7XZoSJ9fimRBAv9l_gfII-7yinV0MOWABctxFLrucv0ee1zLbcyjX4fHpjPyQ0872ZtF1nZbSdr1zXufpQ0q6Ean_jqdhSulmbeCEMu9UYYWWvaM9NNLbODohusYVt5JXmzIWE10/s1600/2013-06-18+14.47.03.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Kraken at Olga dock on Orcas Island" border="0" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyHqr7XZoSJ9fimRBAv9l_gfII-7yinV0MOWABctxFLrucv0ee1zLbcyjX4fHpjPyQ0872ZtF1nZbSdr1zXufpQ0q6Ean_jqdhSulmbeCEMu9UYYWWvaM9NNLbODohusYVt5JXmzIWE10/w640-h482/2013-06-18+14.47.03.jpg" title="Kraken at Olga dock on Orcas Island" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dinghy's at Olga belong to locals, there is no access to beach except, a nasty slippery, very steep, and thorny trail in brush under ramp.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4HdrTelR7KQ8hEEbrrCOAOxrzy1chyjkf5kJZIqfFaPisUPqblA9SZt-teDKbmUcEmZN2k8pMetRSqiaNFT0gD3MQgeu6MVvdmi4HE_1igoqd6x7eS_g-F6aydS1Q3qZ6sKXpaetrmFw/s1600/2013-06-18+14.47.40.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Olga dock on Orcas Island" border="0" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4HdrTelR7KQ8hEEbrrCOAOxrzy1chyjkf5kJZIqfFaPisUPqblA9SZt-teDKbmUcEmZN2k8pMetRSqiaNFT0gD3MQgeu6MVvdmi4HE_1igoqd6x7eS_g-F6aydS1Q3qZ6sKXpaetrmFw/w640-h482/2013-06-18+14.47.40.jpg" title="Olga dock on Orcas Island" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sign says it all<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> On shore at the top of ramp is a flagpole, and a memorial bench. There are a couple blocks, if that, of roads to walk, some say private drive, keep out. There is no bathroom. The old store across the street was closed up many years ago, and the property is for sale, but the little post office is in business. Up a moderately steep hill about 1/4-1/3 mile is a restaurant on the main road. Some other boaters made the hike and reported good food. Other than private homes, most which look like second homes, there is no other business. That's it for Olga. I'm glad we finally stopped by Olga, but except for a nice dock to tie up to, and a pleasant little bay to paddle and dinghy sail, what can I say.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"> On a much more positive note, I rode my bicycle around a little, and after checking my maps I realized that Olga is the shortest and most convenient starting point for a grueling ride to the top of Mt Constitution. 7 miles versus 7.5 starting at Rosario. I did not make the ride due to being late in the day, but I plan to come back and give it a try.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"> Next time we are in the area and need a place to spend the night, I'm sure we will stop again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Oh, and we saw a little baby deer on the beach, way to go Olga!</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1673451460430219573.post-20855358424116045502022-08-08T10:03:00.007-07:002023-07-07T08:36:03.114-07:00Creating maximum space at the dock and general good manners.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWf6B89mVFxIoLGPnTKM52pFkZbcU4LoW6EJwd6WbCXPigR_2T_AD5ZylsuNtLF8lk3eaBlfiEfhZ1C-LMW__uqmtxorlsfJhX4KdCMJ15q916XP3_Fi66Ict4Dw-HDeqmnfqlbg8ter8IVkgXewUn9t5kvGcDZwJyazoLn5Lvb-Uqc5UD02vnsO_C/s320/1598206736967.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Orca killer whales in Haro strait Off shore from LIme Kiln park" border="0" data-original-height="214" data-original-width="320" height="429" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWf6B89mVFxIoLGPnTKM52pFkZbcU4LoW6EJwd6WbCXPigR_2T_AD5ZylsuNtLF8lk3eaBlfiEfhZ1C-LMW__uqmtxorlsfJhX4KdCMJ15q916XP3_Fi66Ict4Dw-HDeqmnfqlbg8ter8IVkgXewUn9t5kvGcDZwJyazoLn5Lvb-Uqc5UD02vnsO_C/w640-h429/1598206736967.jpg" title="Orca killer whales in Haro strait" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> <span style="font-size: x-large;">H</span>aving just returned from a 200 mile sweep around the San Juan's, I am fresh with observations and thoughts of how to improve the experience.</p><p> Everyone knows that dock space is first come first served and not to expect room for one more when you arrive. However, there is room for more if you try using some common sense. Somewhere in the mountain of state park dock rules and regs is the suggestion to locate boats close together. Spacing boats fifteen feet apart is not helpful and yet it is common. Tying ones dinghy to the float instead of rafting it is another obvious inconsiderate ploy that effectively exclude others. By the way, did they pay for the extra dinghy footage?</p><p> Speaking of dinghy's, many parks have designated dinghy docks but I see people with fifteen foot inflatables, complete with 50hp outboards, consoles, windshields and bimini's, side tied at the dinghy dock forcing real dinghy's to make do as best they can. What is really annoying is when you realize the offending dinghy belongs to the fifty five footer tied to the same float.</p><p> Speaking of bigger or smaller boats, a considerate skipper will let his longish bow area stick out beyond the end of the float so his fifty five feet only uses forty feet of dock. Stop! I know this trick is a bad idea in some locations and for some boats. Obviously, I'm not suggesting being foolish, I'm suggesting being thoughtful and considerate.</p><p> While we are talking considerate activities, how long is long enough or too long to run a generator? During my latest visit we were treated to a generator running for eight hour stretches. It was during the daytime and it was fairly quiet but come on, at least get off the dock and anchor out a ways. I was anchored out myself, it must have been no fun at all for the people close by.</p><p> I spend some of my non San Juan boating time around jet skis, water skiers, tubers, newbies, loud music and alcohol fueled people enjoying the water. As such, I expect close encounters, big wakes and general on water mayhem. But not in the San Juan's, the San Juan's attract an older more refined, mature crowd. We have miles of room to navigate, there is really no reason for close encounters. Jet skis are outlawed and proper boating is the norm. On this visit a thirty five footer at high speed overtook us and passed by so close they would have hit us if I had turned unexpectedly. I had no time to react, their wake rolled us so violently that one crew was thrown out of their seat and some of our belongings came crashing off shelves and out of cabinets breaking on the cabin sole. I regret I did not get a picture or name of the offending boat. I am not embarrassed that acting on reflex, I cussed them over the radio. Then after realizing in my haste I may not have keyed the mike, I did it again clearly to make sure they heard. I hope they heard me but my antenna was down with the inflatable on the roof so my range was greatly reduced. I apologize for may last paragraph, I'm still reeling when I think about the incident.</p><p> On an upnote, at Jones Island, as we were anchoring, a skipper at the float yelled over to us that he was leaving in a few minutes. We aborted lowering the hook and moved over, thank you very much.</p><p> Also at Jones, we thought we lost a cell phone, trail mix and passports in a drybag at our camp site, only to find it two days later where a racoon had stashed it in the bushes, unharmed but chewed on.</p><p> </p><p> </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1673451460430219573.post-34213824710221091502022-07-06T12:09:00.003-07:002022-09-07T13:46:50.973-07:00My get home system is finally put to use.<p> More than a decade ago I installed an outboard bracket to carry the dinghy motor on the back of my 40 year old Nordic Tug. The transom mounted bracket allows me to store the 5hp Honda and easily transfer it to and from the dinghy. Thinking way ahead, I mounted the bracket down low so that if I ever needed an emergency push or trolling kicker, I would lower the motor, connect the fuel line and away we'd go.</p><p>Well it finally happened. Last month, the tug made a strange sound so I shut off the motor and began drifting. Because I had forgotten how the mechanism worked and fiddling with it while hanging over the back end was a little uncomfortable, it took me a few minutes to get the prop in the water and the fuel line connected. After about ten pulls the motor came to life and we were ready to go.</p><p>Holding the cowling I pointed it at what I guessed was straight ahead. I shoved the gearshift into forward and twisted the tiller to a medium fast idle. At first we didn't move but then it was apparent our nearly ten thousand pounds was actually making headway. Because I was hanging over the back, I yelled to Linda, asking if we were pointed okay or should I try steering. Her answer was not helpful.</p><p>I made my way inside and determined we were indeed headed for a mud flat. I turned the wheel and observed an agonizing slow response. The gps showed we were making 4 mph but our smallish rudder is designed to have the force of the diesel engine pushing our 18" prop wash against it. The outboard is far over on one side and actually behind the rudder. Never the less we began turning away from the shallows.</p><p>So, the system worked. I can't say I am impressed with performance but it will beat using the canoe paddle that I keep on board. The two gallon fuel tank will be very limiting and I am aware that the outboard can't be lowered with the dinghy on its davits. </p><p>I know others have get home plans and motors, I thought some may benefit hearing my experience.</p><p>Oh, and the tug, as always, it was fine.</p><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1673451460430219573.post-39940747622397738842022-05-02T22:09:00.006-07:002023-07-07T08:42:16.297-07:00San Juan Islands Cruise Starting at Cornet Bay in Deception Pass State Park<span class="Apple-style-span" face=""arial" , "verdana" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"></span>This post first appeared in the web site in 2011. Parking and launching fees at Cornet Bay have since gone up a little.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;">C</span>amping, traveling, vacation rentals, condo's, resorts, on a budget, is it even possible? Yes it is. Inexpensive (cheap) vacations are possible if you go by boat or yacht as some say. The trick is to already own the yacht and then camp on it at all the great places. Think of it like going to RV parks only without the garish over the top land schooners parked on the best reserved spots.</div>
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Okay, no more promos for boat camping. Assuming you are a newbie to the San Juan Island boating group, you may be wanting to know why you should start at Deception Pass State Park if you are headed for the islands. Simple, the park has the best all weather, all tide launching ramps and long term parking lot. Plus, Deception Pass is one of the places to see that you should not miss, and the Cornet Bay dock is a wonderful place to hangout overnight, or for a few days or longer. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJWRmPtVI4S-H_wYEIrA0zCriRGVYMy1WouOvMXaSn2IfPFS8JSpFHggWKUryrnDRJPKpSog4TtD7OqR4e86BrehjX4rdRGAD7CeLDWant5KV91qux3LjyXpuDtFywENolZkCT9K3Satg/s1600/James+Island+verview.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Map of San Juan Islands showing rosario strait, Anacortes, Friday Harbor, James Island, Deceptiopn Pass" border="0" height="552" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJWRmPtVI4S-H_wYEIrA0zCriRGVYMy1WouOvMXaSn2IfPFS8JSpFHggWKUryrnDRJPKpSog4TtD7OqR4e86BrehjX4rdRGAD7CeLDWant5KV91qux3LjyXpuDtFywENolZkCT9K3Satg/w640-h552/James+Island+verview.JPG" title="Map of San Juan Islands showing parks, docks, marina rampss" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFX6aGYghyyPc63v2uUF5NMgGOoFy5xxJ724_sjHJebqdzCz5Q7p6Eey7NG0Pxxi_dTjmAdtJbug3xivh-3-CCVfnSZIAI_AbZjDD3HybqJdL65nkG2V-DjkqHm3qMYO3sfeQ6fIy0X3k/s1600/Deception+Pass+photo.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Snapshot showing Cornet Bay and Deception Pass" border="0" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFX6aGYghyyPc63v2uUF5NMgGOoFy5xxJ724_sjHJebqdzCz5Q7p6Eey7NG0Pxxi_dTjmAdtJbug3xivh-3-CCVfnSZIAI_AbZjDD3HybqJdL65nkG2V-DjkqHm3qMYO3sfeQ6fIy0X3k/s640/Deception+Pass+photo.JPG" title="Snapshot showing Cornet Bay and Deception Pass" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Google photos above with labels will help you to orient yourself. Because slow boats must time their passage through the pass you may find yourself spending the night at the dock. I always plan to spend the first night at the dock because after driving six hours, rigging and launching my sailboat, it's late and I'm tired. My crew can fish, hike and race around in the dinghy while I take a break. The next day I'm ready to go, and cast off at slack tide which may be at noon or 9am. The time doesn't matter, I'm on island time now.</div>
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The launch fee is around $6, parking is $10/day and staying at the dock is 50 cents a foot. The ramp has three or four lanes with floats. Trailer parking is abundant and long term. You can anchor out for free, anytime, anywhere. There is a fist of quarters shower that short times you in the bathroom. Lots of locals and campers come down to fish off the floats, but boats tying up have priority. Try explaining that to a fisherman.</div>
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It is a very short run out the pass, under the bridge and into the Strait of Juan De Fuca, where high seas or fog may cause you to change your plans, if so, just head the other way to Swinomish Channel. If you have never cruised the channel do it anyway, it only adds about 15 miles to your trip and is well worthwhile. Or when you come back a week or so later, use the channel, but try to work it into your plans. FYI, your boat will need to make 10 mph or better to overcome the <u>worst</u> of pass current, otherwise you will have to time it like the rest of us. Of course with a favorable current you can rush on through, but the standing waves can be pretty big at times and an open bow boat will seem like a poor choice. The pass is narrowest directly under the bridge, so you will have a fast current for only a very short distance.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJrTVwQUqF-nacmqM0tUAO1zIf81eqNNe90A_sWZbgtNCy5KZlChoFjW3CZLSOVjLweONKIb2Rh51MIB4Z5giRCoOy6bZ3ljA1eB4K9hO0611gh25j2YYv7AoC6qCp5mGOIGnu_cmLy6k/s1600/DSCF0577.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Deception Pass boat launch at Cornet Bay" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJrTVwQUqF-nacmqM0tUAO1zIf81eqNNe90A_sWZbgtNCy5KZlChoFjW3CZLSOVjLweONKIb2Rh51MIB4Z5giRCoOy6bZ3ljA1eB4K9hO0611gh25j2YYv7AoC6qCp5mGOIGnu_cmLy6k/s640/DSCF0577.JPG" title="Deception Pass boat launch at Cornet Bay" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Dock and ramp at Deception Pass State Park (Cornet Bay)</span><br />
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You should run through Deception Pass. Next door, Canoe Pass, while navigable, should only be used at slack water, is very narrow and sight distance restricted right under the bridge, it is a little creepy when the whirlpools turn on and begin spinning you towards the rock cliff face. Sometimes we take our 9' dinghy with its 7.5 hp motor around Pass Island and wave to the gawkers on the bridge, but when the flood or ebb starts cascading, a dinghy has no business in either pass.</div>
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When you come back a week or so later and are ready to head home you can wait for slack water outside the pass at the dock in Sharpe Cove or Bowman Bay. </div>
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I always spend my last night at the dock, and get a good rest for the long drive home.<br />
Here's a link to the marine parks locating map <a href="http://www.sailingthesanjuans.com/p/parks-parks-parks-charts-charts-charts.html" target="_blank">marine parks maps etc. click here</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdb2Op4a4Fl0CcKX-UGwBr2JCbQm7goytJqdpskwRxl4sfZCH5oFlDXTZDN3TMt4_3v0ujX93BUp54UcVR-dn4O0zjTc0C4WHJNDJBR7y3Rjc23lnf4eTuuRSF7v2JHMNTBpHLQQAy_eY/s1600/DSCF0564.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Deception Pass at slack water" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdb2Op4a4Fl0CcKX-UGwBr2JCbQm7goytJqdpskwRxl4sfZCH5oFlDXTZDN3TMt4_3v0ujX93BUp54UcVR-dn4O0zjTc0C4WHJNDJBR7y3Rjc23lnf4eTuuRSF7v2JHMNTBpHLQQAy_eY/s640/DSCF0564.JPG" title="Deception Pass at slack water" width="640" /></a></div>
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Tall ship ghosting through the pass at high slack water (photo taken from bridge)</div>
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In 60 minutes standing waves 3-6 feet tall may form and the current will be 5-8 mph<br />
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I would be remiss to not point out that most boats can transit the pass a good deal before or after slack water, slack water is simply zero current like in the picture. Also don't forget Swinomish Channel is just around the corner and avoids the pass altogether.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1673451460430219573.post-39466801516894251592022-03-19T15:11:00.003-07:002023-07-07T08:46:07.901-07:00Friday Harbor Marina Map <span style="font-size: x-large;">F</span>or first timers it is really handy to know where your assigned slip is in a maze of fairways and other boaters.<br />
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Even regular visitors can forget where G-dock is or which side are the odd numbered slips!<br />
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Anyone see the dinghy dock? (It's at the end of A-dock)<br />
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Tip #1 Ask for a slip close to land, that quarter mile walk gets old real fast!<br />
Tip #2 If your visit includes loading and unloading passengers and gear, save yourself a long walk and use the load dock below the marina office. (just motor past the fuel pier) The side facing land is for public use. The other side is for VIP's<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPIhINxiaRd2_S06mcwEEzSTu7TEngZb5pWbQYsgM4Jq_3eaN8i4L_641RhJfUTmdRL17PFzXFUpJsY4XyR52lUn37FDg1vmzs4A61cJv_r12KW0EpBMFKWU1dZjahshXDw9eO6mS3Uvg/s1600/POFH-Marina-Map-8.5-x-11.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Friday Harbor Marina Map showing slips, slip numbers, fuel, gas dock, and ferry terminal" border="0" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPIhINxiaRd2_S06mcwEEzSTu7TEngZb5pWbQYsgM4Jq_3eaN8i4L_641RhJfUTmdRL17PFzXFUpJsY4XyR52lUn37FDg1vmzs4A61cJv_r12KW0EpBMFKWU1dZjahshXDw9eO6mS3Uvg/w640-h492/POFH-Marina-Map-8.5-x-11.jpg" title="Friday Harbor Marina Map" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image Courtesy the Port of Friday Harbor</td></tr>
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Click on image for bigger viewUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1673451460430219573.post-45385957393396564082022-03-19T15:10:00.003-07:002023-07-07T08:48:25.920-07:00Roche Harbor Marina Map<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Thanks to Roche Harbor Resort for letting us use their area map, it also shows where the Mausoleum and Sculpture Garden/Park are located.</div>
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Our 2019 cruise guide shows this updated map and the new Friday Harbor map as well. It's really nice when getting a slip assignment to be able to check the map and know exactly where to go.</div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1495384381/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1495384381&linkCode=as2&tag=boaandsaithes-20&linkId=8ed998652936f3c53fe22ab5bd6b3462" target="_blank">2019 - San Juan Island's Cruise guide (at Amazon)</a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2sAitBnsl1_g-lkbYJT4t1C9hIG7AfYloSwpDnRdGvmVMZ2BhANIlCgf6lqjww49yecI7uvmmDRnQ2q0bZg4UqhKMnA8wPiBw28JW0WyjHYGxHk44wGolddngATDSRaoPIBU8XTWxOOw/s1600/Roche+Harbor+marina+map.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Roche Harbor marina map showing slips, numbers, dinghy dock, fuel dock, stores, anchorage, boat ramp, visitor trails" border="0" data-original-height="1523" data-original-width="1600" height="609" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2sAitBnsl1_g-lkbYJT4t1C9hIG7AfYloSwpDnRdGvmVMZ2BhANIlCgf6lqjww49yecI7uvmmDRnQ2q0bZg4UqhKMnA8wPiBw28JW0WyjHYGxHk44wGolddngATDSRaoPIBU8XTWxOOw/w640-h609/Roche+Harbor+marina+map.jpg" title="Roche Harbor marina map" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roche Harbor</td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1673451460430219573.post-54307272807575730232022-01-24T14:48:00.021-08:002023-08-22T13:50:50.056-07:00Sobering thought worth thinking about<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;">I was busy cleaning out my laptop and as usual became sidetracked reading something I wrote. I immediately noticed punctuation and other errors but more than that, I vividly remembered the situation I had written about</span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> and how shaken I was. I remember thinking that perhaps risking my family's lives was not my decision to make. I remember considering turning around and quitting boating right then and there.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I hope I have caught the attention of others like me. Below is the gist of what I wrote almost ten years ago.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-weight: 700; text-indent: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Crossing Rosario Strait heading into Thatcher Pass, we were all staring out the front and not paying attention to our sideways set (side drift) when out of the corner of my eye I caught a movement that turned out to be rocks coming at us fast. (full flood must have been 3+ knots) The current was forcing us sideways straight onto the rocks of tiny Pointer Island. I swung hard over and pushed her to full throttle, our outboard barely pulled us away with one hundred feet and two or three seconds to spare. I shuddered thinking of my family on board and almost quit boating right then and there.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">While we’re talking currents, I am sure you know that
your boat will be dragged sideways whilst you drive forward when crossing a
channel or fast water. It is very easy to not pay enough attention to the currents “set and
drift” and what’s on the side of your boat. Let’s put it simpler, if you’re
driving forward and looking forward you will miss what you’re heading for
sideway</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;">s.<span style="background-color: #fcff01;"><span style="color: #444444;"> It is easy when close to hazards to allow yourself to be dragged into them because your looking where you want to go, not where you are really going.</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #444444;"> <span style="background: yellow;">Tip.</span></span> Please re-read
that last sentence and get it into your default system, it may save your boat
or someone’s life.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Please leave your SCARY story in the comments below. You will never know but you may save someone. John</span></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1673451460430219573.post-8108045950155253462021-12-17T09:11:00.001-08:002023-07-07T08:50:13.602-07:00Troubling winter time thoughts<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">D</span>inghy's, tenders, shore boats come in a dizzying array of shapes and sizes, and the on going "best dinghy" argument is far from complete in my limited mind.</div>
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But right now now I'm wondering if the pointy end of a dinghy is really needed. I mean the part that is normally above water.</div>
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So here's the question, when comparing a 8' pointed dinghy to a 8' blunt nosed dinghy (some call them prams, others punts) do they both have the same load capacity? rowing, sailing ability? I think if you take a 8' flat nosed dinghy and add back what it would take to make a decent pointed end you would in essence then have a 9.5' (give or take some inches) pointed dinghy. Am I missing something here?</div>
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If I'm correct, it means a flat nosed dinghy of a given length may actually be a bigger boat (other issues and factors being equal) than a pointy dinghy of the same length overall. Right!</div>
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I think carried to extremes this line of thinking means a rectangle boat is bigger, followed by a square boat as being the best shape for big loads. So a barge may be the shape it is for good reason.</div>
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So this brings me full circle back to my earlier thought, is the pointy end of a dinghy really needed, or does it just make it a smaller boat?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKIWTrt18r3QIYrPWmwVESelU5n7Um1Hm5_Dgt4JhM8_NI1JA28FLpMJVeGCJPX6slid5-gGYzQ4qoGHYWaY7XffsDzNy6T9BwmlTgLBAh0Ao1Iwe0HSeq96TsAxJW04YZMdSHnbkgX84/s1600/Matia+sunset+%25281%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Dinghy and Sunset at Matia Island in the San Juans, with Sucia and Echo bay in background" border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKIWTrt18r3QIYrPWmwVESelU5n7Um1Hm5_Dgt4JhM8_NI1JA28FLpMJVeGCJPX6slid5-gGYzQ4qoGHYWaY7XffsDzNy6T9BwmlTgLBAh0Ao1Iwe0HSeq96TsAxJW04YZMdSHnbkgX84/w640-h425/Matia+sunset+%25281%2529.JPG" title="Sunset at Matia Island in the San Juans" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">I'm am really looking forward to summer.</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1673451460430219573.post-24193555137239519032021-10-05T08:04:00.009-07:002023-10-22T09:20:55.957-07:00Places to go in the San Juan Islands<p>Places to go and things to do in the San Juan Islands. All places listed are accessible by boat, some by vehicle also.</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Hikes: Pretty much every park has easy to lengthy hikes so instead of making a long list you may follow this link to all the parks <a href="http://www.sailingthesanjuans.com/p/parks-parks-parks-charts-charts-charts.html" target="_blank">All the parks</a></li><ul><li>Eagle Bluff on Cypress (Start at Pelican Beach)</li><li>Afterglow Mausoleum at Roche Harbor</li><li>Turn Point Lighthouse on Stuart Island</li><li>Young Hill at English Camp</li><li>China Caves from Fossil Bay</li><li>Vendovi Preserve on Vendovi Island</li><li>Fort Whitman on Goat Island</li><li>Turtleback Mountain, begin at West Sound county dock</li><li>Click here for >> <a href="http://www.sailingthesanjuans.com/2017/08/eight-lessor-known-places-things-to-do-San-juan-islands.html" target="_blank">Detailed instructions for the hikes listed above</a><br /></li></ul></ul><span> </span><span> </span><span> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-VL9q0y91nPSF9keDnEZLr2jAYAk_PO3UqdwL7iqRPL6XG8nqtts3VPFzUVjiBv1sWZwdd1Uy7k1wNVQsi27tURopKUPZaEval_AH3Eqz5qc66gn_Ao4OXIIvnfPSvjzoMg5cqnnjjHc/s1280/DSCF2570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Eagle Bluff on Cypress Island" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-VL9q0y91nPSF9keDnEZLr2jAYAk_PO3UqdwL7iqRPL6XG8nqtts3VPFzUVjiBv1sWZwdd1Uy7k1wNVQsi27tURopKUPZaEval_AH3Eqz5qc66gn_Ao4OXIIvnfPSvjzoMg5cqnnjjHc/w640-h480/DSCF2570.JPG" title="Eagle Bluff on Cypress Island" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eagle Bluff (Cliff) from Rosario Strait</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Dining/eats: I have never reviewed restaurants and won't here. However a newbie to the San Juans has no idea what to expect or where to go so here goes some locations.</li><ul><li>Blakely's: Just inside Peavine Pass has a small deli bar</li><li>Eastsound: It's a one block walk from the dock to downtown with many bistros, shops.</li><li>Rosario: Dock, restaurants</li><li>Lopez Village - Fisherman Bay: Restaurant at Islander resort or for <a href="http://www.sailingthesanjuans.com/2013/07/lopez-village-dinghy-anchor-ashore-access-private-public-stairs-places-things-to-do-go-san-juan.html" target="_blank">Dinghy beach landing at Lopez Village</a></li><li>Friday Harbor: many places are walking distance from complementary tie ups in marina</li><li>Deer Harbor: Deli on dock, restaurants on shore</li><li>Roche Harbor: several restaurants on shore, complementary dock</li><li>West Beach: north shore on Orcas, deli in store on dock</li></ul></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Transient tie ups: All cities and marinas are well noted on this site but there are lots of docks other than parks that you may visit for short term, try this link, <a href="http://www.sailingthesanjuans.com/2020/03/16-public-floats-and-docks-you-should-camping-travel-visiting-best-time-island-sail-guide-orcas-lopez-places-to-go.html" target="_blank">16 public docks other than parks where you are welcome</a></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Groceries, shopping: The best advice here is to bring what you can before you head out, but the San Juans are not without good grocery stores. You just need to know where they are. This comprehensive post has them all >> <a href="http://www.sailingthesanjuans.com/2015/10/where-are-grocery-stores-san-juans-anacortes-friday-harbor-roche-orcas-lopez-fisherman-bay-sailing-boating-travel-places-names-cap-sante-laconner-deception-pass-blakely-shaw-cornet-west-beach.html" target="_blank">Where are all the big stores?</a></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Fuel: Gas and diesel are readily available. I would arrive with full tanks but not to worry if you don't. This link will take you to all of them >> <a href="http://www.sailingthesanjuans.com/p/san-juan-areacitys-marinas-resorts.html" target="_blank">fuel docks</a></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Museums and points of interest: </li><ul><li>Whale Museum in Friday Harbor is just up a flight of stairs from the marina office</li><li>Turn Point Lighthouse museum on Stuart Island</li><li>Patos Island Lighthouse Museum on Patos</li><li>Moran mansion has a third floor museum at Rosario Resort</li><li>English Camp at Garrison Bay on San Juan Island</li><li>Sculpture Garden at Roche Harbor</li><li>There are Saturday Markets at Lopez Village, Friday Harbor and Eastsound</li></ul></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Campgrounds, parks: For all the parks, click right here >> <a href="http://www.sailingthesanjuans.com/p/parks-parks-parks-charts-charts-charts.html" target="_blank">Parks - Parks - Parks</a> </li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Special places we really like: <a href="http://www.sailingthesanjuans.com/2023/08/fifteen-best-lessor-known-destinations.html" target="_blank">Fifteen lessor known places to go</a></li></ul><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0