• Boat Ramps = Purple • Parks = Red • Docks = Green
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9/26/2017
Twenty Marine Parks - Twenty Public Docks - Five Boat launching Ramps in the San Juan Islands
• Boat Ramps = Purple • Parks = Red • Docks = Green
8/23/2017
Ten lessor known places to visit in the San Juan's
Not in any order or preference!
#1 Saddlebag Island
#2 Lopez Village
Public access beach and stairs for Lopez Village |
#3 Matia Island Trail
We all have our favorite place, trail, or experience we remember fondly. I conveniently forget the rainy foggy times, recalling just the good stuff. Matia has always been that place for me. I once said to a fellow boater that if I was stuck somewhere due to bad weather or rough seas, Matia was where I wanted to be.
For an up close personal look at Matia, check out the Matia pictorial here Land and Sea around Matia |
Here is a link to a post that describes in detail >>> How to go ashore on Lummi Island
#5 Eastsound - the village (city)
The tiny Eastsound county dock is used mostly for dinghy landing, and is only one block to the village center and the largest food store on Orcas Island. |
#6 Vendovi Island Preserve
Vendovi Island float |
#7 Fort Whitman on Goat Island
Battery Harrison at Fort Whitman on Goat Island |
#7 Young Hill
View of Garrison Bay from Young Hill, Mosquito Pass is barely visible, beyond is Haro Strait, Sidney Island, and then Vancouver Island |
#8 Cypress Lake on Cypress Island
Cypress Island trail map
Cypress Lake |
Imposing Eagle Bluff |
Oops, did I say ten? Okay, try #10 - Sharpe Cove at Deception Pass
click here >> Sharpe Cove
Maiden of Deception Pass at Sharpe Cove. |
That's it, if you go see these ten places and also hit the biggies like Roche and Friday Harbor, Jones, Sucia and Stuart, etc., you will have years of great cruises.
A critic once wrote:
"All the author has done is write about his favorite places" Yes, that's exactly what I have done.
8/01/2017
Bicycle ride from the Lopez Island County Dock at Hunter Bay to Iceberg Point on the Strait of Juan De Fuca
Iceberg Point Nav. aid. In the background is Cattle Pass and San Juan Island, beautiful calm day with a little lingering low haze. Across the Strait of Juan De Fuca we were treated to the snow capped Olympic mountains
The same nav-aid viewed from the water hours later as we head north hoping to spot orcas, still a flat hazy day. You don't have to ride bikes from Hunter Bay like we did, you can anchor at Agate Beach and make the easy hike out to Iceberg Point.
Our bike and hike was just about perfect, we will do it again someday. All together we pedaled about 7 1/2 miles, and walked 1 or 2. After loading up we headed leisurely around the south end of Lopez fighting a small current until we cleared Cattle Pass where we got a little boost all the way through Mosquito Pass. We took a slip at Roche Harbor in time to watch the "Lowering of the flags" ceremony. When they fired the canon, my day was complete. I slept well that night.
7/15/2017
Five Tips for Bicycles and Dinghy's in the San Juan's
Furthermore, if you are planning to use a dock to unload bikes, and the dock is for whatever reason, ie. crowded or out of service, there go all your well thought through plans, out the window and in the drink.
Prior to heading out you should experiment with ways to load bikes into the dinghy. You do not want to learn the hard way what not to do. Poking a hole in the favorite and likely the only inflatable would be the hard way. I think type four seat cushions will protect an inflatable, but I have never tried it since my dinghy is fiberglass.
Plan ahead, one time we sewed up huge bicycle bags from tarps to protect our bikes during an extended trip we knew may have salt water cascading over us.
Tips:
- Bring your old bikes if possible, saltwater means rust. Flush and wash asap afterwards.
- I accept that I will be wading in ankle deep water when reaching shore, so I wear sandals.
- Bike chains, pedals and spokes will get snagged, be patient and super careful not to do damage while transporting and untangling a mess.
- I bring a tire patch kit, basic tools and pump.
- plus I use that anti leak slime stuff in all my tubes.
- Many of our bike rides end up as hikes where we leave the bikes unattended so we bring a cable and lock. It's not that I don't trust people, I just don't want to risk walking miles and miles back to the boat.
6/20/2017
Anchor Rode Marking
In my opinion, marking the rode is not hard nor costly. Suppliers sell tags, with footage numbers, some people use cable ties or bits of yarn.
Some exuberant skippers, mark every twenty five feet and use day-glo colors.
Years of anchoring in the San Juans has honed my system, or should I say reduced it to what works for me.
My obvious observations:
- Anchoring, like coming in to the dock or slip must be done fairly quickly or the boat floats away. This means doing math calculations or untangling snarly rode should be completed beforehand.
- Under water, red, black,and other colors look the same or just disappear.
- Trying to spot, cutesy paint marks, little tags or bits of string flying out of the hawse pipe is problematic, especially for newbie crew.
- Guesstimating how much rode has been let out is not accurate, but is never the less the system I used for years.
- I tried using a code, such as two marks, three marks, four marks to designate small increments. It was confusing, hard to keep track of, and kinda pointless anyway since I forgot the code.
- Anchoring in dark or windy conditions, or stiff current, quickly identifies inadequate systems, poor planning, and lack of preparation.
- My experience has been that all paints I have tried last only one season in salt water. Now I use whatever left over black or red latex paint or spray paint I have. I apply it on a three to four foot section.
- My first mark is at fifty feet, then one hundred, then one fifty, etc. Since I usually anchor in 15 - 20 feet the third mark never sees water and stays in good shape.
- If I suspect problems or crucial timing issues, I will pull all the needed rode out of the locker and cleanly flake it on deck beforehand.
- When I up anchor, if conditions permit, I flake the rode on deck for cleaning and drying and then carefully drop it in the locker later. Sometimes I put my thirty feet of wet or muddy chain in a milk crate and leave it in the sun. Putting away wet gear tends to stink, so I avoid it when I can, especially if I plan to anchor again that day.
- I have a pair of dedicated gloves I use for anchor handling.
How well I anchor is proportional to how well I sleep! |
5/26/2017
Visit Vendovi Island Preserve
The San Juan Preservation Trust has owned and protected Vendovi Island since 2010. Visiting days are April 1st through Sept. 30. Open hours are 10 am to 6 pm, Thursday through Monday. They are closed Tues. and Wed.
Access is a small cove at the north end. There is a 70 foot, first come no reserve dock behind the breakwater, or you may beach kayaks and dinghy's in front of caretaker home if the dock is full. No anchoring in the cove or overnight stays at the dock are allowed.
Bring your hiking shoes and plan to immerse yourself in unspoiled wilderness, but you should stay on the trails if you truly respect the wilderness and the SJPT mission to preserve. No camping, fires, bicycles, or hunting, pets are to be on leash. Enjoy!
5/08/2017
Is disaster simply one little mistake away?
This is a short accounting of what we watched evolve on a balmy calm peaceful Sunday afternoon. The gentleman side tied behind us cast off, he said he was going to swing by the pumpout on the other dock and then head for home. I waved from our cockpit and dove back into my magazine. Suddenly my concentration is interrupted by a revving engine. "Somethings wrong," I said to Linda, "look over there." The boater that had just left had entered the next fairway, the current was dragging him towards the two foot high aluminum footbridge that connects the walkways. "He's in trouble," I said, "the currents too much and he can't complete the turn." Next, to my surprise he guns the engine of his thirty footer, full throttle, attempting to make a 180 degree turn before he strikes the walkway. His boat does indeed miss the footbridge and almost completes the turn but instead, he hits the dock next to the pumpout and with engines screaming, he drives the as yet undamaged boat three quarters of the way onto the dock. Not quite out of the water and at a steep angle he slams it into reverse. The boat instantly pulls off the dock, sliding back into the water. Now mostly turned around, the boat powers backwards towards the footbridge. The unmistakable sound of crunching fiberglass is heard a split second afterwards as the driver finally throttles back and then kills the engines.
The whole sad episode is over as fast as the engines could rev up. By the time I and some other onlookers get over there with our boat hooks the boat is back in the water floating peacefully next to the pumpout. What can you say to someone that has just trashed their boat in a frenzied show of dumb mistakes compounded by more dumb mistakes.
Speaking for myself and probably a few other skippers that have misjudged currents and our boats handling or lack of handling. I will say, I too have gunned the motor in a last ditch effort to clear an obstacle. I may even have bumped a few times. Luckily I have never done any real damage or I have suppressed the memory.
Experience teaches us lessons, sometimes expensive lessons. In this instance, one lesson learned is to not try to turn around upstream of anything you don't want to hit. In lieu of that, don't hit it at full throttle.
In this situation two alternative actions come to mind. #1 the driver could have turned his boat around outside the fairway and backed down to the pumpout, although he would still run the risk of crashing if he lost power or control in the strong current. #2 and a better choice, would be to choose another location or wait for a tide change. Sometimes it is best to not push your luck.
4/27/2017
How to tie to an anchor buoy in the San Juan Islands Marine Parks
The basic anchor buoy is often simply an old foam filled tire with some sort of strong attachment ring on top, but smart skippers approach unknown buoys with caution and skepticism.
This list of dos and don'ts are suggestions, and observations, not rules, and may not apply to your boat, your gear, or your crew.
- Anchor buoys may not be in deep water, in fact you may run aground on approach.
- Don't bang into buoys, they may have sharp edges, and gel coat slashing barnacles.
- Many buoys (most in my opinion) have large amounts of plant life growing and trailing from them.
- Some buoys have abandoned lines tied to them, ready to foul your rudders and propellers.
- You can't stand on them, they won't support your weight, even for just a second while you grab the ring.
- Buoy components corrode and break and then they float loose, it is a fact! Seaweed might be all that is holding it together.
- Therefore backing down on a buoy, just like setting an anchor, is a good idea.
- Approach buoys dead slow from down wind and current, and off to one side.
- Check it out - make sure there are no long trailing lines or bits of flotsam hanging in the buoys wake.
- Match your rpm's to the current and wind so your boat is stationary next to it before moving over.
- If your boat has low freeboard, have your crew reach the ring and thread a line through it and back to a cleat. Don't tie fast to the buoy or use a snap hook or shackle or biner, you want to be able to release it from the boat, possibly in an emergency. Use a heavy line, it will chafe at the ring.
- Is your line already tied at the other end?
- Is your crew wearing a pfd?
- Make sure the crew cleats the line before you release your helm control, the current or wind may be more than they can hold by hand.
- If your boat has high freeboard, instruct crew to use your boat hook to snag the ring, but make sure you are holding stationary.
- Many anchor buoys are designed with a lifting ring and chain that you may pull up several feet out of the water enabling you to slip a line through. Sometimes lifting a heavy chain is a two man job.
- If enough seaweed is growing (attached) on the chain, it may be impossible to lift the ring, even with ten crew.
- WARNING - If the skipper leaves the helm to help, allowing the boat to drift with the current, they still may not be able to lift the ring or hold against the current.
- The boat hook may get pulled from their hands or not be possible to easily unhook for a retry. This results in losing the hook as soon as the buoy is grabbed - another good reason for having a floating hook and wearing pfd's.
- You may also pull the boat hook apart or break off the end.
- Most boats have lower freeboard in the cockpits than up on a high bow and simply grabbing the ring from the cockpit may be all that's required.
- But, watch out when working from stern!
- The boat will be much harder to control, you may tangle with propellers and rudders. Once hooked, the boat will likely spin in the wind and current increasing difficulty and strain on lines.
- Do not treat anchor buoys like fixed docks or floats. They are simple to use, but can bite the unwary.
- Lastly - don't forget that the anchor buoy has its own anchor and rode that you could tangle with, especially if you set your own hook nearby.
White with blue band is the official anchor buoy marking. |
4/03/2017
How to go Ashore on Lummi Island for Bicycling or just going to the Store
Look for public stairs and Beach Cafe. Land your dinghy on slab rock or gravel at low tide. Driftwood suggests high tide reaches to stairs. |
Mt Baker across Hale Passage is a great backdrop. |
3/12/2017
Marine Parks of the San Juan Islands and Surrounding Area
followed by reviews, charts, and pictures
in the order listed.
This is not all the parks, just the ones you may want to make part of your cruising. It's unlikely you can visit all in one trip and still do a decent job of sightseeing. You should plan multiple visits to the San Juans.
Many people choose Jones as their favorite for just hanging for a few days, so Jones is first.
For hiking, Sucia, or Pelican Beach on Cypress Island are the best, but all the parks have hiking trails.
Some parks are in a convenient location when you need to spend the night and you're between destinations, Saddle Bag, Eagle Harbor, and Odlin would fit this description. Most parks with docks have picnic tables on the floats, which are very handy for extending your living area, socializing, and meeting other boaters.
For marinas/etc. where you can get fuel and provisions try this list >> Marinas - fuel - beer and ice - slips for rent
- Jones Island
- James Island
- Clark Island
- Doe Island
- Obstruction Pass
- Pelican Beach
- Eagle Harbor
- Cypress Head
- Matia
- Patos
- Sucia
- Stuart Island (Prevost & Reid Harbor)
- Spencer Spit
- Odlin County Park
- Washington Park
- Deception Pass Park
- Saddlebag Island
- Sidney Spit Marine Park (Canada)
2/14/2017
4th of July in the San Juan Islands - Fireworks - Parades - Celebrations
Reserve a slip at the Friday Harbor Marina, but if you just show up, there is always room for another anchor and the paddle over to the dinghy dock is super short. (FYI - anchoring in the cove places you directly in front of the fireworks barge -- there is no better or closer view possible for your independence day grand finale)
We had such a fun time last year at Friday Harbor celebrating the Fourth of July that we are going back for a vacation cruise repeat in 2017.
Enjoy the Family 3.3K Fun Run, log-rolling contest, blindfolded dinghy race, doughnut eating contest, children's games, live music and fireworks.
Friday Harbor: on the 4th of July
Monday, July 4, 2016 All Day
Orcas Island: for the 4th of July (check dates)
Orcas Island chamber of Commerce
July 1. Orcas Community Parade. Sponsor: Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce
July 3. Deer Harbor Fireworks. Sponsor: Bellport Deer Harbor Marina
July 4. Eastsound Fireworks. Sponsor: Orcas Island Chamber of http://orcasislandchamber.com/Commerce
Lopez Island: on the 4th of July
Lopez Chamber of Commerce - calendar
fireworks are at Fisherman Bay on the 4th
I copied this from the Lopez Chamber website, there is a lot more planned during the year, music, food, art etc.
Event Description
The 4th of July on Lopez Island has become one of Washington State's most treasured celebrations. Many come from all over the country to enjoy a "down home" themed parade and one of the most spectacular community funded fireworks displays you can find anywhere. The island rolls out the red carpet every 4th of July when they host what has become one of the "don't miss" events associated with the beautiful San Juan Islands. Make sure you plan ahead as it has, for good reason, become the busiest time getting to and from Lopez and lodging can fill up quite early in the year. What really makes this great event a success year after year are the multitude of volunteers and generous donations from both local businesses and individuals throughout the local community and families who come to Lopez to enjoy the show year after year.
Join us, for what has grown into a larger than life tradition, this 4th of July. It's a day packed with many events and activities, not to mention an island full of patriotism.
More Info: www.lopezfireworks.com
http://www.lopezisland.com/index.htm
Our new "Land and Sea Guide" is packed with suggestions,
and outside the box ideas
for getting around the San Juans.
1/15/2017
Take What you Have and -- GO
How many times have you heard (or said yourself) "I can't because...." -- finish the statement with any handy excuse for not making that long talked about trip. In many cases, the excuses I use are bogus or easily overcome.
For instance:
- The no money excuse:
- If you are dead broke, I suggest that you forge ahead and make plans anyway, things have a way of working out.
- Reduce the budget some, try dialing back what you really need to get going to the San Juans.
- New radar - NO, new motor - NO - how about used? New plotter - NO. You may be hopeless if you need all the newest toys to vacation or go on a boat ride.
- The no boat excuse:
- Take what you have, or consider renting or buying a used runabout or skiff.
- One time we came across a couple (a well seasoned couple I might add) at Pelican Beach. They arrived in an 8' plywood sailing pram (with oars and no motor) and they had towed another 8' pram with camping gear. They told us they had put in at Anacortes and were spending a week as they had done for many years. I was impressed and somewhat embarrassed for my boat full of goodies, and creature comforts.
- The no time excuse:
- Baloney - If you really want to go you will make the time, so go mark your calendar right now!
- help for procrastinators --- click here for Step by step plan for that San Juan trip
- One last thought; life happens, when everything in life gangs up on you conspiring to stop your boating trip, don't give up. Instead, postpone the boat part and go in your car. Camping or resorting around the San Juans is almost as good as boating around the San Juans.
1/04/2017
How to Predict Current Direction in Swinomish Channel
One day we pulled in to the city float at La Conner and I grumbled to a local boater about how we had been battling the current for hours on our way from James Island. I remember his comment, he said, "The current flows one way for twenty three hours and then reverses, and no one knows when." We all laughed and I figured I should get over it.
I came across this rule of thumb posted on the Port of Skagit County website for estimating the current direction.
The rule of thumb for estimating Swinomish Channel current direction at La Conner goes like this:
The current flows north from 2.5 - 4 hours before high tide to 2.5 - 4 hours after high tide
The current flows south from 2.5 - 4 hours before low tide to 2.5 - 4 hours after low tide
Slack water occurs 2.5 - 4 hours after high or low tide, not at the tide change like in some areas.