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.
Travel Guide, Itineraries, Maps, Charts, Parks and Camping Cruises. Places to go.
Things to do. Pictures, Reviews, Moorages, Marinas, Boat Ramps and Much More.
ATTENTION!
++++ ============================= All Posts Below
12/23/2022
What happens when a big boat drags anchor and slams into you?
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.
11/11/2022
Eight places in the San Juans where you can dent your pride and check your ego
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.
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.
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.
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.
on watch |
11/06/2022
Top Things to do and Places to go in the San Juan Islands
Discover the top places to go and the best things to do by boat in the San Juan Islands.
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.
- 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. Matia Island pictorial
- 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. Jones Island deer
- 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.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.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.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. Deception Pass
- Did you notice?
- 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.
- 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)
- 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. Go to this link and then scroll down to #7 and #9
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Turn point museum at the lighthouse |
10/14/2022
Leaving for La Conner this morning!
Windrose, aka "Rosey" has made it to the San Juans |
In good company anchored at Jones Island |
7/22/12
Read about Rosey here > Rosey's first trip after arriving at her new home in the San Juans
Read about Rosey's tsunami nightmare and repair here > Bombay Pilothouse Project
9/17/2022
Visit Olga on Orcas Island and ride your bikes up Mt Constitution or Moran Park
Olga public dock has room for about three boats on each side, all buoys are private. |
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. |
8/08/2022
Creating maximum space at the dock and general good manners.
Having 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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
7/06/2022
My get home system is finally put to use.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
I know others have get home plans and motors, I thought some may benefit hearing my experience.
Oh, and the tug, as always, it was fine.
5/02/2022
San Juan Islands Cruise Starting at Cornet Bay in Deception Pass State Park
Here's a link to the marine parks locating map marine parks maps etc. click here
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.
3/19/2022
Friday Harbor Marina Map
Even regular visitors can forget where G-dock is or which side are the odd numbered slips!
Anyone see the dinghy dock? (It's at the end of A-dock)
Tip #1 Ask for a slip close to land, that quarter mile walk gets old real fast!
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
Image Courtesy the Port of Friday Harbor |
Roche Harbor Marina Map
Roche Harbor |
1/24/2022
Sobering thought worth thinking about
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 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.
I hope I have caught the attention of others like me. Below is the gist of what I wrote almost ten years ago.
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.
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
sideways. 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. Tip. Please re-read
that last sentence and get it into your default system, it may save your boat
or someone’s life.
Please leave your SCARY story in the comments below. You will never know but you may save someone. John
12/17/2021
Troubling winter time thoughts
10/05/2021
Places to go in the San Juan Islands
Places to go and things to do in the San Juan Islands. All places listed are accessible by boat, some by vehicle also.
- 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 All the parks
- Eagle Bluff on Cypress (Start at Pelican Beach)
- Afterglow Mausoleum at Roche Harbor
- Turn Point Lighthouse on Stuart Island
- Young Hill at English Camp
- China Caves from Fossil Bay
- Vendovi Preserve on Vendovi Island
- Fort Whitman on Goat Island
- Turtleback Mountain, begin at West Sound county dock
- Click here for >> Detailed instructions for the hikes listed above
Eagle Bluff (Cliff) from Rosario Strait |
- 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.
- Blakely's: Just inside Peavine Pass has a small deli bar
- Eastsound: It's a one block walk from the dock to downtown with many bistros, shops.
- Rosario: Dock, restaurants
- Lopez Village - Fisherman Bay: Restaurant at Islander resort or for Dinghy beach landing at Lopez Village
- Friday Harbor: many places are walking distance from complementary tie ups in marina
- Deer Harbor: Deli on dock, restaurants on shore
- Roche Harbor: several restaurants on shore, complementary dock
- West Beach: north shore on Orcas, deli in store on dock
- 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, 16 public docks other than parks where you are welcome
- 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 >> Where are all the big stores?
- 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 >> fuel docks
- Museums and points of interest:
- Whale Museum in Friday Harbor is just up a flight of stairs from the marina office
- Turn Point Lighthouse museum on Stuart Island
- Patos Island Lighthouse Museum on Patos
- Moran mansion has a third floor museum at Rosario Resort
- English Camp at Garrison Bay on San Juan Island
- Sculpture Garden at Roche Harbor
- There are Saturday Markets at Lopez Village, Friday Harbor and Eastsound
- Campgrounds, parks: For all the parks, click right here >> Parks - Parks - Parks
- Special places we really like: Fifteen lessor known places to go
9/20/2021
Where are the Boat Ramps for your San Juan Islands Cruise Vacation?
- Squalicum Harbor in Bellingham - unlimited free parking, fresh water rinse hoses, guest docks, restaurants (you will be glad you began and ended your trip here) (updated 10/1/21) I just became aware that Squalicum Harbor has changed their free parking to FIVE days maximum. This is bad news for some of us that like to take 7-10 day cruises. I recommend calling them. Cornet Bay requires payment but at least has much longer parking.
- Cornet Bay at Deception Pass State Park - lots of pay to park, guest docks, nice place and float to hang out.
- La Conner (south end Swinomish Channel) city ramp, float, on street parking, cheap fees, guest docks.
- Washington Park in Anacortes - limited pay parking, double ramps with float but open to swell and waves from Geumes Channel, no guest docks, very nice on site campground, easy bike ride or hike to ferry.
- Twin Bridges (north end Swinomish Channel) County ramp, limited pay parking, small float that's dry at low tide, security risk area NOTE: It's just a little further to La Conner and well worth it!
- Oak Harbor - free ramp, $2/day parking, guest docks nearby, full marina services nearby, long walk to town!
- Cap Sante in Anacortes is not listed because they have a sling, not a ramp, Cap Sante would be second choice if you want to sling your boat in. Guest docks and big RV or trailer pay parking lot. (you can spend a lot of bucks here)
Click below
7/03/2021
They say Canada visits are open after July 21st 2021
I just read a website that says we can go back and forth after July 21st. This is undoubtedly subject to change with current conditions and remember what the US says and Canada says may differ so check with both sides before you cross over.
Interestingly, the last time I had a passport problem (expired) and could not find the answer online. I simply called the office in Friday Harbor and talked directly with an agent. He gave me the straight and current poop in a simple phone call. It made me realize how much I had gotten away from talking to people who actually run the show. Now if I can get certain people to quit texting for hours on end when picking up the phone is more expedient anyway.
5/26/2021
Summer is upon us - Memorial Day kick offs are this weekend
and we don't know what to expect regarding Covid 19 closures - openings or anything else. Are we allowed to visit Canada, what about our regular haunts and favorite hideouts?
I was hoping to give everyone a heads up for Fourth of July plans around the San Juan's but I am in the dark. I know that earlier this month we dropped in on a scheduled rendezvous at a local dock and only three boats showed up, all stating they didn't know anything about approved summer activities.
Well, all I can say is, we will be heading out as often as we can, trying our best to enjoy cruising in 2021 and beyond.
John
4/23/2021
Summer Cruising Plans - Do it now! - Ten resorts and phone numbers where you can reserve a slip
After spending a few nights on the hook somewhere, or jostling for dock space at a park that only holds four boats and has no water or shower, I look forward to my guaranteed reservation.
If you have a firm date planned, 4th of July maybe, you can call or get online and reserve a slip.
- La Conner 360 466 3118
- Cap Sante 360 2930694
- Squalicum Harbor 360 676 2542
- Blakelys 360375 6121
- West Beach 360 375 6121
- Islander Resort 360 468 2233
- Friday Harbor 360 378 2688
- Roche Harbor 800 586 3590
- Deer Harbor 360 376 3037
- Rosario Resort 360 376 2152
Did you know?
For your land bound friends and relatives (children). They can make campground reservations.
- Sucia Island State Park
- Odlin County Park
- San Juan Island County Park
- Spencer Spit State Park
- Washington Park (Anacortes city park)
Follow this link to a post outlining a land and sea outing involving - cars - campgrounds - ferry rides - bicycles and one boat used as a taxi.
Outside the box cruising
What are you waiting for - Winter? |
2/01/2021
Where is Odlin Park Dock on Lopez Island
Since parks aren't marked on charts, this snapshot may help you find Odlin Park. Update: We have dropped the kids here again (Odlin Park). This time they had reservations for a campsite (smart idea). They left their car at Washington Park in Anacortes, and came by bicycle on the ferry to Orcas. I know that may seem confusing since Odlin Park is on Lopez. So here is the quick low down. We started at Squalicum Harbor - Bellingham and anchored at Jones Island. Two days later we picked them (our adult children) up at the county dock in Eastsound (Orcas) Went back to Jones where they camped on shore. The next day we ran over to Stuart and rode bikes to the lighthouse, then came back and camped at Jones again. The next day we dropped them at the county dock at Odlin Park on Lopez, and we took a slip at Friday Harbor. Two days later, we picked them up off the beach at Odlin Park (bikes in dinghies), had an ice cream break at Blakely's, and then hiked Eagle Bluff on Cypress. We tried to camp at Cypress Head, but because of wind ended up anchored for a calm night at Saddlebag Island Park where they slept on shore again. On the kids last day we dropped them and their bikes at the dock at nearby Washington Park where their car was parked. We then ran back to Bellingham and slept at the dock in Squalicum Harbor. If you have read this far, you should see that mixing ferries, foot passengers, bicycles, and camping on shore, can all come together for a custom outing in the San Juan's. Did I mention the visit to the brewery in Eastsound? If Lopez Village is on your bucket list (free showers) try this link. How to land your dinghy at Lopez Village |
1/06/2021
Pontoon boats, Hobie Cats, Wave Runners
Why are some boats seldom or never seen in the San Juans? I'm going out on a limb here and speculating because I really don't know why I have never seen a pontoon boat in the islands. I may have seen a small cat once but I don't remember when.
I have read that jet skis and pwc's are forbidden in San Juan county so that explains their absence on the water. I have seen them many times on the decks of larger yachts or being towed. Small cats with limited or no storage don't lend themselves to cruising but I would think that if a kayaker can get by with minimal gear so can a wet and wild sailor in a wet suit. This leaves me with pontoon boats. Party barges as they are sometimes called are common on lakes and rivers and easily trailered. They can certainly carry camping gear and some have cabins, so why aren't they seen in the San Juan's?
I'm guessing that pontoon boats don't do well in big waves. Except with suitable weather windows big waves might be avoided (this is a big maybe). Big wakes are another thing but they happen everywhere including lakes and rivers, especially with the advent of ballast shifting wake boats. My next thought is that party barges are the boat of choice for the younger crowd and much of the cruising crowd is a more seasoned bunch preferring beds, fridges and galley sinks.
I will be on watch.
11/21/2020
What Happens When You Wind Your Dinghy Painter Around Your Propeller? Twice!
- We towed this guy and his big dog in his dinghy from Orcas Landing across to Blind Bay. In our haste we snagged the tow rope before we got started. We wound it up on the prop killing our outboard motor and then, since we had already cast off, we drifted dead behind the ferry that had just arrived. For a few worried minutes I was glancing up at the ferry pilothouse, I was wondering if the captain saw us or was he looking down at us and laughing. I was close to making a radio call, but we got the line loose and moved on a few minutes before the ferry departed.
- More recently in another boat, our dinghy line was tied to the stern rail and I unknowingly dragged it through the water all the way from Stuart to Jones Island. And then, wound it up around the prop when I used reverse while attempting to anchor. All hell broke loose with everyone yelling what to do or not to do as the line wound up tighter and tighter. By the time I put it in neutral our rail had begun bowing and creaking. We dropped the anchor and luckily were able to rotate the shaft freeing the line but someone almost had to go for a dip.
(update, I think the last little snafu where we wound it up may have bent something because I might be detecting a little vibration at wot. Its not too late to follow my own advice before I do it again and make the boat unusable costing some real boat $$$$)
10/12/2020
Pictorial Hike to Eagle Bluff on Cypress Island
I'll try to keep the text to a minimum
We took the dinghy to shore at Pelican Beach, which is a Department of Natural Resources Site (DNR) see Pelican Beach >> Read about Pelican Beach on Cypress right here
The boardwalk quickly gives way to forested trail |
8/25/2020
Things to do in the San Juan's - Explore Fort Whitman and Battery Harrison on Goat Island
If you like to explore ruins and go on easy hikes, this is the place for you.
steel railings, doors, long gone |
trees have taken back the island |
the round pit is where one of four guns was anchored |
rooms and hallways are interconnected
If you want some more off the beaten path places to explore, try this post.
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