Troubling winter time thoughts

  What do boaters think about during the off-season when they’re not on the water?     

Many of us think about nothing at all, but lately I have been thinking about my San Juan Islands Dinghy.  And I got a little sidetracked. I should be thinking about boating and off-season planning.

   Dinghy'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.

But right now I'm wondering if the pointy end of a dinghy is really needed.  I mean the part that is normally above water.

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?

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!

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.

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?

This picture was taken of my son by his sister. 
Sunset at Rolfe Cove on Matia

I'm am really looking forward to summer.

Places to go in the San Juan Islands

Where are the best places to go in the San Juan Islands for boating, hiking, and exploring?

This comprehensive post has links for almost everything for new boaters and cruisers.

The best places to go in the San Juan Islands include marine parks, small harbors, and scenic inland hikes. Popular stops range from Sucia Island and Jones Island to Friday Harbor and Roche Harbor, with additional highlights like lighthouse hikes, hidden trails, and dock-access towns that combine boating access with easy exploration.

What is there to do in the San Juan Islands?

Where to Find Essential Resources for Travelers and Boaters  

All the places listed are accessible by boat, some by vehicle too.  Almost every park has easy to lengthy hikes, so follow this link to all the parks All the parks. Below are San Juan area hikes that are not found in parks

Eagle Bluff on Cypress Island (my all-time favorite)

 Start this 2-3 hr round trip hike at Pelican Beach.  The trail to the bluff is beyond the Smugglers Cove, Duck Lake turn off and is closed until July 15th to protect baby chicks.  Keep the pets and children on a leash and back from the cliff edge at the very top.

Afterglow Mausoleum at Roche Harbor

This is a short walk to the mausoleum known for a missing pillar. Begin by walking up the resort road past the chapel.  Turn left on the county road and then in a block or so, left again on Afterglow Dr. Watch for signs and trail in woods on the right side.

Turn Point Lighthouse on Stuart Island

Begin this roughly two and a half mile (one way) hike at the dock at either the Prevost or Reid Harbor docks since they share the same isthmus and trailhead.  Proceed on trail past sign and lots of stairs up and then down to the cove at the head of Reid Harbor.  Wind your way through the kayaker campground and follow the service road, up, up and past the one room school to the intersection with Lighthouse road. Turn left and keep going, you can't get lost now.

To save about two miles of walking, consider starting this hike at the head of Prevost Harbor from the county dock where Lighthouse rd begins.  As a bonus, you can ride your bikes from the county dock but be careful walking or riding because the last quarter mile going down the hill to the lighthouse is steep and littered with round rocks.  We leave our bikes at the top and walk the last downhill stretch.

Young Hill at English Camp - San Juan Island

Where are the mainland Boat Ramps for your San Juan Islands Vacation Cruise?

What are the best boat ramps to use when launching for the San Juan Islands?      

Most experienced boaters do not launch from the islands. The best boat ramps for accessing the San Juan Islands are located on the mainland, including Squalicum Harbor in Bellingham, Cornet Bay at Deception Pass, Washington Park in Anacortes and La Conner along the Swinomish Channel. These ramps offer reliable launching, parking, and access routes, while most island ramps are limited or unsuitable for overnight parking. 

Taking your boat for a camping vacation cruise isn't expensive or difficult if you know the places to go and what to do.

 If you're going to camp on the boat or on shore, I recommend that you start out in Bellingham or Deception Pass State Park.  But if you need or want a campground with a launch ramp for your home base, you should reserve a site at Washington Park in Anacortes.

Boat ramps with parking:

#1 Squalicum Harbor in Bellingham

Lots of parking, fresh water rinse hoses, guest docks, restaurants, nice showers (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. (they used to stick longer term in the overflow gravel lot) Cornet Bay requires payment but at least has longer parking.

#2  Cornet Bay at Deception Pass State Park 

 lots of pay to park, guest docks, showers, nice place to hang out before, after and during your vacation. Only minutes from Anacortes.

#3  La Conner (south end of Swinomish Channel) 

single lane city ramp, float, on street parking, cheap fees, nearby guest docks. Current to deal with.

#4  Washington Park in Anacortes 

  limited pay parking, double ramps with float but open to swell and waves from Geumes Channel,  no guest docks, showers, very nice on-site campground, easy bike ride or hike to ferry.

#5  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!

#6  Oak Harbor  

  free ramp, $2/day parking, guest docks nearby, full marina services nearby, long walk to town!  long ways to San Juans for slow boats.

#7  Cap Sante in Anacortes

 should not be listed because they have a sling, not a ramp, Cap Sante would be a 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)

Note: Taking your boat and trailer by ferry to the islands is probably a bad idea because ramps and parking are inferior or not available.  However, launching a skiff you can muscle around off the beach at a county park with no float is very doable.

Click on picture to make it bigger!

For first timers, see articles titled  "San Juan Islands for First Timers"
Click below
First Timers Itinerary

Click below for a satellite view of Squalicum Harbor

They say Canada visits are open after July 21st 2021

What is needed to go to Canada?   

Note: Things change, you should check dates on all information before setting out.  

 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.

Summer Cruising Plans - Do it now! - Ten resorts and phone numbers where you can reserve a slip

How do you make marina reservations and find contact information in the San Juan Islands?

Marina reservations in the San Juan Islands are typically made by phone or online, especially during the summer when slips fill quickly. Key locations like Cap Sante, Friday Harbor, Roche Harbor, and Deer Harbor accept advance reservations, some use a lottery for 4th of July reservations, and parks and smaller docks remain first-come. Having phone numbers and a call plan improves your chances of securing moorage.

Sometimes it is really nice to have a slip reserved just for you.

      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

Most of these places will be able to fit you in with short notice, but plan ahead to be sure.

Did you know?

For your landbound 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)
These five parks are boater accessible and take reservations for camping.

Think outside the box, and plan a combination land and sea adventure with your non-boater friends.
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?

Click below for a satellite view of Deer Harbor

Where is the Odlin Park Dock on Lopez Island

Where is the Odlin Park dock on Lopez Island and how do boaters use it?

Odlin Park dock on Lopez Island is a small, short-term county dock used mainly for dinghy access and quick stops. Boaters can anchor nearby or use mooring buoys, then go ashore for camping, biking, or walking to Lopez Village. The dock and buoys are exposed to wakes, so they are best used with caution. Odlin looks protected on the map, but it isn’t. 

Odlin Park float on Lopez Island at high tide holds one big or two little boats

       This is one of those really handy but easily overlooked places you may be driving by.  San Juan County Parks allow two-hour tie-ups but I have left my dinghy all day, tucked in out of the way while bicycling the island or running to Lopez Village.

        You can anchor as close as you want and stay as long as you want. If you are really a rule stickler, simply drag the dinghy up above high water. The park bathrooms, fire pits, and parking lot are just a 200 foot walk away.  If you bring your bike like me you can ride into Lopez Village, it's only about 2 1/2 miles.

        Since all of Odlin Park is  totally exposed to wakes from Upright Channel, anchoring is always very rolly polly and boats at the dock get smacked around too. You can use one of four  park buoys for a small fee and still flop around. Other than that, Odlin is a great place to expand your horizons.

I don't think bicycles and dinghy's work well together, what do you think?

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 lowdown.

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

Click below for a satellite view of the Odlin Park dock

Pontoon boats, Hobie Cats, Wave Runners

Are there any pontoon boats in the San Juan Islands?

 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 Hobie 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.