2021 Summer Puget Sound Boating

COVID pandemic continues so border closed: Still no Canada crossing. So we did a Camper trip to Glacier NP and back first part of summer then started our Cruise from La Conner.

Splashed about 9:30 am (means the boat put back in the water). Engine’s started with a little smoke from exhaust but no problem. We spent a few days at the dock provisioning and getting Water Dog Ship shape for cruising.

July 21st headed south from La Conner and tried a new place Deception pass state park. There are some docks but they were full so we anchored.  Of course had to anchor twice  ? and ended up close to one of our neighbors (Fortunately unoccupied catamaran).  Weird at first as even though wind was a blowing current kept us sideways to it. It settled down and was fine. Good walks in woods: about 5 miles in woods with filtered water views at first and the first half of hike had old growth. It was nice. On way back to boat we checked out the town of Cornet. Could not find a bar Alex had seen on google. Looked like there might be a store. There are other hikes behind the town so a potential two night stay and hiking is possible. Pretty anchorage, good cell service..

July 22nd through 24th Port Hudson Marina Port Townsend. We like Port Townsend as nice town and good walking.  Had to anchor out for an hour until our slip was open.  Found out there is a free dock to tie up to for short tie up but rolly.  That night we had dinner at Doc’s marina grill. In afternoon took a short city walk to Chetzmoka park (alex found good cut through at north end of point Hudson area) . At low tide can walk the beach to Fort Warden State Park.


Went to a new spot July 25th: Watmough Bay Anchor

Very scenic anchorage, exposed to NW so can get wakes from boats.  Nice dinghy beach to land on and can walk on trails both sides of the bay: either up to Chadwick Hill (requires some climbing/hiking) or out Point Colville on the south side of bay.  It was very windy that night and it was noisy and rolly.

Good hike up to top of Chadwick Hill with great views!

July 26- Aug 24

Cruised the San Juans. Crabbing, Prawning, Rocher Harbor, Spencer Spit, Hunter Bay Mackaye Harbor, Prevost Harbor, Port Ludlow, Sucia’s etc.. Walks and fun times.

Met Mana Kai and Grand QTR and had a great night at Westcott Oyster Farm and Restaurant (near Roche Harbor)

Were able to get a slip at Cap Sante for a few nights so we could go to the Arts Festival. Nice festival.

View of Anacortes from top of Cap Sante

Headed south to visit Tacoma again as last time the glass museum was closed and open in 2021. On the way down we stopped at a new place Silverdale. We walked around old town then along the clear creek trail but the road connecting two parts of trail was closed so had to detour off water. We had dinner on our own and then in the morning on the 24th we all walked up to the REI. Silverdale dock was nice (bad bad electric). Waterfront park good…trail good and it has any shopping you’d like.(2 miles away)

August 24, 25, 26  back to Tacoma, Dock street maraina. Glass museum open this time so we did go there. Nice building as well as all kinds of cars.   Silver salmon were running so Alex got some fishing in. Last day those guys took off and we did the car and glass museum. Rained our last day while Alex was fishing. He caught, fileted and cooked salmon. It was fresh but rather bland and weird consistency. Apparently this salmon is used for canning, not the best I would think to cook as main course.

Water Dog at Dock Street Marina

Also someone had told us to do the Car Museum so we did and it was pretty cool.

View of Foss Waterway from Car Museum in Tacoma

Headed back to the San Juans and spent a few days at Roche Harbor then for my Birthday week we went to Orcas Island Rosario resort. Met up with Grand QTR and Mana Kai. Had B-day dinner (claudettes B-day is the third). Also we rented a car and drove the island for a day. Went to Orcas Island Pottery which was cool, Found a hike to do but cut it short as we had our dinner date at the resort.



After the B-day celebrations. Back to Bellingham to get ready to have Water Dog hauled and painted!

Sept 7-11 Bellingham, Seaview north dock

Water Dog was hauled 9/8/2022. We then moved to camper (they let us camp in the yard). Several days of work clearing out everything from portugese bridge and the boat: fenders, kayaks, sups, lines, cleaning stuff! Five palates of junk plus stuffed the pilot house with lines etc…. Got it done and headed home 9/11.

Land yacht and motor yacht.

One last fun night out with our good friends and boat buddies. There was a Jimmy Buffet Cover band at the near bay (walkable) Hotel Bellwhether. Food, drink, dance and song. Fun had by all.