In the middle of August 2024 we started out on our trip to go to a boat canal trip on a Leboat rental boat on the Rideau canal in eastern coast of Canada with our Nordic Tug friends Vince and Pam in mid September. We then will go down south from there to Florida to visit friends.
Here is a Google MY Maps of Leg-1 of our route from Milpitas CA to Smith Falls Ontario where we start the Rideau Canal boat rental.
Milpitas, CA
Campground Rye Patch State Recreation Area
National Forest Campground Thomas Canyon Campground, Spring Creek, NV
Harvest Host Diamond P GrassRoots Bison, 5801 S Old Hwy 91, McCammon, ID 83250
National Forest Dispersed Camping US-26, Irwin, ID 83428, USA
National Forest Dispersed Camping sites Ashton-Flagg Ranch Rd, Moran, WY 83013, USA
Buffalo Bill State Park – Lake Shore Campground, North Fork Highway, Cody, WY
National Forest Open Camping Forest Rd 403, Buffalo, WY 82834
Devils Tower National Monument
Spearfish City Campground, SD
NOTE: Google My Maps only allows A to J locations in directions soyou have to start a new directions tab which restarts lettering at A when you reach J. Therefor lettering restarts at B below.
10619 Spearfish Canyon Lodge at Roughlock Falls Rd, Lead, SD 57754, USA
13201 US-16A, Custer, SD 57730, USA
24785 Brave Bull Rd, Belvidere, SD 57521, USA
25497 485th Ave, Garretson, SD 57030, USA
N Shore Scenic Dr, Two Harbors, MN 55616, USA
114 SW W 8th Ave, Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA
1550 King Rd, Thunder Bay, ON P7K 1L7, Canada
30 Pinewood Dr, Wawa, ON P0S 1K0, Canada
Trans-Canada Hwy, Batchawana Bay, ON P0S 1A0, Canada
Milpitas CA to Rye Patch State Recreation Area Nevada 8/20/2024
Our first day out we made about 360 miles in about 6 hours, to Rye Patch State Recreation Area. Patty did a good job picking the State campground where we got a site right next to the river on the outflow of the dam which was 15′ or so above the water which makes for a nice view. Did have a huge invasion of gnats, that some how got in to the camper in huge numbers, but where not biting so where just annoying more than anything
Patty and Holly Rye Patch State Recreation Area
Alex and Holly Rye Patch State Recreation Area
Rye Patch State Recreation Area To Thomas Canyon Campground 8/21-23
Our next stop was Thomas Canyon Campground in Spring Creek, NV which is about 200 miles NE of Rye Patch. This is a National Forest campground and this one did not disappoint with great views and many hiking trails.
We stayed two nights so we would have time to take a long hike the second day.
Easy drive to get there but there where many slow downs due to one of the two lanes being closed for construction in 4-5 areas. We arrived at the camp ground around 2:00 and pretty easily found a camp site but many where reserved. You have to read the camp site signs closely because the multiple date ranges reserved have peoples names above them and some of them have “open” instead of a name which we missed to start. The camp ground is at around 7,000 ft so nice and cool at night but a little warm in the camper during the day since in the sun. This was great though for the solar panels where we got 100% charged every day from the panels.
Camper at Thomas Canyon Campground Patty and Holly Thomas Canyon Campground
The next day we drove the camper down to the end of the Lamoille Canyon Scenic Byway which continues past the campground. We then hiked the Lamoille Creek Trail at the end of the parking lot up two miles to Lamoille Lake. This is a beautiful hike with great views of the Ruby Mountains along the trail. We took the main trail, which was more shaded, up which is two miles and returned via the Stock Trail on the way back which is 1 1/2 miles.
Alex And Holly’s Tail At Start Of Lamoille Creek Trail Lamoille Creek Trail Looking UpLamoille Creek Trail Looking DownHolly At Lamoille Lake
Thomas Canyon Campground To Diamond P Grass Roots Bison Ranch 8/23-24
We headed back out and East on 80 for our next stop at the Diamond P Grass Roots Bison Ranch, 5801 S Old Hwy 91, McCammon, ID. This is a harvest Host Member site where the owners let you stay free if you purchase some of the goods they produce. We usually stay at these places for our over night stops when possible. Folks where real nice and we picked up some bison ground meat and some steaks for $40. Burgers where excellent and plan to try the steaks soon.
We had some severe south winds kick up from the south for the next couple days. Was nice when we where heading North with a 30 mph pushing from the south got great gas mileage at over 12 mpg. Our route would head us North, then NE the East and back too North. Going NE, or even worse East, we really got pushed from the side and made driving very tiring.
Diamond P Grass Roots Bison RanchCamper View At Bison Ranch
We headed out NE on US-80 again then took a right on US-26 which took us SE down to National Forest Dispersed Camping located right past the Riverside Park Campground. This was a one night stay but was right on the Snake River with no one else camping close by and was very nice.
Patty and Holly at National Forest Dispersed Camping Snake River
For this trip we purchased the new StarLink Mini dish. It has been working great attached to the roof of the camper at the rear passenger corner. When we pulled in at this site was thinking StarLink may not work since trees where shading the camper but it worked great. See pic below looking straight up the corner of camper where dish is and dish reported no blockages.
StarLink View Of Sky
Riverside Park Campground NFS Dispersed Camping To Ashton-Flagg Ranch Rd, Moran, WY NFS Dispersed Camping 8/24-25
We headed South on US-26 and took a left on US-89 heading North up towards Yellowstone National Park. We wanted a place for an over night stay before heading in to the park so along the way Patty found this dispersed camping spot. This one was different than most dispersed camping in that the NFS has set up six spots with 2-4 camping sites ate each site with vault toilets. We went past site-1 and looked at sites 2-6 but they where all full. We got lucky and found an empty spot back at site-1 which was OK but not spectacular.
Ashton-Flagg Ranch Rd Camp Site
Ashton-Flagg Ranch Rd To Buffalo Bill State Park Campground 8/25-26
Ashton was an over night spot to stay close to Yellowstone so we could take most of the day visiting geysers and viewing the Yellowstone canyon before our next camping spot at Buffalo Bill campground.
We headed out Ashton-Flagg Ranch Rd/Grassy Lake Rd toward Grassy Lake Rd turned left onto US-191 N/US-287 and headed up to Yellow Stone.
Upper Yellow Stone Falls
View Yellow Stone Falls LowerPatty And Alex Yellow Stone Canyon Over Look
After visiting the hot geysers and the canyon we turned right onto US-20 to go above lake Yellowstone and head east to Buffalo Bill State Park Campground.
This is a nice State Park right with camp sites right on the reservoir which Holly took a nice swim in. We got in a bit late from our Yellowstone visit and got up early and left the next morning so was a short visit here.
Holly Looking Longingly at Reservoir Buffalo Bill State Park
Buffalo Bill State Park Campground To Forest Rd 403, Buffalo, WY 8/26-27
In the morning we got an early start to try to make some miles east and ended up only going 168 miles down US-14 E/US-16 E/US-20 E when we started to see some nice forest roads. We noticed Forest Rd 403 on the right side of road that headed up to a nice grassy ridge, so we went up it about half a mile and camped on the ridge over looking a nice big grassy area. We did notice a trailer on the way in but nobody was around to be seen so a perfect isolated spot for an overnight stay. did get very windy at night while sleeping enough so that we pulled the passenger side slide out in to keep the awning on it from getting ripped.
Alex at Camper Open Camping National Forest Rd 403, Buffalo, WY
Forest Rd 403 To Devils Tower National Monument Campground 8/27-28
The next day we headed out toward Devils Tower Campground but hit some grass fire areas on I90-E along the way that was very smokey and hard to see for driving. The grass fires where still smoldering on each side of the road for 10 mile or so. The smoke lasted about 1/2 hour before we broke out to clean air again.
Smokey Drive Through Grass Fire
When we got to Devils Tower Campground we found a great site with a nice view of the Devils Tower at our camp spot. We first went and looked at the prairie dogs next to the campground and that was all the prairie dogs I need to see for the rest of the trip! There not very exciting…..
Devils Tower From Camp SitePatty and Holly Devils Tower Camp SiteFat Prairie Dog at Devils Tower From Camp SiteDevils Tower HikeDevils Tower Hike
Devils Tower Campground To Spearfish City Campground 8/28-30
Out of Devils Tower we went onto WY-110 W, right onto WY-24W then took I-90 E toward City of Spearfish Entering South Dakota. Spearfish is a nice town that seems to cater to the motorcycle crowd like most towns up in the Black Hills. Spearfish City Campground is really nice and I would highly recommend it for a couple day’s stay to explore the area. Lightly wooded with nice grass on the widely spaced sites. We found a great spot in the first come first serve area, no electric, with no body close to us beside a babbling brook that was super cool. This was on Thursday afternoon and little did we know that the place was going to get packed with all the cyclists doing the Dakota Five-O off road bike race. The race is staged and start/ends at the camp ground so everybody packed in with there tents around us. While we went out in truck had a guy pitch his tent five feet from our picnic table and stake out 50′ on the other side for all his buddies coming over the next few day’s. Talked to the guy, Josh, about his motives but we parted friendly. All in all the bikers where a good crowd so all turned out just fine in the end.
Spearfish City Campground, Babbling Brook Next To Picnic TableStart Of Spearfish Bath Tub Hike
We took the camper off of the truck a really nice hike on Bath Tub trail. Had to cross the stream 10-12 times to get up to the bath tub which was not allways that easy rock hopping each time. would be easier to just wear water shoes and get your feet wet.
Spearfish Bath Tub Hike Holly, Alex and PattyFinally The Bath Tub!
The next day we went and visited Deadwood. We watched the excellent HBO series Deadwood years ago so just had to go for a visit. Pretty much just a tourist town now but there is an open bar every 20′ or so along the main drag, makes it easy to drop in for a drink many times along the fairly short 1/4 mile walk as you go along.
Deadwood Day Side Trip From Spearfish Camp Ground
Spearfish City Campground To Spearfish Canyon Lodge, SD 8/30-9/31
We went just a few miles south to stay overnight in Spearfish Canyon Lodge which is located next too Roughlock Falls. The falls are close by and easy to walk too from the lodge. Lodge had laundry room so we could do laundry and take an easy day off from camping.
Spearfish Canyon Lodge To Grace Coolidge Campground Custer, SD 9/31-10/1
The plan for the 2023 boating season is to start in Laconner WA and travel to Skagway in SE Alaska starting first week in May and ending in the September time frame via the inside passage. We never try to have detailed timelines when we are cruising and let the real time experiences and weather drive the day to day decisions.
We will most likely stop at many of the same places we did in 2019 so you can check the blog for the 2019 blog posts to get an idea what they may be like.
Thinking of going North more slowly and visit more places on the way and then potentially coming back faster if the winter rougher weather dictates.
We can roughly divide the trip in to major sections on the way North as follows:
Laconner Wa to Port McNeill, BC, Canada 290 nm Leave La conner May 1st, Port McNeill area middle May 2019
Port McNeill to Prince Rupert, BC, Canada 270 nm Depart middle May arrive end May 2019
Prince Rupert to Petersburg, AK 200 nm Depart early June to arrive mid June
Petersburg to Juneau, AK 120 nm Mid June to late June
Juneau to Skagway area, AK 100 nm Late June to Early July 2019
Skagway area to Sitka middle July.
Start heading back south after Sitka
Please find the following three Google Maps which have more detail on the proposed route and possible stops one the way. If you click on “View Larger Map” small square in upper right corner of map it will take you to Google My Maps where you can zoom in/out and move around map etc. In the maps if you click on one of the dropped marks many of them will pop up with a description of the location.
1. Patty’s List Of Places She Might Want to Stop At
The places here are the places Patty has found she might want to visit:
2. Possible Places For Flights/Towns And Places To See
A high level map with a list of possible stops and airports as shown in Google Maps here:
The Red marked locations are larger cities with stores for provisioning with a marina and stores. The purple air plane symbols are cities with airports that you can fly in too and the remaining blue are small cities/marinas or anchorages that may be visited on the trip. Float planes can be taken from the airport cities to pretty much anywhere else in the PNW where Water Dog may be.
3. 2023 Proposed Route, Actual Route Shown We Took In 2019
This is our actual route from the OpenCpn chart plotter from 2019. Thinking this will be close to the route we take in 2023 with some added stop’s and some deleted stops:
1. Leg-1: Laconner To Port McNeill
Inside Vancouver Island Leg 290 nm
The first leg of the trip is the area we cruised a lot between 2018 and 2023 which contains the San Juan Islands in the US followed by the Gulf Islands, Sunshine Coast, Straight Of Georgia, Desolation Sound, Johnstone Strait and Broughtons in British Columbia. All this part of the route is in the rain shadow of Vancouver Island which creates great cruising with sunny weather and calm waters. The State Parks on the US side and Provincial Parks on the BC side are great stops with hiking trails and easy access to shore for the dog’s. Access for hiking and dogs to shore further north of this area gets scarcer unless you are at a larger town.
2. Leg-2 Port McNeill To Prince Rupert
BC Deserted Town Leg 270 nm
The start of this leg from Port Hardy will require a passage around Cape Caution which has a reputation of being very rough if wind is coming from the west and ebb currents are coming out of the straights to the east. Will need to pick a good weather window and time the tides for this.
This area is made up of Fitz Hugh Sound, Fisher Channel, Burke Channel, Dean Channel and Bella Coola. The first stop will most likely be Millbrook or Fury Cove anchorages after the passage.
Namu: (Deserted Cannery)
We might try to stop at Namu but the place as gotten real run down and we most likely will skip Namu. The first location of note is Namu where we anchor at Rock Inlet anchorage next to Namu, BC. Namu is a small fishing port, former cannery town and First Nations community . Lots of abandoned building etc to take a look at.
We skipped Ocean Falls on the 2019 trip but will do it in 2023. Ocean Falls is an almost deserted town which has just a few dozen or so people living there full time and still has ferry service. There is a dock with power and water available. A power plant is above the the town producing hydro power. There is hiking on trails up to the lake etc so should be a good place to stretch our legs. Our friends Jeff and Darlene on Mona Kai say there is great crabbing here.
May stop at Klemtu at the free public dock to check out the lodge if we can get a space at the dock and all looks OK. In 2019 we did stop on the way out and back in Namu but anchored out in a very tight bight. Dock has always been full with local boats and the anchorage is very tight but good enough for an overnight stop. You can walk the streets and meet some of the local first Nations people to stretch your legs.
Butedale in 2019 was a nice stop where there was a dock care taker and the owner is trying to fix the place up. Butedale is another abandoned cannery that evidently does have a care taker (Cory) with a dock and water. We stayed one night in 2023 and think it is worth another stop.
Very small town where we may dock or anchor out near the dock. It is located in Tongass National Forest and there is a trail head but may not be that well maintained of a trail. We stopped there in 2019 and we got some homemade cinnamon buns sold at the dock if you order the night before so turned out to be a nice stop.
This leg has no major towns between Petersburg and Juneau but does contain many nice anchorages and Tracy Arm. Tracy Arm is a very famous fjord for glacier viewing. We will anchor at Tracy Arm Entrance Cove where it is about a 23 nm trip up to the head of Tracy arm to see South Sawyer Glacier.
Sawyer Glacier is known as the premier glacier to see in SE Alaska.
In 2019 we had a very nice trip in to see Sawyer Glacier and may revisit in 2023.
Patty and I visited Tracy Arm years ago in a go fast catamaran from a cruise ship and it is a very pretty trip with fantastic wild life, seals etc, on the trip in.
We will have to see how open the water is on the way in with ice and bergie bits. We may follow the local excursion boats that arrive from Juneau around noon each day and stay at least 1/2 mile away from the glacier itself. Calving of the glacier can produce large waves and 1/2 mile is closest that is allowed for safety.
The major area to see is the Glacier Bay National Park. The glaciers are not as scenic as Tracy Arm but is still spectacular. No dogs are allowed on land in the park which puts a bit of a damper on our enthusiasm for the park. In 2019 the park rangers giving us our intro course required to enter bay did not seem to mind the dog’s being there so just took them in for a one night stay.
In 2019 one of our favorite areas was the east side of Baranof Island where we stopped at Red Bluff Bay anchorage with beautiful views of cliffs and snow capped peaks and bears etc. Then the town of Baranoff with the hot tub baths was special.
Sitka is one of our favorite stops on our 2019 trip so we would like to stop again.
Let Qwatsi around 9am or so. Sun starting to peak out. Cruised up Tribute Channel, very beautiful.
Tribute Channel
Saw two bears (one black and probably one brown).
Tribute Channel Bear
Since sun came out we went all the way up Thompson sound to the river outlet. No bears seen. There is a dock which likely tour boats use and another dock with a 5th wheel (likely private) on land. Lots of wind hit when we turned around the back side of Sackville island. So if you could anchor (book describes it as sketchy) it might get windy but there is a dock for shore visits.
We did have a pod of white sided dolphins travel on our bow wave along the way.
White Sided Dolphin Riding Bow Wave
On to Lagoon cove and arrived around 2pm. Went to the happy hour then deployed crab traps. People told us to go to carcroft channel north of the rock in the middle after you pass the fish farm at the entrance. Day two we just chilled: walked a bit, went fishing. Alex caught a salmon trolling we weren’t sure what the fishing limits are in this zone since forgot phone with BC fishing app to with so it was released. Once checked on phone it was a legal Chinook (King) salmon.
Chinook (King) Salmon Caught At Lagoon Cove
Got two crab and had dinner on the boat. Day three…busy..picked up crab traps (4 more big ones).
Alex With Nice Sized Dungeness Crab
Tried trolling a bit more for salmon (rough out there, no bites). I was a good day fishing any way!
No Fish But Good Day Fishing!
Dinghy cleaned and put up, washed dogs after they walked and swam, made happy hour, cooked and cleaned crab! Busy day. Leaving tomorrow
Patty Cleaning Crab
August 5th and 6th Sointula Harbor
Left Lagoon around 9:30am, nice easy cruise with a push up knight inlet. Saw two whales when crossed queen charlotte and then got a spot on the dock. Walked into town which is about a mile south of dock…cute, small. Some hiking on island. PJS wants to go to rubbing beach early am when it is advised to do so (calm and can see better if whales show up) but that may not happen. Staying two nights.
Sointula Harbor OfficeSointula Harbor
Settled in on outside of their guest dock which is at opening of the harbor so not super protected, we did have waklets/wind waves in afternoon but most boaters (lots of small fishing boats) were good going in and out. Met Keith on Arros a nice old woody boat and Rae Lynn was there too who we have seen a bunch (but did not talk to).
Walked to town which is small, got a shirt for me and hat for Calvin at the wild side gift shop. Town has a grocery, bakery, café, the gift shop, gas station and hardware store near the harbor. Free bikes at ferry station and the harbor to use.
Sointula Mural On walk In To TownOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
Day two we rode in AM to the Bere Point park to check out the rubbing beach. Is a steep smooth pebble beach. Ride was slightly strenuous but that felt good. Campground looks nice (no potable water) but must be windy. Walked out the trail to the viewing platforms and no whales. A local commented that when you see lots of fisherman off the beach (which we did) that meant the whales were not there. She made a comment if you see the whales you might as well pick up your line and move.
Bere Point Park Whale Rubbing Beach, Patty Looking at SignBay Trail at SointulaBay Trail Beach
We got back noonish. The harbormistress gave alex a ride to the gas station to get dinghy gas and we rode into and around town before getting groceries. Found a few small “gift shops” in peoples house as we rode about. Got back to boat and chilled for a bit. Decided to go to blind channel tomorrow if they will have us….will be a 60 mile day so long. They have a spot just maybe no electric. Alex made yummy yummy crab cakes for dinner which we had on salad. Good.
8/7/2022 Blind Channel Resort
Got off the dock at 6am which should get us the current/tide in Johnstone strait and have us arrive at blind channel around slack. We shall see. Not fog where we are (rough bay) but will see how it is in Queen Charlotte and Johnstone Strait.
Very foggy, had to use radar most of the way down johnstone strait but quiet and not a lot of boats. Started clearing up once we got later in day near Blind Channel.
Arrived at Blind Channel around 1:45pm. Our shared slip was empty YAY as the current was pushing us off the dock and we had some trouble getting the dog reigned in.
Terra Really Enjoy’s Some Nice Grass After a Long Day On The Water
Settled in and then took the big cedar loop walk with a small addition of some of the forest loop.
Blind Channel Resort Trail Map On Trail Side
The later got rough so we aborted to save terra troubles. She seemed tired the rest of evening but had swum twice as well as the hike. Dinner on board. Off to shoal bay tomorrow.
8/8 and 8/9/2022 Shoal Bay Dock
Left Blind channel 10:30 am ish with short cruise to Shoal Bay. Nice weather. When arrived not enough room on dock so we anchored close. Felt too close so was gonna move and then someone left dock. Remaining people on the moved their boats and made room so we got on the dock NICE! Chilled a bit then went to deploy prawn traps in Phillips are near a point just south of Fanny Bay (apparently trophy salmon fishing years back…john wayne fished). Trolled a little on the way back: nada. Salmon schooling and jumping in Shoal bay….more on that later. I supped with Holly Dog and Terra had some short walks and dipps in the creek. Picked green beans to add to our dinner which was black bean soup. Staying two days. Day two BUSY BUSY: out to fish at LW slack around 9:30 am. Trolled along denim bay north wall Nada. Then cruised Phillips arm to the head and no bears. A couple “structures: at head of bay. Used to be a logging camp so maybe left over. Picked up prawn traps (only 15 prawns) and then dropped them at opening of shoal bay where alex had caught 40 before. Alex napped and I casted into the schooling salmon and we caught one pink. Tried to pan fry it for dinner but was no good for eating. Will keep no more pink when we catch any.
Took the hike to Gold mine: 917 foot elevation gain so strenuous, nice look out 2/3 of the way up. Holly went terra didn’t: good choice.
Alex On Shoal Bay Trail To Gold Mine
Old Logging Steam Donkey On TrailShoal Bay On Left Over Looking ChannelShoal Bay Trail To Gold Mine
Back to boat and alex picked up prawn traps NADA. He fileted fish and then we cleaned up and got ready to move. Alex cooked the salmon in fried pan: it was ok but not great..won’t keep again. What we learned Pinks and Chum (salmon that school) not good. Local guy said Chinoonk and king are solitary hunters …they are bigger and better 😊
I called Big Bay general store around 4:30pm to see how busy the dock was and the lady mentioned its been busy and most spots not reserved are taken! Reserved? I asked and she reserved us two nights tomorrow, we shall see how that works out. Plan is two nights Big Bay, two nights Toba Wilderness then heading south.
8/10 and 8/11/2022 Big Bay Dock
Left shoal bay to catch dent rapids at slack. Got through no problem. Had made he “reservation” for the dock so got a spot. At first at shore side of the outside D dock but got to move up when our neighhbor left. Pointed bow out to get solar. Day one in afternoon we walked over to the overfall park area and found some more trails.
On the way out we saw the no trespassing sign but we didn’t get bothered by anyone. We had walked there before and the harbormistress said it was ok if stayed on road. Spent two nice days.
Sign To View Point Down Gravel Road
Hiked across the island past eagle lake to Bassett bay to get a glimpse of Bute inlet.
Walking Trail To Basset Bay Other Side Of Stuart IslandAlex and Dogs Looking Out Over Basset BayBasset Bay Stuart island
We did go through Aaron rapids at slack to fish along the wall but caught nothing. Still had a good time again in big bay.
8/12 and 8/13 Toba Wilderness marina
Toba Wilderness Dock turned out to be one of our favorite stops due to the beautiful views and the great whale action.
Left Big bay to get through Yaculta rapids and be on the ebb…not sure we gained much current. Outside dock at Toba.
Water Dog At Toba Wilderness DockView Out Back Deck Of Water Dog at Toba Wilderness DockNice Pavillion Toba Wilderness Dock
Place run by family and the owner Kyle said his 16 year old daughter (who left the day after we arrived with mom to go to college) had been there since she was 2 weeks old. Good docks, good get together area and 5k of hiking trails (old logging roads and go up and up and up). Alex prawned, I kayaked , dogs swam and walked. Fun had by all. Terra seems a little “Off”
We missed the memo about a happy hour on night two we think…just not that sociable all the time I guess.
Happy Hour On The Dock With a View
We wanted to stay a third night but too busy. I wanted to try to dinghy up to brem river outlent to check for bears …oh well
We heard a whale blow evening one and went out in dinghy and got some nice sightings close by and he breached YAY!!! He was back the morning we left too.
Whale Breach At Toba WildernessWhale Slap At Toba Wilderness
In the morning a bear came by to forage for berries and stuff at low tide. He was right next to the covered area between the guys house and the dock base. Kyle let the tourists do some looking about but then chased it off. Later when I kayaked while alex was placing prawn traps (he got nada…6 prawns) was following shore after circling double island I heard some branches breaking and likely the same bear came down to forage. I got some good pictures and just hung out off shore from him in kayak.
Toba Wilderness Bear
We hiked to waterfall (with both dogs) then to the Toba view point with just holly. Strenuous uphill hikes.
Toba Wilderness WaterfallHolly and Patty End Of the Tough Toba View Point Trail
8/14 and 8/15/2022 Squirrel Cove
Left Toba at check out 11am. PJS wanted to go down Homfrey channel to get the view so we did. It was pretty.
Homfrey Channel
In Atwood bay saw a dock with board walk. I suspect its from the Klahoose lodge and is a grizzly tour dock. Not sure if we could of gone there to take our own tour….may look into it if we return. Went by Forbes bay where says you can anchor at river mouth and a sailboat was there. Nice green beach/flat area with a picnic area visible…not sure if that is private. Suspect would be ok going to shore at high tide but at low likely would be problematic. Decided to try Teakerne arm so passed by desolation sound marine provincial park and also roscoe bay. Teakerne arm was a zoo. We are too slow to anchor as we missed chance to anchor in 115feet in front of falls and fucked up a stern tie attempt (drifted off shore too much then ran over dinghy line but thankfully did not lose dinghy). Whales were in the bay and we missed a breach during all the commotion…. We were stressed and frustrated so bailed and went to squirrel cove. Took dogs in….were not sure if we would stay two nights but decided to. Will walk on shore
Water Dog Back At Squirrel Cove
Discovered why terra seemed out of sorts: she had a ripped off toe nail on her good left rear left foot. It fell off after the morning out but must be causing lots of pain and will for a couple weeks I fear.
We stayed two nights. Went to store when we arrived and got a few things and walked dogs. Day two chilled, went for walk from the town to the Von Dopp trail …about a mile on the road and then just 1 km into the trail and back. SUPped in AM. Terra only got to go to rock shores, trying to protect her foot.
Talked to a guy “don” on the squirrel cove dock. He indicated the two docks I saw in atwood bay were illegal and he ties up to them if they are not busy. Also said there is another dock down the channel that is hard to see and he has tied up to that. Mentioned tying to log boom in Brem bay if not being worked.
8/16/2022 17, 18 and 10 Powell River
Did not stop on way to powell river, thought about lund and Copeland islands but pretty busy. Got a spot easily as arrived by 11am. I walked dogs while alex napped. Day two went to walk the Willingham beach trail but closed as they are redoing the sewer plant: BUMMER! Diverted to the Millenial park and did walked up along a canyon on McGuffie trail, crossed a bridge and down the other side on Mc Fall creek trail.
Mcguff Creek Trail
Nice temperate rainforest and creek for dogs to get into. Swam terra at boat ramp and beach before jumping onto trail. Trails not that long but add the nearly 2 miles to get to and from trail head made for good exercise. Day two rode bikes to get something at Napa and get some groceries at the freshco near the Walmart and hardware stores. Just walked dogs along the sea walk south of marina. Alex started trying to wax the beige part of boat but needed a compounding pad.
Had a run in with a guy on a sailboat called sand dollar. At night when alex walked the dogs he attacked alex verbally and then pushed him down. Very upsetting. Following am we reported to marina who encouraged us to report it to police which we did. Guy probably drunk. The police talked to the guy (said he was sorry and he would behave) and the marina made him move to the north part of the harbor (different ramp) since he was there to attend a high school reunion. Still very upsetting.
Sand Dollar, watch Out For This Boat!
We just chilled after the trauma from the guy lessoned. Friday we walked millennial park again, rode bikes to napa again and got cash at a bank too (success at scotia after failure at 4 others in town). Thursday night had a market at marina which was cool (Almost got tie dye, did get flowers) and there was square dance by the coast guard station for a bit (fun to watch).
Friday evening was the Black Berry Festival. Seemed like less vendors than last time. Did get Bannock and some tacos from the nutracker ladies who run a gourmet store. Fireworks at 10pm…we should have gone to the beach but watched from boat: still fun.
Black Berry FestivalSunrise At Berry Festival
Met some folks Derrick and Karen on a selene who stayed across from us: he was going to the reunion too.
8/20 and 21 Back Eddy Marina
Left Powell river about 7:45 am. Easy cruise: against wind and tide so slow. Got to Back eddy around 11am and dock empty, pulled in with current so was a little tricky but not too bad….remember to go into the current when dock! Got our prawn trap back and settled in. Gonna make crab enchiladas. Grand QTR and Mana Kai will arrive around noon tomorrow.
They arried at noon and I presented them with grab enchiladas. Plan was to leave on dinghy about 1pm to go to the Bathgate store and walk to the rapids. Plan executed, enjoyed by all.
We had dinner at the pub and then settled in for early wake up to go to princess louisa.
Amazing event was an pod of Orca’s came right inside the Back Eddy docks going after a school of fish!
Orca’s Approaching DockOrca’s Passing DockOrca’s Past Dock
8/22 and 8/23 Princess Louisa Inlet
Beautiful ride up the inlet, easy passage through Malibu Rapids.
Princess Louisa Inlet
Young life camp looks closed. Those guys got on the dock and we anchored. Alas our spot right in front of the waterfall was taken by a big boat called satisfaction. We checked out mooring balls which take 70 foot vessels but we lost satellite so went to the other side. Still nice views just not of the waterfall. We had a nice two night stay. Night one steak dinner on Grand QTR, night two Darlene brought her Costco lasagna hot and we provided garlic toast and salad, Claudette brought apps. Nice evenings.
Bob On Grande QTR Paying Homage To The Princess Louisa Inlet Diety
8/24 and 25 Pender Harbor Hospital Bay Dock
We left to catch slack around 11:15am but we planned to and got there around 10:45am: was some current but not bad. Time to say good by again to grand QTR as they are going north and hanging near Campbell River to pick up there friends Pam and Ed. Sorry to have missed them up there. So we parted ways but Mana Kai came down to Pender with us and we all got on the Hospital Bay Dock. Darlene treated us to dinner (curry salad) and we settled in. Had whole next day so we walked to Lily lake, Bargain Harbour and back (barely 3 miles).
Lily Lake Trail
Lily Lake Trail
Checked out the lagoon by Dinghy and then went back out later for dinner at Mama’s Japanese Kitchen for sushi (They had been last week and loved it). Nice day, still warm so not much outside work on boat, forest walk was ok. Off to Gibsons’ tomorrow.
Lagoon Dinghy Trip
8/26 and 8/27 Gibsons Landing
Left around 9am. There is a bar entering howe sound if you go to gibsons between Gibsons and Keats island. At low tide says 7 feet and if there are waves might not be good and we’d have to circle around the island adding 8 extra miles. We shall see. 9am should get us to the bar around `1pm and low tide was 11:52 so we might have 7 feet plus 6 feet or so to cross. We will just check it out. Ride started ok but when go to Welcome Passage the small storm coming through arrived so we did have moderately annoying chop (and splashes on the boat). Not the most pleasant ride but not as bad as last ride through here when not winds were 20 knots instead of 10 knots. Alex still complaining about hobby horsing and going against the wind and waves. Had to batten down kitchen and hatches.
At first D and J had not guaranteed slip at Gibsons but they secured one along the way. 11:56pm, just rounding the bend near Sechelt and not really fun ride.
Shallow Channel In To Gibson’s LandingGibsons Landing
Two days in Gibson. Mana Kai at Gibson marina which has maybe 4 sites for boats our size. Little public market near Gibson marina was nice. We were on the pier, north side. Lovely view but lots of wakes and very hard to get terra out due to 2 foot square bull rail. Dock peops found us steps and the step we had we spanned the dock to boat and it worked pretty well.
Water Dog On Exposed Outer Dock Gibsons Landing
I grabbed some chowder from Smitty’s which was very good. Then I took a short hike in PM with D and J then we had some appetizers on water dog and then ate on our own. Jazz /folk type band on gazebo played music and it was nice.
Day two, met around 10am for walk to mt Daniel. We had lunch at the BBQ place: they said brisket great, Alex said pulled pork ok, I had sturgeon tacos GOOOD. Skipped the step part otherwise nice woods walk. Alex napped and rinsed boat, jeff rinsed Mana Kai and Darlene and I then went to check out the shopping scene. Not much to find, a couple nice galleries but I only found a had. There was a craft fair which had some ok stuff but no purchases, afternoon and evening concert.
Good Blues Band At Free evening Concert
We ate at the Greek restaurant in town and it was great but long wait…not sure why.
Gibson’s was nice, better to try to stay at the marina.
8/28, 29 and 30 Nanaimo Anchor off New Castle
Anchorage crowded! We were way away from dock and on periphery but “legal” A lot of wakes in this anchorage. Had opportunities for dock every day but passed. Short walk day one, tried city walk on millstone river trail day two but kind of polluted and trashy, got some groceries, did perimeter of the island hike (5.5miles) on our last day (Decided to stay a third night) and it is very pretty on the back side!
Alex caught 4 crab and we had crab fried rice.
8/31/2022 Pirates Cove Marine Provincial park
Pirates Cove Park
Left around 9am, did dodds narrows with 3.8 ish knot current going with it, no problem. Early arrival and anchored outside the tiny cove due to weather being good. We could fit in middle of cove or stern tie. Two dinghy docks, only a mile or so of trails. Short walk on trail (hot), then late in afternoon kayaked. One day stop…gonna try Chemainus tomorrow
Pirates Cove Park Nice Dinghy Docks, Small Inside Anchorage in Back Ground
Note brother XII cult conman used to be on island with followers, had gun turrets to protect it, supposed buried treasure on a 100 acre farm which is for sale on island after Victoria newspaper baron (Dennis black or something) bought and did not use. Saw a cool house with great big dock on a small island off DeCourcey owned by said millionaire.
Ran in to a couple that lived there and guy manufactures aluminum boats and shared the history with us
9/1/2022 Chemainus Public Wharf
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
Short notice email/call in am and got a slip (its not a big destination LOL). Walked the town and couple of urban trails. The murals are cool, saw several. Ate at Thai place, just ok. Got Scoops ice cream which was good…. Off to Wallace island tomorrow. Saw quite a few murals as we walked the town.
Chemainus MuralChemainus Mural
Went to the beach park, aston creek park and circled back on Cowichan valley trail. Quiet evening. Alex received documents from Pruett. Morning of 9/2 we asked a couple from Yakima (keep their boat Hey Jude in Anacortes) to witness our signatures then we walked up the the Canadian post and sent to AL. Left around 12pm, short cruise to Wallace Island
9/2/2022 Wallace Island Marine park
Two coves Conover and Princess, very long and narrow, have to stern tie. Fairly crowded so we anchored out from the front, fairly exposed which was fine for settled weather. Kayaked around the reefs and saw lots of cool erosion and harbor seals. Then took dogs for walk to south end of island (one of the points). Internet ok, not great. Weather kicked up so we only stayed one night since a fair weather anchorage.
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
9/3/2022 Montague harbor
Next AM took up kayaks, walked north to Chivers point (4.4 miles) then around 2pm wind kicking up so decided to move on (otherwise may have stayed). A bit bumpy at first in the passage but when got in channel to Montague no problem. Very crowded inside and out, we stayed in inner harbor, very crowd, on outside of most but still close to some boats. Just for one night, off to port browning tomorrow.
Internet really bad where we were anchored
9/4 and 9/5/2022 Port Browning Dock
Port Browning Dock
Good spot on dock but busy weekend. We arrived Saturday and a couple of groups (Probably yacht clubs) had get togethers and stayed up late. All nice though. Not good walking. SUPped on day one (without alex) and then on my birthday we did a short walk (on bedwell harbour road) and then watched a dog show for a few minutes. Nice dinner out at pub…alex told our waitress Rachel to make it special and she did. Food was ok, not great but tasty.
9/6 and 9/7/2022 Genoa Bay Marina
Genoa Bay Marina Dock Ramp
Nice bay, we did get a dock but anchoring would have been fine. On day one I took a jog on the one road to genoa bay. Day two we tried to walk the mad dog trail but only got about ½ mile or so as rocky and steep so not good for terra. She got to swim. I washed the dogs, we trimmed nails, alex napped and I read a bit. Went to dinner at the café which was very very good.
Genoa Bay Marina House Boats
The next day we took the dinghy to Cowichan Bay and walked the town and went to the marine museum. There are amazing 20-30 model ships built by a retired local doctor in the museum. Off to Victoria tomorrow.
Cowichan Bay Museum Model ShipsCowichan Bay Museum 1929 Atlas Imperial Gas Engine
9/8, 9 and 10 Victoria Ships Point marina
Got a good ride from genoa bay with current. Arrived around 11am and tied up on side of Ship’s point pier instead of one of the three fingers. Good view Parliament and empress but some blockage by boats and ferries. Queen died on day of arrival so flags went to half mast.
We had a good view of the Empress Hotel Lights from the boat from the dock.
Empress Hotel Lights From Water Dog at Dock
We walked beacon park with the dogs and along douglas avenue then through james bay are back to boat. Walked about in evening and got some drinks at a weird yuppy place End Dive, and some oysters and smoked eggplant. Small plates so had leftover coconut soup when got back.
Beacon Hill Park
Day Two: short AM walk with dogs, then bike ride along douglas, through rose cemetery and then to Government house gardens (where we signed the queen’s condolence book for Queen Elizabeth’s Death).
Government House GardensGovernment House Flag at Half StaffGovernment House Signing Queen Elizabeth’s Condolences’ Book
Rode by Craigdorch Castle (built by coal magnet Dunsimir in late 1800.
Craigdorch Castle
Checked out Victoria Public market (not much), then Market square (not much), ended up eating at the dumpling drop which was good. Chilled at home but a party tent got put up on the pier and some noise of the band practicing and then party through the evening (indigenous guy did a short think band then a comedian). Party sounds were not a big bother. Had Enchiladas at home for dinner after a nice walk along the harbour north then across the pedestrian bridge to Songhees Point. Terra got to swim yay!!!
I woke up 4am….hung out til alex got up. Moving to Seaview. May sell dinghy, sell kayaks and alex has appointment with notary at 4pm. Busy day. Tomorrow new dinghy and install chocks.
I put in add for Dinghy and Kayaks. Had several emails on dinghy. One guy in fisherman bay area really wanted but would have trouble getting to Bellingham. We said we might deliver since we were gonna go there for the fourth. However other two folks in Bellingham wanted immediately and had cash. We also asked steve guyer about trade in value. We had posted for 1800 but steve said 2K. We had agreed tentatively with a guy named Joel (happened to be co boat owner with kyle) for the 1800. Alex texted him about Steve’s offer and he said fine. Also one interested party for Kayaks.
Nice sunny morning with flat water. Had some push by the current. Arrived at Bellingham around 11 or so. I had to call Seaview to have them ask Kyle to go to marina or to their dock. He said there is room at their dock. We want them to fix chrome rail that is bent AND to check out depth finder.
Tied up, Alex touched base with kyle on what we would like looked at. Kyle loaned us yard truck. Went to Dicks sporting goods and bought two small light weight (36lbs) kayaks, then to get notary done about 3:30 at WF, then mailed documents at Pak mail and went to home depot quickly. Was going to meet kayak interested party at 5:30 so we went and unloaded kayaks and then the guy delayed to later. So off to Safeway for some groceries and Costco got back just at 7pm. Met with kayak purchaser and he liked them and bought (his boat in same marina so he and his son paddled away to their grand banks Dear Prudence (he was an Englishman). Got a lot done
Day two, Friday, at Seaview Dock: dinghy delivery around 11am by steve, then measure and measure and measure for chalks and then install! Also sold dinghy to Kyle’s buddy Joel around 3:30pm
Alex Arriving With New Dinghy With Steve Guyer
Day three, Saturday. Put chocks on base, got some fish at fish sails, some trips to LFS and put dinghy up. Got some fuel for dinghy, went out to dinner at the Loft and fish tacos and salmon succatosh were good.
Alex Pointing Out To Holly Where Dinghy Chocks Should Go
May or may not leave tomorrow, rain in forecast.
Day 4, Sunday: rained most of day. Alex did 30 amp install. I rode bike to big lots and got some stuff
July 4th Fisherman’s Bay
Met up with Grand QTR and Mana Kai. We left early around 7am or so. Arrived 9:30 am or so shortly followed by Mana Kai. Grand QTR had been there the night prior. We met up to walk to town and did catch the parade. Small…large portion abortion rights marchers…cool.
July 4th Parad Fisherman’s Bay
Got some snacks in town but not much else. Back to boats. Grand QTR hosting
Water Dog At Fishermans Bay Ready For Fireworks!
Dinner was burgers. I tried turkey burgers which was semi disastorous (messed up grill), Salad and Darlene made strawberry short cake for desert. Fireworks at 10:30 were great. Then to bed.
Fireworks Fishermans BayFireworks Fishermans Bay
We could not get slip at port Sidney for the fifth so plan to go to Garrison for a night
July 5th Garrison Bay
Left 10 ish…cruised to Garrison cutting through roche harbor. Very busy outside of Roche and made it choppy! Garrison not to busy when we arrived and Mana Kai met us there. We anchored followed by many more boats, still only mildly crowded. Took terra for short walk and swim, did some supping and tested kayak (alex did and liked it) and then took the walk up Young Hill. Darlene and Jeff hosted dinner (spaghetti) and we brought wine and contributed a salad and red pepper for the sauce. Nice day all around. To Port Sidney tomorrow for two nights then Lady Smith two nights…then Nanaimo then who knows……
Grand QTR reported big back up at Port Sidney custom’s dock, we may check in at Van Isle
July 6th and 7th Port Sidney
We ended up checking in at Sidney. There was a boat at the dock so I was able to call numbers and get checked in without touching dock. We pulled up to the end of H dock. Long walk to shore. Had 30AMP so we tested our 30 amp. Did laundry, did some shopping, Bob and Alex rode over to Spencers. Alex installed crab puller. We had a nice Indian dinner at aroma spice together and some walks. Jerr and Darlene picked up start capacitors when they ran errands down towards Victoria. Very nice.
July 8th Ganges
We shoved off Friday AM about 10:30 am and cruised to Ganges. Alex had me get us a dock so we were at the Ganges Marina, outside breakwater D 26 (a bit wavy). We maybe have a good idea where public dock is now but think we could only take an outside tie. We walked and got lunch at Al’s falafel and fries but he was out of falafel and eggplant which is what we wanted. Alex got a chicken wrap which he enjoyed and I got fried cauliflower which I enjoyed. Alex went back to nap and I walked town. We then took dogs to the Moat’s park and walked in the woods. On the way back we swung by the Ganges alley and when we rounded the back corner near the Local Pub, Holly got jumped by an off leash dog. Got a scratch and puncture on her neck. Took a bit of us screaming to keep the dog back and the locals took a minute to collect the dog, following up that it was not their dog. …..
July 9th and 10th Ladysmith Maritime Community Dock
Woke up early to get to the hardware store to look for hat (nada), alex bought more gas cylinders and a 5 gallon gas can. On to the Saturday market. Not as good as I remember, only a few produce stands and crafts. I did buy earrings and got some veges and sprouts for Pho and I did get an indigo tie dye shirt. Got back and took off around 11AM heading to Lady Smith
Ladysmith Maritime Community DockLadySmith
Nice cruise to Ladysmith, good last tie on long dock. We liked the dock and the town. Also good to anchor, bob says there is a dinghy dock/public dock at butte island. A local said crabbing good at 80-90 feet around the buoy and he said can get crab at Sidney spit in 30 feet of water. FYI
Staying two nights. That afternoon we all walked into town and got a few supplies at grocery. Had a big Mexican feast (fish tacos, chicken enchiladas) on Water Dog.
Bob And Alex Making Mexican
Day two we took a 6 mile walk to Holland Creek trail: nice trail, fairly good waterfall but not very accessible.
Holland Creek trailBob On Steep Part of TrailThe Whole Gang of Eight at The 49th Parallel
Had 2pm ish lunch at the Fox and Hound irish pub. It was good…shepherd’s pie. Darlene and Jeff enjoyed steak and stilton pie immensely. Dinner on our own early departure tomorrow because of Dodd’s narrows slack being at 8:30 am.
4/6 of us got sinus issues or head cold. I think it was a head cold. All took COVID tests which were negative thankfully.
July 11th Nanaimo
Left around 6:50 am, arrived at Dodd’s narrows 8:20 am (slack at 8:30am). Will be anchoring and crabbing and walking and terra swimming. As usual anchorage kind of full. Dock had two empty spots so we pulled in starboard tie. Alex had a beer (his ritual but it was only 10:30 am) and then we launched the dinghy. He went and picked up Bob to deploy crab traps and they decided to move one after 10 minutes and it already had two crab! I went SUPping around the bay, chatted with Claudette then back to boat but was against wind. Alex went over to Nanaimo Yacht club to help jeff with his AIS and then brought them back and we did a short walk. Bob, Claudette not feeling well. Darlene and I feeling better. Got some ice cream, swimming for dogs then we took Darlene and Jeff over to Nainaimo. Parting ways tomorrow…. They go to comox, we stay here another day. Did check crab pots in evening of day one. Bob got two, alex 3 but crab puller must be wired wrong as going in wrong direction. Alex fixed quickly voltage reveresed. We may go to back eddy to pick up crab trap we lost on Wednesday but not sure about the weather. Alex will find out.
July 12th: Nanaimo, New Castle Island. Renamed indigenous name: Saysutshun. Happy Anniversary. Picked up crap pots at noon. Davit failed with the dingy all the way up…at least we could swing it over chalks (about 1 foot above. Called company and they told us how to slowly drop winch and davit. Some box before the hydraulic rams has a nut too loosen which exposes an allen wrench fitting. Turn this ¼ turn at a time CLOCKWISE and at some point winch or boom will go down (depending on which one you are turning). This worked YAY so we got dinghy down. Company sent alex some better schematics and when discussing with the guy at Nautical Solutions Alex eventually figured out it was relay switch (has another name). Had a spare so fixed it and it was easy to replace….
Relay On Left of Davit That had To Be Replaced
Tightened hydraulic fittings that are slowly leaking (checked fluid the next day and it was ok). Anyhow…happy anniversary ☹ We took a short walk around 7pm terra galloping and jumping over logs to get swimming. Then had vege burgers for dinner. Long day tomorrow to Comox (50miles) or Gorge (80 miles)
Holly On MillStone at New Castle Island Quarry
July 13th and 14th Gorge Harbour Anchor
Slow day up strait. Left Nanaimo about 8am (on purpose csause of tides). At first bumpy as wind still up at 15 knots plus or minus. Forecast says dies down steadily. Mild chop, Whiskey Golf near Winchelsea islands active so had to skirt it and/or stan 1 nm from any vessels (which one was out there). Wind did die down and within 2 hours (of the 10 hours) it was nice. Saw maybe a whale around north end of texada island but never saw it again so maybe it was seal. Alex thought we’d get current but really never did…barely 8 knots most of the day…he was bummed. Got to gorge around 6pm and anchored (moved once). Alex messed with dinghy a bit and I SUPped terra to shore. She did good with the 10 hour day. Happy hour on Mana Kai (they on dock) at 7pm and dinner reservation at 8:15pm. We got in about 7:30 pm (when music started) so we missed “appy” hour. Listened to music a bit then had a nice dinner outside at the Floathouse restaurant.
Band at Gorge Harbour
Alex, Terra, Jeff and Holly Pulling Jeff Bad Dog
All enjoyed their meals (I had halibut, alex had seafood fettucini). Lamb and Saffron seafood mix looked good too!
Dinner Gorge Harbor Float House Restaurant
Had brought dogs with use so we just walked them and back to boat.
Terra And Holly Behind Railing Dinner at Float House
Decided to stay another day. Maybe move to dock.
July 14th: no dock space so stayed anchored, Gorge is very busy busy busy!. Mana Kai left for Octopus islands. Grand QTR decided to stay so we invited them for crab cake dinner. Went for a walk around 11am to the Whaletown Commons trails then out to Whaletown road and visited whale town. A bit long for Terra. She swam before walk but super low tide so not after. Used are short hose to rinse dogs on docks then back to boat. Alex puttered with heater and some small leak in engine. Grand QTR showed up around 6 or so…alexs made cakes and we had a feast of Crab cakes, roasted veges, tomato cucumber salad, rice pilaf with roasted walnuts, baby bella and lions mane mushrooms and peas. It twas a feast and nice evening. Took dogs in and then shortly after to bed.
July 15th Shoal Bay
Debate on Octopus islands or Shoal bay which require different routes to then get to Blind channel on the 16th. If do Octopus the next day requires a 2-3 hour wait to make rapids…. Not so if do big bay area and dent rapids. Alex checked forecast and it said rain all day so we decided to go to shoal bay where there is a dinghy dock. Might also see about getting to blind channel a day early. If Shoal bay either rafting or Anchor so left dinghy down (hope that’s ok decision as he kind of wanted to put it up). Only about 31 nm. Got to run Yacult, Girard and Dent rapids in one fell swoop or could stop at Big Bay if we want.
Left timed to get to Yacult early and then go through Gillard and dent…no problem, most turbulence was after Dent. Pulled in to shoal bay, small but one could anchor. Dock was empty except for one boat so we pulled up and tied up.
Shoal Bay Sign
The Shoal bay pub sadly closed. The garden which active captain said you can work a bit and harvest from was there but did not seem open. We did find the Creekside walk which was nice and Terra got wet in stream. Alex crabbed and got 5 females……so nada. He prawned as well and got 7 prawns so had them for lunch.
Patty and Dogs Shoal Bay DockShoal Bay DockPatty, Terra and Holly Shoal Bay Trail
July 16th and 17th Blind Channel
We shoved off 11 am ish after collecting all the fishing stuff and putting up dinghy. Only 6 mile cruise. Mana Kai and Grand QTR were already in their slips. We were sharing a slip with grand QTR. I asked the dock person about current and she said it would be pushing us off but alex didn’t here or believe so we had to approach twice but got in the second time no problem.
Mona Kai and Water Dog Blind Channel Dock
We all took the big cedar loop walk and then had a nice dinner at the Cedar Post Inn…our boat meeting “anniversary” as we had all met there in 2019.
Dinner at Blind Channel Cedar Post Inn
They all left the next day, Grand QTR to pick up guests in refuge cove and Mana Kai to Port Harvey or Boughey bay (They ended up at lagoon cove a day early).
July 18th Lagoon cove Dock We decided to go to lagoon cove (46 nm) in one day and we were able to get the dock as they had a cancellation. We put the dinghy down as Alex wanted to prawn. Instead of walking with us to the blow hole he rigged for prawning (Tied two traps together). Darlene, Jeff and I walked to the blow hole, somewhat strenuous (again and for those guys which are 75 years old (Darlene is)) which I had forgotten. Got back and Alex and I went to put in traps but he discovered he did not have enough line so we aborted, went to the appy hour and then put out traps in the evening. 46 prawn caught the next day.
Alex and His Prized Prawns
Did finally catch some crab also after getting blanks for a month.
July 19th and 20th Native Anchorage and Village Island
Left lagoon cove at check out time 11am. Parade of boats coming in. We could not have stayed at dock if we had wanted to! Short cruise to Village Island Mamalilakulla village site. I had to and had acquired permission form. 20 per person to get to village, a dollar per foot to stay at dock. Arrived in gloomy weather…decided not to dock as seemed tight and we had the dinghy towed behind us.
Mimkwamlis Dock
Anchored in cove but also tight so hoisted anchor and went around the corner to Native Anchorage which turned out to be a great spot for a couple days with decent cell phone internet access.
Native Anchorage
Anchored a bit out in cove so better views but did suffer some wind mid afternoon. Crab pots all around. Took dinghy over to the village and walked around: not much left…collapsed buildings from the 1960s and the long house front door frame from the older village… Apparently the village had a secret long house in which they had potlatches even though they were outlawed in the 1920’s.
Long House Door FrameGrass Walkway Old Village
Back to boat, alex napped and I read…it turned into a nice afternoon. Dinner, some tv then bed. Staying another day just to move slow.
July 20th: slow start. Alex slept in and took a shower. Waited too long…terra pooped in the dinghy. Oh well we have to do better. Took them in 8:15 am or so then back to boat and mucked about on computers, paid a doctor bill etc. Going to dinghy about, maybe put out crab traps and try to find a walk. Going to Port McNceill tomorrow, want to stay 2-3 nights but only place to reserve north island marine only had one night, we may try the harbour authority.
Alex decided to deploy crab traps, near dinghy.
In early afternoon around 1pm fog started to clear and we took dinghy ride over the “Interfor dock” which I had found on active captain. It was no longer abandoned: parked truck but no one there. Sign with phone number to get info/training on safety. So I am sure we were not supposed to use dock but we did 😊 Walked dogs for about 40 minutes, not very scenic but a walk. Saw one older bear poop….it was sunny and hot when not in shade. At end of walk took terra down to the ramp that must be used for offloading big stuff and she had a nice swim. Back to boat and hung out.
July 21st Port McNeill North Island marine
Late start. Got up early though and got terra in for doing dog business. Alex had coffee then picked up traps and got 3 crabs. We cooked those, put up dinghy and took off around 10:30 am. High fog so a bit dreary. Calm sees, caught tide so good speed. Some swells but calm when crossed queen charlotte strait. Saw a couple whale watch boats but…. No whales. When got inside Malcom island lots of debris and wood to dodge. Arrived about 1pm. Tried municipal marina (no go) so tied up shore side of C dock at end so that was pretty easy (but wind blowing us off a bit). Walked with Jeff and Darlend to pick up stuff: toilet seat, distilled water, micro SD cards. Darlene made dinner cippiona which was good but I brought some fettucina alfredo with our over cooked prawns in case I Didn’t like the soup. She made fresh bread! Nice dinner and evenings. Alex been frustrated all afternoon as can’t get the garmin map to download…making him sad and mad. He worke don it till 11pm and NADA.
Wanted to stay two nights but only got one night. Could move to municipal dock tomorrow perhaps but alex also told D and J would go to Cullen cove (not sure if it will be good for dogs). Then we tentatively plan to all meet (including Grand QTR) at Echo Bay. We shall see.
July 22nd Port McNeill north island marine
Someone left early so we got to stay another night. Darlene and Jeff moved to municipal dock as the wind might not be good for Cullen Cove. Alex still arguing with fish finder all day…never got it to download…did figure out how to do little maps from active captain app. Darlene Jeff and I along with the dogs did the hike I found: up beach road, through the woods and then instead of a trail back due to Darlene being scared of bears we walked back on the “beach” which was large round rocks, not the easiest walk. Terra had great fun as got to swim. We did do happy hour with those guys and the plan is to all meet at Echo Bay tomorrow.
Fair amount of bear sign on the walk…berries barely ripe though
July 23rd Echo Bay
We left Port McNeill around 10 am?
We saw a couple whales plunge feeding which was cool.
Whale Plunge Feeding
Cruised by Health bay a small Indigenous community which supposedly you might get invited to see their long house if you were to tie up to their dock.
Health Bay Long House
Would take dinghy trip from nearby bay not our big boat at their dock. Onward up the channel to Echo Bay. Fog lifted early so nice cruise. Arrived and we all tied up, we were on dock 4 and those guys dock 2. Dock one needs repair. A young man Trevor hired by the tribe is the general manager. He helped us tie up, get power and opened the store for registration and shopping. Nice young man who said he was a musician (guitar). He was born in Port McNeill, spent some time in Alert bay then went away to Calgary for years like 18 and then felt the need to come home. His friend lived in an old fishing boat across the bay and had told him about the job. His friend stayed on 1-2 years after Pierre’s sold to the tribe. We all walked over to Billy’s museum and checked it out then through the woods to the other side of the bay to “echo bay marine provincial park”.
Gang On Path to Billy’s MuseumSimoon Sound Barn at Billy’sSimoon Sound Dock, Billy’s To RightBilly’s, Biily was There On Right With BobBilly was There, really Nice GuyOLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERACool Old Chain Saw Collection1Chain Saw In Middle Right Had To Way 150 Pounds
Apparently the park is unceded lands and the tribe discouraged the park from existing so the dock is condemned and to be removed.
We had a pot luck of sides and grilled our own stuff for dinner. Darlene made a wonderful cobbler desert. Tomorrow we split up with Mana Kai heading south. Grand QTR will stay and hang a few days but will then have to get back fast.
July 24th Jennis Bay Marina
Darlene and Jeff left kind of early, headed up Tribute channel, poked nose in kwatsi and sent pictures of depth and broken down docks. Grand QTR and ourselves cruised to Jennis Bay Marina which required going through Stuart Narrows (can have 8 knot current) so we had to leave by 9:30am to get slack. Nice lovely cruise: fog lifted as we went and sun a shining at arrival. We decide to tie up hoping to get internet to share with Grand QTR who anchored.
Water Dog At Jennis Bay Marina
No one paid any attention to us until the following day at departure so no internet. 1 dollar per foot…we paid 52.00 before we left. Unfortunately a couple hours after we got there a generator started running and continued to run for the entire visit (we would not go again because of this). We all walked the logging roads out of the back of the marina property: no bear sightings…saw some new and old logging equipment. Not a scenic walk but a walk none the less.
Jennis Bay Marina Dock Entrance
We supped around Jennis bay and they took a dinghy ride. The worker bee guy we chatted with the following AM said can catch cod at the narrows near slack and “Sibley” bay up the inlet had crab.
July 25th and 26th Greenway sound, Cecil island north
Some debate as to go to Clayden bay and Turnbull cove vs Greenway sound which supposedly has a hike. Grand QTR sweeties that they are decided we could go to Greenway sound for two nights then Sullivan bay then Qwatsi (Which would be their last night).
So we set out around 12pm to get the stuart narrows at slack: fog gone early by 10 am. We cruised to Greenway sound near the marine park but the dock was in the water and non usable. Also very dep and no good anchorage. I did not read up well enough. The best anchorage is over by cecile island almost 3 miles away so we ended up anchoring off to the south of Cecile Island.
water Dog and Grand QTR Behind Cecile Island
No good shore access used sloping rocks with seaweed on top of barnacles and at low low tide in AM used the extra fish farm dock (which we did feel kind of bad about but did not get yelled at). We stuck our noses in to broughton lagoon at low slack but did not stay long. Plan for tomorrow, explore the lagoon at high slack (1.5 hours after alert bay HW Slack) and we planned to check out the hike to see if we can get to it.
Day two….those guys were debating going to Turnbull but decided to stay as the lagood exploration time should be 4pm ish. Around 12:30 we all went over to the Greenway sound recreation site.
Holly and Bob On Dinghy Ride To Hike
Confirmed dock a now go but there was a clearing area with a reasonable landing so we used the anchor buddy and started the hike
Broughton Lake Site
Not a maintained trail> Muddy, one area with trees across it which was hard for terra and then a bridge over a creek which was just three big logs tied together with logs of holes to fall through. The logging road was right there so we used that bridge but it was hard to get up to the bridge. Claudette was pissed as the whole deal was dangerous for us and the dog terra.
Log Bridge
But stubborn us ¾ of us…soldiered on and made it to Broughton lake. Lots of logs on shore, no good beach, a double port-o-let before the end and then a picnic table and small dock. Terra and holly got to swim, alex dipped in and then we all rushed back as we needed to get into the lagoon later.
Patty And Alex The Poser
Getting back seemed easier ie made it in 35minutes I guess cause we were familiar with it. Made lots of noise the entire hike and no bears seen. This was a sketchy hike and dangerous for Claudette and Bob as he has poor balance and both are mid 70s. Also terra could have gotten hurt. We considered ourselves lucky.
We got back and happily retrieved the dinghy and headed back. About a mile from the boats alex tried to floor the dinghy and bam …out of gas… gas indicator still says full….. we had two gallons as we were worried about that…added the gas but still no start…(later we determined big air lock). So we had to paddle back to boats! Thank goodness tide was with us and no wind….
Paddling The Dinghy Back
Those guys towed us back to Water Dog then came and picked us up sans dogs to explore the lagoon. People mention porpoises in the lagoon a lot but they did no show up….
Passage To The Lagoon
When we got back I helped alex bleed the gas line and we got gas and the dinghy seemed to work. We went over to their house for burger night which was fun. Off to Sullivan Bay tomorrow…. About a 6nm cruise.
July 27th Sullivan Bay Marina
Arrived around 11 am and tied up to outside of their dock one. As other cruisers had told me no shore access just docks.
Water Dog at Sullivan Bay MarinaSullivan Bay Marina
Behind the fuel dock is a floating dock with real grass which the dogs would use if we got them there. We hung out, joined the Appy hour at 5pm at the tent with one the dock hands Cory? playing on a synthesizer and singing (oldies piano man, johnny cash, George Strait, Elvis)…
Elvis Playing at The Dock
then we had reserved dinner (chicken and ribs) and had nice dinner together.
Nice Young Man Helping With Dinner Young Man and Alex
Originally we thought we might stay two or even three nights but nah….so planned to go to Qwatsi with those guys tomorrow. Stinky! We ran into other boaters who had gone two weeks prior and no smell so maybe something died under docks.
July 28, 29, 30, 31 and August 1st! Kwatsi Bay, broken down abandoned docks
Sun a shining by 8am. Left dock around 10 am and about 25 mile cruise to Qwatsi bay. Stopped by Lacy falls but not much flowing. Docks looked ok (in very bad shape) so we tied up and both guys thought it ok to stay on dock so we did.
Grand QTR and Water Dog Kwatsi Bay Dock
The marina was sold in 2021 and the dock are almost broken apart and shore trails grown over. A few buildings are left that don’t look too bad but will take a lot to bring it back. It’s amazing how quickly things go back to nature!
Office On Kwatsi Bay Dock, Only One Year Closed Down!
First night with Grand QTR, had fish tacos for dinners, they leaving tomorrow.
July 29th: Next AM Dolphins arrived! Big pod of 40 or so, rounded our cove twice near our boats (very special). The first pass they where so close to the dock they rocked our 58′ boat big time with there bow wave, amazing amount of energy.
I went out on SUP and they swam under me.
Patty SUPing With Dolphins
They went to head of bay mostly and hunted for hours. At first big acrobatics with breaches and full out of the water jumps then as the day went on less energetic (they must expend so much energy!!!)
Dolphin School
Guys put crab traps out from docks and Alex caught a halibut and bob small red crab so nada. Grand QTR left around 12pm.. Alex put prawn traps out over slack, got 15 prawns so put them in overnight for pick up tomorrow. New line twisting bad and causing cursing. Caught a small black cod. We took Terra Swimming on the island and then took holly to the waterfall hike which is short but very nice waterfall and good to walk on a trail albeit short.
Red Marker In Tree On Shore Marking Trail West Of DockPatty, Alex and Holly at Kwatsi Bay Falls
July 30th Some neighbors arrived, Ralph and Kelly on a big older sailboat Iolair
They seem younger than us, do have adult kids, sold their east coast home and have a cabin in Idaho for winter and Blaine is home port for summer cruising which they plan to do a long time (already owned boat 12 years and did Caribbean etc. Ralph plays guitar. We loaned them our SUP so they could go out together. We chased dolphins in PM (respectfully, I was on SUP) a little tougher on SUP as afternoon winds blowing up east side of the bay and waves near cliff where dolphins were hunting.
July 31st Lazy AM. Picked up prawn traps and alex likely got about 40 prawns from two traps put out.
Alex With Decent Catch of Prawns
He invited Iolair for happy hour with prawns. I did trampoline. A older Ocean Alexander arrived and shared dock as did a sailboat. The OA people were nice, Irene and Ed (Jeanne something is boat name). Alex invited them to our “appy hour”. They were on their way down form Alaska and had done well with fishing up there. They gave alex tip that Minstrel Island is good place to go for Salmon near lagoon cove and I think said fish farm near the marina good for prawns but not sure.
Years ago they had been to Qwatsi when open so they were sad to see it in such disrepair. They had gone to Bond sound and done a river cruise and saw grizzly’s. Ralph had talked to a sailboat guy anchored up the bay and he was told the log boom is gone, lots of logging signs but boom is gone and indigenous peoples are creating a lodge…two big totem poles. They didn’t happen to find out if a dock was around. I keep bugging alex and running dinghy up one of these rivers and it sounds like Atta river is better than Thompson. Anchorage is questionable in both but from reading book can be done and perhaps bond is better but not sure. August 1. Tentative plan was to leave and go to Bond and Thompson and see about anchoring and trying a river…. I keep pointing out to Alex that bond sound is 7 nm from us so it could be a dingy ride IF we trust the dinghy. Iridium should be brought along. Its sending texts but can’t make calls and failed to text to Lagoon cove to ask about reservation…. So we may dinghy to Bond sound. We shall see.
Had satellite tv (at times when foggy not local channels), no cell but got a spam call as we were entering the inlet so the Tardis camper thing caught something.
5/31/2022 Tuesday CRUISING Bellingham to Port of Sidney We got up early. Left dock around 7:40AM. Discovered one depth meter not working. Nice cruise with good current behind us a lot of the way. Got to Port of Sidney around 12:30pm. To customs dock: no peoples just called in and got our clearance number. We walked dogs south along the water: good swimming along the way so dogs had fun.
Port Of Sidney BCTerra Swimming Port Of Sidney Water Park
6/1/2022 to 6/4/2022 Port of Sidney F7 and F31
Working on finishing touches on the boat. Alex installed Pepwave cellular router with high gain Husky Antenna which we move back and forth to camper depending on which one we are traveling in. Bob and Claudette arrived and opened up grand QTR they were across from us so nice to be close. Darlene made reservation at the thai place up the street for all of us at 6:30pm for Thai. So we had a nice dinner out together.
On the 2nd we went for a walk at 10:30am ish with all but Bob. Low low tide so not a lot of swimming for the dogs but nice to walk. When we got back we helped Bob with his bimini which we got up but Bob says its not right so will have to work on it. We then met around 5:30pm and walked/drove to the Thursday’s farmer’s market. Mostly crafts, bakery, one vege stand, jam stand etc…. I bought some Jam. Rita and Vaughn showed up at 6pm ish so we could all see each other and then we went to the Dicken’s pub.
Claudette, Patty, Rita, EZ Bob, Alex and Vaughn At Dickens Pub
On the 3rd-4th: RAIN Rain Rain.
More moving into the boat. Went grocery shopping with Claudette. Then had apps with Claudette and Bob on Water Dog, then dinner on our own.
June 5th Port Sidney to Winter Cove
We got up and leisurely got ready to leave: filled water, got a few groceries for dinner tonight, walked dogs. Shoved off from marina about 10:30 AM. Mostly cloudy cruise, calm, minimal wind, somewhat fighting tide so not fast. Arrived at Winter cove and anchored by 1PM.
Winter Cove is a great spot with a short but nice hike along shore. At the dock is a nice large grass area. Across the road from dock is a well maintained ball field with grass thats fenced in to play ball with the dogs.
Grand QTR arrived about ½ hour later. We went to shore around 3 or 3:30 after deploying dinghy and walked dogs. Short walk in the marine park was nice. Overlooked boat pass which had strong current and view of strait of Georgia. Started raining so back to boats. Claudette and Bob came over around 5:30pm. We watched the Warriors game and had a nice dinner: jambalaya, salmon, salad, focaccia…. Fun had by all.
Winter Cove Anchorage SunsetHolly aka Wally, Patty, Claudette, Alex and Terra Winter Cove HikeBob Hunter Ball Field At Winter Cove, Great Chuck It Spot For Dog Ball
June 6th Winter Cove to Montague Harbor
We were going to leave with Bob and Claudette around 11am but the salt water washdown pump was not working so it took about an hour to get it going. Never found a blockage, maybe just stuck impeller after removing cover? Anyhow got off noonish and arrived at Montague 2 or so. Grand QTR beat us there and we all walked the island around 3pm. Mana Kai arrived 3pm, boat buddies united! We had a burger dinner with potato salad, cabbage salad and Darlene made cookies!!!! Nice evening.
Montague Harbor Marine Park
June 7th Montague Harbor to New Castle Island off Nanaimo
Alex started to plan a route and look at weather and confirmed Thursday is bad for going north along the cost of Vancouver island from Nanaimo to Comox. So he said we should get to Comox Wednesday. So change o’plans leaving Montague today. Got things together, took dogs in, fixed anchor winch jumping thing and then headed out about 12:20pm. Dodd’s narrow slack at 4:05 pm so need to get there near there. We had an easy cruise. The sunny morning turned into a cloudy afternoon but no rain. Had to slow down the last hour to not get there too soon. We saw a sailboat go through no problem so we sped up to our regular 8 knots and got through no problem, likely 2.7 knot current against us. Cruised into Nanaimo harbor and anchored at New Castle island. Hard to know which side of the no anchor signs to land on: many peops inside but on the other hand the park says the sign means don’t anchor inside of park boundary. Well an hour later the port authority vessel pulls up and we go out to chat and we were supposed to be inside the markers LOL. The markers were outlining an aerodome they said. Since we were leaving early in the AM they did not make us move.
We hiked 3.7 miles around the island, Terra was tired but got to swim at the end so was rejuvenated. Got back to boat 7ish. I rinsed Terra, we hung out and the plan is to leave as early as we can: tomorrow(have to take dogs in and bring dinghy up. I previously timed our take dogs in and bring dinghy up eventing and found it to be 45 minutes MAX speed.
June 8th Nanaimo to Comox Harbor
Got out at 7:10 AM! Terra, despite walking her around a lot did not poo…. Cruise was about 5 hours and was nice at times. Terra started to pant and needed to go around 12pm. Took her out on the deck a couple times but nada. She settled down and made it ?. When we got south of Denim island encountered big winds!! 30 knots! Rattled our cage so to speak but no danger. Apparently this is a thing: the Qualicom winds! We think its from a low spot in the mountain range on Vancouver island that we could see when we were feeling the winds… alex thinks similar to oyster point. We did have the tide most of the way so until about this point we were doing 9 to 9.5 knots. Had to go through Dodd’s narrows which we did a bit before slack with 2.7 knot current…not bad. Arrived Comox harbor and fair amount of room. Due to forecasted severe winds tomorrow alex tucked us in futher on D dock (vs breakwater). We hooked up, walked the dogs (terra pooped 4 times!) and then biked to the marine store to pick up our part. It was next to the budget car rental so I went over and asked them about an extra day which we were promised. They will pick us up tomorrow at 4pm. They have dock sales of fresh fish here. There was a big fishing vessel selling halibut: we had to buy an entire halibut and they would filet. So we did: 135 CAD and got 5-6 meal portions plus YAY (not) crab bait aka fish skeleton and heads. Alex later cooked fish for dinner!
Comox Harbor
June 9th through June 13th Comox Harbor, pick up Charlene and Jim on Sunday the 12th
Thursday the rain did come in. Not too windy til late in afternoon. We were inside mostly, got a couple walks in with the dogs. Friday when we woke up the sun was a shining. We checked weather and it seemed that today would be a better day for the mountains than Saturday. So off we went about 10 am. Drove through Campbell river then up to Strathcona Park. Stopped at Lupin falls first and the sun was out so Terra got to swim and holly play on the beach.
Terra Getting Her Swim On
Then we drove on into Gold River and had lunch at a cafe (seafood chowder, reubin and ham and cheese). Drove 7 miles down the road to the west coast of the island (but a branch off Nootka sound, Muchalat inlet. It was Indian territory, there was a ferry dock to somewhere else in the sound (I think “tashis”) but rather industrial otherwise. Not really a destination for the boat but it was pretty. A plaque was there about a Puget sound whale “luna”. She showed up three days after a chief died who had proclaimed he would come back as an orca so the tribe tried to protect her (fish and game at one point tried to take her away). Ultimately after a couple years of her being guarded by tribesman she was “instantly” killed when drawn into a tug boat propeller. Bummer. Stopped at Lady falls on the back. Chilled a bit and then went to dinner at Black Fin pub on the outside balcony overlooking the harbor and our own boat: nice.
Tsuxit Luna The OrcaPatty and Terra Lupin FallsLady FallsDinner at Black Fin pub
Comox BC
Charlene and Jim Arrive Sunday the 12th
Sunday 8:40 am Jim and Charlene arrived. We came back to boat got them settled then went for a hike (about 3 miles) at Nymph Falls provincial park. Nymph falls is on the Puntledge river. Nice walk through woods then along river and looped back. Very fast water, more of a long cascade type falls but powerful and impressive.
Went back home and settled dogs. Had lunch at the food truck (fish and chips, oyster po boys and fish tacos: ALL GOOD).
June 13th Monday Comox to Hardie Island Marine Provincial park.
We left around 8:30 am. 15 knot wind or so for the crossing but not bad. Saw two whales tail and fin slapping near Texada Island.
Nice sunny day!!! Got to hardie island and anchored but as reviews had commented no holding, all rock/pebbles which prover to be true. Alex decided ok with forecasted lite winds. Well protected except from the smallish entrance from the south West.
Hardie Island Anchorage Looking Toward SW Entrance
We tried to take Terra to shore and did but it was one of the worst landings yet. Got the job done then chilled at the boat. Was going to launch a SUP as pretty but the wind kicked up and from an unforecasted direction of SW. We were right in line with a long fetch all the way across Malapsina strait so not the most pleasant and it blew us close to the rock wall which made alex nervous. We moved a little away. Thankfully by 7 or so it calmed down and we had a lovely night on anchor. When took Terra in again we decided to trespass on oyster island resort’s dock since it looked empty. It worked out great.
June 14th Tuesday: Hardie Island to Back Eddy marina
The guys had put out crab traps: Nada. Towed dinghy and had a nice cruise to the marina. Had to do a port tie due to current but no big deal.
Back Eddy Marina Bathgate General Store
Started chatting with some locals on the dock (They live near john henry marina in garden bay) and they informed us of a short but open salmon season right out in the Sechelt inlet. They had caught their limit of 2 each per day for 2 days and kept extending their stay.
Coho Salmon Caught At Back Eddy
The gang decided to stay another night here so they could do salmon fishing. Alex rigged prawn traps. Guys put out crab traps and I rode along for praw trap deploying.
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
Then around 4:30pm we dinghied over the Bathgate store and did the walk to Sechelt rapids. Nice day to catch them as 16 knot current flowing into the inlet. Impressive amount of water and power.
Prawn traps gone ☹ No crabs and line got stuck had to use motor to get the traps back but fortunately did. A bit depressing to lose traps with all the line and rigging. The rapid peak was 6:20pm so after the return home and trap “retrieval” it was 9 o’clock. I made thai coconut soup with ramen noodles which every one liked. Bedtime!
June 15th Wednesday: Back Eddy marina
I was first up and looked for traps and saw one at head of the south island off the marina (must have dragged a quarter mile). I told Alex but he was sleeping so ignored it. When they got up though him and Jim went out in dinghy and did find one trap (nothing in it and bait not even touched). Good to at least retrieve one trap. Nice big breakfast cooked by Charlene: bacon and eggs and toast. Guys started rigging for Salmon trolling and Charlene and I walked to the Skookimuch bakery and go cinnamon rolls and muffins: YUM. Plan is to eat out tonight. Those guys went fishing and I hung out on the boat with the generator going as no power here. Supposed to rain this PM. No success Salmon fishing. Going to Chatterbox tomorrow.
Jim and Charlenne Dinner West Coast Wilderness Lodge
June 16th-17th Wednesday: Back Eddy Marina To ChatterBox Falls
Took off from BackEddy around 11:00 hours to make Malibu Rapids at the entrance to Princess Luisa Inlet at slack. AyeTides reported slack at 2:00 but it was max ebb current when we got there at 1:30. Had to wait around for 3:15 for ebb current to go down enough to enter. Even then there was a 3 knot current coming out so there was a stress full minute or so hard turning of the wheel to keep Water Dog in the middle in the narrow dog leg. OpenCPn had a much more accurate timing for the current at Malibu Rapids and was spot on for the entry and exit a couple days later.
Malibu Rapids
There has been so much rain lately that there are waterfalls all over the walls in the inlet where ever you looked.
We ended up anchoring right in front of Chatter Box Falls like we did on our last visit in 2018 when we first visited BC.
Water Dog In Front Of Chatter Box Falls
The next morning we took the dinghy over take a walk over at Mings loop next to Macdonald Island. There is a small dock across from the Island for the mings loop trail.
MacDonald Island On ChartTerra At Mings Loop Trail SwimPatty Mings Loop TrailWally and Alex Mings Loop BenchHooly(Wally) Mings Loop BenchCharlene And Jim Waterfall
We then went for a visit to Malibu Landing Youth Camp which is run by a church group and supports visits by kids all over the country. They have tours they give if you show up at the dock which Patty, Jim and Charlenne took while I (Alex) watched the dogs in dinghy. We found out they do not allow dogs so best to leave them home. They actually have a couple people where their only job is to give tours, they approached the dinghy when we pulled up.
Holly Taking Dinghy To Malibu ResortTour Guide Showing Charlene AroundPool at Malibu Resort, not to shabby!
June 18th Squirrel Cove Anchorage
Left Chatterbox early at like 7 AM and go to rapids at slack, motored through with no excitement. 80nm day ahead so about 10 hours. Mixed cloudiness for the cruise out to Malaspina strait. Turned north and cruised inside the Copeland islands: looks pretty, no dock, maybe one landing beach, would be good for kayak and SUP maybe (not sure about currents). Passed Lund area ….terra started to show some stress. I took her up front twice and nada. Later determined it was not poo she needed to do but pee pee….she holds that better. Got to squirrel cove low low tide. Public dock full. We had 6-8 feet water under keel when we entered via the shallow part. Dinghied to store quickly as it closes at 6pm. Got some avocados, crackers, beer and chips 57 dollars to support local economy. The little gallery was closed, the store owner said it would open in a month. Alex remembered and liked the store a lot as its also a hardware store with rom after room of groceries, hardware, garden tools, some gifts… unique place. Nice evening of fish tacos!
Tried going crabbing with Jim but no crabs again! Very bad year for everyone I talk too so far.
Jim Hauling Pot With couple Small Red Crabs
June 19 and 20th Dent Island Lodge Dock
Only about 20 nm to go. Got up early enough that we were able to do the walk across the island to Von Dopp inlet. Dogs had a blast: Swam at beginning, stream /trail in the middle to get muddy and then swim at the both ends again !
On Hike Charlene Snapped This Shot of Mushrooms On Log
Got back to boat, pulled up dinghy and set sail. Those guys napped a bit. BEAUTIFUL day: clear sky and mountains with some distant waterfalls. Super beautiful cruise day…all the views to the east are stunning… that’s were toba inlet is and I hope we get there someday.
View On Trip From Squirrel Cove To Dent Island Lodge
Got to Yaculta and Girard rapids just about at slack so went through no problem. 3 boats arriving. They tried to put us on A dock (most south, most current push against dock at times) but we asked if we could go in behind estero on C dock and they said ok. We had the end tie at C dock.
Water Dog At Dent Island Lodge
I had reserved us for the grill at 6:30 I though but Alex found out I had miscommunicated and had it for Monday the day those guys would be gone. We got switched no problem. We had a lovely evening and dinner at the Rapids grill.
Patty, Alex and Jim at Dent Island Rapids Grill
Next morning guys went on a fishing charter 7-11 (again no keepers but did catch a few things).
Alex and Jim Leaving On Fishing charter
Got back, packed, showered and we got in a lunch before there 1pm pick up. Guy was a bit late around 1:30pm and then he told those guys stopping at Toba Wilderness dock, Bliss landing and Nanaimo for fuel. Charlene texted they arrived about 4:30 and were waiting for lift to get to the hotel near pikes place (45minutes away apparently)
Jim and Charlene Leaving Dock On Float Plane
After they left Alex and I hiked the trail and loop which was sketchy, orange marks are the only way to follow this trail. At least some exercise. Had dinner on board: Steak salad.
They were fun to have on board…lived up to what Charlene had said “easy and helpful”
June 21st Extra day at Dent Lodge as it rained all day
Predicted to rain all day so we decided to stay. It did rain all day then lightened up around 7pm. I went to the gym and did the elliptical, alex hung out. We had dinner at the restaurant (lamb) and my social butterfly. Alex invited “strangers” on the selene Blue Red to join us. So we did have some conversation along with a good dinner: shared a bottle of wine. They are not yet retired so are on a 3 week vacation, back to work after July 4th. She works for city managing projects, he is/was into IT.
Plan to leave tomorrow. May go to Big Bay public dock or on to Octopus islands. We do have to go to Campbell river to get the oil rights signed and notorized and the dinghy has arrived so Alex has to figure out if we are going back to get it or not.
At some point Alex got a text and the missing prawn trap was found, likely near where we put it. Must have been drawn under by current. We will try to retrieve it by car from Madeira park or go back to Egmont.
June 22nd 23rd and 24th Big Bay Public Dock
Left Dent Island around 11 in case we did decide to not stay at Big Bay Dock. 2 or 2.5 nm cruise, pulled right in to the dock starboard side bow in.
Water Dog At Big Bay Public Dock
FYI this ended up being a slight problem as sun was blocked by the bimini in afternoon so we lost a lot of solar power.
Anyhow, no electric, water is up the dock…but probably not treated much. Dock pretty good…splinters could happen, bull rails. Suggested dock fee/ donation is 1.00 CAD per foot so cheap. Great view and one evening a couple whales were feeding out by the island.
Whale Blow Off Big Bay DockHolly Checking Out Whale Through Port Hole, Terra’s Next!
Really like this area. I had heard of one hike to eagle lake (2.5 miles out and back total) which we did but there are other hikes to Basset Bay and Old Cedar and the main road to walk is public. We walked on road to a place called overfall which had nice view of mini rapids and scenary and neat swinging bench as well as picnic table.
Patty at Head Of Stuart Island Big Bay DockSign On Road To Lake TrailPatty and Holly Eagle Lake Hike
Also the “berry patch” fenced in berry bushes. There is a store. Well stocked with beer and some booze but mostly non perishables.
This place is surrounded by fishing resorts: Eagle bay and Big Bay landing and Nootka/Anderson family lodge right around marina and then down the road a couple more: one is: Warm springs lodge which is on a barge. Sonora resort and Dent island across the way.
Patty Walking Gravel Road On Island
Many float planes and the Friday before we left a wedding was to had at the Landing place and 5 helicopters flew in. The eagle creek lodge is not even advertised on the internet: I found a fishing forum with a description from 2005 or so and at that point it was owned by Peterbilt trucking company (an another). Lifestyles of the rich and famous. Alex started the 30 Amp Project (install something that allows us to safely plug into 30 AMP) which was fraught with obstacles he had to figure out since we were at a dock with NADA. Took 3 days but he got it done. We will come back here and walk to bassett bay and I think he should fish. PJS notes that there was fishing happening at all these lodges and also around Egmont. Alex did not have to fish. Big currents in big bay as need to cross “rapids” on all three sides: Girard, Yaculta and Aaaron. I had a nice SUP one afternoon near slack but at the end current picked up and even at the edge of the bay so I had to paddle hard. Just have to be mindful.
June 25th Octopus Islands Marine Pronvincial park
Left early to get the Hole in the Wall early slack. This meant going through Yaculta befoe slack, likely with 3 knot or so current but no big deal. Cruise was beautiful, only 10-15 nm. Pretty much almost there after the hole in the wall which we did get at near slack so no problem.
Well Hidden Entrance To Hole In The Wall
Later on when we SUPped out to the channel to circle the islands and look for crabbing spots we heard the rapids and could see a standing wave so as usual with rapids best to go at slack 😊
Patty On SUP Octopus Island
We settled kind of far out from the islands with views and near a dock on an island which we presumed was going to be private and thought not marked as such it was.
View Octopus Island Anchorage
We put down dinghy and took dogs to the park island and terra swam and dog business as done. Then back to the boat, did the SUP trip around the island (a long one) and then deployed crab traps. Took dogs to the dog after deploying crab for a pee pee. Had dinner of halibut salad.
Terra panted all afternoon as it was hot! Got to 80 in the house. She also panted in the evening. We took her in around 9pm and she peed but did not poo (used the illegal dock). Got her back on the dock and I felt she would go there and she did but not much. She proceeded to pant the rest of the evening but did settle down. I am worried about her. She is eating a bit weird again taking breaks and belly looks a little wide again ☹ Supposed to be a benign tumor and not regrow… ☹
Plan to stay 2-3 nights.
Day two: took dogs in to the dock. Had some breakfast then headed out to the hike at head of Waiatt Bay around 9am. Planned to walk over to Small Inlet Marine Provincial Park then up to newton lake. Ran into a couple from Campbell who were anchored in small inlet and heading over to check out Waiatt Bay. I asked about the lake trail and they said it was an obvious left run shortly, through some swampy area then up up up.
Waiatt Bay Trail Sign
Terra did ok but very near the top it was very very rocky and steep so we turned around to not stress her more than we already had. We did get a good dog swim in along the way!
Alex and Dog’s
Got back and tide had come in: we had tied to the side and used the anchor buddy, barely able to get to where we tied it without swimming but we did. Back to boat and I read while alex napped. Then picked up crab traps: one blank and one with a halibut, red crab and dungenous crab shell. We figured the halibut at the dungenous crab. Release them all as the red crab although male was small. Leaving tomorrow for Gorge Harbor dock.
I did find that the island behind the one with the sign has a good sloping rock for dog access at medium to high tide. We had to use this as when we went to take dogs in around 8pm someone was at the dock! They later returned to a boat across the bay we think…maybe someone who has visited for years and uses the dock as in the reviews there used to be the habit of boaters going to the cabin and leaving something with their boat name on it. We did find a private sign on other side of the island so I suspect no longer encouraged but maybe people still do as the dock is not labeled private. Who knows.
6/27/2022 Gorge Harbour Dock
Left around 11am. Hit surge narrows a bit before slack, alex said maybe 1 knot current. We were going against the current. Got through fine…it tis narrow and some turning.
Surge Narrows
Flat when got on other side and then slight wind before the end of the cruise. Got a nice end tie at gorge harbour. Twas hot so used the AC. Went to public dock to see about garbage (sometimes bins may be there, .50 cents a pound for unsorted). The resort charges 15.00 a bag (not sure about bag size). Terra swam at public and gorge boat ramps and we got some fresh fruit and cookies at the store. Cooked out and had cocktails. Tomorrow we shall go for a hike.
6/28/2022 Texada Boat Club
Paid for and had planned to stay two nights at gorge. So I delayed laundry and a hike. Well this AM Steve Guyer called and dinghy to be read Thursday or Friday. So now we are in a hurry. Left dock 10 am (credit at gorge for one night) and headed south. Not sure if we’d make Powell or Texada or a bit further Secret Cove. We ended up against wind and tide and it was BAD once we got out into open water. So much so Alex worried about the dinghy on soft chocks and turned around to back track 5 miles to go inside islands. It was better then. He said he would have kept going if we had real chocks. Oh well. We made it to Texada boat club, walked about town and to store. Plan to leave early in AM as 90 NM to Point Roberts
Water Dog at Texada Boat Club
6/29/2022 Point Roberts Marina
LONG Day!. Left Texada at 5:37 am. Supposed to be with the tide but that did not happen. Ended up going 7 knots all day, maybe average 7.5. Wind and waves not bad so twas a pleasant enough cruise just long. Used CBP roam (required now) to check in and I got interviewed but the nice agent said all good so we did not have to get searched. Diesel was 5.69 which is pretty cheap so we stopped at fuel dock and got fuel. Nice fuel guy Ding gave us 2% off which is cash discount even though we used CC. Moved to slip H9 which was a bad trip for us. Line fell in water, alex ran to get and left boat in gear, everyone got flustered and I gave a wrong direction order so we scratched the boat. We shall see. I fee terrible too as we are a team and we failed.
I made two adds this day: one to sell dinghy and kayaks. Priced dinghy nice and low and we got lots of takers. “good” friend of Kyle at Seaview says he will leave cash with Kyle so it is sold. One interested persion in kayaks too so we may finally get rid of those.
Drove the regular route north to a Harvest Host (HH) RV site in Weed, Mt Shasta Brewery.
Mt Shasta From RV Parking LotMt Shasta Brewery
This is near Siskiyou college which happened to have a 2 mile loop in the forest. Nice to give us and the dogs a walk after 5 hours in the truck. After the walk we went over and had dinner at the brewery. Alex tried a beer and I tried the cider which was ok. We sat outside and split a Reuben and Flat bread pizza. Both good. Their side salads were good.
5/15/2022 Sunday, Weed to La Center WA
Wanted to get an early start and we made it out by around 8:45am. Drove to Medford to get Safeway gas with 90 cents off so it was about $4.77 for diesel…this seem cheap now as most places are over 6 dollars! Onward up 5 heading to Gather and feast farm in La Center WA. Another HH. 20 acre farm run by a couple who have a teenage son. They have two guardian dogs (anatoulian mastiff mix) and he was worried about them getting on our dogs so we walked the dogs around the property all on leash Off to see the freshly painted boat tomorrow!
5/16/2022 Monday, La Center Gather and Feast Farm to Bellingham Seaview Boatyard North
Got out fairly early. Nice easy drive for having to go through Seattle etc. Arrived at the boat yard. The boat is in the shed. Looks nice and shiny but SO NOT DONE! Piles of stuff (ours and our hardware and electronics) sitting on pallets). A bit of a let down. Our initial “thought” was the boat would be ready and we’d take 2-3 days to get packed and get her in the water. NOT. Ten days later was when we splashed UGH.
The boatyard was nice enough to let us stay out back in the camper next to their dock so we had a water view for our 10 day wait. 8-10 hour days for us working to get boat back together and loaded after painting.
Camper At Boat YardDinghy Tie Down Install
Anyhow out of he shed Thursday, they put the mast up then into the water. Then later that day they had us back in the travelift slip to wire up satellite: a bit frustrating.
Water Dog In Paint ShedMast Going UpSat Dish Being Wired
So Saturday we put in pad eyes and packed fly bridge. Sunday we shuttled camper to Summit Park, stopped by Anacortes to pick up an air filter from greg’s diesel and some stuff from west marine.
5/31/2022 Tuesday CRUISING Bellingham to Port of Sidney
Port Sidney Marina
We got up early. Left dock around 7:40AM. Discovered one depth meter not working. Nice cruise with good current behind us a lot of the way. Got to Port of Sidney around 12:30pm. To customs dock: no peoples just called in and got our clearance number. We walked dogs south along the water: good swimming along the way so dogs had fun.
6/1/2022 to 6/4/2022 Port of Sidney Slips F7 and F31
Working on finishing touches on the boat. Alex wanted to get cellular antenna thing installed. Bob and Claudette arrived and opened up grand QTR they were across from us so nice to be close. Darlene made reservation at the thai place up the street for all of us at 6:30pm. So we had a nice dinner out together.
On the 2nd Rita and Vaughn showed up at 6pm ish so we could all see each other and then we went to the Dicken’s pub and Alex who had stayed behind to finish his project then walked up and joined us about 7:30pm. We had pub food and good conversation. Nice to see those guys.
Starting in early November we loaded up the Host camper to take a couple month trip back to Point Clear to have my Dad’s funeral and celebration of life on November 13th. We will then go on over to Florida in the Tamp Bay area then Stuart to visit friends and family.
California To Florida Trip
Map Point B: November 2 nd 2021, Kern River Campground
Our first over night stop was at Kern River Campground in Bakersfield Ca. This a small camp ground with sites next to the river where the dog’s can swim and you can hear the river at night when sleeping so it is our go to place to stop the first night out from home when traveling south.
Terra got to have a nice swim in the river when we got there.
Terra Swimming Kern River Camp Ground
Some info from Kern River Campground:
Kern River Camp Ground
28 landscaped acres, dry camping only
Two sections: 25 campsites each; maximum of 8 people per site
Picnic tables and fire rings
Restrooms and showers
Map Point C: November 3 rd 2021, Davis Camp Campground
Davis Camp is a Mohave County park where you can dry camp right on the banks of the Colorado River. There are also full service RV sites above the river over looking the dry camping sites below.
We usually take a dry site so we can sit next to the river and watch the water go by and the dog’s can swim.
View From Camp Site, Holly and Terra Swimming
A great hike to take is the Colorado River Heritage Trail which you can take from the camp ground. We started from camp ground and headed north along the river to cross the Davis Dam then headed south on the other side of river trail on the Laughlin Side (commonly known as the blue bridge trail). You then cross the bridge at the Casino at the south end to return to the camp ground. This route is around 4-5 miles. The loop has parks, restrooms, kayak launch, fishing nodes and tons of information about the area and Davis Dam on placards posted along the route.
Map Point D: November 4 th 2021, Sierra Blanca Brewery Moriarty, NM
Our next overnight stop was booked via the Harvest Host membership at a brewery where you park out at the west end of parking lot. Lot is dusty and nothing special but the brewey has really good craft beer’s and we sat out back in the beer garden bar and enjoyed talking to the locals. We returned for dinner when a food truck shows up and you order from the truck in the side lot east of beer garden.
The warehouse brewery is a 12,000 square foot operation with a one and a half acre beer garden out back. with a covered bar and seating area, horseshoe pits, bocce ball, tetherball, a pond, barbeque grills, bandstand and a hop covered gazebo where you can swing away the afternoon!
Sierra Blanca Brewery
Alex Enjoying An Alien Pale Ale, Very Good Stuff!
Map Point E: November 5 th 2021, Elk City Lake Park, Elk City OK
Our next over night stop was at the city park outside Elk City. Nice park with lots of open space and hicking trails. Had a nice quiet nite and took a short hike in the morning on the trails going along the lake and frisby golf course.
Amenities:
750 Acre Park with 250 Acre Lake (regularly stocked with fish)
Picnic Pavilions
Outdoor Grills
Kiddie Playground
2 Boat Ramps with Docks (1 Fishing Dock)
Campgrounds **
5 RV Parking Slots with water & electric hook-ups **
Elk City Lake Park
Map Point F: November 6-7 th 2021, Arrow Head Lake Area
Arrow Head Area At Lake Eufaula
Once we turned off highway 69 we drove down the side of the lake for a ways where we drove through the first camp ground called Turkey Flat which was about 1/2 full. We then drove further down to see what we could find on the water and the next campground was completly empty and right on the lake. We ended up staying for two nights. On the second day we walked south on the road about a mile or so to the boat ramp and then walked back down on the beach since water was low. The dog’s really enjoyed the lake side walk back.
Arrow Head Area At Lake Eufaula
Map Point G: November 8th 2021, Rocky Point Army Corp Of Engineers Camp Ground
We really enjoy staying at Army Corp Of Engineers(ACOE) Camp Grounds which are placed in land areas around ACOE projects. The Wright Patman Lake dam, dam which forms the lake or locks like the Florida locks on the Okeechobee canal.
Rocky Point Campground offers 124 campsites, all with water and electricity. 15 of the sites have sewer hook ups, and 8 of the sites have 50-amp electric service.
This summer boating trip will be remembered as the “COVID” trip since this was the first year of travel with the unknown affects of COVID requiring masks and closing the border to Canada. We left Water Dog at a marina in Canada and hired a Canadian captain to bring the boat over from Anglers Anchorage Marina in Brentwood BC where she was kept over winter.
While waiting in Anacortes for the boat to arrive we got a call from the captain that Water Dog was blowing black smoke and could not get much over idle. After having him and his crew dive the bottom for fouling etc we remembered that we had forgotten to have him take the cover off the engine room outside air intakes for winterization, he then was able to resume trip.
July 19, 2020 Reid Harbor
Due to COVID preventing border crossings we had to have a Canadian Captain deliver Water Dog from Canada to Anacortes, WA. We set sail to the Stuart Islands (Reid Harbor) from Anacortes. We met up with our boat buddies Mana Kai and had a couple nice days of walks and hanging out.
Reid Harbor
July 21-22 San Juan Sucia Islands
We then headed to one of our favorite places in the San Juans: the Sucias. Beautiful islands, good anchorage if you tuck behind the entrance to the fairly open bay and great walks for us and the dogs. We try to tuck in but also keep a view of Mt Baker
Grand QTR and Mana Kai were there the first night and we had a happy hour on grand QTR. They took off after one night as Echo Bay was crowded and the more central anchorage area was rolly. We stayed to hang out and hike and kayak.
Sucia Island Anchorage
July 23-25 Bellingham, Wa
Hung out with Darlene and Jeff a bit. Went to farmer’s market an fixed a few things.
There is a urban park along a creek that goes through town.
July 26-28 Garrison Bay
Twas crowded but good for hiking, got to go for a nice dinner with our boat buddies for Oysters. Good time had by all.
Crowded Garrison Bay.
Garrison Bay Anchorage
July 29th MacKaye Harbor
Off to mackaye harbor: a favorite. Somewhat exposed but great hike to Icy point. Dogs can swim and dinghy dock. Good crabbing!
MacKaye Harbor
July 30-31 Hunter Bay
Wanted to try out Watmough bay but too exposed for upcoming wind so we went to tried and true Hunter bay. Met up with Grand QTR and we had happy hour and more good times.
Hunter Bay Anchorage
Aug 1 LaConner Marina
A favorite. Nice town. Can walk dogs around. After several years of visiting found the dog beach. Had dinner with Grand QTR and Mana Kai folks one night.
Water Dog Approaching LaConner
Aug 2 Oak Harbor
Tried out oak harbor for the first time. Military base near marina. Tight docking experience at marina. One guy had to move his boat a bit. Another guy trying to help us tie up almost fell in. We walked the town a bit. Picked up groceries using the bikes.
Aug 2 Oak Harbor
Since we were confined to the San Juad we decided to explore the Hood canal
Aug 3rd Port Gamble
Anchorage. Good beach to land dinghy but no dock. Nice little town with a general store, a bakery and good walking on the grounds. Found some hiking too.
Img 1000749…holly not quite getting the fact that the grass is for doing her business
0919 0920
Port Gamble
Aug 6-7 Hood Canal
Stopped for two nights at pleasant harbor marina. Road walking only. THye do have a pizza place and bar. Take out only due to Covid. 1000754
Cruising south in the hood canal.
August 8-9 Hood Canal Alderbrook Resort and Marina
Anchored one night and at dock another. Nice resort. Has some good hiking and nice vibe. We liked it. Went down the canal with Bob and Claudette on grand QTR. Bob really wanted to go to the end of Hood canal so we took the dinghy’s to the end of hood canal. Just so we could say we did!
Alderbrook Resort And Hood Canal
Aug 10-15 Port Gamble and Kingston
Headed out from hood canl, stopped another night at port gamble. Then went to Kingston. Nice little town, good restaurants, found a good hike. Nice except we had a tight slip! They harbormaster and four other guys helped us get in as it was BLOWING! We liked Kingston though but prefer to be on guest dock.
After Kingston went to Poulsbo. Nice anchorage. Can get view of Mt Rainer. Good town to walk and can walk to head of bay and do Fish Park. We were with Grand QTR.
Nex stop port orchard across from bremington. Still with grand qtr. Plenty of guest dock but BLOWING made it hard. They have nice farmer’s market we hit and a short ferry ride to Bremerton. We explored bremerton but the good museums closed causse of COVID> walked to a safeway for groceires then got a taxi back.
After docking in Kingston we checked out a Nordic tug and it was our old boat Water Dog (renamed). Met the nice new owners.
Kingston
Port Orchard had a nice farmers market and short coastal walk. Ferry over to Bremerton.
Port Orchard
Aug 16-17 Quartermaster Harbor/Dockton Park
Heading further south in Puget sound stopped at quartermaster harbor/Dockton park. The dock under construction but if fixed will have good tie up. Used boat ramp as dinghy dock. Good walking. Busy and wavy as boat launch and it was the weekend. Grand QTR went further in and around the corner to a better anchorage (we moved there on day two). They had access to yacht club dock due to their San Diego yacht club membership. So we could get dogs ashore. The anchorage was better but not as good walking for the dogs and us!
Quartermaster Harbor/Dockton Park
August 18-19 Penrose Point State Park – Mayo Cove
Cruised through narrows and hit 13 knots due to incoming tide. Narrows has 4-6 knot currents. Arrived around 2:30 at Mayo Cove and set anchor further out from shore. Nice park to walk in.
The Narrows On Way To Penrose Point State Park
August 20-21st Long Branch Improvement Club Dock
Little private yacht club. Had good view of Mt Rainier when not cloudy. Walked out to McDermitt point which apple maps said was a park but it is private and per owners who chased us off its been private since the depression era. Alex picked at least 2 quarts of black berries. Road walking, not too much but some traffic. Had Blackberrry cobbler for dessert !
August 22-23 Tacoma – Dock Street Marina
Met up with Grand QTR and Mana Kai. Marina right near Tacoma glass museum (but it was closed due to COVID). We all had some good times, a meal and I found Wright park to walk to
Stayed at Dock street marina which was nice because good grass near by
Tacoma Dock Street Marina
August 24–25 Jarrell Cove State Park
Arrived around 11:30am. Cove is small but pretty, outside dock has pump out and one 70 footish space, inside dock is new and likely a few hundred feet both sides but probably shallower. Cove is full of mooring bouy’s very close to each other. Would be hard to anchor. We were going to anchor just outside of cove but a sailboat pulled off the outside dock so we took that space.. The whole gang from Mana Kai, Grand QTR and us walked on the limited trails then checked out the marina store across the cove. Had dinners and brunch and walks.
Jarrell Cove State Park
Jarrell Cove State Park Anchorage
August 26-27 Olympia, Swantown Marina
Off to Olympia! . Arrived at Swantown around 12pm and tied up. Walked with dogs to Capital park and Lake. Checked out the Farmer’s market as well which was nice. Also walked up to Watershed park. In the middle of town near I-5 but very nice walking through woods.
Olympia
August 28–30 Gig Harbor Anchor
Rendezvous and rafted with Mana Kai cause so crowded (canada closed due to covid so everyone in the San Juan’s and Puget Sound
Bainbridge Island Eagle Harbor Anchor
We have always liked Bainbridge harbor. Sometimes can get on the good guest dock but this time so crowded cause COVID keeping all cruisers in WA. We rafted with Mana Kai. Walked the town and some of the trails. Have visited several times but just now found that there is a great each park across the bay so we dinghied over to let the dogs have some fun.
Bainbridge Island Eagle Harbor Anchor
August 31st through September 3rd La Conner Marina (boat haul Sept 3rd)
Headed back to La Conner for the boat haul. Short cruising . When going buy east side of Whidby island the Orcas made an appearance. We were fairly far away but watched them for a bit. Nice ending to a short but fun cruising season.
We left Deckle Beach Florida on Feb 16 to start out trip back to California. The Covid-19 epidemic was just starting so were happy to get out of Alabama and Florida but werent sure how the trip would go through the central US so we ended up doing some long day’s at the end to get back to California.
The My Maps track below shows the first half of the trip back with the locations we stopped at on the way.
Florida To Joplin MO
Our itenarary for first half of trip back:
A. Largo/Dekle Beach Feb B. Fairhope, AL, USA C. Moundville, AL D. T.O. Fuller State Park E. Pedestal Rocks & Kings Bluff Trailhead F. Richland Creek Recreation Area G. Jasper H. Erbie Group Campground I. Wolf Pen Recreation Area J. Joplin, MO, USA
The second half of trip is shown below where we did somme longs days driving from point F on map, Arches National Park to home.
A. Joplin, MO, USA B. Lake Afton C. Lake Scott State Park D. Lake Pueblo State Park E. Montrose F. Arches National Park Visitor Center G. Cave Lake State Park H. Lahontan State Park I. Milpitas, CA
Fairhope, AL, USA Feb 17-24
Me and My Dad At His Parents TombstoneMe And My Dad At His and My Moms TombstonesMy Dad’s and Mom’s Tombstones
Moundville, AL Feb 25-26
Moundville Camp Ground
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
Moundville Musuem
Moundville Museum Main Hall
Moundville Musuem Display
Moundville Mounds
T.O. Fuller State Park , Memphis TN Feb 26
We stayed one night at T.O. Fuller State Park which is in an urban setting near the sewer plant. Nothing special but would be a good spot to stay to take a day to go over and see Elvis’s Graceland which is nearby.
Pedestal Rocks & Kings Bluff Trailhead, AK Feb 28
Trail Map Pedestal Rocks Trail
Upper Trail Pedestal Rocks
Pedestal Rock from Upper Trail
Trail Down Lower Pedestal Rocks Trail.
Pedestal Rock from Lower Trail
Richland Creek Recreation Area, AK Feb 27
Richland Creek Camp Ground
This camp has a small mountain stream with waterfalls, rocks, and bluffs right next to the campground. There is access to the Richland Creek Wilderness Area. 11 family camping units. Because of very rough roads, visitors are not encouraged to take camping trailers to Richland Creek.
Trail Start Behind Campground Richland Creek Hike
Patty Log Crossing Richland Creek Hike
Twin Falls Sign Richland Creek Hike
Trail On Ledge Richland Creek Hike
Natutal Lava Pavers Richland Creek Hike
Jasper AK Feb 27
Scenic and quaint are two words that well describe the town of Jasper, AR. Located in Newton County, the small town is surrounded by natural beauty of where the nation’s first national river, the Buffalo, begins to flow. More than one third of the county is owned by some government entity (National Park Service, U.S.D.A. Forest Service, State of Arkansas and county government).
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
Erbie Group Campground Feb 27-28
Camping Site Parking Lot Erbie Group Campground
Wolf Pen Recreation Area Feb 29
Magnolia Falls Entrance Road Parking
Magnolia Falls Trail Start, Not Marked
Magnolia Falls
Magnolia Falls
Wolf Pen Camp Ground
Joplin, MO March 1 st
Stayed at Laquinta Inn
Mildred B Cooper Chapel In Bella Vista
Stop At Wichita then Lake Afton County Park March 2nd
Keeper Of The Plains
Keeper Of The Plains Water Way Walk
America III Sail Boat
This model of the America³ was donated to the Kansas Museum of History by Koch in 1995. Owned by Wichita native William Koch, the America³ (“America Cubed”) won the prestigious America’s Cup competition on May 16, 1992. This is a model of the winning boat.
Lake Afton County Park
March 3 and 4th Historic Lake Scott State Park
Lake Pueblo State Park March 5th and 6th Lake Pueblo State Park, Arkansas
Montrose March 7th, Montrose Holiday In Express
Arches National Park Visitor Center March 8th and 9th, Arches National Park, Moab, Granstaff Campground
Cave Lake State Park March 10th Cave Lake State Park
Lahontan State Park 3/11/2020 Lahontan Recreation area
2020 Camper Trip started at our home in Milpitas CA with a first short stop at Pittsburg to meet up with our Nordic Tug friends than all the way out too Stuart and the Tampa area in Florida.
Here is a Google my maps link showing out route out east downloaded from our Garmin GPX files.
December 31st to January 1st– 2020 Pittsburg to Allensworth Historic Park, CA
Pittsburg to Allensworth Historic Park
Made it to Pittsburg Yacht Club (PYC) around 2:30pm where we camped out in the parking lot for one night. Dinner around 5:30pm. Cocktails, some dancing and we made it to midnight (Svendt/Ulla Vince/Pam and Us).
Pam and Vince At PYC New Years Dancing The Night Away
PYC planned a 1 hour cruise /parade to commemorate their new Commadore. Five Nordic Tugs joined. We hitched a ride with Vince and Pam. Nice little cruise up a slough and down river. Then nice big brunch around 11:30am.
Headed out right about 1pm. Hwy 4 east til we picked up 99 south. Ended up stopping at Colonel Allensworth Historic Park as we did last time going out east. It is a bit out of the way but quiet and good for dogs.
January 2nd To 3rd 2020 – Davis Camp, NV
Allensworth Historic Park To Davis Camp, NV
South on 99, then east on 58 which was a nice scenic drive. Stopped at Tehachapi to do a hike. Hiked 4 miles on Tehachapi Mountain Trail Association single track trails in the foot hills. Was a nice break and dogs got to run around.
Continued east on 58, then at Barstow went north on I-15 to get to Colorado River area. Stayed on I-15 for 60 miles or so then turned SE on Nipton Road. Nice road through desert, lots of Joshua trees. Stopped at Nipton to stretch legs. Funky town with an old hotel that used to be frequented by Clara Bell (the “it” girl, silent film actress). She bought a 400,000 acre ranch Box Camera Ranch east of Nipton as their retreat from Hollywood.
Carried on to HWY 95 and go to the Davis Camp campsite at 5pm but just getting dark.
Two nights at Davis Camp which is a very nice developed camp ground along the Colorado Rive.
Davis camp Park Map
When registered for night two we talked to ranger who said we could walk the loop up this side of river, cross dam and done Riverwalk Exploration Trail on other side, back over Laughlin bridge and then back at Davis Camp park. So we did this with the dogs. Got back around 12:30 pm. 8.1 mile hike!
Colorado River At Davis Camp
No OTA TV, good cell
January 4, 2020 McHood Lake County Park, AZ (Southeast of Winslow)
Davis Camp To McHood Lake County Park, AZ
Drove east on 93 to Kingman and then picked up I-40. When got to Williams lots of snow on ground, nice views on drive. Ate in downtown Willimas at El Corral (highly rated café/Mexican). It was good but average. Went to Meteor crater at about 4:30 for a quick visit. Drove another few miles to Winslow and McHood Lake park 5 miles SE of town on HWY 99. Next to muddy lake. Got there just at dark. We think its free.
No OTA tv reception, very good cell reception
January 5th, 2020 Red Rock Park Campground, Church Rock, NM (near Gallup)
McHood Lake County Park, To Red Rock Park Campground
Got out of campground about 9:30AM. Since driving by Petrified Forest we decided we should see it.
Patty And Dogs At Petrified Forest National Park
So went east on 40, south from Holbrook to southern entrance with plan to go from south to north back to I-40. Well they just closed middle 7 miles of park road so that plan thwarted. Nice though dogs allowed on trails (the two we did were paved). Did the long logs Agate house trail near Rainbow museum and then Big Logs trail out the back of the museum. Cool to see.
Agate House Trail
Agate House
Long Log Trail Logs
Back tracked to Holbrook and then made a ½ hour detour or so to see Painted Desert and Painted Desert Inn (historic, built early 1900s). Pretty to see with some snow on the painted desert hills.
Painted Desert Inn
Painted Desert
Carried on east I-40 to campground. Got to Red Rock Park Cpg around 4:30pm. Set up camp. Let dogs romp in snow of rodeo/balloon launch field.
Red Rock Campground
Camping in 1-2 inches of snow. Very Cold in AM! Plan to hike some or all of Church Rock trail tomorrow AM.
Got on Church rock trail around 9 or 9:30am. Awesome trail but scary as first part was along a shelf with big deadly drop off. Trail was icy to boot. It was wide and I tried to contain my fear of dogs falling off.
Church Rock Trail
Church Rock Trail
church Rock Trail
We got to base of the main rock ie the granite/sandstone smooth rock with steps cut out of it. Terra was not using steps and slipping on rocks so we turned around. Got back to camp around 12:30pm and set off on 40 east for Albuqueque.
No OTA TV, free wi fi, good cell. Lots of permanent residents but all were quiet.
January 6th, 2020 Albuquerque, NM Midtown/Univ Hampton Inn, visit Kara and Kristoff
Red Rock Park Campground To Albuquerque, NM
Checked in to Hampton Inn. Went over to Karas around 5pm and saw the house and visited. Met Eddie. Christoff got home around 6pm and Eddie was up from her nap.
January 7th and 8th, Cap Rock Canyon State Park. TX
Albuquerque To Cap Rock Canyon State Park. TX
Goal was Caprock Canyon State Park. We stopped a few times to stretch legs, get dog food and then at Lowe’s grocery in Tulia, TX. Very small town. Onward on Texas east 86. Arrived around 5:30pm. Visitor center closed so self-registration.
Cap Rock Canyon State Park
Cap Rock Canyon Camping Site
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
We took sight 35 but then had to make sure it was the best so we drove down the park road to the tent camp grounds. They had no view and were walk in so not an option. Our site 35 was the best with partial view. The one across from us 34 would be good too. No bison to be found and this is the park that is home to the Texas Bison Herd? Found out Bison where herded up in pens for vaccinations etc so never saw them.
We had a hike from 1pm to 3:15. Parked at North Prong Primitive camping area lot and hiked a long loop.
Cap Rock Canyon Trail Map
Out from parking lot, up steep/ switchback trail called Haynes Ridge Overlook Trail, turned right on Upper Canyon Trail then down a bit of switch backs then long wide gully trail back to Canyon loop which returned us to parking lot.
Cap Rock North Prong Spur Trail Head
North Prong Trail
Haynes Ridge Overlook Trail
Haynes Ridge Overlook Trail
Upper Canyon Trail
All did well on hike but tired 7.8 mile walking per iphone… likely most was the hike. Got back to camp around 4:30pm and chilled and had dinner. Plan to get a good day of driving in tomorrow. We shall see ?
January 9, 2020 Daingerfield State Park site 7, TX
Caprock Canyon State Park To Daingerfield State Park, TX
Long day. Got out of Caprock Canyon at 9:30 AM. Drove through Quitaque, Turkey (had an old restored phillips 66), continued east on 86.
Turkey Gas Station
Went past Paris TX and picked up 271 south to Mount Pleasant and then 49 south/east to Daingerfield and just 3 more miles to the state park. Lots of wind and some rain today.
Texas 5th largest producer of wind energy in world! 40% of their power. Got here just at dark and drove through two camp areas on lake. All a bit dirty, not much grass. We decided on site 7.
January 10th 2020 Roosevelt State Park, MS
Daingerfield State Park To Roosevelt State Park, MS
Got in Just at dark. Took a site on the lake and walked around camp. Cold and rainy and a bit dirty so no fire. Chill night. Had 2-3 TV channels and cell phone ok. Next AM rainy and tornado warning so sat tight until after tornado warning and then headed to peters.
Roosevelt State Park Camp Site
January 11th – 16th Peter Hamilton Point Clear, AL
Roosevelt State Park To Point clear, AL
Visited with Peter, jogged, worked out once at planet fitness, super club twice (once with Bill, Ty and Kathy), visited with Edith. Good times.
January 17th Suwanee River State Park, FL
Point Clear To Suwanee River State Park, FL
Easy 230 mile drive. Got to park at 3pm, cool but not cold temperature.
Suwanee River State Park Camp Site
Had a nice walk with dogs on Balance rock and Lime Sink trails.
Suwanee River State Park Lime Sink Trail
River was low so saw small spring and dogs swam in it.
Spring On Lime Sink TrailLime Sink Trail
We lucked out and got last campsite (9) which was cozy with bunches of neighbors but not too small. Site 14 at inside middle of loop had probable satellite view as guy had his out.
Early AM hike across old bridge to townsite of Columbus and old Governer’s mansion.
Old Closed Bridge Over Suwanee River To Mansion
The mansion burned down in 1971 so not sign of it. Saw another little spring which we assumed was the near sit of mansion. This was at the junction of Suwanee and Withlacoochee river. Dogs had picked up fleas at Dad hamiltons so we stopped in Live Oak Walmart to get frontline plus.
January 18th Bob’s House Gainseville, FL
Suwanee River State Park To Gainesville, FL
On to bob’s with a stop for coffee and a short walk about High Springs (to kill time) and arrived at Bob’s around 3pm.
Camping Site at Bob’s
We chatted, med Eric and his sister Andrea’s family( hubby craig, daughter Jenna and a boyfriend) and Anne’s good friend Kieth from Honolulu. The family left and we all hung out by Bob’s pool and chatted. Alex and Kieth went in hot tub. It was a nice evening.
January 19th Danny’s Deland, FL
Gainesville to Deland, FL
Left Bob’s around noon. Slept in due to some being hungover. Chatted a bit and had showers and headed out around noon. Leisurely less than 90 minute drive to Danny’s in Deland.
Alex napped and Danny and I took a 3.5 mile hike on impounds (I’d call them Dikes) in Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge. Nice cool evening. We saw and Inhinga in breeding plumage, some egrets and great blue herons. Ate leftovers and guys watched football. Off to efficiency at Sailfish Suites in Port Salerno Florida tomorrow.
January 20th – 26th Sailfish Suites in Stuart/Port Salerno, FL
Deland To Stuart, FL
Nice place! On the manatee pocket so lots to watch, birds, manatees and boats. Across from Shrimpers.
Truck Camper At Sailfish Suites CamperView Out Room At Sailfish Suites Stuart
Had good luck getting trust stuff done with Calvin. Visited mom’s/cal’s condo and took some things I wanted (mailed back to San Jose). We visited parks with dogs, worked out one day at planet fitness, cooked mostly in the unit and had calvin over twice, once with Christine a friend of his. On Saturday we rented a pontoon boat and Cal, Jocelyn, us and the dogs had a nice day on the water. Then we went to the seafood festival. It was a good visit. We left fairly early on the 26th and drove to Jenny’s.
January 26th – February 2nd Jenny’s Tampa, FL
Stuart To Tamp, FL
Got to jenny’s and set up camp then walked the dogs and us at Morris Bridge. Monday we went out to Flatwoods, just me and Jenny and it rained a bit. We had nice meals cooked by Jenny and Leah. Leah brought food home from pure kitchen one night. January 31st was Ben’s 20th birthday. During the day Leah, Jenny Alex and I canoed Hillsborough river from the USF park. Was nice. That evening to celebrate Ben’s birthday we took the gang out to the local Thai place for a feast. It was a pleasant evening. Saturday the four of us went out to flatwoods(Dan, Alex, me and Jenny) and had nice walk. We started from a different entrance near trout creek so that was good…more variety.
Sunday Morning we got up early, had coffee and were off by 11am or so. Stopped at the Tervis tumbler store to drop off tumblers for repair (very convenient stop, they charge $4.99 to ship back to our home).
February 2nd through 8th Gary and Marcia’s Largo, FL
Tampa To Largo, FL
Arrived at gary’s and got the camper parked. We just lazed around Sunday walking around the neighborhood a bit and then superbowl! Gary was sick and we worked hard to not get it.
Noticed this sign again after seeing at the docks near Sail Fish Suits room in Stuart at what looks like private docks, think it is legal dodge for docks in FL but not sure.
Common Signs At Private Docks Florida
Marcia was so sweet…daily we drove around and looked at potential homes and then took dogs to the park. We did not make it to the dog beach as she said they conveniently eliminated all nearby parking so you have to walk 6 blocks to even get to the beach! Wednesday Gary played hookie and we got a boat and cruised down to st pete and back, looking at many of the homes we had seen in the car from the water and checking depth.
Our last night, Friday, we drove to Bradenton and rendezvoused with Jerry, Melana, Paul and Jenie. Had a nice dinner at the Sea Hut/Crab Shack. Was nice to see everyone.
February 9th– 12th Janes Beach House Hernanado Beach
Largo To Hernanado Beach, FL
We left early from Gary’s around 9am. Got to Jane’s wonderful beach house by 10:15am. Danny had come the night before. Jenny and Dan arrived around 1pm or so. We had a nice day together! Before Jenny and Dan arrived we walked at the Weeki Watchee preserve which is a retired quarry so nice clear lakes and good trails. Short walk as we wanted to get back to see Jenny and Dan. We then went out on their deck boat. Had a minor delay with busted fuel line and limped back to dock followed by Jane and Alex going to get repair parts.
Sunday AM todd cooked an awesome breakfast. We took a longer walk at the quarry lakes and dogs swam. Jane drove us around a bit and then we went back to house. They left around 5pm and we planed to stay overnight.
February 13 Rainbow Springs State Park, FL
Hernando Beach To Rainbow Springs State Park
Never could get into manatee springs so ended up booking two nights at Rainbow Springs State Park. Left Jane’s house 10 or so and had leisurely drive to Rainbow Springs State Park.
Rainbow Springs Camp Site
The park was near full but we had a nice private site. Could go down to Rainbow river for swimming or canoeing (Dogs swam) but downside is can’t get to the spring from the campground. Had to drive 7 miles up to spring.
Rain Bow Springs
The spring was nice with old gardens with fake waterfalls. It allowed dogs. We took a walk through gardens and on a long trail through pine woods and it was HOT!
Rain Bow Springs Trail
We then jumped in spring after this hot walk and had a nice swim.
Rain Bow Springs Swim Area
Had lunch at a place in Dunnellon which was highly rated “southern comfort food”. Hung out that afternoon with some rain…very hot and humid.
Febuary 14th – 17th Gary’s Dekle Beach House
We arrived midday and had a nice long weekend with Gary and Marcia. We had stopped and eaten lunch and then they wanted an early dinner and wanted to have a Low Country boil the following day so wanted to get some fresh seafood for that.
Dekle Beach Rock Crab Fest.
We went to Kathy’s crab house and they had cooked stone crab (YAY!) and crawfish (ick). After securing seafood we went to Roy’s for a nice dinner (I had scallops and Alex had fried mullet and scallops). Saturday we went to the fiddler crab festival which was fun as we caught the “parade” before walking about the craft fair. Never did catch fiddler crab races. At some point we jogged and I biked with Holly to tire her out. Nice dinner and evening
Sunday we hung out doing puzzle and took a boat ride.
Terra And Holly Dekle Beach Boat Ride
Guys also went fishing in AM. Sunday evening we went to Perry to have dinner with Gary’s family as it was his parents 65th anniversary. We ate at Mama’s Italian Restaurant and it was very good. Chatted with his mom and dad a bit at their house before dinner.
Returning To Dekle Beach House
Sunset Dekle Beach House
Monday Alex helped gary work on a project to put sink on their mid level area. Marcia and I went kayaking
