Thomas Hamilton | Water Dog Site

Butchart Gardens

July 29^thTo 30^thButchart Gardens

The Day before Jeanette and Albert fly out of Sidney we Cruised from Montague Harbor to Brentwood Bay Anglers Anchorage Marina which is near Butchart Gardens and Sidney airport.

Anglers Anchorage Marina/Butchart Gardens

It was super hot so we were not inclined to go to gardens during the mid day heat. This also allowed us to see the gardens in the day and then at night when the lights come which transforms the park in to a flower/light show. onPatty took dogs for short walks in Ravine park next to marina and then jogged with holly up the hill. Found the middle school and some short cut trails then back to marina. Early evening after a vege taco dinner we went to Butchart gardens by taking dinghy over to the Butchart Gardens Cove dock. The cove is where the Butcharts kept their yacht in the boat house which still there in the cove. Cool that one can enter via back door of gardens at the dock they use for electric boat tours.

We arrived at the dock an hour or so before sunset so we got to check out the Rose and Japanese Sunken in day light and then the Sunken Garden at night once the lights came on.

Japanese Garden
Patty Rose Garden
Patty And Alex Rose Garden

Saw a bit of a ballet at the pavilion but mostly checked out the gardens.

Alex and I road the carosuel with old carved animals which are restored from former wheels. Patty of course had to ride the Orca!

Ferris Wheel
Patty On Ferris Wheel Orca

The Sunken Garden is in the pit where the Butchart mine was for the coke to go in the Portland cement he produced at the site.

The sun starting setting once we started down to the Sunken Garden Fountain where you could start seeing the lights embedded in the fountain..

Sunken Garden

Lights Starting Sunken Gardens
Sunken Garden Fountain
Butchart At Night
Butchart At Night

The next day Albert and Jeanette left early for the air port and Patty and I took the dinghy over to Tod Inlet for a hike at Gowlland Tod Provencial Park. It was hot so we did not go far on the hike but the anchorage had quite a few boats and there was a nice dock for dinghy’s with a rock beach.

That night we dinghied over to Brentwood bay resort and marina Pub and had dinner which was pricey and pretty good. We liked the sushi, flat bread bruschetta was just ok and halibut fish and chips..good halibut (one large piece for 24 bucks ?, and mediocre chips/fries). Back to boat with plans to shove off the next AM after getting some groceries.

July 30^th

Jeanette and Al got picked up around 7:30 by taxi to Sindey Airport to head back to San Jose. Patty cleaned shower, bathroom, did sheets and towels and Alex blogged. We had decided to stay another day to chill which was nice. We took dinghy down past the gardens to a “nature float”. Took a walk and dogs swam. Did not take long walk on Todd trail as it was too hot. Back to boat, napping for alex and I finished laundry

Portland Island To Montague Harbor (Galiano Island)

Left Portland island with destination Montague Harbor on Galiano Island.

Anchored. Dinghied in and walked to the Montague Harbor Marine Provincial park and walked around with dogs. ended up going on the trail around the small island at the north of harbour connected by a small spit to the main island.

On the way back we walked through the small RV park that seems to be present at most of the provincial parks. Harbor water not too good so no dog swim. Boys deployed crab pots (eventually got 3 good ones). I took dogs back to boat around 5pm and fed them dinner.

We had dinner (all had various fish tacos) at the marina restaurant the Crane and Robin. Food was good and has nice views of the water from it’s location at the top of the dock where you moor your dinghy.

We then took famous Hummingbird Pub Bus to the pub. The ride is what its all about! Bus driver is a character and plays percussion symbols and cow bells while driving and hands out instruments (maracas, tambourine, bells, etc…) to the passengers. Most people sing along to good old song like Yellow Submarine, Magic bus, Ring of Fire etc… was a fun time. Had a beer and nachos at the pub. Pub food ok, service not good, did have blue grass band show up before we left. Ride back to marina just as fun then home to the boat. Another good day!

Pub Bus Driver Video(Enable Audio To Listen!)

Pender To Portland Island

July 26 and 27

Cruised from South Pender to Portland Island, went around the long way over top of North Pender Island which was a mistake as added 15 miles and against the currents so was frustrating for Alex.

Got to Portland and had exciting anchor. Alex had not finished dinghy harness for towing (lacked floats) and during exploration of anchor site in Princess cove one end came loos from cleat and we backed over dinghy line and off she floated ☹ A fellow boater rescued and returned to us and then we anchored furthest out from dock but very near two rock islands. Alex a little worried about proximity i.e. when we swing would we hit rocks awash (the next day we moved away 10 feet). Turned out to be nice being that far out as we watched seal and there pups nurse and the babes explore the kelp. Albert Was nice enough to dive in the cold water and remove the short piece of line from the Port prop.

No whale sightings even though good whale bait (babies). Later PM hike on east shore of Portland, glanced at Royal cove anchorage on north side of island then cut back across the island and back to boat.

Crabbing still going on…. Not sure what was for dinner

Next day we liked it so much we stayed. Moved boat away from rocks 10 feet and then kayaked (Al and J went east side for a bit then we went west side for a bit). Late afternoon we took the hike on the west side of the island shore to royal cove and then back. Had five crabs by that evening and we made crab cakes again…not as good 2^nd time, Alex decided needs to follow recipe better and also to cut onions smaller. Another great day on J’s birthday week!

Poets Cove (Canadian Customs)

July 24th – 25th

Friday harbor to Poet’s cove resort and marina in bedwell harbor South Pender island. Stayed at dock
Customs check in was easy, a phone call was all that was needed. We did see that another boat was searched and too much alcohol was found so they had to pay some fines.

That afternoon I had found a trail to a Greenburg lake and we walked with dogs. We took the north side of lake which was rocky and steep at times. Per map it looked like we could connect to Gowland point road and then go to brooks point regional park to get an ocean overlook (and then circle back on the road).
Hike through woods was ok, saw the lake then seemed to be on old logging road which dumped us on Gowland point at the base of someone’s driveway. We walked to brooks point to have nice view of boundary pass and a large group of Orca’s (divided into three smaller groups) came by close to shore. So very cool!!! Over a period of 15-20 minutes three groups went by followed by a dozen whale watching boats.

0098OrcasPenderIslandIMG_7657.TRIM

Got back to Poet’s cover resort and had cocktails at the bar, dogs swam and then got rinsed and then we made a lovely crab cake dinner with our crabs (with couscous w/peas and salad sides).

Poets Cove Bar And Grill Albert, Patty And Jeanette

Stayed two nights on Pender. July 25^th we took Pender Island Cab with dogs to the Mount Norman Trail head. Walked up to the overlook then continued down spine of island through woods to ultimately land on Canal road then walked about 1.5 miles on Canal and Spalding to get back to Poet’s cover.

YMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Had cocktail and snack at cove bar/café, swam dogs and then back to the boat. Deployed dinghy while in slip (not a good idea). Pulled boat forward then launched off of stern..boom not long enough but we got it done.

Dinghied up the bay, through the Pender canal (between north and south islands) to Port Browning. UP the hill to the only market (Tru value food, good grocery) on the Pender’s for lots of provisions then hauled to dinghy and back to boat! Had late dinner after shopping excursion…burgers (vegan and beef) and a garbanzo bean salad.

La Conner To MacKaye Harbor and Then Friday Harbor

July 21-23 (Patty Blogging)

Anacortes dentist, Drop off Vince and Pam’s truck, Albert and Jeanette pick up staying until 7/30 Monday.

Full day. Alex had 9:30am appointment in Anacortes. Jeanette and Al originally were going to meet us at Friday harbor but they found out the night before the Victoria clipper from Seattle to Friday was booked. So alternate plan created they were to take the shuttle from Seattle to Anacortes with as top in “La Conner” (stop was the shell station on the corner of HWY 20, 5 miles from marina). Alex went to dentist without me. Long visit to diagnose what was real problem and ultimately it was found wisdom tooth has gum recession with loss of enamel and that’s the pain. So yes Alex did have unnecessary root canal. Alex went to Waggoneers store and bought some maps then back to la Conner. We pumped out at La Conner. Shortly after Albert and Jeanette let us know they were 10 minutes from the Shell so we drove out to collect them. Then the boys decided to return the truck and ride back to La Conner. Jeanette and I walked up to town, did some stores, did the hill hike and checked out Pioneer Park.

That evening we had a one day pre B-day dinner at the thorn and thistle restaurant. Great night and dinner. I had the halibut again…. YUMWe toasted j’s b-day and decided we would celebrate all week long!July 22^nd

Left La Conner late AM as I had suggested and Alex agreed that we would transit Deception pass. So we went south in the La Conner canal and through deception pass. Beautiful day and it was slack tide so no excitement.

Destination was MacKaye Harbor with plans to hike to Iceberg point. This was executed… anchored, deployed crab traps, took dogs to iceberg point. Guys caught 3 crabs (two Red one Dungeness) and put traps back in overnight.

As you can see below Holly is not stressing out during anchoring that’s for sure!

Holly Helping Patty Deploying Anchor Mackaye Anchorage

July 23^rd

Mackaye Harbor to Friday harbor

Crab traps checked and collected: 2 more crabs so 5 ready for eating!

First night had boiled crabs with butter…pjs decided too much work cleaning crab, fortunately Jeanette likes to clean crab for future dinners ?

Had a nice cruise up San Juan Channel (I think) to Friday harbor where we anchored two nights. We got there fairly late and had a 3pm whale watch with Prince Rupert Whale Watch. We were overlapping with Wayne and Linda a day so had planned dinner but whale watch messed that up. Ended up doing whale watch (saw some whales yay!), had dinner at Hermosa’s then went to Tribute for a cocktail. Planned to provision the following day then take off.

The next AM we went to hardware store and grocery store, walked a bit in town.

Whistler (After cruise from Sucia Island To Laconner Marina)

Monday July 9th to Friday 20th 2018

Trip Distance 30 nm

Sucia Island To Laconner Marina (Top left to bottom right)

We got out of Sucia Island Fossil Bay Around 9 am for the trip to Laconner Marina where we are docking Water Dog for 10 day’s while we drive over to Whistler to visit our friends at Whistler Ski resort where we had two rental houses. Real nice clear day yet again for the cruise over.

Mount Baker visible on the way from Sucia Island To Laconner Marina

Directly across from the dock where we are keeping Water Dog log booms are being loaded up from land via front end loader to water waiting for a tug to come along and pull them over for processing at some local processing plant.

Our good boating friends Vince and Pam on Tugzilla loaned us their truck to head up to Whistler. It was sprinkling that morning but still a beautiful drive up the coast of Howe sound.

We met my best friend’s (39 years and counting) family and had two houses near downtown Whistler. Jenny’s mom has been hosting family legacy trips for the past 6 years and I have been invited to most which has been very special.

We met in 1980, she was my resident assistant at UF Honors dorm.

Our first day in Whistler we visited Nairn Falls for a walk along the river to the falls. The rivers are amazingly powerful! We say many but could not let the dogs in off leash as they easily could be swept away in the fast and strong current.

Another cool walk and place to visit is the Whistler Train Wreck. In the 50’s a train derailed. A few train cars where pulled off the track a ways up in the woods and have been painted with some real nice graffiti. Locals also made some bicycle jumps since Whistler is a mountain biker’s mecca.

The hike starts in a parking lot in Function Junction and you walk along the river rapids and the rail road tracks for a couple kilometers.

Patty and Alex Train Wreck Hike, Cheakamus river falls.

Train Wreck Hike, the glacier fed river is such a beautiful teal color.

Whomever painted the graffiti on the 5-6 box cars did a great job.

Our next visit was too Brandywine falls where you take a short 200m walk to the over look past the falls.

We took a hike on the way back from the falls to the bungee jump bridge area where you can bungee jump for $140. Alex and Leah wanted to do it but not me!

We saw some people at the bottom of the falls and I (patty) had read about a path down to the bottom of the falls. At the 2nd furthest overlook Alex noticed a path going off past the fence which we suspected was the way down I had read about. On our last day Alex, myself, Leah and her friend Sheila came back sans dogs for an off trail excursion to the bottom. Had a nice snack on some wild blueberrys on the way back on trail.

Shiela, Leah and Patty On Brandywine Trail

The Whistler visit was very fun. Family dinners, hikes, waterfalls, exploring town and some excursions. We did bear watching, climbed to the top of a ski jump and did a tree walk in the high cedars. Ben biked twice. Crashed on day one but still had fun. This was the first year Alex joined us for the entire trip and the dogs were along so a great time was had by all.

Teenager wake up crew. Not really doing a good job but Ben’s head is up

Happy Anniversary Alex and Patty, 21 years! Sandra (right front) married us 21 years ago July 12, 1997.

Alex and Ben made pizza (from a box)…notice the eating theme

Bear watching on the ski slopes. They plant clover to stabilize the slopes and when it blooms the bears graze it as would cattle. The berries will be out in August. Interestingly the concentration of bears is higher on the mountain due to better availability of food.

We were lucky to see 12 bears in the early evening drive on the mountain slopes.

Hikes and waterfalls!

Alex, Leah, Sheila and Patty made it to the top!

A little atypical hike…up the ski jump at the Olympic Park. Quite the walk up the stairs then an easy stroll down the mountain on the access road.

We all rode the gondola up to the top of Whistlter mountain. Took the peak to peak Gondola and explored a bit on Blacomb then back to Whistler. Sandra and Ed hung out at the Round House grill (amazing view) and some of us took an open chair lift to the very top and then walked down through the melting snow.

Red snow is actually a cryo loving algae.

Dog fun too!

Terra approved Whistler…classic roll in the grass!

On the ride back to LaConner we stopped on the road for a short visit to Shannon Falls.

Stuart Island To Sucia Island State Park

July 8^th, Stuart Island To Sucia Island State Park

Trip Length 14 nm

We decided to spend a night anchored out at Sucia Island Fossil Bay.

The anchorage at fossil Bay is mostly taken up by moorings and there is not much room to anchor so we ended up fairly far out in the cove with no protection from the South East. In the calm conditions was no problem and we had a great view out over the water outside bay.

After walking the Island there is a lot more room in Echo Bay where you can anchor in great spots and if Shallow Bay, on the west side with green/red markers at entrance, has enough depth it looked nice also. Both Echo and Shallow had nice beaches to dinghy too.

Sucia Isalnd Fossil, Echo and Shallow Bays

We took a very nice hike around the perimeter of the island where the trail crosses over from Fossil Bay dock over around the bottom to the most North west point of Echo Bay. On the way back we cut over to the trail with the red/green markers at Shallow Bay on the west side of Sucia.

Once we got to Echo Bay we could see that there are plenty of nice anchorage spots there verses the tightly spaced Fossil Bay.

No dock at Echo Bay for dogs but beach looked good for dinghy landing at end of bay.

At the North West point of Echo is a nice clean beach for dog swimming to reward you for the walk.

We then back tracked down the trail and took a right to go over to the trail skirting the dinghy beach at Shallow Bay.

Fishermans Bay To Stuart Island State Park

July 6 and 7^th, Fishermans Bay To Stuart Island State Park

Trip distance 14 nm

Got out of Fishermans Bay at around 1100 hours with a +3 tide so we would have plenty of depth on the way out. With our 5’3” draft never saw less than 5’ under keel.

Had a nice sunny day for the cruise over.

Went close along the south side of Speiden Island to see if we could spot any of the exotic animals which are supposed to be on the island but did not spot any.

We anchored in Reid Harbour but decided it would be nicer next time to be over on the other side in Prevost Harbour where the water is cleaner since more open to water flow on the tides.

We then took a ride to the dinghy dock past the moorings at the head of the bay.

We then walked over the hill, directly across from our dock, to Prevost Harbor dock and around to Charles Point and back.

The next day we went left at dock across bottom of Reid Harbour over to public boat ramp where the road starts which you can take to the Turn Point Light House.

Along the public road you run in too the former school, which is now closed, where the Benson family have chests where you can buy shirts and hats with Stuart Island logo’s. It is based on the honor system where you pay later via their web page with credit card or PayPal.

Once you take a right on the public road then a left further down you end up at the BLM land Turnoing Point Light House

On the way back we took a slight detour to visit the very small town of Prevost where the islands ferry dock is located by heading straight down road instead of taking first right. Home steads line the street.

Friday Harbour To Fishermans Bay For July 4th

July 3-5^th Fisherman bay Anchor and Rendezvous with Tugzilla and other Nordic Tugs

Trip Length 5 nm

Note: We anchored in the middle of Bay just south of marina to be close to the dinghy dock for dog’s. If we where to do this again we would go down near the spit at south west end of bay to be directly underneath the fire works.

We left Friday harbor early so we would be going into Fisherman’s bay near high tide. Entrance to the bay is narrow and circuitous. We just went slow and no problems. We did notice the skelatons of former boats on the starboard side on the way in.

Busy bay already with lots of mooring balls and a lot of people already anchored. We found a spot which turned out to be great as it was right in line with the spit where fireworks were shot off on the fourth. We went to shore to let the dogs have a walk and then went to check out the spit in the dinghy at which time we saw the tug flotilla coming in.

We took photos of one and all and then hurried back to help with the raft up.

The raft was easy two boats on each side and our one mongo anchor. We had fun.

The first night went to dinner at the Galley restaurant. The next AM (the 4^th) Alex and I and the dogs walked up a road on the south side of the islander resort to a private community called Marina with empty lots. We followed some woman walking her dog and we ended up in a big field with a view of the bay, its was a good walk.

Took the dinghy’s into town (beached on rocky shore not great) and watched the parade, checked out the gallery, bakery and farmer’s market. We walked back as we had rode to town with Vince and Pam.

The Lopez Island Aquatic Group got the top prize for entertainment with their synchronized swimming in the back of float with plastic blow up legs sticking up with music.

Fishermans Bay 4th July Parade Lopez Island Aquatic Group

Patty then got to honk the horn on an old Ford, there was a horn button on a cord in Patty’s hand, and ride on the fender board for a bit.

Fishermans Bay 4th July Parade Patty on Fender Board

Fishermans Bay 4th July Parade Respect Human Rights

That night we barbecued, did some SUPing, and then worked hard to stay up until fireworks at 10:30pm. We did and it was a great show watched form back upper deck by us.

July 5^th we took the dogs in for a short walk and then tugs set off around 12 with us not far behind. Off to Stuart Island State Park.

Rosario To Friday Harbor Marina

June 29-July 3rd Friday Harbor Marina

Trip Distance 11 nm

We arrived around 12pm and had outside side tie on breakwater D next to Ferry Terminal. A lot of wakes from the whale watch boats…sometimes noise in hull from ferries but great view as our stern was right where the breakwater turned so we could see out over bay. We met Linda and Wayne as they were staying through the fifth.

We walked the dogs and went up the stairs from the marina by the American legion and found city hall which had a nice green lawn for playing chuckit. T-mobile had an advertising gig making hamburgers and hot dogs with drinks free to all. Alex snagged a burger and me a dog. Later after cocktails on tribute Linda,Wayne and us had dinner the at a Mexican place I had seen when we walked around town, Hermosa. It was good and economical and the veggie filling was great!

The weather was on and off cloudy and rainy. On our first full day after rain stopped we walked with linda across the island to a small bay with a beach. We stayed dry but the walk was on a fairly busy road (Argyle) so lots of traffic. Dogs got to swim a bit. We checked out the few galleries in town (the island gallery was best with 150 artists). Visited the good hardware store for supplies and on Saturday morning we also went the farmer’s market with wayne and linda.

Alex discovered he had a sore tooth and we tried to see what was wrong but could not. I called around various dentists (4 in town) and ended up getting him an appointment on our last day July 2^nd with Dr Bo Turnage.

Sunday we caught the San Juan Transit bus with the dogs and went to American Camp on the southern and eastern tip of the island. The transit bus goes around the entire outside of the island so is a nice way to see the island as a tour ride.

Walked to Grandma’s cove, walked the beach, read signs about the pig war and then on the way back we stopped by the historical Colonel Picket house and another old building left from the time of the pig war.

We happened to go by near 2pm and on every other Sunday they shoot the canon off (blanks) every hour with a mini ceremony ie a drill as they would have done in olden day dressed in period clothing. Rode the bus back the long way around the island so saw the lavender farm and lime kiln state park.

Monday we just hung out, went to hardware store, grocery shopping and dentists appointment…alex needed root canal UGH! Spent 2-5pm on the phone trying to work out a root canal (which requires 3 more appointments after the initial visit with Dr Turnage). We had a last meal at Hermosa’s with plans to shove off July 3^rd.