Marina | Water Dog Site

August/September 2022 British Columbia Boating

August 2, 3 and 4 Lagoon Cove Marina

Let Qwatsi around 9am or so. Sun starting to peak out. Cruised up Tribute Channel, very beautiful.

Saw two bears (one black and probably one brown).

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 5^th 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.

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).

Tried trolling a bit more for salmon (rough out there, no bites). I was a good day fishing any way!

Dinghy cleaned and put up, washed dogs after they walked and swam, made happy hour, cooked and cleaned crab! Busy day. Leaving tomorrow

August 5^th and 6^th 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.

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.

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 Sign

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

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 Island

Alex and Dogs Looking Out Over Basset Bay

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.

View Out Back Deck Of Water Dog at 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.

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.

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.

We hiked to waterfall (with both dogs) then to the Toba view point with just holly. Strenuous uphill hikes.

Holly 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

8/22 and 8/23 Princess Louisa Inlet

Beautiful ride up the inlet, easy passage through Malibu Rapids.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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 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.

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 Signing Queen Elizabeth’s Condolences’ Book

Rode by Craigdorch Castle (built by coal magnet Dunsimir in late 1800.

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!!!

Cool Pedestrian Bridge Opening to Songhees Point

July 2022 British Columbia Boating

6/30/2022 through July 4^th Seaview Boatyard Dock

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 4^th 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.

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.

We could not get slip at port Sidney for the fifth so plan to go to Garrison for a night

July 5^th 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 6^th and 7^th 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 8^th 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 9^th and 10^th 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

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.

Day two we took a 6 mile walk to Holland Creek trail: nice trail, fairly good waterfall but not very accessible.

The 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 11^th 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 12^th: 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 13^th and 14^th 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 14^th: 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 15^th Shoal Bay

Debate on Octopus islands or Shoal bay which require different routes to then get to Blind channel on the 16^th. 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.

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.

July 16^th and 17^th 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 18^th 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.

Did finally catch some crab also after getting blanks for a month.

July 19^th and 20^th 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.

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.

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.

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 20^th: 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 21^st 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 22^nd 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 23^rd Echo Bay

We left Port McNeill around 10 am?

We saw a couple whales plunge feeding which was cool.

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.

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”.

Billy’s, Biily was There On Right With Bob

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 24^th 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.

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.

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 25^th and 26^th 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.

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

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.

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.

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….

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….

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 27^th 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.

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)…

then we had reserved dinner (chicken and ribs) and had nice dinner together.

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 1^st! 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.

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 29^th: 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.

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!!!)

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 Dock

Patty, Alex and Holly at Kwatsi Bay Falls

July 30^th 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 31^st Lazy AM. Picked up prawn traps and alex likely got about 40 prawns from two traps put out.

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.

2021 Summer Puget Sound Boating

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

July 26- Aug 24

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

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

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

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

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

They had glass blowing demonstrations which was cool.

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

View of Foss Waterway from Car Museum in Tacoma

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

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

Sept 7-11 Bellingham, Seaview north dock

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

Land yacht and motor yacht.

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

2020 Summer Puget Sound Boating

Holly And Alex On Fly Bridge

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.

Garrison Bay Anchorage

July 29^th 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 3^rd 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

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 20-21^st 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 31^st through September 3^rd La Conner Marina (boat haul Sept 3^rd)

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.

Dent Island Lodge To Brent Wood Bay

September 7^th to September 14 th Dent Island Lodge, Teakerne Arm to Prideuax Haven, Texada Boating Club and Vancouver Quayside Marina

This is the last leg in our 2019 trip to Alaska where we end up at Brent Wood Bay to store the boat for the winter.

September 7^th Dent Island to Teakerne arm

Left around 10:30am. Needed to do Gilliard pass and Yaculta rapids: moderate current…we got pushed around a bit, stabilizers seemed to help.

Yaculta Rapids

Cloudy day. Saw some white sided dolphins in distance with a whale watch boat following. We went down lewis channel instead of Waddington or Homfrey: I think the latter two may be beautiful cruises due to high mountains. We were thinking prideaux haven but poked into teakerne arm and not crowded so decided to stay over night.

Last year we got smoked out so we decided to stay: partly sunny, anchored right in front of waterfall with stern tie. Did not loop stern tie since such easy access ? Well when we tied it was high tide and when tide went down next am alex had to climb to get so Teaching moment: loop stern tie. Had chill night. Alex deployed Prawn trap: alex caught about 25 prawns which he ate later with hamburgers for dinner.

September 8^th Teakerne Arm to Prideuax Haven

Left mid morning, not a far cruise needed. During cruise south calvin called to let me know mom had passed.

Cloudy with some rain. Arrived and checked out Melanie cove which was crowded so we anchored out in main Prideaux haven bay where there were no other boats.

Took a hike to a lake view (alternative is long walk to unwin lake) with dogs which was nice.

Then back to boat and a few others joined us (2 krogens’ anchored nearby Pacific Sapphire and Frances Stroughten) in the bay.

Also, Mom sent a rainbow …. I took as a sign she is at peace. Sad day but also good she was no longer suffering/waiting to die.

September 9^th Day two Prideaux

In am we debated staying or going. Picked up prawn trap and nada, alex felt not enough bait. Sun started to peak out and clouds clearing revealing very nice view. We decided to stay (we had cell service as well …spotty but usable at times). Redeployed prawn trap, kayaked to Laura cove and around islands and then walked dogs from Head of Melanie Cove to Laura Cove. Nice walk …lots of log jumping and root dodging.

Rough Going Head of Melanie Cove to Laura Cove

September 10^th Prideaux haven to Texada boating club

Left late as we had to pick up prawn trap (a blank again), pick up kayaks and dinghy! 11:30 departure! Beautiful sunny day with glass like ocean. Decided to skip Lund and Powell river and landed at Texada Boating club (cheap at 75 or 85 cents a foot canadian). Nice dock, no power, good cell, pay for garbage. Nice view of the bay and across malapsina strait to powell river (at night lights were cool).

Walked about town, mailed a check writing application to VG and let dogs and us stretch legs. Saw Mary Mary café and a local potter as well as the inn…alas did not spend money at these places but did get a few groceries/vegies at the well stocked Texada Market. Chill night with plan to get up EARLY next day due to high wind forcast and tide/current.

September 11^th Texada boating club to Vancouver Quayside Marina

Had a pretty strong wind forecast for the North Side of the Georgia Strait which we need to cross along the North side to get from Texada Island to Vancouver.

Alarm rang at 5:30 am but we ignored ? Set sail around 7:30 am. Mild chop and wind. Wind really picked up 12-2 ish 20 knots when forecast was 15 knots and we had head on seas: steep wind waves with short periods when going by Buccaneer bay and after emerging from the little strait inside the islands at the south end of Texada there: VERY rough and unpleasant for an hour or two. Had to wedge one cabinets, stove crumb tray and sliding rack inside stove to prevent opening up due to pitching. Dogs not happy.
Alex mantra only leave with questionable weather if forecast says its gonna get better got ignored this time…. Wind was to go down to 5 knots at 12pm with original forecast…12pm update said nasty til 2pm UGH. We thought about turning around but pushed through and it did slowly get better and was fine by the time we were going by Keats and Bowen Island (our bail out points if too nasty). It was not bad so we kept on and arrived at Quayside marina around 4pm. Ran into Pacific Sapphire and Frances Stroughten Krogen’s again, shared birth with Pacific Sapphire. They had cruised from Jedediah Marine park on Lasquetti island and said it was a rough and long day. They had just arrived too.

Funky Looking Building Vancouver False Creek

We rinsed boat, walked dogs (discovering nearby dog park YAY) and then walked to dinner. Tried to go to “rodney’s which Hugh and Fionna on Choices had recommended but too long of wait. We ended up at the flying pig and both had good pasta dishes. Plan for two nights here. Expensive at 2.70 a foot plus electric but oh well. Has garbage dump, not good wi fi. Good cell.

False Creek has many taxi boats which for a small fee you can ride to any location on the water along False Creek. The next day we took a water taxi over to Granville Island that has great shops and food markets to have lunch.

We then walked over to the outdoor Art Market at the Allee Railspur Alley.

That night we had dinner at Rodney’s Oyster House and sat at the bar, had a great time with the staff since we where early and not to busy yet. They treat Oyster’s here as a real delicacy taking great care to shuck each one, clean and present it as a work of art. Also they grate fresh horse radish for each one!

We then had a fairly long cruise to Anacortes for a week to attend the Krogen rendevous then headed over to Van Isle Marina near Brentwood Bay to put Water Dog up for the winter.

Shearwater to Dent Island Lodge

August 28^th To September 6^th travel was from Shearwater to Pruth Bay, Port Hardy, Alert Bay, Lagoon Cove, Blind Channel and finally Dent Island Resort.

August 28^th Shearwater to Pruth Bay

Pruth Bay at the Hakai Institute was our first stop after Shear Water. This place turned out to be one of our favorites since there are nice hiking trails and wonderful deserted beaches for us and the dogs.

Shortly after we left Shearwater sun came out. Nice to see some blue sky and views. Nice cruise with good current. Saw a whale breach a few times from miles away! Since nice went to Pruth bay and came in from the north through Hakaii passage then turning between Ratter and Hecate island. Saw a bunch of fishermen at east end of Hakaii passage and then saw two fishing lodges tucked in on Hecate island.

Anchored in bay closer this time so had access to the free internet on all devices. Crowded LOL we have found the cruisers. By the time we went to bed at least a dozen boats in the bay. Dogs and us had nice sunny beach walk on west and north beach. YAY!

August 29^th Pruth bay to Port Hardy, crossing Queen Charlotte sound

Early start. Alarm 5:15am. Took dogs in, got dinghy up and anchor up and underway by 6:15 AM ( a record) Foggy for first part of trip after go out of Kwakshua channel (the east entrance to pruth bay). Some pacific white sided dolphins rode the bow in the channel. Thick fog as we continued south down Fithugh annel but started to clear around 8:30am with some sun shining through. Fog most of the trip though, mild 3 foot swells. Did not see landmarks to east has traveled. After passing cape caution caught a bit of current for awhile then seemed like we were against it as we passed main opening of queen charlotte strait. Arrived in Port Hardy. Found out we could not tie on sea gate docs (50 foot max). ended up in Fisherman’s wharf. Tight and at low tide even tighter so we may have to wait until tide up a bit until we leave. Fisherman’s wharf cheap, no power as only 20 AMP and tight. But cheap. In AM walked eastward and found the beginning of trail system that goes to estuary of river and fish hatchery.

August 30^th and 31st Port Hardy To Alert Bay

Left Port Hardy mid morning after tide had come up a bit. Headed out in some fog with tide for a bit so good speed. Past Port Hardy and landed around 2pm at Alert Bay harbor.

Had a walk on the trail system and then went out for dinner at the hotel restaurant. It had mixed reviews, some people raved about the Indian food (Indian family runs it) but it was a bust. We guessed he entire dinner was microwaved from Costco…oh well. Planned for two nights

Next day slept in, woke up and was raining a bit. Walked southward down island around by airport then back on trail system to east trail and main trail back to town. Alex napped and then we went to the Umista cultural center. Walked past five awakwas (not sure what they are) the described the five clans of the Namgis (Kwak’wala) first nations Indians. Cool totems about town and on the awakwas.

The cultural center talked a lot about a guy who wrote a book about this tribe in the 1790s and then a bunch of artifacts and masks that were confiscated from illegal potlatch in early 1900s. They have searched all around world in museums and private collections to retrieve blankets, cedar neck rings, masks, rattles etc. What we have not seen at other places were transformation masks. Really cool that many of the masks had articulations and joints with strings that would move or open the mask exposing another face. Pretty cool

September 1^st Alert bay to Lagoon Cove Marina

Plan to catch tide and leave around 11:30 am. Short cruise to Lagoon Bay. First bit of cruise across Johnstone Strait was very foggy…had to use radar. About the time we entered knight inlet the fog cleared and we had sun with some clouds and nice views of mountains and rocks.

Arrived around 3pm and tied up at lagoon cove marina. Took dogs on short walk and prepped appetizer for happy hour on the dock. The “signature’ thing for this place is 5pm happy hour where they provide the prawns and boaters that come bring a dish. We ate a lot and did not need dinner. Chatted a bit with other boaters and then chilled.

Lagoon Cove has nice big grassy areas to play chuckit with ths doga, NICE….

September 2^nd Lagoon cove day 2

Slept in. Harbor Porpoises fed all morning at low tide. By end of AM I deployed SUP but they had left. Both Alex and I did some SUPing, we tried to wax the boat a bit and walked all the trails on the property.

Played some chuck it with holly, had another happy hour and then to bed. Met Hugh and Fiona on Choices. Nice couple from Whistler (keep boat in coal harbor). He was Civil engineer, She a mechanical engineer. Back in 80s she spent a lot of time in Dubai designing and building amusement part rides.

September 3^rd Lagoon Cove to Blind Channel

Left lagoon cove and worked out way out to Johnstone strait.

Did Race Rapid. Saw two Orcas shortly after entering strait then further down saw a nice pod. They were close and we slowed down to spend more time with them. Some tail slaps. They zigzagged across strait when we turned up channel to go to Desolation sound.

We had option so shoal bay or blind channel resort. Alex decided on blind channel resort with no complaints from me ?

Right after we tied apparently the orcas had followed up the channel and went past…all were looking on the dock but we were walking dogs and missed it. We saw Bear North with John and now younger brother Loyd sailing behind us and they pulled up too. We all had dinner together… it twas good I had halibut, Alex had Schnitzel (pounded, breaded and fried pork cutlet).

We spent two nights

September 4^th Blind Channel

Chill day, walked dogs on all the available trails, swam dogs, trim dog nails, had dinner in and nice mellow day.

September 5^th Blind channel, Dent rapids and Dent Island resort

Left around 8:30am to get to rapids at slack. Passed shoal bay which looked nice (green area, dock). Might be a nice stop another year.

Nice views as weather was nice with few clouds and lots of sun.

Arrived at Dent Lodge and tied up. Explored lodge a bit then went for hike on their trails. Dent Lodge is a high end resort for Salmon fishing and very nicely done but pretty expensive for moorage.

Tugboat trail and a newly added Loop Trail up into the forest. Ms Terra stuck her head in a wasp nest and we got a mini swarm after us…alex and I both got 7-8 bites on our legs. Not sure if terra got any. That was kind of a bummer as painful.

Dent Island Loop Trail, Watch Out For Wasp Nests In Leaves On Ground

We reserved at the Rapids Grill for dinner…seven course meal cooked in front of you for a group of 12 on a bar around the cook. It was yummy and we had a good time.

Rapids Grill, Dent Rapids In Back Ground

We saw that the power cat was from point Richmond and I said hello to the owner and realized it was Steve and Susan Chamberlin ! Also Selene behind us had two guys from Walnut creek, one a retired veterinarian. We met them at the appetizer hour and then sat with them at the grill. It was there 25^th anniversary and interestingly they have two grown children adopted 20 and 22 years ago.

FULL FULL FULL and off to bed after dinner. Very itchy me all night due to bites starting with the welts from the wasps on hike….

September 6^th Day 2 Dent lodge

Chill day, walked dogs just a bit, worked out, had dinner at inside restaurant very good. Plan to leave around 10:30 next day to get rapids with some but not too much current.

Ketchikan To Shearwater

August 24thTo August 27^th

Between Ketchican and Shearwater we stopped at Prince Rupert, for Canadian customs, then Hartley Bay and the native village of Klemtu.

August 24^th, Ketchikan to Dixon Entrance to Prince Rupert

To get to Prince Rupert from Ketchican you need to cross Dixon Entrance, which is open to the Pacific from the west, so you need to watch the weather for the crossing. Dixon Entrance is just south of Prince Rupert.

The weather forecast for Dixon entrance is above showing 20 to 30 knots the evening before turning to the west at 15-25 the next morning when we left. For this crossing the west wind is the direction you do not want since the wind waves will have a long fetch and build on top of the swells coming form the Pacific.

Since we would not be at Dixon until later in the day when winds should diminish to 10-15 decided to go for it starting a little later at 10 am.

Started out nice cruise as in side passage til got past foggy bay. First part of crossing ok but when we got in front of Portland inlet we had ebb tide from sound and beam seas. It sucked! We had to “tack” ie turn up towards west end of Dundas island to head more into waves then turn SE to have more following seas to get back to east ends of Dundas island. About 2 hours of bad rocking with one big tip over. We had not tied down table or chairs but they were ok. Arrived at Prince Rupert and got into a slip no problem. It was 5:30 pm or so. Harbormistress had left us keys.

Alex called in to customs and we received our clearance and number over the phone.

Alex sees a bunch of lows coming and very worried. Wants to skidaddle south quickly at get inside Vancouver island rain shadow.
That night Alex watched first gator game and they won. Go gators.

August 25^th Sunday: Prince Rupert to Hartley Bay

Headed south early in AM. Fought tide first ½ of day then caught current second. Skipped Lowe Inlet stop due to worry about storms. Nice easy quiet cruise. Saw a couple whales which we were surprised. Both of us had been wondering if we’d find them in Grenville canal since it very narrow for a long distance.

Arrived early evening in Hartley bay. Got lucky and found dock space. Free dock, free 30amp electric and free high speed internet ! WOW.

We squeezed Water Dog in to this very small marina on an inside dock keeping as far off the breakwater on the outside as possible. Another 60 footer squeezed in also later at the side dock inside us.

This is a board walk town of 200. No store. We walked the water front board walk and then the to the fish hatchery and beyond along the Gabion river.

The hatchery is run by the Git Ga tribe. We saw some fry in tanks.

Continued to walk board walk which ended up being about 1 mile long to “lower lake”. Dogs had a good time.

Lots of nice blue berries on the trail and the dog’s have now learned to pick berries when ever they see them.

Of course what ever Terra does Holly copies.

Had dinner in. Met folks from Port Edward (around the corner from prince Rupert where historic cannery museum lies), Jim Jones. He had been anchored in the storm two nights before and stayed up all night hoping his anchor would hold.

August 26^th Hartley Bay to Klemtu

Saw large pod of Orcas going in our direction so got to cruise along with them for a long time keeping the same speed, WAY cool! And a couple whales.

Wanted to stop at Khutze bay but weather not good and alex still stressing so we passed it by. No room at public dock (a cruising boat was at dock and if we had beat them we would have been able to tie up) so anchored.

Klemtu dock is pretty trashed up but cant complain when free!

Water Dog Anchored Off Klemtu Public Dock

We anchored further out to avoid trees getting stuck on anchor, nice view of long house. We took a walk in Klemtu again. Went to the Spirit Bear lodge. All inclusive lodge owned by the tribe. Walked in and at first the “manager” was a little surprised to see us but then he got in host mode and was friendly and informative. Explained they provide cultural and wildlife viewing tours. He mentioned his boats would be back soon but were watching 15 orcas trying to kill a humpback outside Khutze inlet. I asked about the huge ferry terminal north of town and he said it was just “luck”: BC ferries needed a storm port and they chose klemtu. 24 million for barely used ferry station. Asked if Salmon ran in the rivers there and he said yes (they were jumping all around us again).

On way back a local told us to be careful a sow with two cubs is wandering town and could pop out at any time…we did not see.

Augusty 27^th Klemtu to Shearwater

Chill cruise. Saw a couple whale spouts. A bit of open water to get to Shearwater in Mllebanke sound. A little chop but nothing compared to Dixon. Wanted to stop at Bella Bella but no dock space so went to Shearwater.

Shearwater was pretty full. We have caught up with the cruisers. This made Alex feel good (as we caught up) and bad (as we now have company) LOL!

Walked to coast guard station and back so dogs could run (about 5 miles)

We met John and Vicky on Bear North who tied up behind us while we were on our walk. They are on a nice new 58 foot motor sailor made by Hans Christian??

They had gone to Hadai Gwaii. They also were anchored in the big storm with the captain manning the help at night just in case. Good thing Alex checks weather as we were at Ketchikan dock for this. He was critical care ER doctor and she ER/pediatric nurse. Nice couple. They live in Alberta one hour from Banf. They keep their boat at Van Isle marina (just like Mana Kai and Grand QTR). They shared a reference of “Bert” their boat watch person and promised to email info when they can. They joined us for dinner so it was a nice time

Sitka to Ketchikan

We stopped in Sandy Bay, Egg Harbor, Merrifield Bay and Thorne Bay on our way back south from Sitka to Ketchican.

Left Sitka around 7:45am. High fog at first and for most of the Journey. Were aiming for cats head or tail cove but decided to stop at Sandy Bay which supposedly had a waterfall. Not a bad cruise but 6-7 foot seas and 20 kt winds from NW and very irregular waves from SW made the ride a bit lumpy.

Entering Sandy bay was easy since waves coming from north west and angle of bay opening was NE so just a bit of beam seas and got right in.

Searched for spot and picked deep anchorage in front of waterfall instead of up the arm to the river outflow.

Saw some otters and the next AM saw a grizzly grazing grass at one of the beaches. Had BLTs for dinner. At this site lost all satellite from DirectTv

August 7^th Sandy Bay to Egg Harbor on Coronation island

Left 9:30 ish or later. When went to get dinghy up the davit failed. Davit motor starts by itself and wont stop after release buttons. BAD BAD NEWS as it may not be long til it fails completely. Got dinghy on board with a bunch of nonsense trying to get it right on the supports and with the davit issue. Headed out and FOG FOG FOG. At first ½ mile visibility and could see the coast a bit but then near Ommaney point turned got worse and worse. We approached Coronation island with radar only…no visibility of land at all. Fog is not much worry in open water but when going in to an unknown small harbor we get a bit nervous.

All of a sudden we came out of fog and were surrounded by the mountains (1400ft) at bay entrance. That was a relief but was stressful using only radar and charts to get into bay.

Anchored in the bite recommended by the SE Alaska book and it was rolly. Actually as remote this place is a sailboat had just anchored at head of the bay prior to our arrival.

Alex decided safest to launch little dinghy (which is used as an accessory storage shed for stuff ☹) in case we can’t bring it up with crane.

Then took dogs and us to the beach. Small dinghy very small for the four of us..unstable. Met the neighbors on the beach and chatted. Dogs swam a bit and played.

Cruised along shore on way back to see if we could see the supposed “trail” which is rough but goes up pin peak. Did not really find.

I had rubbed pork tenderloins the day before so we had pork tenderloins, grilled broccoli and rice for dinner. Watched part of a movie and went to bed.

August 8^th Egg Harbor

Slept in. Took dogs in to shore by the caves on west side of Harbor and had a nice beach walk going through a few caves from beach to beach. Found an old pipe where we landed dinghy and alex went hand over foot up the ridge a bit. We had read can hike to pin peak so were wondering if this was the trail.

Water Pipe On Right Possible Trail To Top

We put a plastic green jug marker we found on the beach as a marker in the tree to mark the spot where the pipe runs up the hill.

Green Plastic Jug On Tree Marking Possible Trail To Top

Later in day went to the head of bay beach and walked through the rain forest with old growth and a foot of moss covering it all. Very surreal. Lots of goat trails and poop but never found this supposed trail to Pin Peak.

Before going back to boat went to the east shore of the bay and walked across the isthmus to the other shore. Even though only 800-900 feet with all the downed logs and moss tough to get there.

Then we saw dead something on beach and dogs were too interested so just looked at other bay and headed back. More goat poop. We did see small footprints, likely martins since those are about here. The entire day fog was visible at mouth of bay. Had Pasta sauce for dinner and then too bed.

August 9^th Egg harbor to Merrifield Bay

We started out going to Point Baker but when we got there we did not see a place on the dock for us. We ended up at Merriweather cove 1 mile east of Port Baker.

At Merrifield Bay we anchored in behind the net float used by fisherman for working on nets. With south winds forecast this turned out to be a nice calm place and stayed two comfortable nights at anchor.

Water Dog Anchored Behind Net Float At Merrifield Bay

Later that day we took dinghy to Point Baker. Had a couple drinks at the bar and the bar mistress, owner, harbor mistress mentioned we should have hailed her as we could have tied up at float plane dock. Oh well. We chatted with her a bit and then headed back to boat. No dogs on shore and its private land so that was a bummer.

August 10 and 11^th

Point Baker to Thorne Bay

Two nights at Thorne bay. Got there late day and side tie at dock (Sunday).

Got a milkshake at the café and walked the waterfront.

Going inland we found the big log claw which they have turned into the city’s ornament. I guess due to size its not right down town. Ate in that night with plan to fish, walk and eat out at the café the next day.

Monday Alex took dinghy out to opening of bay (4 miles) to fish. I then kayaked out to him. Tried to tow kayak but it flipped so hauled it on board. Alex tried for halibut nada. On way back in since salmon jumping all around us we casted a bit for salmon. Nada. Got back and took dogs on the “heart health walk” which is a trail/old logging road up to a picnic shelter with a view. Good exercise for us and dogs. Road continued after the shelter and we walked a bit further.

*View Of Marina From Thorne Bay Heart Health Trail*

August 12^th Thorne Bay to Ketchikan

On this cruise saw a lot of seiners and some gill netters. Alex asked someone and it seems sometimes season opens Sunday, Monday, Tuesday. This was a Tuesday.

Plan to leave Alex in Ketchikan while I go visit mom. We had been before so knew to look for open moorage which would not be hot docking. We got a great site at end of float 7 bar harbor south across from the slip we had previously. We walked the north ½ of the Raindbird trail with dogs. Nice to stretch legs and another rainforest walk.

That night lots of seiner’s came in and filled our float seven all around us, some even rafting. Great we got here before them!

We had dinner at Annabelles…the old hotel with the old bar purchases by owner years back from an old san Francisco bar. Good blu cheese halibut for Alex and I had Caesar salad with Halibut

August 13^th -23^rd Ketchikan

We had one day together in Ketchikan. Planned to walk entire Rainbird Trail which runs across the top of town in a strip of woods. Got to Alava’s fish and chips right at opening and split an order. Family run and got to talk to them for a bit. Walked down historic “alley” then up to and northward on the Rainbird trail and back to boat.

On the 14^th I had 5pm flight to visit mom. I took a taxi then airport ferry. Had Alaska airlines to seattle. Then delta Seattle to PBI. Overnight flight. Thought I might get sleep but nope. Arrived on the 15^th and stayed til the 20^th. Mom on hospice, weaker, not happy if not on drugs. So sad.

Ales worked on boat chores while I was gone.

August 20^th I arrived back to RAIN! Ran to catch 1:30 ferry then cab to the dock. Alex had been watching weather and this was a big storm with wind so he had luckily asked and was allowed to move us into the slip across from our side tie. The harbormaster helped him with lines. That night a good blow but not as bad as alex had thought but it would be bad to have been slammed against dock all night.
Aug 21^st Wednesday. Another storm (bigger) was coming. Might have been an ok day to cross Dixon entrance but alex decided to have us wait which meant three days of waiting (til Saturday). That afternoon it cleared up so we walked to the church campus with grass we had found an Adler park to play with dogs.

Thursday 22nd we decided to rent a car for the day. Went to Walmart and to get propane. Did not do any scenic drive or drive to other parks as RAIN!.

Friday 23^rd we were in the big storm. Alex did some boat stuff. I wasted time and did do trampoline. Early in AM before care return we went to Walmart to get Brita filters and then to the Sweet Mermaid downtown for breakfast.

Warm Springs Bay To Sitka Via Baby Bear Cove

July 31^st To Aug 6 th Warm Springs Bay To Sitka Via Baby Bear Cove

Left early to catch tides. Peaked in waterfall cove to see 400foot waterfall kutxhcuel/???? Nice. Pretty nice clear day.

Terra and Holly where not stressed out at all on this trip as they rested in Pilot House next too Patty piloting the boat.

Terra and Holly stressing Out in Pilot House During Trip

Saw one whale sort of close and one distant breach. Cruised up peril strait and stopped at Baby Bear Bay which was 3 nm north of Sergius narrows which has big current and has to be timed well. Had a chill evening in Baby bear day. Saw a dear but no bears. Alex deployed crab traps.

August 1^st Baby Bear Cove to Sitka

Alex retrieved crab traps. Got three small ones. We cooked them up in AM for later consumption prior to leaving. Got everything ready to go as needed to time tide at Sergius narrows. Left 10:30am (was a bit early) and nice flat water. Got to Sergius narrows early, still against tide so went through slow but no drama. No orcas or bears.

Chill cruise through Neva and Olga strait. When crossed small bit of ocean stopped on a small “sea mound” to fish for halibut. Guys caught a spiny rockfish and unidentified trout looking thing. Entered Sitka sound and then got to Sitka Harbor. Assigned end tie in Eliason harbor float seven.

The restored charter tug boat Swell, which we have seen numerous times on trip, was docked behind us. Took a short walk near marina and then guys cooked surf and turf YUM!

Water Dog at Sitka Harbour with Restored Tug Boat Swell

August 2^nd Sitka

We took dogs to dog park (a designated baseball field and they played some good chuck it). We then walked to downtown on waterfront. At first industrial but a couple inns and restaurant. Got to Totem square on waterfront with totem pole depicting history of Sitka.

Walked up Baranof Castle Hill which is where transfer of Alaska from Russia to US was executed years back. Lots of interpretive signs talking of history…Tlingits, Russians, US.

Then walked the small downtown which had a few good local artist shops. We had fry bread from a couple college kids. They recommended two food trucks (ashmo’s and Ju Ju’s) as lunch choices. Ju Ju’s is owned by fishing family and had fish tacos. At JuJu’s I had Halibut tacos, Alex had one salmon and one halibut. Fish good (owned by fishing family) but did not like the plane un heated corn tortillas. Marcia had the rice bowl which looked good. Gary had plain fish.

Finished town walk. Had rent a wreck Sitka car rental dropped off at totem square and thus after town walk we drove to Sitka National Historic park. Looked at some Indian stuff inside then took totem loop walk to see poles and also along Indian river.

Saw lots of Salmon running and watched some fisherman. No bears. Beautiful park. We did stop at Rose Gallery which is in a small building across from library and south harbor. It was a nice gallery. Went back and all tired. Marcia napped and Gary, Alex and I went to dinner at the Long Liner inn restaurant. Nice seafood pasta for the guys and I had halibut on salad with fries (my bad had fries ?)

August 3^th Sitka

We took dogs to dog park. Then after breakfast I had arranged for us to go visit raptor center around 10am. They did not have any patients for me to look at but we saw the facility and got a back scenes tour.

We then took car to Staargavin river area. Walked the forest/muskeg trail and then those guys hung out while we added on the mosquito cove loop (beautiful trail). We met at picnic table after and they had gotten some snacks. Left there around 3pm as a family had the hut reserved (nice sturdy hut, right on ocean and big firepit down near water).

We headed back and alex worked on zincs a bit while we hung out. Then we went into town for a bit to check out the rest of town. Gary and Marcia got something at another gallery and then we had a drink at Ernie’s bar (established 80 years ago) and then Pioneer bar (more locals and we had seen a dog go in the day before for its hot dog). We all decided to go to dinner at the Channel Club which was recommended by the another boater we had seen in Baranoff (Mola Mola). We had nice dinner: ¾ of us had white king salmon (apparently the metabolize their diet differently, milder and I liked it) and Marcia had soy type Black cod tips. Excellent meal.

August 4^th Sitka

We took dogs to dog park and alex filled dinghy gas tanks. Then back to boat to retrieve the gang. Went to the Sheldon Jackson museum for a couple hours. After that went back to boat.

Chilled in PM….I went to grocery store as I though we were leaving the next day. Got back 6:30pm ish.
That night we were tired and they /we had to get up early so went to get take out Mean Queen Pizza. While we waited we walked the dogs along the sea walk which is at the most southern marina and where the cruise ship passengers are let off.

August 5^th Sitka

I took those guys to airport at 5am. We had decided to stay and had a slow start but by 12:30 we were on Harbor Mountain /Gavin hill trail. Drove up 5mile long forest road and parked then walked along ridge to alpine hut (2.3 out and back, fairly strenuous). It was very clear, great views of mountains, alpine wild flowers, ocean all around just a stunning wonderful hike!).

Lots of blue and red berries to eat on trail

We turned around at the shack on top of ridge where you can stay over night if you wish.

Holly at *Gavan Hill* Trail Before Shack

On the way back down you get nice views of the bay below.

After we went down to Ashmo’s for late lunch and the truck was still open. Ashmo’s was recommended by the young couple that made fry bread and also by Steve a fourth generation American Indian who’s family has 4-6 jewelry stores in Texas, Ketchikan, Sitka). We went back and got boat ready for voyage down outside of Baranof Island.

Red Bluff Bay To Baranof Warm Springs

July 29^th and 30^th Baranof Warm Springs

Trip Length 22 nm

Baranof Warm Springs is a great stop with a nice dock and hot tubs with a view. The tubs have a hot water tap coming from a pipe from the hot springs above you use to fill them and a cold tap to control temperature. There is a donation box at the tubs to help pay for the upkeep. Also a short hike up the board walk is a fresh water lake that is great for dog swimming.

Early wake up at Red Bluff Bay. Alex wanted us to leave 9 ish. Had to do dogs, pick up kayaks, pick up crab traps, pick up dinghy and then on way out of place pick up prawn trap. Busy morning. All accomplished and anchor up and we were running by 9:30.

More prawns! Short cruise up chatham strait. Flat calm again easy to spot whales and another amazing whale encounter. Turned off engines and they were all around us literally at times 20 feet from boat. Off the stern and port side…two off port had to dive under us. Saw a few breaches from far away…. So cool.

Got to Baranoff maybe 2pm and a nice Flemming Mola Mola moved forward so we could be on the dock. Had the space right next to the float plane dock with great view of falls. Lots of current coming from water fall, expecially at low tide, so higher tide less current makes it easier to dock. Also rocks right past dock towards water fall so dont go past end of dock either!

Took a walk with all to Baranoff lake, the hot springs pools which are situated right next to a major rapid as the short river goes from lake to the falls. It cut a deep channel through granite or basalt and amazing…right next to hot pool rushing water. No bears but lots of berries in season now …blue berries and raspberry type things. Cloudy but no rain during walk.

Day Two at Baranoff: prawn trap deployed by guys. Guys ate Prawns for lunch. I went for a couple SUP excursions and did make it in lagoon that mush be entered and departed from at slack or rapids. Pretty but no bears. Cleared a lot so saw mountains. Alex and I took a walk to lake later in afternoon and then up a small hill (required some climbing) and had nice view of Baranoff lake.

Patty, Terra, Holly Lake At Baranof Warm Springs

We all took advantage of the hot tubs which was neat as you sat in tub with view of the waterfall.

At base of falls we did see school of salmon, supposedly pink salmon. We wonder if they spawn at the base of the waterfall. I did see a harbor seal hunting in the froth at the base of the falls, very cool.

Unfortunately Gary had a fall on the bow. Slipped on Teflon mat and landed on his shoulder. Hurt it BADLY and was very painful that night to the point he could not sleep at all. We were worried he might have to fly to hospital from Baranoff but he did feel better with medications.