Excursions | Water Dog Site

Whistler (After cruise from Sucia Island To Laconner Marina)

Monday July 9th to Friday 20th 2018

Trip Distance 30 nm

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Patty and Alex Train Wreck Hike, Cheakamus river falls.

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

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

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

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

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

Shiela, Leah and Patty On Brandywine Trail

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hikes and waterfalls!

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

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

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

Red snow is actually a cryo loving algae.

Dog fun too!

Terra approved Whistler…classic roll in the grass!

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

Stuart Island To Sucia Island State Park

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

Trip Length 14 nm

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

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

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

Sucia Isalnd Fossil, Echo and Shallow Bays

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

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

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

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

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

Fishermans Bay To Stuart Island State Park

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

Trip distance 14 nm

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

Had a nice sunny day for the cruise over.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Friday Harbour To Fishermans Bay For July 4th

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

Trip Length 5 nm

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fishermans Bay 4th July Parade Lopez Island Aquatic Group

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

Fishermans Bay 4th July Parade Patty on Fender Board

Fishermans Bay 4th July Parade Respect Human Rights

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

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

Rosario To Friday Harbor Marina

June 29-July 3rd Friday Harbor Marina

Trip Distance 11 nm

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Spencer Spit To Rosario Resort Marina

June 27-28, Rosario Resort Marina

Trip Length 6.5 nm

Relaxing morning at Spencer Spit, took dogs in to do thy business and then packed up dinghy, vacuumed boat and off to Rosario. About a 5mile cruise across main channel where ferries go to East Sound.

Rosario is a historic mansion owned by Robert Moran (shipbuilder late 1800 to 1900s) and he did now want his 1300 acre estate broken up so made sure it was sold and kept together…so the Resort and Spa were born. We arrived around 2:30, checked out the grounds, had lunch/early dinner at the marina Cascade Bay Grill(Good food !) and then explored the mansion.

Robert Moran must really liked organ music because the entire middle of the house has a very large organ room which fills all the rooms around it with organ music when played.

Spent two nights at Rosario as on our full day we took a taxi up to the top of Mt Constitution with dogs in tow. Then walked the approx. 10 miles down hill back to the marina. This is a great hike to take along streams, lakes and water falls the entire way, highly recommended.

The taxi dropped us off at the top of Mt Constitution where you have great views out over the water with Sucia Islands and Rosario straight from the tower built by the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps ) back during the depression.

We then walked back down to parking lot where we started trail down back to Rosario Resort via trail to Twin Lakes, Mountain Lake through the water falls then Cascade Lake.

You then run in to Rustic, Cascade, Cavern and Hidden Falls along the trail.

You then cross the road at the entrance to the park for the final part of the hike along Cascade Lake to Rosario Resort below the lake.

At the bottom of Cascade Lake is a really cool bridge made of large logs set as an arch forming bridge, we did not need to cross it to go back to Rosario but we could not resist going over and back on it to check it out.

Decided to splurge and had dinner on the veranda at the mansion. Dinner was so so for the food but nice ambiance with view of the bay from most tables.

Hunter’s Bay To Spencer’s Spit

June 26^th, Spencer Spit Anchor, no dinghy dock

Trip Length 5 nm

Cruised north up Lopez sound, around Frost island to north side of the spit to anchor for the night.

There is a tiny channel between frost island and the spit but not knowing these waters we went around Frost island. Then we saw TONS of boats use this short cut…

Spencer turned out not to be our favourite spot since beaches had a lot of scummy material on them and the hiking was sub par.

Dinghy to shore, walked on the beach and through the park. Not much hiking and beach was a bit dirty but we still had fun and dogs got some good swimming in.

I have learned dinghy docks are important as more dirt and mud and sand from dogs and us when we have to land dinghy on beach. RV Park did have nice spots that were fairly isolated so an RV park stay might be nice.

James Island To Hunter’s Bay Anchorage

June 25^th, Hunter’s Bay Anchor, South end of Lopez sound

Trip Length 5 nm

Anchored near the public boat ramp dock at hunter’s bay.

Walked the dogs and then took a nice bike ride to Iceberg Point. Passed MacKaye Harbor (which has a dinghy dock/boat ramp) and Agate beach. Mackaye Harbour and Barlow Bay looked like a really nice protected anchorage.

Last mile is a walk to the point after locking up bikes you go a little ways further down road lined with houses and take a right at the small Iceberg Point sign. Beautiful view of Strait of Juan de Fuca and northwest towards San Juan Island. Cooked a nice dinner then to bed.

Anacortes To James Island State Park Dock

June 24^th, James Island State Park Dock

Trip Length 8 nm

Now that we are in the San Juan islands our cruises are pretty short…5-15 miles it seems. We left Anacortes Sunday AM. Fog bank in Guemmes Channel with ¼ mile visibility…we were kind of used to fog with San Francisco so forge on.

We broke out of the fog in the middle of Rosario Strait so the rest of the short cruise to James Island State Park was sunny. This stop was a “maybe” as it did not have good anchoring…idea was to get a spot at state park dock or keep going. We secured a spot (a bit of a crash landing as current slammed us against the dock/no harm done).

We walked the few trails on the island which are very nice but pretty short going around the south side of island. We tried finding a trail on the North side but ended up bush wacking through some very steep parts that Patty did not like much but did see one deer. Once we got back to boat we cooked out on grill and then turned in.

The island does have some very nice camp sites with wonderful views that people can get dropped off at dock or kayak too.

It was rolly before bed but settled down in the evening.

Langley To Anacortes

June 21-23 Anacortes

Trip Distance 35 nm

Left Langley mid morning, cruised northward in Skagit Bay to the Squanomish channel which is a man made canal that provides a short cut to Anacortes WA (instead of going through Deception pass which would then require one to go around the top of Fidalgo island to get to Anacortes). Neat entrance to the south end of the canal. We had the current with us so good time made.

Past La Conner (a cool town we visited by car before) and then out into open water of Padilla bay which connects to Fidalgo bay. We arrived at Cap Sante early afternoon.

Took a nice walk to Rotary Park Cap Sante itself with the dogs which starts at the far North end of the marina. At the top beautiful views! Took another trail down and found Frisbee golf in the woods of all things. Got in a good dog swim also!

Continued exploring and ended up at the “commercial” boat ramp next to Secret Cove restaurant. We did not eat or drink there but it’s a nice spot on the Guemmes channel. Hung out that night with plans to bike ride the following day.

The next morning we were walking up the dock and ran into friends Pam and Vince on Tugzilla! They had just splashed their boat as have a grand tour planned for the summer with a couple other Nordic Tugs.

We chatted and planned to have dinner. They had met people in the boat next to them and we all ended up going to dinner at the Lantern Pub downtown. Then stopped by these new friends boat “this’ll do” for Lopez island ice cream. They shared some stories and maps about cruising the islands. Nic evening.

Saturday we ran into Pam and Vince. Went to the farmer’s market together and then the W T Preston Snag Boat Snag boat Museum. A huge boat used to pick up logs and clear the waterways in the early 1900’s to 1960s. It was cool. Museum in building and walk through the snag boat to see the steam boilers etc was way cool!

After that we rode bikes to get things from hardware store and some Canadian dollars. That night had an upscale meal and Anthony’s (which was excellent).