Weather: Sunny and warm. Winds: Light and variable. Seas: <1ft.
Mid morning start with a motor around the west end of Spieden Island to Reed Harbor, the long, narrow bay on the south side of Stuart. RT arrived about 45min prior and was on a mooring buoy awaiting our arrival to raft off. We dropped a crab pot off near the entrance as we entered the harbor.
Captain's Mast motors at 6.5kts while we motor at 5kts. Sure, we can get 6.5kts, but our fuel consumption increases dramatically while 5kts @2200rpm consumes about .31gal per hour. Since Strider only holds 13gal, we like to conserve and sail as much as possible. Besides, Strider is much faster sailing than motoring. So, this became the norm for the adventure, if motoring was required, RT was in the destination prior to our arrival, with the fenders down, awaiting our rafting. He will later claim he had a beer waiting also. But he stocks IPA, which I don't care for. Further, I ended up supplying him with beer as there was a miscommunication between him and Merry Margret later in the trip. RT wanted two cases of beer in Powell River and ended up with two 12 packs...'nuff said.
Reed was the first of many first time stops for us on this trip. Nice place, long and narrow, seemingly completely protected. Being protected, it is warm! Later, Kelly needed a dog fix so she walked RT's with him as I checked the crab pot and found we caught a starfish! Yeah! Bait gone, starfish in trap...I think we had a steak that night.
Sunday, August 4, 2013
Wednesday, 18July2012: Roche Harbor
Weather: Sunny and warm. Winds: Light and variable. Seas: <1ft.
Nice day in anchored in Roche. Kelly enjoyed the craft booths set up outside the Company Store.
RT arrived and rafted off us. As we observed the situation, we both decided my light weight Fortress, 40ft of chain and then rope rode was probably insufficient to hold both our boats rafted, particularly in the strange current/wind conditions of our anchorage. So, while I brought up the anchor, RT fired up his engine and motored us over to his favorite anchorage, about 300yds off the Customs Dock. His plow anchor and 100% chain rode were then deployed.
A comfortable evening was had by all!
Nice day in anchored in Roche. Kelly enjoyed the craft booths set up outside the Company Store.
RT arrived and rafted off us. As we observed the situation, we both decided my light weight Fortress, 40ft of chain and then rope rode was probably insufficient to hold both our boats rafted, particularly in the strange current/wind conditions of our anchorage. So, while I brought up the anchor, RT fired up his engine and motored us over to his favorite anchorage, about 300yds off the Customs Dock. His plow anchor and 100% chain rode were then deployed.
A comfortable evening was had by all!
Tuesday, 17July2012: Skyline to Roche Harbor
Weather: Sunny and warm. Winds: Light and variable. Seas: <1ft.
Sailed when we could, motored when we had to. Did the northern route to Roche, Thatcher Pass, Lopez Sound, Harney Channel, through the Wasp Islands and across San Juan Channel to Spieden Channel and into Roche. Anchored in 25ft between the marina and Mosquito Pass, allegedly the "only secure anchorage around," as one local put it. Had problems getting the anchor set, backing down too fast. With the advice of the 'local', we slowed down and set.
Very strange current/wind interaction in this spot as the current was going one way yet the boat were all pointed in the other direction.
Day 1 of the grand adventure! After all the preparation and shakedown, we are off to the Great White North. Our dogs were dropped off at Aunt Nina's yesterday. RT is bringing Captain's Mast north solo...well, except for his dog, as Merry Margret has to work for a couple weeks more and Emma has swim practice. This grand adventure idea started last September when RT realized he could finally head north as now he could go in company.
Originally, we were to rendezvous in Roche on the 17th, but RT was delayed a day. Kelly and I were ready so we headed out for an evening alone, senza dogs, senza all and had a nice evening together. Nice dinner, a walk, ice cream and the sunset ceremony were enjoyed.
I think this was the 5th night in total Kelly had spent at anchor and she is becoming more comfortable. A functioning head has made a huge difference and having a dinghy has helped!
Speaking of dinghy, we found a 1985-1995 model fiberglass 9.5ft Gig Harbor Boatworks displacement hull, sailing dinghy. After cleaning it up and getting a couple 7' oars, we are really happy with it. It rows easily and has the sailing rig. Two drawbacks, it is tippy and low freeboard. It is not for moving two people in choppy water. It does however, move two people and two dogs quite well and being fiberglass, is less likely to puncture on the PNW rocks/barnacles!
Lesson Learned: Slowly backdown to set the anchor! With all the currents and winds, setting the anchor is hugely important in the PNW. Previous experience on the Great Lakes and inland lakes with little to no current, an anchor set had not been a priority. Instead, the anchor was just dropped with a pile of chain on top. Learning, learning....
Sailed when we could, motored when we had to. Did the northern route to Roche, Thatcher Pass, Lopez Sound, Harney Channel, through the Wasp Islands and across San Juan Channel to Spieden Channel and into Roche. Anchored in 25ft between the marina and Mosquito Pass, allegedly the "only secure anchorage around," as one local put it. Had problems getting the anchor set, backing down too fast. With the advice of the 'local', we slowed down and set.
Very strange current/wind interaction in this spot as the current was going one way yet the boat were all pointed in the other direction.
Day 1 of the grand adventure! After all the preparation and shakedown, we are off to the Great White North. Our dogs were dropped off at Aunt Nina's yesterday. RT is bringing Captain's Mast north solo...well, except for his dog, as Merry Margret has to work for a couple weeks more and Emma has swim practice. This grand adventure idea started last September when RT realized he could finally head north as now he could go in company.
Originally, we were to rendezvous in Roche on the 17th, but RT was delayed a day. Kelly and I were ready so we headed out for an evening alone, senza dogs, senza all and had a nice evening together. Nice dinner, a walk, ice cream and the sunset ceremony were enjoyed.
I think this was the 5th night in total Kelly had spent at anchor and she is becoming more comfortable. A functioning head has made a huge difference and having a dinghy has helped!
Speaking of dinghy, we found a 1985-1995 model fiberglass 9.5ft Gig Harbor Boatworks displacement hull, sailing dinghy. After cleaning it up and getting a couple 7' oars, we are really happy with it. It rows easily and has the sailing rig. Two drawbacks, it is tippy and low freeboard. It is not for moving two people in choppy water. It does however, move two people and two dogs quite well and being fiberglass, is less likely to puncture on the PNW rocks/barnacles!
Lesson Learned: Slowly backdown to set the anchor! With all the currents and winds, setting the anchor is hugely important in the PNW. Previous experience on the Great Lakes and inland lakes with little to no current, an anchor set had not been a priority. Instead, the anchor was just dropped with a pile of chain on top. Learning, learning....
Saturday, August 3, 2013
Monday, 9July2012: Spencer Spit to Skyline
Weather: Sunny and mild. Winds: SE 5-10. Waves: <2ft.
Sailed home via Thatcher Pass. Tough tacking through the pass. Eventually cleared and had a straight beat home making 6-8 across Rosario and a welcoming, calm sail into Burrows Bay.
Sailed home via Thatcher Pass. Tough tacking through the pass. Eventually cleared and had a straight beat home making 6-8 across Rosario and a welcoming, calm sail into Burrows Bay.
Sunday, 8July2012: Garrison Bay to Spencer Spit
Weather: Sunny and warm. Winds: Light and variable. Seas: <1ft.
We wished Steve and Janet bon voyage as they headed north!
Sailed when we could, motored when we had to, through Mosquito Pass into Roche Harbor, east through Spieden Channel, across San Juan Channel into the Wasp Islands. Wove our way to the south side of Crane Island, occasionally picking up a little wind. Seems the Harney Channel always has wind and we had a nice sail through here. Stopped off in Blind Bay searching for the 4 mooring buoys at the state park. Chart was confusing and we finally figured out the park was the little island in the bay entrance and there were only 3 buoys, all occupied.
What is the deal with 'private' buoys in public water? If no one is on it, can we use it?
With the confusion of the private buoys littering the bay and the occupied state park buoys, we moved on to Spencer Spit. Attempted to anchor on the more protected north side, but backed down too fast (later learned) and could not set the anchor. Moved to the south side via the narrow pass between the spit and Frost Island. The anchor set the first try. 10kt S winds created 1ft waves, which was a bit uncomfortable. Not the chop, but the fact this wind could push us onto the beach in a flash.
It was a good test! We kept watch and the anchor was rock solid.
Spencer Spit is a cool place with a lot of sand and we could let the dogs run as the spit naturally confines the dogs. This was a nice shakedown and all the systems worked well.
Lesson Learned: Within its limitations, have faith in the Fortress anchor (great in mud and sand, no weeds/grass)
We wished Steve and Janet bon voyage as they headed north!
Sailed when we could, motored when we had to, through Mosquito Pass into Roche Harbor, east through Spieden Channel, across San Juan Channel into the Wasp Islands. Wove our way to the south side of Crane Island, occasionally picking up a little wind. Seems the Harney Channel always has wind and we had a nice sail through here. Stopped off in Blind Bay searching for the 4 mooring buoys at the state park. Chart was confusing and we finally figured out the park was the little island in the bay entrance and there were only 3 buoys, all occupied.
What is the deal with 'private' buoys in public water? If no one is on it, can we use it?
With the confusion of the private buoys littering the bay and the occupied state park buoys, we moved on to Spencer Spit. Attempted to anchor on the more protected north side, but backed down too fast (later learned) and could not set the anchor. Moved to the south side via the narrow pass between the spit and Frost Island. The anchor set the first try. 10kt S winds created 1ft waves, which was a bit uncomfortable. Not the chop, but the fact this wind could push us onto the beach in a flash.
It was a good test! We kept watch and the anchor was rock solid.
Spencer Spit is a cool place with a lot of sand and we could let the dogs run as the spit naturally confines the dogs. This was a nice shakedown and all the systems worked well.
Lesson Learned: Within its limitations, have faith in the Fortress anchor (great in mud and sand, no weeds/grass)
Saturday, 7July2012: Hunter Bay to Garrison Bay
Weather: Sunny and warm. Winds: Mostly light and variable. Seas: <1ft.
We decided to go to Garrison Bay, in the exact opposite corner of the San Juans from Hunter Bay, probably 10 miles as the crow flies. The shortest direction is probably head north through Lopez Sound then head west. While shortest, it held more probability of motoring. So, we went the longer route through the Strait of Juan deFuca to the Haro Strait.
Turned out to be a mostly motor, but the winds sometimes cooperated. Of interest to me was how similarly our boats motored at the same RPM. This is interesting because Steve talks extensively about replacing his original Gori propeller with a Varifold and how much better it performed. I thought we might upgrade to a Varifold. Turns out there is more to the story. His old Gori was trashed by years in the water without a zinc. So when he upgraded, he was really just replacing a crappy prop.
So, at similar RPM, he was making perhaps .1kt more than we were. This could have been because of a better current, cleaner hull, lighter load etc. Basically, statistically insignificant.
Arrived in Garrison Bay and anchored in 5-10ft of water. Garrison was a great place with the British Camp and dock available to walk the dogs. Dogs spent the evening staring into Flexible Flyer, looking for the cats. The cats retaliated by walking around the boats at night. One of the cats got adventurous and decided to investigate the dinghy, tied to our stern with a 7ft line. Did not see what happened, but there was a lot of scrambling, a splash and yowling. Dogs were up in a flash, barking. Made my way aft and out with a flashlight and illuminated a catfish for Janet to retrieve.
The rest of the night was peaceful!
We decided to go to Garrison Bay, in the exact opposite corner of the San Juans from Hunter Bay, probably 10 miles as the crow flies. The shortest direction is probably head north through Lopez Sound then head west. While shortest, it held more probability of motoring. So, we went the longer route through the Strait of Juan deFuca to the Haro Strait.
Turned out to be a mostly motor, but the winds sometimes cooperated. Of interest to me was how similarly our boats motored at the same RPM. This is interesting because Steve talks extensively about replacing his original Gori propeller with a Varifold and how much better it performed. I thought we might upgrade to a Varifold. Turns out there is more to the story. His old Gori was trashed by years in the water without a zinc. So when he upgraded, he was really just replacing a crappy prop.
So, at similar RPM, he was making perhaps .1kt more than we were. This could have been because of a better current, cleaner hull, lighter load etc. Basically, statistically insignificant.
Arrived in Garrison Bay and anchored in 5-10ft of water. Garrison was a great place with the British Camp and dock available to walk the dogs. Dogs spent the evening staring into Flexible Flyer, looking for the cats. The cats retaliated by walking around the boats at night. One of the cats got adventurous and decided to investigate the dinghy, tied to our stern with a 7ft line. Did not see what happened, but there was a lot of scrambling, a splash and yowling. Dogs were up in a flash, barking. Made my way aft and out with a flashlight and illuminated a catfish for Janet to retrieve.
The rest of the night was peaceful!
Friday, 6July2012: Skyline to Hunter Bay, Lopez Island
Weather: Sunny and warm. Winds: Mostly light and variable. Seas: <1ft.
When my Dragonfly 1000 mentor Steve and his wife Janet were headed to Canadian waters, we arranged to meet for a couple days. First stop: Hunter Bay, where we knew there was beach access to walk the dogs.
Initial winds out of Skyline were easterly so we expected a push across Rosario Strait. I set the main loose. Sail out to Rosario was as expected, then the wind died and we motored to Lopez Pass. Turns out Lopez Sound usually has wind and we found around 7kts out of the SE and managed to sail into Hunter Bay...with a scalloped main. Not the best entrance, but we got there.
First time we had rafted off another boat at anchor and we followed Steve's instruction, "Just treat it as a dock!" After initial greetings, Steve wanted to move the boats to shallower and more protected waters in the eastern portion of the bay. So Steve fired up his engine and motored us together to a better spot. Ended up moving a little further when a Bellingham boat called over, "Hey, if I wanted to be in a parking lot, I would have stayed out there with the other boats." Jeez.
Pleasant evening was had. The dogs spent a lot of time looking down their companionway at their cats....
When my Dragonfly 1000 mentor Steve and his wife Janet were headed to Canadian waters, we arranged to meet for a couple days. First stop: Hunter Bay, where we knew there was beach access to walk the dogs.
Initial winds out of Skyline were easterly so we expected a push across Rosario Strait. I set the main loose. Sail out to Rosario was as expected, then the wind died and we motored to Lopez Pass. Turns out Lopez Sound usually has wind and we found around 7kts out of the SE and managed to sail into Hunter Bay...with a scalloped main. Not the best entrance, but we got there.
First time we had rafted off another boat at anchor and we followed Steve's instruction, "Just treat it as a dock!" After initial greetings, Steve wanted to move the boats to shallower and more protected waters in the eastern portion of the bay. So Steve fired up his engine and motored us together to a better spot. Ended up moving a little further when a Bellingham boat called over, "Hey, if I wanted to be in a parking lot, I would have stayed out there with the other boats." Jeez.
Pleasant evening was had. The dogs spent a lot of time looking down their companionway at their cats....
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