2015 Boating season

2015 Boating Season:

It seems we start talking about our next cruise right after we put the boat on the trailer from our last cruise. We had talked about cruising the entire Inside Passage to Alaska for quite some time, then as cruising season got close, we back pedaled and thought we would just trailer to Prince Rupert, Canada and spend a few months in SE Alaska as we did two years ago. Still closer to cruising season, we discussed cruising slowly to Desolation Sound in Canada, as we did three years ago... so many destinations so little time. We decided we would attend the C-Brat gathering in Friday Harbor, on San Juan Island, on the upcoming weekend to kick off our boating season and then plan our next big move.

Friday Harbor

Cathy & Toni

We launched the boat in Bellingham on May 12th and spent the first night in Squalicum Harbor marina, a few hundred feet from the truck and trailer. Our daughter Cathy and fiance Josh came down from Ferndale to visit for a bit, it's always nice to be with family. The next day, after breakfast, we motored down to Anacortes to attend one day of the Trawlerfest Boat Show. It's always fun to crawl around on different boats to see what has changed and dream of a larger boat sometime in the future.

The next day we cruised to Blind Bay on Shaw Island to meet our friends the Andersons for happy hour. When we arrived they were already anchored, so we rafted up next to them and caught up on each others lives since our last visit while enjoying a few cocktails and snacks. At sunset we untied and motored to the back of the bay for a quiet night at anchor. We always sleep better when swaying and gently rocking at anchor.

Traveler in Shallow Bay

Pat & Patty Anderson on Daydream

The next day, Friday, we cruised over to Friday Harbor and met up with new and old C-Brat friends. There were approximately 40 boats attending and we were all on the same or adjacent dock. It's always nice to meet new people and renew old friendships. Most of the boats were C-Dory's ranging from 16' to 27' in length.

On Saturday West Marine hosted our group with coffee, donuts, and 10% off purchases at their store on the hill. That afternoon we had a huge potluck at the end of our dock with lots and lots of food. Afterward a large group followed Pat Anderson around the dock as he christened six boats with new names. Our Daughter Cathy spent the day with us while Josh was taking a naturalist course that will be helpful in his side job as Captain on whale watching boats.

Sunset at Shallow Bay

Sunday, goodbyes were said and we cruised up to Shallow Bay on Sucia Island, possibly our favorite place in the San Juan Islands. We first came here about 20 years ago with my mother and Ed Thompson on a rented 42' Grand Banks. That trip put cruising in our blood and it has never left. Several other C-Brat friends were anchored here as well and that afternoon we were all invited to happy hour on Sam Landsman's 37' Nordic Tug. Sam is a gracious host and we all had a good time. Back at the boat we enjoyed a beautiful sunset.

Matia Island

The next day, Monday, we followed our friends the Anderson's to Matia Cove on Matia Island. We hiked the loop trail to the other side and back and walked the beach to search for sea glass. Another evening of shared cocktails and dinner was a perfect end to the day. The weather has been very nice for cruising.

On Tuesday we bid fair well to the Andersons as they returned home and we cruised back to Shallow Bay on Sucia. We took the dinghy to Little Sucia Island and walked the beach looking for sea glass. We started our annual Cribbage tournament while watching the Eagles, River Otters, and other island wildlife around us. Another beautiful sunset left us reading our books while drifting around our anchor.

Little Sucia Island

We plan to continue cruising around the islands here for a few more days then go to Rosche Harbor on San Juan Island for fuel and a few supplies before heading up to Victoria, B.C. and points north, that's our big plan, as of today. We hope to add to our blog and post as we have internet service every week or two. You are all in our thoughts.

Starfish

Fossil

Sunset from Traveler