Sunday, July 31, 2016 Viner Sound

We had a very nice surprise this morning.  The sailboat, Shaunsea that is across the inlet is the same one we were with in Burly Bay.  Colleen must have the magic touch.  She came over today with four, fresh Dungeness crabs for us.  We had another loaf of homemade bread for her.  We cleaned and cooked the crab immediately.  It’s fresh crab for dinner tonight! 

Saturday, July 30, 2016 Waddington Bay to Viner Sound 1 ¼ hours 11.6 miles

The wind has never let up for any length of time.  The wind after dark was still 10-15 kts.  Fred stayed on anchor watch until 1:00 am.  He then felt it safe to go to bed.  When we got up this morning we had some decisions to make.  Currently our anchor is holding well but we are still in a part of the bay that has no protection from the wind and doing 180 degree swings.  We didn’t think we could tolerate another day and night like yesterday so we pulled anchor and headed east.  The further we went the lighter the wind.  We pulled into Viner Sound to see if there was a mooring buoy available.  There were and we headed for one of them.  Getting attached was rather difficult in an ebb tide and 10 kts of wind pushing us about.  Finally we are secure on the buoy and I think we will be much more relaxed here.  Fred saw some salmon jumping so decided to do a little fishing while he had his cigar.  The fish continue to laugh at him…

Friday, July 29, 2016 Waddington Bay

We are sorry we didn’t leave yesterday.  The anchor held yesterday so we were a little cocky in believing it would continue.  Fred took a nap and I was in the cockpit reading.  The wind was still roaring through at 15-25 kts.  Since this kept the boat heading into the wind, it was quite comfortable in the cockpit.  When Fred got up he thought a large rock at the entrance looked a little closer than it had.  Apparently some gusts of 30-37 kts pulled the anchor loose.  OK, all hands on deck!  We started the engines and I stayed at the helm while Fred handled the winch and anchor.  Waddington is a large bay but there were already about ten boats in there.  Our choices of a new spot were limited.  Normally re-anchoring is not a big deal.  However, with the wind and current in the anchorage actually causing whitecaps this was an ordeal.  I had a terrible time getting the boat in a good position.  In the middle of these maneuvers the port transmission control lever went slack.  !@#$  I hailed the other boats in the anchorage of our plight. Several folks came up to us in their dinghy’s but there really wasn’t anything to do.  I never worked so hard in my life keeping us off the rocks with only the starboard engine and high winds.  I still don’t know how we came out of this unscathed.  When Fred saw what was happening he ran into the engine room to see what was wrong with the transmission.  It looked good.  Of all the times for this to happen, Fred took a wrench and tightened the port transmission control and then it worked fine.  We re-anchored very nearly where we were before.  This was not our intent but the wind and tide had more control than I did.  We had a very anxious afternoon and night but the anchor held. 

Thursday, July 28, 2016 Waddington Bay

We had planned on heading out today but the wind is still 10-15 kts and it is very foggy.  We decided to just stay put.

Tuesday, July 26, 2016 Port McNeill to Waddington Bay 2 ½ hours 26.6 miles

I am not thrilled with this bay, although it is very beautiful, because it is always crowded.  We much prefer more isolated places.  Sure enough, it is crowded.  We anchored very close to the entrance of the bay.  We counted fifteen boats in here tonight. 

Sunday, July 24, 2016 Waddington Bay to Port McNeill 2 ½ hours 27 miles

We needed to go back to Port McNeill for a prescription that I forgot to get a week ago.  We were disappointed that there was no room for us at the North Island Marina.  We haven’t been to the municipal marina in a couple years and they don’t take reservations.  We were lucky and they had a nice 60 ft. slip for us.  This marina is actually better located.  A coffee shop, Mugz, is at the head of the dock.  They have great bakery items and lattes.  They also have pretty decent free WiFi. 

Saturday, July 23, 2016 Burly Bay to Waddington Bay 3 ¼ hours 33.7 miles

All we wanted today was to split the trip to Port McNeill in half.  This bay is well suited for this. 

Tuesday-Friday, July 18-22, 2016 Burly Bay

We did a lot of nothing but enjoy one of our favorite places up here. I saw a harbor seal floating nearby.  This is not unusual and they are sweet looking.  Next thing we know a little head popped up near the larger one.  We have never seen a baby harbor seal before.  It was so cute.  They stayed floating in our little bay all day.  One evening we heard thunder which echoed all over our little bay.  Then the show really started.  We had an hour of cloud to cloud lightning and thunder everywhere.  Merlin was beside himself with fear and I was close.  We rarely see such a show.  The clouds were all around us but it never rained.  Rather strange.  This is only the second thunderstorm we have seen up here in the twelve years we have been cruising.  Coleen and Lorne on Shaunsea were a little worried about their mast but there were tall trees everywhere so I figured we were pretty safe. 

Monday, July 18, 2016 Burly Bay

When we pulled up the crab pots there was nothing except some jellyfish.  However, all of the food was gone and one of the cans was actually pried open.  Something down there is very strong.  There is a sailboat, Shaunsea anchored near us.  This afternoon Colleen from the sailboat came over in her dinghy and offered us some crab.  She had more than she could handle.  We gratefully accepted.  Fortunately I had a loaf of fresh baked multigrain bread to give her in exchange.  Apparently they don’t have an oven aboard so she was thrilled.  We have an outdoor propane stove for cooking crab.  It is so handy.  No crab smell and steam inside the boat.  Fred cleaned them and we cooked them right away.  I see crab pasta in our future.  We had a crab omelet for dinner. 

Sunday, July 17, 2016 Burly Bay

Fred put down our two crab pots in what we thought was a likely location.    We didn’t have any crab bait so we used two cans of wet dogfood.  Fred used a church-key to open the cans around the edge.  We usually augment the inverter-charger with a 50 amp auxiliary charger.  As we were charging the batteries Fred noticed that we were not charging at our usual 170 amps.  Upon investigation the auxiliary charger doesn’t work.  Fred emailed the manufacturer asking for suggestions to fix it.  When an email was returned we couldn’t open it on our ocens email.  It was too big.  Fred emailed Pedro at Ocens and Pedro moved the email to Fred’s regular yahoo account.  Now we have to wait to reach a place with WiFi to retrieve it.  In order to efficiently charge the batteries in a timely manner Fred is using also the automotive charger.  We have this on hand to charge the dinghy batter, etc. 

Saturday, July 16, 2016 Burly Bay

Last night I heard some noise outside after dark.  It sounded like a humpft sound.  We know there are harbor seals around so I thought that was what is was.  What a wonderful surprise this morning.  There was a pod of Pacific White-Sided dolphins going back and forth in front of Hopetown Passage.  They stayed with us all day.  What a treat!

Friday, July 15, 2016 Port McNeill to Burly Bay 4 hours 39 miles

We love this place.  To get to MacKenzie Sound one has to pass through Kenneth Passage.  It is a rather narrow, dog-leg passage.  MacKenzie Sound is a fiord.  The walls are granite with trees sprouting out of them at the most curious angles and locations.  Long strands of Spanish moss hang from tree limbs and we are told there are many bears here (we didn’t see any though).  We always anchor in a cove behind Blair Islet.  We can see the soaring granite walls but feel cozy and sheltered.  We are anchored near the end of Hopetown Passage.  This passage is only passible at high water with local knowledge.  As the tide falls it creates rapids flowing overt the rocks at the entrance.  It sounds lovely. 

Tuesday, July 12, 2016 Mound Island to Port McNeill 2 ½ hours 22.9 miles

Fred borrowed a ladder from Steve at the North Island Marina.  He is determined to resolve this issue.  The dome is high up on the radar arch and I held onto the ladder while he went up to remove screws and the dome.  Nothing looks broken.  He is able to move the antenna easily the fuse isn’t open.  He checked the 12 volt supply to every part of the device.  Still nothing.  He emailed the manufacturer of the dome.  He stated everything that he had already tried and asked for suggestions.  The email back from them suggested doing what he had already tried.  Did they even read the email? 

Saturday, July 10, 2016 Mound Island

We have become accustomed to watching the 5 PM BBC news on television.  Yes, we have a TV dome on the boat.  This evening when we turned the antenna for TV on nothing happened.  OH good, Fred needs another project.  I was somewhat thankful because we only hear news of terrible things happening in the world. 

Friday, July 8, 2016 Viner Sound to Mound Island 2 ¾ hours 25.9 miles

We planned on anchoring tonight at Crease Island.  Well, it was a beautiful but difficult passing through all the small Islands (big rocks with trees on them).  When we arrived at our intended destination the wind was 20 kts and the anchorage too small for our comfort so we had to find a new anchorage.  There are a lot of anchorages here in the SW area of the Broughtons.  However, most are rather exposed so we found a large anchorage on the south side of Mound Island.  The area is large and we felt comfortable in 20-25 kt. winds and 1 foot chop in the anchorage.  We followed a sailboat in and anchored well away from him.  After our anchor was set we saw seven more boats heading in.  I guess we were all running from the weather.  The problem was that in this huge anchorage they all placed themselves closely around us.  We were watching our position very closely. By afternoon we were sure our anchor was slipping and we were VERY close to our neighbors.  We quickly pulled up the anchor and moved out to the middle of the anchorage.  Although the wind stayed up, we didn’t slip a bit.

Sunday, July 3, 2016 Viner Sound

We were casually reading in the cockpit when the scene seemed to change.  I went out to talk to Fred and mentioned that the big rock near shore was creeping closer (do rocks move?). Oh !@#$  We found the mooring line had come loose.  We started the engines and reattached before any harm was done. 

Saturday, July 2, 2016 Port Harvey to Viner Sound 4 ¼ hours 44.6 miles

This is one of our favorite places on the coast.  Viner Sound is a beautiful fiord.  Anchoring is a challenge because of the silt at the head of the inlet.  There are 4 mooring buoys available.  They are free and wonderfully located.  Two on the north side and two on the south side.  We attached to the outside buoy on the south side of the inlet.   What a spectacular view!

Friday, July 1, 2016 Port Harvey CANADA DAY

There are activities planned and diner for free tonight.  The big game today is whores shoes.  Commonly known as horse shoes everywhere else.  The difference is that instead of using a horse shoe, one uses high heels (whores shoes).  One team had black heels and the other red shoes (Red Shoe Restaurant….?).  It is sunny and this game is actually quite fun to watch.  George and Gail then made us all hot dogs and chili.  After dark there was a bonfire and an excellent fireworks display.  The down side was that the lawn area between the dock and their home has and incredible mosquito population.  After walking Merlin I literally had to brush dozens of the nasty little bugs off his coat and my clothing.  Therefore, Fred went up to watch the fireworks and Merlin & I stayed on the boat.  I could see them through the trees and was very impressed.

Thursday, June 30, 2016 Octopus Islands to Port Harvey 6 hours 61.2 miles

Our AIS is acting differently.  Usually there is a black triangle around all vessels with AIS.  Emerald Star does not have this on our screen.  Is this because Fred programmed our MMSI number in the unit?  Fred called the Canadian Coast Guard and they confirmed that we were showing up on their system. Heather still can’t locate us on the AIS site on the web. 

We had to time ourselves to hit Okisollo Rapids at slack tide.  We entered a little early and had a 2 knot push.  Unfortunately we had to fight the current all the way up Johnstone Strait.  The wind was up to 25 kts. and 2 foot chop.  Our destination is Port Harvey Marina.  We are charter members of the Port Harvey Yacht Club.  This is one of the small, family owned marinas in the Broughton Archipelago.  George and Gail have done a lot of work to make this a nice destination.  They had a small store and the Red Shoe Restaurant on a barge adjacent to the docks.  Last winter the barge sank for an unknown reason.  This was a huge loss for them.  Many of the other marina owners came to the rescue.  They now have a huge tent on a barge that serves as their restaurant.  George can only make pizza and awesome cinnamon buns right now but that is OK.  Tonight we had the pizza and visited with other boaters.  The dock is full and George is having to turn boaters away.   Of course we ordered cinnamon buns for morning.  

Sunday, June 26, 2016 Squirrel Cove to Octopus Islands 2 ½ hours 26.9 miles

We had to travel through Hole-in-the-Wall rapids.  We timed our passage at slack tide and had nor turbulence at the narrows.  The Octopus Islands are a B.C. Marine Park.  The anchorage is well protected by many islets.  It is beautiful and peaceful here.

Friday, June 24, 2016 Prideaux Haven to Squirrel Cove 1 1/2 hours 12.7 miles

We need internet service to pay bills.  There is free Wi-Fi at the laundry at Squirrel Cove.  We are anchored in the protected bay beyond the small wharf.  The store here has one of everything.   We took our sputtering dinghy over to the dock. Of course we re-stocked the ice cream.  Fred ordered the spark plugs we need and a spark plug socket.  He spoke to a mechanic who was at the store and he they figured that there might be water in the fuel.  We have encountered an enormous amount of rain.  Fred thought that idea has merit.  He added StaBal (it emulsifies the water so it will mix with the fuel and go through the engine without harming anything) to the fuel tank and then filled up with fresh fuel.  It seems to have worked.  The engine is running much smoothly now. 

Tuesday, July 21, 2016 Prideaux Haven

When we took the dinghy out for exploration the engine was sputtering and running very poorly. Now what?  Fred worked on it and through elimination thought the problem was spark plugs.  We don’t have the tools to fix it. 

Monday, June 20, 2016 Blind Bay to Prideaux Haven 5 ¾ hours 51.3 miles

We finally reach Desolation Sound.  We can see snow topped mountains from the anchorage.  The anchorage is quite large and there are many boats here before us.  Oh well.  We won’t see open spaces without other boats until we are in northern B.C.

Sunday, June 19, 2016 Princess Louisa Inlet to Blind Bay 5 ¾ hours 53 miles

Once one is through Malibu Rapids the trip is pretty straight forward.  The channels here are deep and wide.  Blind Bay is just a stop off until we reach Desolation Sound.  This bay is huge with many small places to anchor. 

Friday, June 17, 2016 Princess Louisa Inlet

We finally have a beautiful sunny day. We put the dinghy down and explored the inlet.  We have seen black bears here in the past, but not today.  However, there are two harbor seals floating about.

We went on the dock to explore the falls.  We have been here several times before but it is always amazing.  We talked to some folks on the dock and they asked if we were from the ghost ship.  Apparently our anchoring without getting off the boat caused discussion. 

Thursday, June 16, 2016 Princess Louisa Inlet

We had a scary surprise this morning at low tide.  The boat was not supposed to swing, but guess what?  No one told Emerald Star.  We are looking from the cockpit (back of the boat) directly at the falls and beach in front of it.  We are still afloat but there was only five feet under the hull.  When we swung back around (bow facing the falls) Fred put down a stern anchor to keep us in place.  Fortunately this worked.  It is a rainy day so we didn’t even try to leave the boat. 

Wednesday, June 15, 2016 Pender Harbour to Princess Louisa Inlet - 5 hours 51.8 miles

We have a long ride today.  The wind was 1-10 kts and the current was on a flood (with us) the whole way up Agamemnon Channel, Prince of Wales Reach, Princess Royal Reach and Queens Reach.  Aren’t those great names?  Sounds very grand.  Indeed these channels are very deep and wide with very few places to anchor.  One must really commit to the entire journey.  We must enter Princess Louisa Inlet via Malibu Rapids.  These are nothing to joke about.  The current can run up to 7 kts through here and there is a blind S curve at the end.  Slack water should be about 5 pm.  We follow 2 sailboats through at 4:45 pm with ½ kt current with us.  We then enter into one of the grandest fiords in British Columbia.  The granite walls are up to 6000’ high and there are dozens of waterfalls dotting the walls.   There is a nice dock at the head of the 4 mile inlet by Chatterbox Falls.  Since we are over 55’ in length we are not allowed on the dock.  We are 57’ in length.  We anchored at the mouth of the waterfall.  The outflow from the falls should keep us from swinging.  Chatterbox Falls are enormous and one can look up at the mile high cliffs and follow the falls from the edge of the cliff all the way to the bottom. 

Tuesday, June 14, 2016 Pender Harbour

The weather has cleared up and we went Madeira Marina.  We like to go into the Java Dock for a latte and free WiFi.  Fred checked emails and paid bills while I went over to the market to pick up a few perishables for the next leg of our journey.  A number of years ago on our previous boat, Aquila, we had trouble with an engine.  We met a fellow named Hugh at the Java Dock who was a mechanic.  He rebuilt the fuel pump for us.  It was a real life-saver.  Fred recognized Hugh at the Java Dock and said hello.  Of course he doesn’t remember us. 

Monday, June 13, 2016 Pender Harbou

We put the dinghy in the water planning a ride but the engine wouldn’t start.  Fred put the charger on the battery hoping that it will solve the problem.  It appeared that the battery was fully charged to upon investigation Fred found a loose wire at the battery.  Fred tightened it and all is well. We were a bit annoyed since we had the dinghy serviced in Anacortes before we left. 

Sunday, June 12, 2016 Montague Harbour to Pender Harbour - 6 ¼ hours 65 miles

Our goal today is to make it comfortably through Dodd Narrows and anchor out in Nanaimo.  Slack at the Narrow is scheduled to be at 11:00 am.  There were quite a few boats going north and south.  We went through at 10:45 am with a 2 kt push.  Practically no turbulence.  It is cloudy but the wind is only 10 kts so we decide to head across the Strait of Georgia.  It is 20 or so miles across a huge water way that can have terrible seas.  We encounter 10-15 kt wind and 2’–3’ chop.  Since the restricted military area ,Whiskey Gulf, is not active we made a straight shot to Pender Harbour. We were very glad because the route around Whiskey Gulf adds time & miles to the trip.  We were glad to enter the calm waters of Pender Harbour. We anchored off of Garden Bay. 

Friday, June 10, 2016 Port of Sidney to Montague Harbour - 2 hours 19.6 miles

The wind was 10 kts in the marina as we left the dock.  Fred had quite a time controlling the boat.  Just as we were prepared to exit the breakwater a sailboat cut us off.  Fred had to stop the boat which allowed the wind to blow us into a piling.  Doesn’t look like there is any damage but Fred is PO’d.  We had a pleasant 2 hour ride back to Montague Harbour on Galiano Island. 

Thursday, June 9, 2016 Port of Sidney

Costco day.  We planned to use our American Express to pay but had a surprise.  In Canada they only take MasterCard.  Guess what card we don’t have?  Fortunately Fred had a check in his wallet.  We stocked up on meat and fish here.  I then had the pleasure of dividing the large portions of meat into two person amounts and using the vacuum sealer before storing them in the freezer.  We planned to purchase less meat this year.  However, when it was time to put the supplies into the freezer we had a problem.  We had to turn on the icemaker as an auxiliary freezer. 

Wednesday, June 8, 2016 Port of Sidney

We had a sad drive to the Victoria Int’l Airport (in Sidney) to drop off Jason, Kelli & Mackenzie.  Back at the boat there was an impressive pile of laundry to do and a boat to clean & vacuum.  We did the laundry on board because it made it easier to multitask.  Have I said before that I love my washer & dryer aboard?  We have to be hooked up to 50 amp power to run the dryer (or the generator) but that was not a problem here.

Tuesday, June 7, 2016 Montague Harbour to Port of Sidney - 2 hours 16.7 miles

We reluctantly return to where we started. Kelli, Mackenzie and I wandered in town.  We met the guys at Fish on 5^th for their farewell dinner. 

Monday, June 6, 2016 Montague Harbour

Mackenzie had her first ride in a kayak. She got into her life vest and anxiously got into the kayak.   She started with Jason but when we caught up with them by the dock, Mackenzie was with mom.  We went back to the beach and cooled down in the water.  When it was time to head back to the boat Mackenzie took grandpa’s hand and she came with us in the dinghy.  Kelli & Jason kayaked back.  We were surprised Mackenzie would leave mommy but she sat on the seat by grandpa and had a wonderful ride. 

Sunday, June 5, 2016 Bedwell Harbour to Montague Harbour - 1 ½ hours 15.2 miles

We anchored in the middle of the bay.  It is in the 80’s today and pretty humid and uncomfortable.  We went over to the marina and the guys had beer while Kelli, Mackenzie & I had ice cream.  Since it was so hot we went over to the beach to cool down after our snack.  Mackenzie & Merlin got right in the water. Soon Mackenzie was pulling everyone into the water too.  It felt wonderful.  The beach is rocky so it’s good we all had on sandals.  Mackenzie has the cutest Croc shoes.  The look like crocodiles. 

Saturday, June 4, 2016 Bedwell Harbour

We took Mackenzie over to the beach.  She and Merlin had great fun digging holes.  When we got back to the boat Merlin & Mackenzie had a wash-down on the swim platform before I would let them back in. 

Friday, June 3, 2016 Port of Sidney to Bedwell Harbour - 1 ¼ hours 11 miles

The weather is gorgeous and practically no wind.  We anchored off of the Poet’s Cove docks.  Kelli & I had a lovely afternoon at the spa.  She had a maternity massage and I had a lovley pedicure.  After our treatments we met Fred, Jason, Mackenzie & Merlin for appetizers at the pub.  It has a beautiful view.

Thursday, June 2, 2016 Port of Sidney

Today we wandered in Sidney.

Thursday, June 1, 2016 Port of Sidney & Victoria

Kelli has never been to Victoria so we spent the afternoon there.  We were surprised to see the marina in front of the Empress Hotel is almost empty.  We wonder why??  We had a lovely, but expensive, lunch at the Empress Hotel.  High tea would have cost us $75/person CAD.  A little too rich for us.  I bought Fred a Cuban cigar and Kelli a tea towel with scone recipe on it at the hotel.  As we were leaving the restaurant the waitress pointed out a $19,000 bottle of wine.  Is this place fancy or what?

Wednesday, June 1, 2016 Port of Sidney

OK, we need to run to the grocery store for last minute items before the family arrives.  Fred led me into the residential area and at 3 different locations he expected to see the van, but we didn’t.  At this point I said I could have been to the market in the amount of time it is taking to find the car.  I walked the rest of the way and he arrived at the same time with the car.  After this fiasco we decided that he can pick me up and drop me off at the marina and then he can park the car anywhere he wants.  Jason, Kelli & Mackenzie (2 years old) finally arrived.  There was a little fuss because Jason’s suitcase did not arrive with the others.  Arrangements were made to have the suitcase delivered to the marina when it does arrive.  The weather is beautiful and our guests are thrilled to be on Emerald Star. 

Tuesday, May 31, 2016 Friday Harbour to Port of Sidney - 2 hours - 21.9 miles

We entered Canada today.  Fred called customs from the water and we were cleared for entry.  Customs # 20161520266.  The trip was very smooth.  We are running around stocking the boat and preparing for Jason & his family to arrive tomorrow.  We rented a Dodge minivan from National.  The young man picked us up from the marina and drove us back to the office to do the paperwork.  We needed a big car because there will be 4 adults and Mackenzie in a toddler car seat.  Fred decided to park the car in a residential area to avoid paying the $11/day parking fee at the marina.

Monday, May 30, 2016 Memorial Day

Friday Harbor

Today is warmer than yesterday. We were sitting in the cockpit enjoying a cup of coffee when a canon blast from somewhere puts poor Merlin in a tailspin. It took over an hour of holding him to stop shaking. Friday Harbor looks lovely with all the American flags and banner out. Very festive. We are again at the Bean Cafe for a latte and WiFi. We are ready to head into Sidney, BC tomorrow. Jason and the family arrive on Wednesday! It will be such fun.

Sunday, May 29, 2016

Friday Harbor, San Juan Island

The sun is out and it is a beautiful day. We get the dinghy down and head into town for breakfast to the Rocky Bay Cafe.  There were quite a number of us waiting for a table. The proprietor comes out with a sheet of donuts for all of us for being so patient. They also have a coffee station set up inside. Now we don’t mind the wait at all.

Popeye, the local harbor seal

After walking around a bit we stopped at The Bean Cafe for a latte and free WiFi.

 

Saturday, May 28, 2016

Friday Harbor

 

It’s a rainy, stormy day. Good day to get chores done on the boat and get the last of the shopping supplies put away properly. By noon it looks like our anchor has slipped again. This time we re-set the anchor with more chain down. We’re pretty sure that will do the trick.

Friday, May 27, 2016 (Memorial Day week-end)

Anacortes to Friday Harbor 2 ¼ hours 22.7 miles

 

Dianna calls me this morning at 8 am before we took the car in. She says “have I got a deal for you”. OK… She says how about if we put our car into the shed that the boat came out of. OK, how much will it cost? No answer. Bottom line is our car is in the shed, they will check the batteries, no cost and we can dump our storage unit. I keep telling them we are not used to such service. We are really getting spoiled.

We are off the dock at 9:30 am and heading to Friday Harbor. The wind is up to 25 kts and there is 1’-2’ chop in Rosario Strait. The trip was uneventful and we anchored at Friday Harbor. We like being “on the hook” and especially when we want to make sure that all systems are up and running. The wind is still about 20 kts and we are swinging on the hook quite a bit. We are not sure if we have good holding on the anchor. We’ll keep an eye on it. By afternoon we are drifting and we re-set the anchor.

Thursday, May 26, 2016

Anacortes

 

We checked out of the motel this morning and went to the Calico Cupboard for breakfast. Wouldn’t you know it that our favorite waitress, Alice, is off today. Well the food was excellent as always. We then went down to the boat. She is all docked and waiting for us. The place is still a bit messy until we get everything put away but we are officially living aboard at last. In the afternoon we take the car out to American Heritage Storage to put the car away for the summer. We have a nice unit with power so Fred can hook up the battery tender. After getting the car wedged in Fred could not make the battery tender come on line. After a few choice words we take the car out again and go look on Emerald Star for another battery tender. I told Dianna at the office we would be off the dock tomorrow morning as soon as the car is put away

Anacortes

Today we went to Costco in Burlington and tried very hard to buy everything in sight.  We would up with two shopping carts and lots of good stuff.  From meat & cheese to engine oil.  The boat was waxed and carpets cleaned yesterday.  She looks great.  We spent the afternoon putting supplies away.  This is not the fun part of cruising.  It looks like we will be splashed tomorrow morning on the high tide.  We hope to have a slip at the North Harbor docks to get systems online.  When I asked what time we need to be at the boat in the morning to help I was asked "do you mind if we just do early and tie it up at the dock?"  Are you kidding, of course not.  High tide will be quite early apparently.    Dianna said to come in at 10-11 am.  No problem.  As we were leaving the boat she was being washed again to remove any residue from the waxing.  We had the dinghy engine serviced and someone was busy washing that boat as well before it goes back on Emerald Star. 

After working so hard we went out to dinner to Anthony's Cabana.  It is the relaxed outdoor restaurant next to Anthony's.  It just opened 6 weeks ago.  Beautiful way to end the day.  The mahi mahi tacos were delicious. 

Anacortes

We went to the boat this morning to meet up with our electrical guy, Brent Richards.  Our old Raymarine chart plotter died so we have had a new system installed.  It is very impressive.  Our old system would just show charts and your location on them.  This new Simrad has tides, currents, detailed information and photos of harbors and marinas and probably makes coffee. We can also send and receive AIS now.

AIS is a maritime navigation safety communications system that provides vessel information, including the vessel's identity, type, size, position, course, speed, navigational status and other safety-related information automatically to appropriately equipped shore stations, other ships, and aircraft. Our friends and family will now be able to track us via computer.

AIS can read signals from a vessel anywhere within range.  Even when they are hidden behind a land mass.  Radar can only see unobstructed objects.

 We left the boat so that the carpets could get cleaned and went over to the Swinomish Casino.  We usually fill-up on fuel there because it is cheaper than in town.  I usually take a $20 bill and try my luck at the slot machines.   I got lucky on the second slot machine but I was surprised to see how lucky.  I started on a penny machine but the second one a nickel machine.  I am playing away and I won a couple jackpots.  I played a little more when it looked like I was down to $40 I went to cash out.  Well, the lady says "would you like large bills"?  Huh??  I forgot I was on a nickel machine and walked away with $202.00!!  That is a big win in my book. Fred was pleased to announce that he played a $1 machine for $10 and had a return of $18.  Until of course I showed him my winnings...

The carpets look great and almost all of the electrical work is done.  The boat has been fueled, the hull waxed and a new bottom paint around the edges. 

It is Fred's turn to pick a place for dinner so we went to Bob's Chowder House.  http://www.bobschowderbar.com/  Everything here is delicious but Fred loves the clam chowder in a bread bowl.

  

Anacortes

The work started in earnest on Saturday morning.  It took awhile but we finally got the car emptied.  There is always a lot to do to get ready for the cruising season.  Fred is taking care of the mechanical side of things and I am looking at supplies and making our shopping lists for Costco & Safeway.  This boatyard, North Harbor Diesel, is wonderful.  http://www.northharbordiesel.com/  We used to go out and find individuals for each service we needed prior to cruising.  This yard does it all.  They even have fuel delivered.  What a treat to have things so simple.  Of course it isn't free.  Today we removed the dinghy onto a forklift to have it serviced.  Tomorrow its clean the carpets and get fueled.  We hope to be out of here by the end of the week. 

We went out to an early dinner to the Fidalgo Drive-In.  They actually have drive-up stalls where the meal can be ordered from the car and the food is delivered to the car.  No one on roller skates though.  They have delicious burgers and also serve Ivar's clam chowder. 

Day 2 Sutherlin, OR to Anacortes, WA 420 miles

After an amazing hot breakfast at the hotel we got in line at Dutch Brothers Coffee for a latte for the road.  Today's ride is much more urban and not quite as nice as yesterday.  We run through periods of sun, clouds and pouring rain.  At least we are out of the 80's and 90's.  Fred is comfortable being the pilot in command while I sit with Merlin on my lap.  We head for another one of our favorite places for lunch in Washington.  A little diner in Castle Rock called C & L Burgers and Expresso.  I love the patty melt and the milkshakes are awesome (this army travels on it's stomach).

Now the traveling gets brutal.  Why do we do this on a Friday afternoon??  From Portland on it has been busy but by the time we reach Sea-Tac Airport we are moving at a crawl.  And this is even with an HOV lane.  Fred remembered a Rest Stop before we get close to Anacortes that has a magnificent big red cedar stump.  http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WMAMD  We needed the pit stop before fighting our way into Anacortes.  The traffic doesn't pick up until after Mount Vernon.   Fred called North Harbor Diesel to check on Emerald Star.  There has been a mix-up and the boat is still in the storage shed.  Yikes!  Dianna there stepped up as usual.  The boat was out on blocks in the work yard by the time we swung by to take a look at 5:30 PM.   A couple days ago I made reservations at the San Juan Motel in Anacortes.  It is inexpensive but well located.  Trawler Fest is going on so hotel rooms are tight.  We were both a little frazzled by the long day on the road so we were thrilled to finally make it to the motel.  Well...  Where do I begin.  Location, good.  The woman behind the counter was surly and informed me that if my dog was noisy we would have to leave.  Merlin is an awesome traveler.  One of the reasons we have a small dog (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel) is to keep him with us and well socialized.  You do not criticize my Merlin.  I guess this is only something animal lovers understand.  We schlepped our stuff up to a second floor room (no elevator) and were quite stunned by the room.  I wanted to cry.  The layout was quite good.  Two separate bedrooms separated by a kitchenette.  No dishes, glasses or silverware and half the lights had bare light bulbs without shades.  The queen beds were hard and broken down and we couldn't imagine staying in a place like this, even for $66/night.

 I made a couple phone calls and schlepped the stuff back down to the car.  I told Ms. Surly Lady that this was not a good fit and we were checking out again.  We are now settled into the Fidalgo Country Inn.  http://www.fidalgocountryinn.com/ It is a little out of town but includes breakfast and is quite nice. 

Day 1 Walnut Creek, CA to Sutherlin, OR 450 miles

We got out of the house at 9:30 and hit the road north toward Emerald Star.  The weather has been brutally hot at home and we are looking forward to the more temperate climate in Oregon & Washington.  Fred has said, we could not possibly fit a toothpick into the car.  We have outdone ourselves.  Every year we swear this won't happen, but it does.

The ride today was quite beautiful but OMG the number of trucks.  We stopped at the Black Bear Diner in Redding for a yummy lunch but kept up a brisk pace.  We arrived at out hotel, Best Western Plus Hartford Lodge in Sutherlin, OR, at 5:30 PM. http://book.bestwestern.com/bestwestern/US/OR/Sutherlin-hotels/BEST-WESTERN-Plus-Hartford-Lodge/Hotel We have stayed her many times and it is by far the nicest BW we have ever seen.  We ordered a delicious Greek Vegetarian pizza from Abby's Pizza and then relaxed for another day of driving tomorrow to get to our final destination.  

Saturday. May 14

The chaos is beginning as I put things out to be loaded in the car and Fred says "don't we have three of those on the boat already!".  And I say "but these are new and we really need them".  We hope to be out of here next week some time.   Why do I let things wait until the last minute every year? 

We can hardly wait to be on the road and say hello to our beloved Emerald Star again.