Watching the Moon Rise Over the Cascades

Monday 8 September 2014

And Mt. Baker as L. and Joel walk down the spit. Beautiful. 

 

 

Dining Alfresco

Sunday 7 August 2014 ~ Semiahmoo

Dining Alfresco with friends in the cockpit is just wonderful, especially this time of year. Add a beautiful sunset reflected in the water equals magical experiences. We are truly blessed to share this wonderful life and environment.

An Evening Eating in the Cockpit

The evenings have been so enjoyable lately, it is just nice to be dinning alfresco, even if in the marina. 

We Arrived Back Just in Time ...

... for E.'s 5:00 p.m. Freshman Orientation on Monday night (25th).









Then L. spent a day of in-service before the L.I.M.E. part of the crew started school on Wednesday the 27th. J. had in-service yesterday (and today) before he starts next Wednesday.

Hope you're having a good start to your academic year.

Back to the Dock

Monday, 25 August 2014 ~ Drayton Harbor

While we wanted to stay out even longer, we knew that we'd have to make a rush to the storage unit to pick-up E's trombone before his Freshman High School Orientation. That way, he could stay for the Pep Band rehearsal immediately following.

Sigh. It looked like this year's cruise was done for now. None-the-less, we postponed the inevitable.

A bit later in the morning, one of the boats near us turned out to be an old acquaintance from the marina. He was on his way to town and didn't know if we needed anything. We didn't (he couldn't fetch the trombone, unfortunately.) Nice of him to ask, however. In fact, it was he who had buzzed us last night. We didn't mention it, and neither did he.

Finally, we raised the anchor, and started to motor on into the marina. Yet, just as we were heading toward the entrance, we noticed one of our friends heading in, too. We thought we'd slow down and let them go first. So, we spun around.

"What are they doing?"
"I'm not sure. It looks like ... They are backing up into the marina!"

We've never seen this maneuver before, but it was later confirmed that, yes, this is how the wife likes to back into their slip. She starts at the entrance, then just backs right in. "She hits it perfectly. It's not the way I do it, but then I have a far lesser success rate," the husband replied.

We were glad we waited for this maneuver. When our time came, we motored right into our slip. No problem. A miracle! Ok, it usually goes well, but for all the anxiety we have about it, it sure seems that way each time we come in without incident.

We were just in time, to tie-up quickly, say "hello" to our neighbor, and dash off to the showers and town.

It was good to be back, although we still long for the easy days at anchor.

Rats! It's Time to Head for Home

Sunday 24 August 2014 ~ Blind Bay, Shaw Island to Drayton Harbor

Yesterday evening the kids helped J. haul up LONGSTOCKING onto her place upon the bow in preparation for today's trip back to Drayton Harbor. We left PIPPI floating.

Last night as we were leaving the store, Z. offered to make us coffee prior to our leaving. So this morning, we had an errand to run, meaning a quick row, prior to departure. Last night E. decided that he would rather sleep in than have a cup of coffee or hot chocolate at the store.We left him to his own zzz's.

The girls, L. and J. had a nice row over to the beach. We decided to pull up by the park rather than rowing underneath the ferry landing to the store dock. This way we could leave at will, not having to wait for a ferry. In hindsight, we don't think it really would have mattered anyway, but it was fun to land in a new place. Unfortunately, this beach was a bit rocky at this stage of the tide, so involved some rock hopping to get to shore. But we still managed to get there with dry feet.

After an hour or so, it was time to head out. So back to MERGANSER we went - rocking hopping again to launch PIPPI. It was nice to meet some new people and learn a bit about Shaw Island.

Here is an overview chart of the trip north.

The kids, once again, helped J. lift PIPPI and store her a top LONGSTOCKING. There was still some fog out of the harbor, although none in Blind Bay. It was interesting to see boats come into the Bay and drop anchor, only to leave as soon as it finally cleared.

We figured the fog was going to do what it had yesterday; slowly lift. And that was what happened. We were glad that the tide was with us longer through the day going north than it had been when we were going south.

From the Log:

1150 - Orcas Ferry dock visible for 1st time today. Foggy by Shaw dock, still.
1200 - Visibility totally improved. Amazing! Anchorage clearing out. 3 sailboats, 2 powerboats leaving 1205 ferry from Orcas to Shaw, leaves Shaw @ 1220.
1205 Engine On, Mainsail up. Depth-sounder on.
1209 Weighing anchor
1218 Ferry backing out of Orcas. One [ferry] queued up outside. Hmm. Way off schedule today. 25' anchor chain still down.
1220 Anchor free. Engine in forward.
1225 Ferry docked @ Shaw. Kayaks, sailboats, powerboats, oh my!
1230 Passing ferry dock - bogeying outta here!

Down the passage between Orcas and Shaw we went, along with everyone else. Must be time to head east toward home and the work week. It was Sunday, after all. We decided to cross over to the Orcas side and stay out of the way of the ferries. It sure appeared that the fog had slowed all of them down, too. Good to know, really, as it meant they were taking their time (Looking for the rest of us, we'd hoped). But the fog was behind us for the day, as it was nice and clear from here on out.

As we continued to head East, who did we happen to see heading West? Why the two J24s from Camp Orkila. We exchanged waves and laughed as the girls' boat was raising all their sails while the boys' boat was oblivious. Was it a race? Who won?


In the meantime, we had been discussing options. Did we want to take Peavine Pass to the south of Obstruction Island (like we have before) or try something new and take Obstruction Pass to the north of Obstruction Island. In the end, we opted for the northern Obstruction Pass. It might prove interesting to note that there was another sailboat motor-sailing (as we were) at about the same speed as ours. They headed towards Peavine Pass. This would be a good indication as to which pass was faster. As they came out a good 10-15 minutes prior to us, we would conclude that Peavine was/is the faster. But Obstruction was beautiful, as these photos show.




 It was even fun to day-dream about the houses along the shore with boats on buoys out the front or back doors.









Looking west-ward (behind us about mid-way through).








Looking east-ward (to forward).

If you look at the water in these two photos (above and to the right), do you see what looks like wind blowing?

This made J. excited. But it turned out to only be the tide rips playing upon each other.

In fact, one reason we headed this way (rather than going the way we did when we went south) was hoping to catch some wind in Rosario Straight. Last time we went through here, we had a great following wind. Alas, this was not to be this time. While the high pressure system was making for beautifully clear sunny days, it also meant no wind.


This didn't discourage the knitters, however.












As we came out of the pass




















and turned in a more northerly direction














M. took the helm for a while.

We continued to head in a northerly direction, helped along by the current. There was a bit of a breeze just at the tip of Orcas Island (Laurence Point), but it was gone as fast as it appeared.

J. commented "Today's water patterns are misleading. Each time I think we are about to hit some wind, it turns out to be tidal over-falls, etc. Keeping us on our toes, I guess."



As we passed Barnes and Clark Islands (see the chart overview) we took some of these photos to show the sea scape. You might note how flat and lake-like the Salish Sea was this day.






Barnes and Clark Islands towards the west.

Sandy Point to the eastern horizon.

Lummi Island (Left) and southern Orcas (right).

Orcas Island (with Barnes and Clark visible in the foreground).

Orcas (to the left) with Matia (to the right)

While we were slowly motor-sailing north, we noticed a tug pulling a barge coming up along the north bound traffic lane. We kept an eye on them. By the time we were at the northern end of Lummi Island, we became aware that we might just cross paths. If both of us kept on the same heading (path) we would be fine, but we knew there was a turning buoy just a head of us, in which the north bound lane would jog over and head toward the north-west. After turning, the tug and barge would cross a head of us, or behind us, or ...

We took maters into our own hands, revved the engine, cut across her path at 90 degrees while we still had that option, and while she was turning (which meant she was slower). We were not really in any danger, as the tug was aware of us, and we of them. If necessary, we could always spin around and pass astern of them. But we decided to make it obvious to the tug captain what our intentions were. Mainly, our intentions were this: Not Be in the Tug's Way!

As you can see in the photo, no problem. There was lots of room between us (just like we like it!). Turning takes time, and crossing the shipping lanes at 90 degrees is faster than at an angle. It is interesting, that in all of our time of traveling through these waters, this was the only time we have had to avoid any shipping in the shipping lanes. Still, it is a good reminder to never take things for granted and to keep a good watch (which we always do).

As we approached Birch Bay, L. ducked below to turn her phone on and check for messages. As she turned the phone on, it started ringing.
     "Hello?"
     "Hi, L. It is Mr. G. (the kid's band teacher) here. Did E. and you know about tomorrow night's Pep Band Practice? It's right after after the Freshmen Orientation. What's all that noise?"
     "Hi, Mr. G. We're currently motoring back to Home Base. We're currently off Birch Bay. No we didn't know. Thanks for the reminder."
     "Well, when the older kids mentioned that they put the information on Facebook, I ..."
How strange was that?

As we came around Birch Point, we decided to look to see if we could recognize any of the houses. One of L.'s colleagues just retired and built a huge house overlooking the water this way. "Might that be the house there?" We weren't sure. But it could have been.

But the house we were really looking for was the B.'s house. S.B. is one of the girls best-friends, and now that we've been to their house, we have a rough idea of what it looks like from the water. How fun would it be to find it, and see if we could phone them. Maybe the could see us out on the water?

In the meantime, we could tell that we had entered the Crabbing Zone. There were crab traps everywhere! Something else to watch out for as we continued to head for home and watch the houses on the cliff face. Of course, watching the sun set over Point Roberts was a "hardship" we enjoyed.

And suddenly, we spied the B.'s house.
     "That's it, isn't it?"
     "I sure think so. They've got stairs leading down the back lawn ... It's two stories. ... The windows look right."
     "I'm going to see if I can call them!" and M. rushed below. The phone had service. It wasn't roaming internationally. She punched the number, and it starting ringing.

Meanwhile, we turned their direction and waved. All we could hear was one side of the conversation.

     "Hi, Mr. B. this is M. ... Uh huh. ... Look outside your window and you'll see us sailing by."
     "He's not there anymore," M. said, turning to us. "I think he put the phone down. I can hear him yelling at the kids."

We continued looking their direction and kept waving.

     "Oh, Hi again. ... You can, that's awesome." Turning to us, M. said, "They can see us."
     "Uh huh. ... that's really cool. ... Ok. Mr. B., tell everyone 'hello' for us and we'll see you at the Middle School open house if not before. Ok. Bye."

How cool was that! Apparently, they all ran out on their porch and could see us sailing by waving at them. We really couldn't see them at that point, but it was cool to know they could see us. We've never had that happen before.





The sun continued to set.



We turned the running lights on and kept watch for the mysterious Red Nun. We are not sure why, but whenever we come back into Semiahmoo Bay we have a hard time seeing it. We always make out the Day Marker, then the search begins. It would be nice to have a light on the nun, too. But find it we did, and around it we went (on the correct side - not that it mattered at that point of the tide).

[By the way, this nun is marked as a way point on the GPS, so we can always find it. We just have a hard time seeing it with our own eyes first.]


There were lots of professional fishing boats out and about, too. So we continued to watch out for them, along with the crab pots. The kids went forward to keep a better look out.

They were very helpful in pointing out crab pots and making sure we could see them before we arrived over the top of them.


Meanwhile, J. and L. were having a conference in the stern.
     "Do you really want to go into our slip tonight?"
     "No. I'm just starting to really enjoy the cruise."
     "Me, too. How about one more night out? We could anchor in Drayton Harbor."


And that is just what we did.

We anchored between two other sailboats at 2120. Then it was time to tidy up before bed.

We suppose that this is a good time to mention the steaming light. It worked beautifully. Not only did it let others know that we were motor-sailing along, but it illuminated the stay-sail without blinding us. Not only that, but it helped in furling the stay-sail and dropping anchor, too. We are glad E. changed it.

Then as we were settling down for the night, we heard an outboard running. J. popped his head out the hatch for a look. Some guy was going full blast through the three anchored boats, pulls a 360 around ours, before heading out to the third boat. Hmm... After that episode, things were quiet. Alright, we'll admit. They weren't. The seagulls and terns carried on quite a racket all night. We weren't sure if we just were not used to hear them, or if this was just a particularly bad (a party?) night.

In Which We Take the Ferry to Friday Harbor, San Juan Island

Saturday 23 August 2014 ~ Blind Bay, Shaw Island

Today's plan was to ride the ferry from Shaw to Friday Harbor, San Juan Island. Foot passengers from one island to another can ride for free. One of our friends had told us they often did this rather than trying to find a place to anchor in the crowd of boats at Friday Harbor. The Shaw ferry is the only one where you can get close with your dinghy and, in fact, leave it.


We later got to talking with a local Shaw islander (either she just graduated, or is a high school senior this year). She mentioned that Shaw (population 180) has a grade school and middle school, but no high school. The students can choose to go to the high school on Orcas, Lopez, or San Juan (in Friday Harbor). She chose the High School in Friday Harbor as it was in walking distance from the ferry docks. Interesting island life. E. mentioned he might enjoy living on an island.



Needless to say, we awoke to fog. It slowly burned off and was gone by 0855. Nice to know in case we awake to fog tomorrow. For tomorrow, we should be heading back home. But enough sad thoughts, here is a photo essay for today's journey. Enjoy.

While waiting for the fog to lift, the kids helped J. get the dinghies over the side (we were protecting L.'s back which was still a little tender). 


 



After breakfast we rowed over to the store's dock, and tied the dinghies up out of the way. Not to worry, we ended up buying some hot mustard from one of the monasteries on the island for E.'s taste in all things burning hot.

Then we waited for the 1020 ferry.










Here are our dinghies at the bottom of the ramp. Will they be there upon our return?

And we were off to Orcas, Orcas Island first, then onto Friday Harbor, San Juan Island. We enjoyed being at the bow (which switches) for the trip. It was fun watching people load and unload, too.


 

In fact, we got a surprise at the Orcas stop. One of the professional musicians from the Drayton Harbor Jazz Festival/Camp lives on Orcas Island. Today he embarked for Friday Harbor. We spoke with him briefly, but we don't really know him. It will be interesting to see if M. has him as one of her teachers next year. She and I. really want to go to Jazz Camp next summer, and this fellow is a trumpet player. We'll have to wait and see.

 Down Wasp Passage we went. If you look at the right in this photo, you can just make out Pole Pass that we traversed yesterday. It is just over the guy in the blue shirt's shoulder.

A photo for you schooner lovers. As we were coming into dock at Friday Harbor, another ferry was leaving. Meanwhile, this schooner left her slip adjacent to the ferry dock, backing through the ferry landing. As a charter vessel, she must come and go multiple times a day. Just think of the communication and timing needed.

Another piece of irony. As we looked into the anchorage add we docked ... it was almost empty. We wanted to see Shaw anyway, but what do you figure? Of course we recognized one of the boats. CARRAWONG was at anchor. Later in the day, as we managed to head down to the park at the marina, CARRAWONG had already departed, so we missed speaking with them.



If you look very closely all the way forward, you might see a famous trumpet player getting ready to disembark for places unknown to us.

We must say, however, that we really took this photo to show how the unloading goes: People and People with Bikes first, then once the foot traffic is clear, the cars.


After stopping at the Farmers Market and devouring a container of strawberries (we got bonus points from the farmers for returning our container), and plowing our way through a huge pizza at Cousin Vinni's Pizza, we still had room for ice-cream.

One of our favorite places in Friday Harbor is the used book store. J. even came back with a book. Everyone else just enjoyed looking and reading, but didn't find anything they couldn't live without. We stocked up with groceries, packing them into the two back packs we brought along for that purpose. Then we enjoyed wandering around.




Remember a pose similar to this one? The last time we were here, the kids climbed upon Popeye, the one eyed seal for photos. Fun to see how the kids have grown.

Then we caught the ferry back to Shaw, via Lopez. Here are the photos of the return trip.

Upright Head, Lopez Island.

 

 Returning to Shaw Island.

And the dinghies were still there.

Back at Shaw Island, back where we started from. 

Here is the Shaw Island store.

And sleeping cat. 

We then noticed this little park area. Apparently it is private property, but they invite folk to use it. What we were told and what we read on the signs were two different things. We enjoyed the opportunity for some photos, though. 

We untied PIPPI for the kids to go explore the island. We then got talking with a young man "Z." from Minnesota who was working at the store for the summer. He came out for his brother's wedding (the store owner's daughter).

While talking, a ferry came in (the kids were already on the island). As they were leaving, the capitan opened his window and yelled down, "Z. you left the lights on in your boat." Z. laughs, "Too embarrassing." He invited us for coffee before we left for home tomorrow.




 

 Z. hustled off to turn off the boat's lights. We in turn headed off to MERGANSER.