2008 Jul 18th-Aug 3rd Seattle/San Juan Island/BC Gulf REDZVS

Nice itinerary... We just did Roche then Victoria, then Nanaimo. I kinda like Friday Harbor over Roche. Roche is pretty packed these days and lots more huge yuppie boats with an attitude... Friday is more our style, laid back, great showers, cheaper fuel verses Roche and with 6 Ice Cream places... Beats Roche. Roche does have fresh donuts daily though... Also, another alternative...I'd also consider Smugglers Cove http://www.britishcolumbia.com/parks/?id=478 vice Secret Cove since Nanaimo was on the dock and so is Secret Cove. Smugglers is on the hook but really awesome and the water is very warm considering you go to the back basin. It is also great for walking and dinghying around since it is a Marine park with an awesome view and very very safe harbor from wave action.

BTW, I'd add long line (100 feet or more of cheap poly line is fine) to anyone thinking they want to hang on the hook in Canadian anchorages. Boats normally anchor bow out then tie off the stern by tieing a line to a fixed eye in the rocks on the shore. This way the canadians get more boats in the anchorages and no one swings into each other. Just a thought.

Another thought is to buy 10 #'s or more of dry ice available at Albertsons and other places (Star Fuel). I use the high side of my cooler for the dry ice and the drain side for the block ice. Meats stay frozen 7 days or more. Keep the dry ice in wrapped plastic to avoid water and "instant fog".

Bug repellant is also a must up there.

Refuge, just north of Lund also has fuel and your last stop for ice.

Across from Refuge http://www.boattravel.com/refuge/ is Squirrel Cove http://www.cortesisland.com/squirrelcove/ and that is a nice place with a stream access to a fresh water lake via dinghy's... Just a thought there too. And the water is warm enough to swim in. Very safe for kids too.

I'd also recommend the newer hand held Family radios (walkie talkies) with ranges in excess of 8 miles. They cost less than $30 for the rechargeables from your 12 v outlets. We can be on an agreed channel so we don't clober VHF.

Lopez was our last stop last trip and it has earned the name Slopez for a reason. The 8AM breakfast (on Sat Sun only) started at 9 and the gas pumps that were suppose to be on between 8 and 8:30 got put on after 9AM ($3.98/gallon). Just go with the flow and you will enjoy yourself. Lots of boaters drop crab traps near the enterance to Fishermans Bay and eat dungeness every night there too. The Prime Rib at the restaurant was the second best we ever had... The pool is fun for the kids. The band was not the greatest but the view of the water from the lounge is awesome. A Farmers market on weekends is an easy 1.5 mile walk away or $5 each way by shuttle. Only bad side is your trash has to be lugged about 3/4 mile to the nearest dumpsters. Cost was about $2/foot with power/water.

What ever you decide for an itinerary, no problem for us. We'll enjoy it all anyway...

BTW, we checked into Friday for customs back from Canada and used our passports. Went fast and easy, all by phone and photo machine for the passports.

If you intend to bring your dog, they need current rabies shots and you need to carry the record in the boat. (We were never asked except by customs in Victoria over the phone. Remember, no hand guns in Canada. They will ask at check in but have never boarded us.

OK, now I'm done...

OK, I lied, Wanted to mention Victoria is great on the Government piers in front of the Empress Hotel... We go at least twice a year and know a lot of great restaurants, boat supply places, etc. We normally tie up facing the promanade so we can watch the people doing their magic shows, entertaining the public, etc. Barbs and Day Inn has the best fish and chips... view from the docks in front of the Empress:
victoria1.jpg
the view is of the palace which has tours too.

OK, now, I'm done...
 
Just Right said:
Our rough plan is to leave Sacto late morning on the 16th and drive to Medford or Grants Pass (about 6-8 hours depending on stops) and sleep in the boat. On the 17th we'll go at least up to Longview or Olympia (get past Portland to avoid morning rush) and catch a good sleep and shower in a motel. Then drive the last 3-4 hrs to B-ham with a noon arrival.

That should give us enough time to fuel, provision and launch.

How is parking Swinomish Channel? Secure, safe?
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I recommend you travel with a CB radio, it can be very helpful. When you get to Portland you have the option of I5 or I205. I205 is probably a better drive. You would want to find out if either has traffic accident problems using the CB. I would also recommend going through Portland not later than 3:00 PM.

Although I trailer my boat always, I will probably use the Cap Sante lift. That way my trailer and its electrical system do not go in the salt water. There is good parking nearby that I consider quite safe.
 
Doug,
Smuggler's cove is another great spot for sure, I've been in there a few times but never have stayed, since my Unlce's island is jut north of there, it was just part of a day cruise.
Anyway your ideas of hand helds radio's is a great one.
Thanks for the input, I'm really glad you're coming.

Dave,
Either Cap Sante or Skyline (closer to Rosario Straight) and has a sling will be good for you. For Long Term parking Skyline is where I think may be our best and most secure option. For 14 Day's the sling in fee is not bad, parking is there and even if you put in at Washington park at the ramp, its a 2 minute drive around the corner for Skyline.
 
I would not leave my trailer and truck at Washington Park. Best for piece of mind to keep it at Skyline or Capt S...
 
The Admiral has officially signed on to the trip! So that makes it more likely we will be there, or course. I have a few comments/questions.

Two years ago I went with another boat, and had no chartplotter (nor did the other guy, but he had good local knowledge). I did have a handheld GPS, a Magellan SportTrak Pro. I got along fine, but would not have had I been alone. Well, I would have had to do some trip planning on the charts in advance. But my point is everyone does not have to have a fancy new chartplotter.

I'm gonna have an "itchy prop" taking three days to get to Victoria. I love that place, and being tied up on the waterfront. I'm not trying to change the itinerary, but some may want to be deviant. :cool:

Does one coordinate who brings what sort of tools on a trip like this? For example, I will be bringing a DMM, a clamp on milli-ammeter, spare bravo II prop, prop wrench. Maybe jumper cables, remote starter switch, compression gauge.

Are we legal with FRS radios in Canada, or does it matter if we are or not?

On the previous trip, I tried to determine in advance where tides and tidal currents might be an issue. Once on the water, this was totally a non-issue. Maybe on this trip there will be someplace where we need to be aware, but we will have the local experts! :smt038
 
Dave M. said:
The Admiral has officially signed on to the trip! So that makes it more likely we will be there, or course.
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Perfect!
I wouldn't worry too much about not having a chartplotter. I will have one and many others will have them. I have not had a Chartplotter before and used my Garmin EMap until now. You'll be fine.
Dave M. said:
I'm gonna have an "itchy prop" taking three days to get to Victoria. I love that place, and being tied up on the waterfront. I'm not trying to change the itinerary, but some may want to be deviant. :cool:
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I think once we get in the water Running to Fisherman's bay to meet, greet and relax is a close and good first spot, but I wouldn't have an issue with Running to Victoria next instead of Roche the next night. From Fisherman's Bay it is actually a pretty direct shot once we head south out of San Juan Channel.

Dave M. said:
Does one coordinate who brings what sort of tools on a trip like this? For example, I will be bringing a DMM, a clamp on milli-ammeter, spare bravo II prop, prop wrench. Maybe jumper cables, remote starter switch, compression gauge.
Click to expand...
I think a month or two before we are ready to leave we should all list the upcoming projects, tools on board and also get some self described feedback on our abilities for repairs.
BTW, not sure what a DMM is?

Dave M. said:
Are we legal with FRS radios in Canada, or does it matter if we are or not?
Click to expand...
Doug may be better to answer this? I'm not sure

Dave M. said:
On the previous trip, I tried to determine in advance where tides and tidal currents might be an issue. Once on the water, this was totally a non-issue. Maybe on this trip there will be someplace where we need to be aware, but we will have the local experts! :smt038
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There are only a few places where tidal currents are very strong and we should watch out for:
Danger reef near Roche, Dodd's Narrows near Nanaimo and the Skookumchuck rapids near Egmont/Jervis interest.
 
Great itinerary.

Noted that all but a couple days are in marinas and a couple days on the hook in Deso. I would not mind, at all, a couple nights on the hook in a marine park in between marinas.

Not sure if the seasons will be open, but we would really like to be in spots where we can drop a crab pot, mooch for salmon, or take a kayak out for some rockfish. I understand there may be spots to collect oysters and clams, too.

Looking forward to taking in Buchart (sp?) and some other tourist spots. Also renting bikes at some marinas would be nice for some sightseeing and exercise.

Just a couple thoughts...
 
crabbing should be open but we won't know for sure until the season is announced next spring. I will likely bring some pots.

I just made a very similar trip spending 17 days cruising from Everett to Nanaimo and back. I would love to add a stop in Pirates Cove, about 10 miles south of Dodds Narrows, Todd Inlet (just outside of Beuchart Gardens) and possibly a stop at Sydney Marina. Sydney Marina is the finest Marina that I have experienced and 1/2 block from a large grocery store, and a large laundry area.
 
I would recommend to all that are trailering to launch in Anacortes rather than Bellingham. Either launch in Washington park or Cap Sante Marina. Cap Sante Marina is a lift.

I would also advise against leaving a tow vehicle on the Swinomish channel for that period of time. I would think you are asking for problems as the parking lot is pretty secluded.
 
As far as the walkie talkies, not a problem in Canada. As far as fishing and crabbing, there are many places we will be able to do so but must get a fishing license for the waters. I normally jump on the five day pass... you can buy one in Nanaimo before we head over to Desolation... OR, you can purchase online Fishing License in Canada . Not sure what the fees are next year but the website should still be valid. Last time I bought from a vendor in Nanaimo, I was able to "start" the five day pass when I first got the hook wet, not the day I bought it. We'll find out if that is still the case as we get closer to going... For those interested in going on the hook while others are nearby in marinas, we can work on that. I know Smugglers is just outside (south) of Secret Cove and that may be a good place for those with kids and all to hang the hook... they also have crabbing there as well, warm water and good kayaking/gunk holing.

edited: For those "fast boats", what I have done in the past is gone ahead and fished until the "main fleet" showed up and then motored along. Excellent place for that will be when we head in front of Fraser River. Millions of silvers are in that area during our trip. Also have many other salmon species there as well. Nice thing about silvers is you don't require a downrigger as they are in the first 50 ft of the water column too. A deep diver would be a good investment that you can get once you are here too. They cost about $10... and will get your lure down to them.
477661284.jpg
 
This all sounds great. Todd, a DMM is a digital multimeter. Useful for checking battery voltage and the like. Sydney is a logical stop between Victoria and Butchart gardens. I know I took on fuel there two years ago, and I think it is place where I asked the attendant for a card so I could remember it. Best service I have seen. Maybe a few hours stopover to do laundry and grocery shop after leaving Victoria?

I don't want to push for changing the itinerary, just maybe pointing out some options. We may not all want to stay the same place every night. For example, if you want to stay on the hook instead of a marina, you can easily stay at Jones Island instead of Roche Harbor. I think they are less than 10 miles apart. The little cove on the north side of Jones Island is quite protected.

Someone has to be the boss man for scheduling, and Todd, I think that is you. :grin:
 
Todd,

Your iteneary, including the various options suggested by others sound wunderful! One of these days I'll have to order some paper charts of the islands in order to plot the proposed iteniary. One of the things I might be interested in is a route that would allow me to "cut out" a few days early. I just don't know if I'll be able to be off for 3 weeks. :smt009

I do have a question regarding the launch at Cap Sante Marina. Someone mentioned that said marina uses a lift. Do you have to have your own slings, or do they provide them? Also, how do they sling-launch boats on bunk trailers? About an hour south of Sacramento there's a boat yard in the Delta that has a large lift where they simply wrap huge slings around your boat AND trailer. They lower the whole thing into the water and the float the boat off. Of course, such a launch would defeat the purpose of wanting to sling-launch in the first place. :smt101
 
gengiant said:
Todd,

Your iteneary, including the various options suggested by others sound wunderful! One of these days I'll have to order some paper charts of the islands in order to plot the proposed iteniary. One of the things I might be interested in is a route that would allow me to "cut out" a few days early. I just don't know if I'll be able to be off for 3 weeks. :smt009

I do have a question regarding the launch at Cap Sante Marina. Someone mentioned that said marina uses a lift. Do you have to have your own slings, or do they provide them? Also, how do they sling-launch boats on bunk trailers? About an hour south of Sacramento there's a boat yard in the Delta that has a large lift where they simply wrap huge slings around your boat AND trailer. They lower the whole thing into the water and the float the boat off. Of course, such a launch would defeat the purpose of wanting to sling-launch in the first place. :smt101
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Hey GG,
I know that Cap Sante somewhat frowns on bunks because of the wrangling needed to lift one end of the boat get the sling in place, then lift the other end place a board or shim to keep it elevated to get the next sling in place. It's a lot more work for them. I'll give Skyline and CapSante a call and see how or if they're able to accomodate the bunks.
BTW, you don't need your own slings.
Look for the Marine Atlas - Olympia to Malcolm Island Chart book,
It's a great resource and in book form easier that the loose charts

Marine Atlas
 
Nehalennia II said:
Hey GG,
I know that Cap Sante somewhat frowns on bunks because of the wrangling needed to lift one end of the boat get the sling in place, then lift the other end place a board or shim to keep it elevated to get the next sling in place. It's a lot more work for them. I'll give Skyline and CapSante a call and see how or if they're able to accomodate the bunks.
BTW, you don't need your own slings.
Look for the Marine Atlas - Olympia to Malcolm Island Chart book,
It's a great resource and in book form easier that the loose charts
Click to expand...

Thanks for the link to the Marine Atlas. I may just have to order it. As to the launching facilities in Washington, I'd be perfectly ok with being able to thoroughly hosing down my trailer and its brakes. A couple of the coastal marinas I like to lauch out of down here in California are set up for just that purpose. They have freshwater washdown facilities set up with hoses for the boaters to use. :smt038 Most people use them after boating for the day (or whatever) to wash down their boats, but I will usually wash down my trailer right after launching as well. It only costs a few quarters in the water meter...
 
gengiant said:
Nehalennia II said:
Hey GG,
I know that Cap Sante somewhat frowns on bunks because of the wrangling needed to lift one end of the boat get the sling in place, then lift the other end place a board or shim to keep it elevated to get the next sling in place. It's a lot more work for them. I'll give Skyline and CapSante a call and see how or if they're able to accomodate the bunks.
BTW, you don't need your own slings.
Look for the Marine Atlas - Olympia to Malcolm Island Chart book,
It's a great resource and in book form easier that the loose charts
Click to expand...

Thanks for the link to the Marine Atlas. I may just have to order it. As to the launching facilities in Washington, I'd be perfectly ok with being able to thoroughly hosing down my trailer and its brakes. A couple of the coastal marinas I like to lauch out of down here in California are set up for just that purpose. They have freshwater washdown facilities set up with hoses for the boaters to use. :smt038 Most people use them after boating for the day (or whatever) to wash down their boats, but I will usually wash down my trailer right after launching as well. It only costs a few quarters in the water meter...
Click to expand...

metioned before is Skyline Marina is close to Washington Park 2 minutes drive. Well,
I found on their site the list of service and have e-mailed both CapSante and Skyline for info on bunked trailers.
ourservices.jpg
 
gengiant said:
What's a "monorail"?
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I believe they have two lifts. One is the moving "travelift" which has four wheels and the sling that can pick you up and move you to a service yard
like this:
YC%202003%20Haulout.jpg

the the Monorail, I think is stationary that you trailer beneath and they can pick the boat up from and the "monorail" allows the sling to run on it over the water

launch.jpg
 
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