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

[Sundancer]

$75 per foot per night!! I'd better start saving!

My son and daughter are looking forward to the trip and they are glad to hear some other kids will be along. Kids? Young adults? Whatever you call them! I'm trying to figure out what to bring to entertain them if the weather goes sour. Of course that won't happen, but just in case!!

So do we need to cap the number if it gets too big? I could see more and more wanting to go, but then reservations wouldn't be available and they'd have to anchor or spend time on the hook somewhere.

 

[Nehalennia]

I'm not too worried if we have too many boats. I say the more the merrier but that's why I thought to plant the seeds now, stay active in communications and make sure that everyone who wants to come stays up on what we need to do to stay organized.

Also, my son plays the guitar very well, so hopefully we have some entertainment if need be.

by the way, that's $.75/foot per night. No too bad at all.

 

[Sundancer]

Todd:

I'm sure some will drop out as weddings and other family events take precedence. It always seems to happen. I'm sure we'll have room or we can double up on the spaces or something if we get a large group. Fortunately we have your itinerary or we wouldn't know where to go, what to do or who to contact!! I guess we'll be busy on Jan 2 contacting marinas and making reservations according to the itinerary!!

Was anybody else bringing kids? I didn't see any other than yours and mine? That could change as well between now and then too.

Can't wait! Should be picking up the new boat next week assuming the survey goes well. I didn't think we'd find one so quick! I'm anxious to start messing with the twin engines around the dock. It seemed fairly easy the few minutes I tested it out in the middle of the lake. It actually seemed easier than I thought it would be? Maybe it's all of the simulator time I have accumulated?

Thanks again for taking the lead burgee on this trip!

 

[Nehalennia]

Well I had some feedback from Poet's Cove today. They seemed happy as well to hear we're coming. I'll post their reply tomorrow.

 

[Dave M.]

I agree everyone will not make it for whatever reason comes up. You can't help that. But I have also been concerned that the number seems to be getting large. I think my main concern with this has been fueling. I have this image of 20 boats lined up at Victoria waiting to take on fuel.

 

[Sundancer]

I agree everyone will not make it for whatever reason comes up. You can't help that. But I have also been concerned that the number seems to be getting large. I think my main concern with this has been fueling. I have this image of 20 boats lined up at Victoria waiting to take on fuel.

Don't they offer in-flight refueling? I'll just let you empty the dock storage tanks in your boat and then you can tow us to the next destination!!

I'm sure with all the different tank capacities, engines, boat sizes and such that we won't be refueling at the same time. It seems like I saw something about the longest run being 2 hours? I'm guessing our new boat will get approximately 1 mpg using approximately 50 gallons for that 2 hour period. We'll have two 70 gallon tanks, so that will be about 1/3 of each tank consumed. Depending on the distance to the next spot and availability of fuel we may not need to fuel up? Some can fill up as we depart too.

That's a long line of boats and I can't imagine all of them cruising into some of the smaller spots! If we have to spend a few nights on mooring balls are their enough for all of us or will we have to side tie some boats together? Maybe we can just anchor out somewhere? It's all going to be new to me and I'm relying on Todd, a man I've never met in person to take care of us!! I'm confident in his abilities and I think it will be a blast! I just can't wait!

 

[Nehalennia]

Another Reply I wanted to post from Poet's Cove(aka Bedwell Harbour)
Subject: Re: 2008 ClubSeaRay.com and IboatNW.com San Juan Islands, Canadian Gulf Islands and Desolation sound Rendezvous and cruise

Hi,

We would enjoy having your boating party at Poets Cove Marina. We offer 110 deep water slips and 30 amp power at our marina, as well as having a year round fuel dock with gas and diesel. Moorage includes the use of the lower pool and hot tub, wireless internet, and garbage pickup at your slip. We have also have lodge rooms, cabins, a fine dining resturant, pub resturant, catering services, gift store & coffee bar and a spa. To reserve space for the boats we do require credit card numbers to hold the slips. Since your group is so large we will require a group contract to be written up, so that we can reserve multiple slips under your group name. Our rates not are set for the 2008 season as of yet, but the will be confirmed some time in early 2008. We have 19ft, 27ft, 30ft, and 60ft slips that are available for bookings. July 31, August 1, 2, and 3rd are already sold out, but we can most likely accommodate your group in the surrounding days.

Cheers

Liis Graham
Marina Supervisor
Poets Cove Marina
1-866-888-2683
www.poetscove.com

 

[Sundancer]

Todd:

If we need to send money in advance for the reservations, just let us know. Otherwise, it looks like we'll be busy making reservations between now and then. It looks like Jan 1 is the date we need to start?

Thanks a ton for getting us organized and planning the trip!

 

[gengiant]

Hi Todd and everyone else,

Sorry to have been gone from this thread for a while! I didn't realize that when CSR moved to the new server that all of our previously "watched" threads would be severed. Oh well ~ no big.

As previously stated, there may still be a group of us from Sacramento heading up to the SJ Islands roughly about the same time this esteemed group will be going. For me personally this means that the admiral and i will be going one way or another. I am not yet sure about our dog Annie (she's a Chow Chow that LOVES to go boating), as she's never been on any boating trips longer than a single weekend. I think I'd prefer to just leave her with friends for those 2 weeks. No worries though, as that is a minor detail in the big picture.

How's the weather up in Washington right now? Here in Sac we've got mid to high 70's, though we had a little (unusual) rain this morning. We'll be taking the boat out on Sunday. Who knows? I might even catch a salmon or striper!

Ok, now that I am back watching this thread, I'll be sure to keep everyone posted as to our plans. It sounds to me like we need to be making a decision first of the new year, correct?

GG
_______________
'Gypsie' of the Lunar Sea, CA
1994 270 DA, 454 FWC, BRIII

 

[Nehalennia]

Sundancer,
Yes I think once the first of the year hit's we'll finalize the itinerary and get as firm a head count as we can.

GG,
I certainly hope your group, including you for sure make it. I also hope that 280Searay(aka Jeremy) make's it. It will be great to have some outside of Puget Sound boats to come.
As for the weather, it's raining and the next couple weeks look wet. I watched the news this morning and we have the coldest weather in the country right now. Low 50's and off and on rain, while the rest of the country is in record heat.
Enjoy your trip out tomorrow and catch a big one!

 

[gengiant]

GG,
.......
As for the weather, it's raining and the next couple weeks look wet. I watched the news this morning and we have the coldest weather in the country right now. Low 50's and off and on rain, while the rest of the country is in record heat.
Enjoy your trip out tomorrow and catch a big one!

Hi Todd,

Caught LOTS of sunshine and R&R on the Delta yesterday! Didn't make it out there until noon after enjoying a leisurely morning, but considering that the nights have allready been brisk (in the low 50's), we weren't much in a hurry. With just enough of a breeze going to make it feel a bit like Fall, we probably hit the best day of the Fall season, with temperatures hitting right about 80 degrees! Unfortunately, that's not supposed to last, with rain and temps in the 60's forecast. Oh well. We'll take 'em as we can!

The fishing, on the other hand, was dead. mid-day just isn't the right time. It's still fun to cast out lures for a while. Nothing like being out in the Delta amongst the tules on a gorgeous Fall day with no one else around but a few ducks, egrets, and herrons!!

GG
_______________
'Gypsie' of the Lunar Sea, CA
1994 270 DA, 454 FWC, BRIII

 

[Sundancer]

Didn't make it out there until noon after enjoying a leisurely morning, but considering that the nights have allready been brisk (in the low 50's), we weren't much in a hurry. With just enough of a breeze going to make it feel a bit like Fall, we probably hit the best day of the Fall season, with temperatures hitting right about 80 degrees!

_______________
'Gypsie' of the Lunar Sea, CA
1994 270 DA, 454 FWC, BRIII

Brisk? That's August in Idaho! Went out last weekend and the HIGH was 55! It was in the 30's at night! Can't wait to go next weekend! We don't even have a heater yet!!

 

[gengiant]

Brisk? That's August in Idaho! Went out last weekend and the HIGH was 55! It was in the 30's at night! Can't wait to go next weekend! We don't even have a heater yet!!

There's boating in Idaho? I thought all you guys do is hunt and fly fish for trout!?!? LOL!!! Just kidding, of course! But you make a good point re the weather. Here in northern California we do get a bit of rain and sometimes significant fog (30' vis) in the winter. Other than that, I personally enjoy boating in the winter as much as the summer. But it's totally different in the winter - much less crowded and VERY quiet. I just LOVE the solitude and the peace & quiet winter boating on the Delta has to offer. If any of you ever make it out here, drop me a line ahead of time and I'll take you out to show you some of the reasons I love the Delta so much.

To bring this 'hi-jack' back to the topic of this thread, though, boating in mild climates like we have here locally does 'breed' some fair-weather boaters, though. I am certain that many of you deal with inclement weather while boating much more often than we do here. Anyone willing to offer any thoughts as to what we might expect late July/early August in the SJ's?

GG
_______________
'Gypsie' of the Lunar Sea, CA
1994 270 DA, 454 FWC, BRIII

 

[Dave M.]

I have been trying to get a handle on just where this trip takes us, and distances. Here is what I understand it to be so far. First, a very rough map of the route.

Then, here is a screen shot of a spreadsheet showing the locations, distances each day, and cumulative distance.

 

[gengiant]

Dave,

Nice summary! I do have a question regarding a couple of legs of the itineary. I am assuming that we'll be able to stop for fuel somewhere along the way into Princess Louisa sound and back out to Secret Cove? 97 miles is beyond my comfort level on a single tank of fuel out in the wilderness. I'd be much happier, if I could work with the 'ol rule of thirds, ie keeping 1/3 of my fuel in reserve. With a 100 galon tank even in ideal conditions I only make it 125 miles. For me, fuel planning will thus likely be the most critical element of this trip. Am I right to assume that we'll be planning fuel stops based on the "weakest link", ie the boat with the shortest range? If not, are we breaking this down into smaller groups of, say 5-7 boats with similar range to plan for fuel stops?

Anyway, I would imagine that others have done some rough estimates as to total direct costs of this trip (not including boat prep and possible repair issues). Using Dave's distance numbers and assuming a cost of $4.00/gallon of gas and a fuel consumption of roughly 1 gal/mile, I came to $2,200 in fuel for the boat. Adding $50 per diem (possibly on the low end?), slip & mooring fees, launch fees, truck gas (840 miles round trip at 8 mpg), and various other misc. costs, I quickly summed up about $4,500 for this trip. Does anyone see anything 'big' that I may have overlooked? I want to be able to budget adequately for this trip.

Cheers!
GG
_______________
'Gypsie' of the Lunar Sea, CA
1994 270 DA, 454 FWC, BRIII

 

[Dave M.]

GG, I don't have answers to your questions. I don't think we will fuel based on weakest link. I would hope to fuel so that I am not always running with a full tank. I suspect people will decide on their own where to fuel, and it needs to be broken up some so we all don't arrive at the pumps at the same time. In the distance chart I did not include whether we would be at a marina or on the hook, and I did not include where fuel stops might be. Since it is a spreadsheet, I can do that as time allows. This is a lot of miles, and I don't know that everyone will want to go the whole route.

I don''t know what you are including in your PD. Is that basically food, or are you including the slip? Food will vary drastically, depending on whether you eat on the boat or prefer to sample the local eating establishments. Slip fees will generally be about $25 or $30, I suppose. On the hook may be free or a small park charge.

 

[gengiant]

GG, I don't have answers to your questions. I don't think we will fuel based on weakest link. I would hope to fuel so that I am not always running with a full tank. I suspect people will decide on their own where to fuel, and it needs to be broken up some so we all don't arrive at the pumps at the same time. In the distance chart I did not include whether we would be at a marina or on the hook, and I did not include where fuel stops might be. Since it is a spreadsheet, I can do that as time allows. This is a lot of miles, and I don't know that everyone will want to go the whole route.

I don''t know what you are including in your PD. Is that basically food, or are you including the slip? Food will vary drastically, depending on whether you eat on the boat or prefer to sample the local eating establishments. Slip fees will generally be about $25 or $30, I suppose. On the hook may be free or a small park charge.

Dave,

I am with you 100 percent. I will be getting much better charts of the area way before the trip so that I can do some of the route planning myself. In either case I think it is VERY important for each and everyone on this trip to be wholly self-sufficient (as much as possible). This will also allow me to tailor the trip to my "needs" such as available vacation.

As to the PD, this included pretty much everything ranging from food on the boat, to eating out, fishing bait, etc. $50 is possibly on the conservative side, but at this early stage I'd rather budget a little on the "fat" side.

Cheers!
GG
_______________
'Gypsie' of the Lunar Sea, CA
1994 270 DA, 454 FWC, BRIII

 

[Sundancer]

Does anyone see anything 'big' that I may have overlooked? I want to be able to budget adequately for this trip.

GG:
How about boat? I had to upgrade or the family was staying home! That makes the trip look cheap! If I could only sell my other boat now.....

Dinghy? Outboard? Oil change? Trailer Bearing repack? Fireworks? Phone call and deductible to explain why your boat burned on July 4?

I just HOPE gas prices are $4.00 or under. They could be even higher and probably are in Canada!

Dave M.:
The map and route puts it all into perspective. I really want to mess around in the San Juans and the upper leg of the trip might be optional for us. We'll have to see how it all progresses! I've seen the pictures Todd has taken in that part of the world and it's gorgeous!

Todd:
Thanks again for organizing this trip for all of us landlubbers! It's going to be a great trip and I'm sure it's going to be a great group of folks as well!

 

[gengiant]

GG:
How about boat? I had to upgrade or the family was staying home! That makes the trip look cheap! If I could only sell my other boat now.....

Dinghy? Outboard? Oil change? Trailer Bearing repack? Fireworks? Phone call and deductible to explain why your boat burned on July 4?

I just HOPE gas prices are $4.00 or under. They could be even higher and probably are in Canada!

Dave M.:
The map and route puts it all into perspective. I really want to mess around in the San Juans and the upper leg of the trip might be optional for us. We'll have to see how it all progresses! I've seen the pictures Todd has taken in that part of the world and it's gorgeous!

Todd:
Thanks again for organizing this trip for all of us landlubbers! It's going to be a great trip and I'm sure it's going to be a great group of folks as well!

Sundancer,

I am painfully aware of what boat preps for this trip might cost, having had to have my outdrive pulled last winter. Knock on wood, this winter is going to be less 'painful' on the wallet. Add trailer maintenance (Dang! I still need to replace one of my 2 spares!) and you quickly realize what "BOAT" stands for.

As to your comments regarding the excursion way north into Canada, the Admiral and I are with you. We've had the same discussion in light of our local club's plan to do the same, ie leave the San Juans in favor of an excursion way north into Canada. We've never even been to the San Juans and as such would much prefer to take on a more leisurely pace and stay in the islands. As beautiful as the Pricess Louisa sound is, so are the SJ's to us that have never been there before. I think it would be prudent for Todd to take a poll early in January as to what iteniary people are willing to commit to.

Cheers!
GG
_______________
'Gypsie' of the Lunar Sea, CA
1994 270 DA, 454 FWC, BRIII

 

[Dave M.]

With the number of people that have expressed interest in this trip, it would not surprise me if there are trips in following years. If that is the case, then we don't need to try and do it all in one year. I am concerned that the trip as presently outlined will only give one the "Executive Overview", at a significant outlay in fuel cost.

But I am only one person, and only get one vote. The only way to know what others really want to do is to put the info out on the table and have at it. Todd can't read our minds. If he could, Reagan probably would have had him on the payroll as a psychic!