A rendezvous cruise to the San Juans, Gulf Islands and Desolation sound 2011

[Nehalennia]

So in the summer of '08 we had 8 boats from around here and as far south as the Sacremento area rendezvous in Roche Harbor to begin a 17 trip through the San Juans, Gulf Islands and Desolation sound. After the first weekend in Roche and Victoria, 1 boat left, 3 boats stayed south in the Gulf islands and 4 went north to Desolation sound.

I would like to see who is interested in making another cruise for next summer (2 weeks) up to Desolation sound and back. If you haven't been there it's amazing scenery and fantastic boating.

I would also encourage those with boating friends to invite them as well. I think it would be a kick to have a fleet of boats joining the cruise and for some experiencing this boating area for the first time.

The other point to bring up is that many from around the country have expressed interest in coming here and doing this trip but it may not make sense to trailer here or their boats are too big to have hauled accross the country. If I get some of you interested in coming I may be able to research charters.


This could be a first time trip of a lifetime for some and return to Nirvana for others.

So let's start generating some interest now, start the discussions with your spouses, ask the questions and see who wants to join up for what could be a huge rendezvous cruise.

 

[Sundancer]

Sounds good to me! I think we've finally seen enough of the San Juans that we're ready to venture north and see whats up there! Somewhere around the last week of July or so? I just hope our old tug isn't the oldest boat on the cruise.....AGAIN!

 

[Nehalennia]

Sounds good to me! I think we've finally seen enough of the San Juans that we're ready to venture north and see whats up there! Somewhere around the last week of July or so? I just hope our old tug isn't the oldest boat on the cruise.....AGAIN!

You may not be. My brother is considering an old '64 Uniflite. Hopefully he can come.
Also, everyone keep in mind that there will be several different styles and brands of boats. Some may be a bridge boat like we had on the first trip. "Sound Dreams" cruised at around 18 knots in there 38' Meridian.

For the most part we didn't travel more than 40-50 miles in between destinations. For us smaller boats this was about 2 hours and we could go get settled in wherever and then when Sound Dreams arrived 45mins-1 hour later we'd help them in. It worked pretty well. I think with more boats hopefully this trip, and the varied boats, everyone can have a travel partner.

Early departure from Jervis inlet to Lund for a pit stop

A two night stay at my Uncle's island

Great water for the most part. We did have two days when the wind kicked up @ 30+ knots that held us up in Powell river until it blew through.

Gorge harbor

 

[Sundancer]

I'm not opposed to letting Sound Dreams tow me! :grin: I don't think he'd notice a 30 footer in his wake and think of the fuel savings for us! Besides, he has radar!! I know Doug and other do as well. That could come in very handy since we don't have it! Only 10 months to go?? UGH!!

What's the longest leg between fuel stops? I think I saw a 46 mile run from Nanaimo to Caldwell Island. Is it possible to add a night and shorten that leg? Not that we can't run that far and maybe there isn't anything to see when crossing over?

 

[Nehalennia]

I'm not opposed to letting Sound Dreams tow me! :grin: I don't think he'd notice a 30 footer in his wake and think of the fuel savings for us! Besides, he has radar!! I know Doug and other do as well. That could come in very handy since we don't have it! Only 10 months to go?? UGH!!

What's the longest leg between fuel stops? I think I saw a 46 mile run from Nanaimo to Caldwell Island. Is it possible to add a night and shorten that leg? Not that we can't run that far and maybe there isn't anything to see when crossing over?

Nanaimo to Caldwell or Pender harbour is really not a long run, as long as the water conditions are nice. There's a stop south of Pender called Secret Cove. Fuel is available at Nanaimo, Pender Harbour and Secret Cove. It's also available at Egmont on Jervis inlet just north of Caldwell. If I am allowed to let us stop at Caldwell we should plan to stay there two days. It's really a nice place to take a longer break.
The run from Nanaimo to cross is best early AM and once you're accross it feels like a different world. This is where the mountains are coming out of the water and the population drops.

Almost to Pender Harbour

Caldwell island

 

[Sundancer]

I might have to change my tune. That is an awfully small golf course!! It might be easier if I only need one of those putter things instead of a whole bag full!

 

[Go Aweigh2452]

We'll be heading up but going way north to at least Port McNeill and the mainland side of BC this coming summer if all goes well. Plan to head out after 4th July weekend like this year. Weather was awesome... We'll be fishing Port McNeill as well as Ucluelet on the west coast of Vancouver Island on a second trip mid August... Probably spend at least 3-4 weeks dinking around northern Desolation on the first trip (McNeill)... Definitely will get to Toba Inlet to check out those waterfalls again and lack of other boats... awesome milky blue glacier fed waters as you get close to the glaciers... waterfalls 60-70' up and over 1000 ft of water underneath the boat when less than 50 yds from the waterfalls...

 

[Nehalennia]

We'll be heading up but going way north to at least Port McNeill and the mainland side of BC this coming summer if all goes well. Plan to head out after 4th July weekend like this year. Weather was awesome... We'll be fishing Port McNeill as well as Ucluelet on the west coast of Vancouver Island on a second trip mid August... Probably spend at least 3-4 weeks dinking around northern Desolation on the first trip (McNeill)... Definitely will get to Toba Inlet to check out those waterfalls again and lack of other boats... awesome milky blue glacier fed waters as you get close to the glaciers... waterfalls 60-70' up and over 1000 ft of water underneath the boat when less than 50 yds from the waterfalls...

Well stay in touch as the time gets closer. It would be great to see you for a couple days at least.

 

[Nehalennia]

...ok, so after only a few days we already have 8 boats. That's the same amount we had for the '08 trip. Anyone interested to join, PM me including your email address. There's a mix of boats of different size, brand and cruising speeds so all can feel comfortable making this trip.

 

[Westie]

We're most likely in. We would leave from Vancouver so would meet you somewhere along the way.
I would also suggest doing a side trip up Princesss Louisa inlet.

 

[hmcsw]

I think we can make that trip! Our family has a home on Malcolm Island. Can take a few boats at the dock and a few in the cove.

 

[Nehalennia]

This will be great. Two more Searays. PM's sent. If you both join we'll have 10 maybe 11 boats already.

 

[Nehalennia]

This has been great. We have a lot of response to this. I have a site that holds the primary "local" organization of this trip. So if you're interested, it's fine that you post info/questions here but if you would like to officially join, shoot me a PM, so I can get you the proper "official" link.

 

[kbsunlovers]

Todd, can you put us down as a definite probably? A couple other boats down here may be interested as well.

 

[The Bill Collector]

Hey Todd,

Lina just put her vacation request in for the last two weeks of July.... So we start heading North on Friday the 15th of July. I hope we can hook up.

Mark, Lina & Odie

 

[Nehalennia]

Hey Todd,

Lina just put her vacation request in for the last two weeks of July.... So we start heading North on Friday the 15th of July. I hope we can hook up.

Mark, Lina & Odie

Perfect.
This will be fun. I'm glad you're considering coming.

We have currently 10 boats and it sounds like there are a minimum of 4 more considering coming.

It will be cool too if we have others, like Sundancer and Westie, that want to trailer up/over here and get to see what all the hoopla is about.

 

[Sundancer]

We're most likely in. We would leave from Vancouver so would meet you somewhere along the way.
I would also suggest doing a side trip up Princesss Louisa inlet.

Westie,

Are you familiar with launches in the Vancouver area? We'll need a sling or a freshwater launch and a place to store the truck and trailer for the two week period. Any suggestions? We could launch farther north in Washington, but we might as well drive as far north as possible since we're going to be late and trying to catch up.

I've already contacted my insurance company to see about cruising up that far and crossing the border with the boat on the trailer. I also need to find out about trailering a wide load in Canada. I should hear something this week.

Now I just need to find a job so that I can request the time off!! :grin:

 

[TrailsEnd]

We're hoping to be purchasing our first Sea Ray in a couple weeks. We've previously cruised up in the San Juans and Gulf Islands in a sailboat. Favorite marinas were Sidney Harbor and Roche Harbor. Loved the nightly sunset color guard ceremony there! I can tell you a power boat will be much easier than our sailboat where we had to time our passages at slack tide! A 9.9HP doesn't do much against the currents! OK, no laughing now. If all goes as planned, we may be interested in getting back up there. It's a wonderful trip. We left out of Bellingham and went as far up as Thetis Island.

 

[Nehalennia]

We're hoping to be purchasing our first Sea Ray in a couple weeks. We've previously cruised up in the San Juans and Gulf Islands in a sailboat. Favorite marinas were Sidney Harbor and Roche Harbor. Loved the nightly sunset color guard ceremony there! I can tell you a power boat will be much easier than our sailboat where we had to time our passages at slack tide! A 9.9HP doesn't do much against the currents! OK, no laughing now. If all goes as planned, we may be interested in getting back up there. It's a wonderful trip. We left out of Bellingham and went as far up as Thetis Island.

It would be great to have you join us.

 

[katricol]

Todd...I'll come if you can find a route on the ICW for me ....and an extra $10,000.00 for diesel !! (LOL)