Okay. Now you are caught up to where we are. I deliberately left you hanging at the end of the last blog to find out where we are. If I had told you then you would know all the stuff in the blog before you finished the sentence. Do you like my attempt at mystery? Well…I’ll work on it. J Yes, we are still in Portland – and will be here for awhile longer.
I thought you might like a few statistics of our summer cruising. It seemed that the overall theme for the summer was “Go, Go, Go” – and did we!
Round trip distance from Portland – 1758 nm
Times we moved – 63 moves (includes anchoring or tying to a dock)
New places we visited – 14 new places
New experience on the water – electrical storm
Number nights at anchor – 52
Number of nights at the dock – 74
Average cost per night at the dock – $44
Number of medical/doctor visits – too many – which contributed to the higher than average number of summer nights at the dock. We aren’t complaining now, as it was worth it all.
Number of friend/boater rendezvous – 25 (some for several days)
Engine hours (each engine) – 239
Shortest Cruise – 1 hour
Longest Cruise 17.5 hours
Average Cruise length – 3.8 hours
Average fuel consumption – 1.7 gallons per hour/per main engine
Average throttle speed – 1500 rpm
Newest favorite appetizer – Raincoast Crisps w/ Boursin cheese
Newest favorite voyage meal – Fried rice w/halibut
Fall is always beautiful here in the northwest. I have had the opportunity to go to the farmers market on several occasions. My favorite purchase are the beautiful local cut flowers.
While Bruce was off in Hilo tending to his parents, I stayed aboard D/V. It was a good thing I didn’t go, as the day after he left I came down with a nasty head cold. Fortunately, he was gone and didn’t catch it, and I didn’t have to do anything but sit, moan, and chase my runny nose. The temperatures got well into the 90’s during this time. I couldn’t believe it – a bad cold in “bad” heat. This was the first time I had been in such toasty temperatures for a couple years. We didn’t have our sunscreens up, as you just don’t need them in the Inside Passage. It sure got toasty aboard, but cooled off each night.
A new uncharted mountain has been discovered in Portland, OR. No, really! This one has gone unnoticed by the cartographers. Maybe it is 
because it is not a sleeping volcano. Yes, it’s called Mount Salpare. Okay, maybe not, but I do feel as if I am climbing a mountain, instead of a gangway, each time I ascend to the street level. Mount Salpare is even steeper than last spring due to the lack of rain and less water being sent down the river from the dams. We have had some rain recently and so the gangway has leveled – but not much. To give you an idea of just how steep, notice our dock master standing at the top of the gangway. Notice the different waterline levels.
An osprey couple moved into the marina last spring. They built a nest on the huge crane at the top of the gangway. It was fun to listen to the little peep peeps as we would walk back and forth. I was excited to see that at least one Osprey was still in residence, when we returned this fall. I got a great picture of him feeding on one of the neighboring marina pilings. What I didn’t get a picture of, was our car, that became the bulls eye, for Osprey doo that landed all over our car one night. I discovered it just as I was headed to an appointment and had no time to stop and go through the car wash. I did have to get the windshields and windows clean enough to see out. Oh! Was that a nasty job! I have now tempered my enthusiasm for Mr. Osprey and I do not park where the crane might, with the help of the wind, end up directly over the car!
We have had some stunning sunsets since we returned. 
Just about the time we were planning our escape south to warmer climates, we encountered another health issue that could not be ignored. Bruce ended up, one more time this year – making it the fifth time – under anesthesia getting hernia repair surgery. He is doing well, but with the recovery time, we have no more weather windows to get us south. Therefore we will spend another winter in the Pacific NW. We have been encouraged with assurances we will not get another winter like the last one. Well, regardless, we are here.
This will end our 2009 Cruising Season. Though it didn’t go as we had planned, it went well because we got to spend time away from the docks, on the water, with friends. And, after all, isn’t that what cruising is about? Meanwhile – you will find us At Home Today – in Portland.
charging batteries and I was making a nice breakfast. Captain stepped out onto the aft deck, glanced out to the bay, looked down into the engine room and literally dived into the engine room and the generator died. WOW! What was that all about? It was about an auxiliary belt that died! When Bruce looked out to the bay, he saw white steam coming from our generator exhaust. He caught it in plenty of time to avoid any harm to the machine. A few hours later, using a spare-part belt, on hand for just such an occasion, all was back together and purring away.
We met up with SANCTUARY at Spencer Spit on Monday. Had a great crab feed provided by Steve and Karen. The next morning we were back in Anacortes for a whirlwind dock stay. At the top of the list was to get our ailing inverter repaired and the other updated with firmware. That was one pain-free event. We hauled both units into the Tech Support area of Outback, in Arlington, went and had a coffee, and back in time to pick them up, all repaired and updated – no charge! A big round of provisioning in preparation for whatever we decide to do next and off again and dinner with Mike and
Karen in the new land RV. Then on to another rendezvous, the next day, 
with friends Steve and Karen on SANCTUARY at Orcas Island. Another great visit with friends making for a second rendezvous with them, which was perfect, as we had passed each other twice earlier in the summer, unable to stop and visit. It is always nice to see their beautiful converted fishing boat enter an anchorage. We left them, the next morning to preposition for the trip across the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
long day for the both of us. We could see the front coming in from the west. Timing was perfect and we cruised over the river bar as if it was a lake – totally glassy calm and the moon showing us the way. By then it was about 2200 and dark with the moon messing with our night vision, and though we have digital charts and software that shows us exactly where we are, we confirmed it by watching all the flashing lights – which was tricky as there are many red flashing lights, but we were looking for a particular flash – 1 red flash every 2 seconds, 1 red every 4 seconds, quick flashing red, etc. And among all the red 
flashing lights there are plenty of other red lights that can play tricks on you. The secret is patience and being able to count seconds <grin>. To add to the stress of a night crossing of the Columbia River bar, and staying in the dredged channel, are the ships that are coming and going. There wasn’t much traffic, thankfully, and some of them were considerate and cautious enough to warn other ships/boats of their impending movements. However, one particular tugboat captain didn’t seem to think it necessary – and of all the traffic this one was critical. The tug had just pulled away from the dock ahead of us, heading west. His barge was broad to us, and with all the other lights we briefly missed the lights on the barge until it started coming into line behind the tug, and about that time it was a serious full right rudder – now. And while we were busy adjusting to the change in our direction and coming back into our track, here came the second barge being towed by the same tug. Fortunately for us, Captain is, well – a Captain and extremely experienced in maneuvering ships and boats and handled it all with no particular sweat. I can’t say the same for me. I had a few choice words for that tug captain, but I had to keep them to myself….grrrrrrr.
When summer is over it gets real crazy. I really miss summer! Fuel prices seemed high and then realizing it was the beginning of a holiday weekend we decided to forego refueling for the time being. We pulled over at Sand Island public dock, just across from St Helens for the night. We got in late afternoon and had some time to wind down and 
relax and have dinner. By now you should know we don’t go anywhere in the PNW without having a party at a dock – with friends. And sure enough this dock was to be no different, as GYPSY SOUL came cruising in, and pulled in forward of us. We met Chuck and Wendy this past winter at our marina and it wasn’t that big a stretch that we all met up – things like that happen if you cruise.
The next morning we hosted breakfast with Chuck and Wendy, then they headed west to Astoria for the weekend, and we headed east back to Salpare Marina – and that is where I am – At Home Today – in Portland.
Vancouver is a beautiful city, with bridges, high rises, automobiles, and people. The traffic is monumental – whether by foot or automobile. The locals and tourists flock to the waterfront for walks and photos and to get to favorite restaurants, shops, events, etc. The city is busy preparing for the Olympics and there are signs of it everywhere. They are building an underground train system that has seriously and detrimentally affected the city’s traffic patterns. The local folks never know from one week to the next if their favorite route to a destination will be available or not. And the poor tourists, I can’t think a driving map would do them much good in certain parts of the city. Thankfully for us, we either walked or friends drove us around showing us the highlights of their city.
The waterway is very busy with sea planes, charter cruises, water taxis, and small pleasure boats. About 0700 the first morning we woke to the commuter seaplanes revving and taking off. One particular plane just wouldn’t leave and it was making a good bit of noise. I commented as to why it didn’t just leave. A couple moments later, Bruce said, “that is not a plane! I know that sound. That is an H3 US Navy type helicopter. A sound I have heard hundreds of times.” And, sure enough, it was! It was the Canadian Coast Guard helicopter waiting to take off.
The next morning our friend Sharon picked us up for some sightseeing around the city. Much of the details included the huge impact of the Olympics upon the city. It seemed evident from most of the locals that they will be very happy when the grand event is over. To add to the stress of it all weather forecasters are saying there may be no snow – and what is the winter Olympics without snow? There are some very nervous planners working furiously. Granville Market is a world famous tourist destination. In fact, friends said it is the second most popular tourist spot in all of Canada – Niagara Falls being the first. I would be hard pressed to debate the issue since the day we went to the market there was such a crush of humanity it was almost impossible to shop. In fact, we just walked through and escaped to a little coffee shop and visited. I read in a boating cruise book that Granville Market is much like Pikes Place Market in Seattle – only more polite…I think I might have differed with the author on this particular day. Our friend, Sharon, kept saying “don’t buy here, I’ll take you to a better market”. So, I listened and waited. She took me to a wonderful little local market in the Italy section of the city. A little Italian market that had everything I really needed and more. Prices were very reasonable and the atmosphere was very local and much more fun. You should have seen the cheese case. It must have been 60 feet long and full of every kind of cheese you could imagine. Wow!
We left Bruce off at the Vancouver Harbor Vessel Traffic and Canada Coast Guard Radio Center in downtown Vancouver. Our good friend Bruce R, who works for the Canadian Coast Guard in the Vessel Traffic and Coast Guard section gave Bruce a tour of the facility. My Bruce (so many Bruces all of a sudden!) was very impressed. Though he had talked to vessel traffic centers all over the world over the years, he had never been in an office. Thanks, Bruce R for the great tour. (Note: The round spire building is the Coast Guard Center and the building in the foreground with a grass roof (yes!) is the location for the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Olympics.
Market that Sharon mentioned and purchased crab for a three person crab feed. Bruce and I both agree that crab must be the best we have ever tasted. Great shopping idea – Sharon!! 
And as if we hadn’t already had plenty of fun, Ida picked us up the next day and took us on a driving tour of their side of the city – West Vancouver. Very lovely and much more in my comfort zone. Traffic, though busy seemed much more doable. We enjoyed visiting at their home, too, then it was off to the RVYC at Jericho Park, where Bruce and Ida treated us to dinner. Once again very fine friends sharing good food. 
Another wonderful time. Thank you!!
was very brief, but great to see good friends. The sea conditions did not reflect what was forecasted. By the time we got out on the strait we had done almost half the trip, as it is only about 17 miles where we were crossing. The conditions were messy. No huge waves, but the irritating four foot “square waves” we don’t like. If you remember, that is a four foot wave every four seconds or so. We both agreed we didn’t want to go back and start over the next day, so we forged on. We got some salt spray and we pretty much just kept to our seats. Fortunately, it was only a little more than two hours; and the good part is that it was done. We anchored for the night in Silva Bay and rewarded ourselves with a brew and some appy’s at the pub. After meeting up with friends we headed back to the US. Three weeks went fast!
summer. This time was special as we chose it as the place to celebrate our wedding anniversary. We had a white tablecloth dinner at the very popular restaurant called “The Place”. If you decide you want to eat there make sure you get reservations. It will be worth it!
Mike and Karen, who we met in California on the docks, now boatless and living in the Anacortes area, came to dinner. We had a wonderful evening dining on DESERT VENTURE. Karen brought these beautiful hydrangeas from her garden – they are almost as pretty as she is!
Take a look at the reef at the entrance to Genoa Bay. When we came in all you could see was some of the sign rod and the sign and a tiny bit of what looked like kelp, but disappeared quickly. We gave the reef wide berth. This picture was taken at low tide. I mention it because the VHF radio has been busy all summer with calls for assistance for boaters who went aground. We don’t know if they don’t have charts, or don’t look at them, or don’t really understand where they are in regard to the charts. But we do hear it all and are quite disturbed by so many groundings and cries for help. We have witnessed, and cringed, when more than a couple boats took a short cut when entering Blind Bay. It was high water, but with a reef like that it is highly ill-advised to deliberately drive over a reef. 
We don’t know if they know about the reef and are playing with fire, or if they are totally ignorant. Either way is very dangerous. And just as I am asking the Captain for a proper term I look out and there is a boat aground on a reef right here at Montague Harbor. Amazing!
Our next stop was Maple Bay Yacht Club. This is a wonderful facility with great people. We are able to use our yacht club reciprocity and spend a couple nights there for a very minimal charge. Friends, Rob and Shannon, who we met in Mexico, live in the area and joined us for dinner the first night. We had a great time! The next morning Rob took us to a couple proper stores where I was able to do some more extensive provisioning. Thanks, Rob!
offers some of the best protection from most winds in the entire Southern Gulf Islands. And that is why we are here. The winds are piping out of the SE in the straits and channels and we are sitting safe and sound at anchor. The island has some great walking paths that we usually enjoy. On the westerly side there is Sunset Beach that we walk to. And, yes, it is named Sunset Beach for a great reason, as you can usually enjoy beautiful sunsets. There is an anchorage on that side of the island, which is fine for the winds we are having and there are many boats over there, too. We met Clooney last night. He looks like someone who ought to be famous. Right? 
Spring Island, this morning. Our slip was not available so we had to stand off waiting. I call this picture “The Geometry of Waiting”. Notice our red track of round and about. Ganges is my favorite spot and I would feel cheated if we didn’t go there at least once every summer. We are planning to cross Georgia Strait when the winds die down, in a couple days, and rendezvous with friends in the Vancouver, BC area. It should be a great time. Just wait ’till I tell you about it and other Places We Go!
I never got to tell you about some of our late June and early July time. We were still positioning ourselves to make health appointments and tests. In spite of all that we found friends along the way. We are very blessed! Spending time with our friends sweetened the fact that we were staying pretty local for the summer. We rendezvoused with sailboat friends on KIND OF BLUE in the San Juan Islands at Reid Harbor on Stuart Island. Had a great two day visit, we walked on the island, and caught up on what we all had been doing. We met Jim and Judy one winter, several years ago in Gig Harbor, then we saw them in a couple places in Mexico and now back in the PNW. Great time! 
Well, when great boater friends are going to be there, you can do it again! It was more fun this time as we had friends with which to enjoy it all. Roche Harbor is an absolute destination on the 4th of July. Hundreds of boats come in and it is pretty much a total zoo. The marina med moors the boats and just about doubles, maybe triples how many boats can be tied up. (Med Moor is when the boater drops an anchor forward, then backs into the dock, and stern ties to the dock. All the boats are fendered and tied to each other alongside.) The picture doesn’t really begin to show you the full picture as you can’t see further out to the left in the harbor. We are WAY out there and we were totally surrounded by other boats. It is pretty intriguing watching all the methods of anchoring and the antics of all the other boaters. Makes for great entertainment, unless they get too close to us. Roche Harbor often offers up wonderful sunsets. This one was particularly spectacular. 
the British flag, and the American flag. Each retirement is accompanied musically by the national anthem of that country. It is a very moving experience, especially when you realize all nations are represented, by visiting boaters and tourists, at the ceremony. Once all the flags have been retired, the young Roche Harbor crew that performs the ceremony all jump into the water! That was not my favorite part! I know how cold that water is. And I am a bit wary of folks in cold water lately. However, there were a lot of folks there to give them a hand out. On the 4th, afterwards, there were smaller children jumping in, too. I wondered where their mothers were. 
While in Poulsbo we got a phone call from a lady friend, Jasmine, who lives in San Diego. She found herself free and we said, why not come see us! And she did – two days later! So, we got underway to Bell Harbor in Seattle to pick up Jasmine. It was our first time to tie up in downtown Seattle. Oh, wow, is that a great spot!! Jasmine caught an airporter into the city and was at the dock shortly after our arrival. Perfect timing! We did that day and half the next day in Seattle. I had the time of my life. For the first time I got to shop at Pikes Market, buying wonderful fresh fruits, flowers, and seafood. It was a luscious time. I didn’t spend much time “At Home – in Seattle” – there was just too much to do ashore!
