I couldn’t even begin to guess how many times I’ve passed by on my way to other destinations, somehow reasoning that good anchorages can’t be so close to home. The truth is, though, that an often overlooked little gem lies just a stones throw from Anacortes.
Saddlebag Island is a Washington State Marine Park, adjacent to the east end of the Guemes Channel near Anacortes. With an open schedule and a decent weather forecast, I decided to take advantage of the opportunity for an overnight trip close by.
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It’s October, and we’ve officially entered what is unofficially the “off season”. Given a few days of beautiful weather with nothing on the calendar, I decided to get away – even if only for an overnighter.
I keep Jolly Mon pretty well-stocked and ready to go throughout the year, so preparation for a quick trip is minimal if the opportunity arises. I grabbed a change of clothes, a few groceries and was under way with little delay. I didn’t have a destination set, but had a few in mind close to home.
I settled on James Island, someplace I hadn’t been for several years, but I’m very familiar with, having spent many family boating weekends there as a kid.
Check out the video below for my autumn visit to James Island.
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Mary LaFleur of Anacortes has enjoyed boating in the Northwest since she was young and looks back at some great memories of time spent on the water with her friends and family. But she understood that, it was because of the sacrifices of others she was able to enjoy her favorite pastime.
“It occurred to me,” she said, “while I was out there having a good time, someone somewhere on the other side of the world was standing guard.” LaFleur was referring to the men and women serving in the armed forces, and she was looking for an opportunity to express her appreciation.
Beginning in April of this year, she began contacting friends and associates, and in the span of four months organized the inaugural “Operation: Orca-Dungie” on July 20-21 in Anacortes.
Over the two days, a group of military veterans from the Northwest traveled to Anacortes where they were treated to a whale watching tour aboard the Mystic Sea on the first day, where they saw Orcas, Humpbacks, and a very rare sighting of a fin whale – a whale not seen in Puget sound for over five decades. Day two was spent crabbing and sightseeing aboard boats hosted by local boaters, and finished off with a huge crab feed.
“The Anacortes crab feed was one of the best experiences I’ve had as a vet!” one veteran said. “The Anacortes community really went all out for us.”
LaFleur thanks the many supporters who donated their time and resources in to making the event happen.
To help out, or for more information, contact operationorcadungie@gmail.com .
Check out a short video of “Operation: Orca-Dungie”
This was my twelfth rendezvous, and while each event is a little different, they’re all about getting together with boating friends, making new ones, and enjoying some time on the water.
Rather than try to describe it all, I’ll let a short video I put together tell the story!
With the recent summer-like spring weather, I was thrilled to finally have an opportunity to get away from the dock for a few days. Between work obligations and boat projects, I simply haven’t had the time to get out when the weather has cooperated. Unlike years in the past, when I’ve done a considerable amount of winter cruising, this time around I haven’t been out since September.
I recently completed installation of new electronics, including a Raymarine C97 chart plotter, Raymarine Quantum Radar, and Si-Tex Class B AIS Transceiver. The radar sits atop a PYI Seaview radar mount on the hardtop. In addition, I had the boat in the yard for bottom paint, a new thru-hull transducer, and a buff and wax of the hull.
With projects done, new toys to play with and learn how to operate, and a few days off, I grasped the opportunity and left Anacortes with a late afternoon start Sunday. I had a wonderful run to Fossil Bay on Sucia, arriving just before sunset.
There were several boats in the bay, but plenty of room at the dock and several vacant buoys. I chose a buoy and enjoyed the quiet night. Continue reading “Early May Getaway (VIDEO)”
