San Juan Islands – Page 6

July 5, 2011July 7, 2011

4th of July Weekend Cruise

Saturday, July 2 – Monday, July 4

Total Distance: 48.8 nautical miles
Engine Hours: 6:15

Departed Cap Sante Saturday morning for a nice run to Hunter Bay, where I dropped anchor and met up with my cousin Geri and her husband, Butch. Hunter Bay is the site of many Olson family 4th of July gatherings- something we need to bring back!

We were enjoying happy hour conversation on the back of Butch & Geri's Sea Ray, "Scarlet", when someone noticed my boat was not in the place I left it…. Jolly Mon drug anchor and was going sightseeing. I hopped in the dinghy and sped over just as another boater was getting read to board her and try to reset the hook. I thanked him profusely as I got on board…

When I arrived earlier in the day, there wasn't a breath of wind in the bay, so I just stopped, dropped the anchor and appropriate scope and backed down, setting the hook. Several hours later, some wind picked up- 180 degrees off of my anchor set… As the boat turned and the rode came tight, the anchor (an old Danforth) came loose and failed to reset itself.

I set anchor again, but this time using my 22 pound Delta anchor with 6:1 scope and sent down a 20 pound kellet. This time I wasn't moving.

The wind died down later in the evening, and I enjoyed a good night's sleep. In the morning I pulled anchor and motored to Deer Harbor. There I rafted to "Scruples III", Larry & Jan's 53' Tollycraft anchored in the harbor. "Briar Patch" and "Wind Walker" were tied to the dock / party central. "Puget Sound Thunder" slipped in and joined the flotilla. That evening we all invaded Larry & Jan's flybridge for dinner. My friend and co-worker Qben and his two boys, Landon and Grant joined us. They were on their way home after a nine-day cruise in the Gulf Islands.

As evening fell, guitars came out, popcorn popped. After dark we settled on the bow of "Scruples" for the fireworks display.

Monday morning, I left Deer Harbor. I was planning to head somewhere else- destination unknown, but some battery charging issues helped me decide to just head home. Seems my starting battery is shot and needs to be replaced. It's had a good life.

Got back in the slip and the boat cleaned up. Later on "Briar Patch" and "Wind Walker" returned and little 4th of July dock party ensued. Just before the fireworks began, friends Dave & Hope walked down to the boat and I treated them to a cocktail. We watched the fireworks from the dock.

Another great trip in the logbook. For now Jolly Mon is getting cleaned up and put away for a while as I prepare for my next adventure…

July 5, 2011July 5, 2011

Tollycraft Rendezvous

Tuesday, June 21 – Sunday, June 26

Total distance: 60.1 nautical miles
Engine hours: 6

Absolutely beautiful run from Cap Sante to Reid Harbor- a great way to begin a trip. Met up with "Ghost" and "Teaghlach" anchored in the harbor for a great

Awoke in the morning to bright, sunny skies and calm winds. Ran the dinghy to shore for a couple reasons. First, I needed to walk to the store to get myself a new Stuart Island t-shirt. I usually get one each year. The other reason was to visit the beach and send off an old friend.

In May, I said goodbye to my sidekick for the past nearly 13 years- my black Lab, Jenny. The beach at Rid Harbor was a place we spent a lot of time, so I felt it a fitting spot for one of her resting places.. In a quiet "ceremony" I scattered some of her ashes next to a wet and slimy stick that I'm certain she would have dropped at my feet to throw for her to fetch, had she been there.
If you find yourself walking the beach at Reid Harbor, toss a stick for the old dog!

We pulled out of Reid Harbor just as the breeze picked up, and made the short trip to Roche Harbor. Timing was good, because shortly after getting settled into our slips, the wind built and things got pretty lively. Salty boats entered the marina, and friends came of their boats to help their fellow boaters to the dock. Tales of bumpy crossings were shared, and a few cocktails were shared

I arrived a day early at Roche Harbor for the annual Tollycraft Rendezvous. As a past commodore of the Tollycraft Boating Club, with good friends on the current board, I wanted to be able to lend a hand getting things ready for the big event. As it turns out, the work was pretty much done, so the party was on. That evening, a gathering ensued aboard Jolly Mon. It was fun. There was a crowd on board. Apparently enough so the swim step was under water- evidenced by the eelgrass found on it in the morning.

I wasn't the only early bird, but the bulk of the boats arrived on Thursday. Smiling faces emerged from the well-loved vessels, shaking hands and exchanging stories about what's new since last time… This year's theme was "Redneck Yacht Club". Many of the boats were decorated, and long about happy hour, so were the people. For some of us, it seems to come quite naturally.

One of the events at the rendezvous that is a perennial favorite is the pet parade. Although most of the entries are of the canine variety, we've seen cats, crab, goldfish, and even giant parrots- oh and a green gorilla one year.. Jenny, the Silver-Tipped Labrador was featured in several pet parades, so I thought this would be another fitting resting place. She, along with Pandy (Crazy Mary's cat) the cat will be standing by for every pet parade- their ashes were sprinkled next to the dock.

The weather for the most part cooperated, and it was a fun, busy weekend full of nice old boats, good friends, great food, and a cocktail or two. The weekend always ends too quickly, and Sunday morning finds the dock full of tired, pouting people. Many are casting off for long journeys, while others, like me this year, are heading for home to return to the general population.

The run home was nice. Beautiful sunny weather and calm seas made for a nice end to a great weekend.

June 15, 2011June 18, 2011

Sucia – Memorial Day Weekend

May 27-30
Distance: 44.1 nm
Engine Hours: 6
Moorage: State Park linear tie. $10/ night.

Departed Cap Sante Friday evening after taking care of some chores at home- a few hours after Briar Patch, Enough Time, and Ghost. A nice run except a breeze out of the southwest left the windshield salty.

Arrived in Echo Bay to find the other boats tied to the linear tie, so I slipped in and joined the fleet. I've used the linear ties in the past, and have found them to be a nice alternative. With two boats stern to stern on each side of the tie, we ran a line across and cinched the parallel lines together, bringing the boats closer together- making stepping between boats possible. Amazingly, nobody went swimming during a crossing.

It was a wonderful weekend, with weather that couldn't be beat. We took some great hikes on the island, cruised in the dinghies, and shared some laughs. Marina neighbors, "Windwalker" and "Diver's Inn" were also in the bay, and joined the fun.

The run home Monday was very pleasant, cruising the entire way at displacement speed of around seven knots. On nice water, this is a very comfortable way to cruise- turn up the music, have some snacks, and enjoy the scenery that otherwise goes by quickly. The next fuel-up I'll have a better idea if slowing down is truly more efficient for my boat.

June 15, 2011June 18, 2011

Rosario Weekend Cruise

May 13-15, 2011

Distance: 58.8 nm
Engine Hours: 7:45
Moorage: Rosario Resort Marina $1.00/ft (winter rates)

Began planning this cruise weeks prior with "JaCarol", "Briar Patch", and "Enough Time", with much debate over the destination. After finally settling on Sucia, "Enough Time and "Jolly Mon" set out to secure a spot to be joined by the other two boats who would be leaving after the workday was complete.

We enjoyed a nice slow cruise to Sucia, arriving to find every dock and buoy in Fossil Bay occupied by a yacht club. We were really hoping for a place at the dock… With winds forecasted to blow that evening, we elected to commence to plan B, and motored toward Rosario, on Orcas Island.

With winds building, we put the boats on plane and ran to East Sound by way of Obstruction Pass. We entered East Sound, which was jagged with whitecaps and took the seas on the nose all the way to Rosario, which was fortunately somewhat protected from the winds. Preparing for docking- setting lines and fenders- was a challenge as the boat did pirouettes in the gusty wind.

Entering the marina was also a bit of a challenge, but the fleet all were safely tucked in by evening for a nice dinner on board Briar Patch.

It was a very enjoyable weekend at Rosario, which was quiet with only a few off-season visitors. It was fun to stroll the grounds and walk through the historic Moran mansion.

Saturday evening happy hour was aboard Jolly Mon, and dinner aboard JaCarol. The food and drink was good, and the company excellent.

Sunday morning we woke to drizzle and overcast skies. Conditions were calm, but forecasts called for winds to blow in the afternoon. Briar Patch and Jolly Mon pushed away from the dock and enjoyed a pleasant seven knot cruise home.

A great early season weekend trip.

April 26, 2011

Hunter Bay – First Trip of the Year

Friday, April 22

After what seems to have been a particularly damp and cool spring, we were blessed with a window of nice, spring weather for a few days! It was great to get the chance to get away from the dock for a couple days and go to one of my favorite destinations close by.

I have to admit, the boat looks somewhat neglected, and left the slip in dire need of a good wash. My need to get out on the water prevailed, so the dirty boat made way for lopez. I had a nice evening run to Hunter Bay, where I dropped anchor, fired up the barbecue and enjoyed a nice evening.

The next afternoon, I was joined by "Briar Patch" and we rafted together. It felt good to feel the warmth of the sun and the gentle rock of the boat… Oh, and the company of good boating friends is nice, too.

Sunday morning I woke bright and early to make my way home, to join family to celebrate Easter. The photo below was my "Easter Sunrise Service" as I opened the curtains and made my morning coffee. The water was like glass.

I untied from "Briar Patch" and motored toward Lopez Pass. I exited the pass and entered the fetch of Rosario Strait where a fresh southeast wind met an ebb, creating a good chop. I hadn't really prepared for it, as still as Hunter Bay was…

I altered my course a bit to give me the best ride, and made my way back to the marina. I had a little extra cleanup to do, as the photo below shows.

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