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.

 

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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.

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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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Early Summer Cruise – San Juan and Gulf Islands

"The ocean has always been a salve to my soul…the best thing for a cut or abrasion was to go swimming in salt water. Later down the road of life, I made the discovery that salt water was also good for the mental abrasions one inevitably acquires on land."


– Jimmy Buffett



 
Note:  I've gotten a little behind on posting my log entries… catching up!
 
Tuesday, June 22

Cap Sante to Reid Harbor (Stuart Island)

Distance 29 nm 

Moorage: State Park Float  

Nice afternoon run to meet up with “Ghost”, “Teaghlach”, “Dem Bones”, and “Richie Buoy” on the State Park float at Reid Harbor. 

From Summer cruising 2010

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New Tender

At this year’s Seattle Boat Show I purchased a new inflatable to replace Jolly Mon’s aging Livingston dinghy. While the Livingston is pretty much indestructible, the new rigid bottom inflatable should be safer, perform better, be faster, and allow for more fun exploring anchorages.

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Seattle and back…

 

Thursday, May 13 – Cap Sante to Everett     

 Running time: 4 hours     

 Distance: 44.6 nm     

 Moorage:  Free (Navy YC Recip)     

Ran from Cap Sante (home slip) to Port of Everett via Swinomish Channel.  It was a great run- my timing was good, providing a following current through LaConner.  Stayed at the Port of Everett guest dock using reciprocal moorage.     

A Very Un-Crowded Port of Everett Guest DockSunset at Everett

 

Everett Sunset

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