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Boating in the San Juan Islands | Eagle Harbor, Cypress Island

It seems it has been yet another long, wet, and windy winter, and with the appropriate dose of frustration I admit that I haven’t had my boat out of the slip since October.  I generally manage to get away a few times during the winter, but this year I blame the unfavorable weather which aligned with my available time.

This past weekend, though, I was thrilled when the forecast meshed with my calendar, and I was able to shove off – even if just for an overnighter.

Eagle Harbor on Cypress Island is an easy getaway, only about nine miles from my slip in Anacortes.  I’ve always believed that you need not go far to get away, and this quick trip was a reminder that you don’t have be gone very long either to enjoy an opportunity to escape for a bit.

Located in the Cypress Island Natural Resources Conservation Area, Eagle Harbor is a quiet harbor nestled into the eastern shore of Cypress Island.  For more information check out the Department of Natural Resources Cypress Island Natural Resources Conservation Area page.

I hope you enjoy my latest video from my recent visit.  Thanks for watching!

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Early May Getaway (VIDEO)

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.img_2224

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)”

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January Cruise – Eagle Harbor, Friday Harbor

January 18-20

Boating was penciled into the calendar for this weekend well in advance, hoping for some decent winter weather for a chance to get away and enjoy winter’s quiet time in the islands for the Martin Luther King Jr. long weekend. For once, luck and Mother Nature were on our side and plans were made to go!

I decided – pretty much last minute – to leave a day early on Friday, with Jon, Lori, and Thomas on Briar Patch, heading out the next morning. I ran through the grocery store, throwing some things in my cart, and got to the marina where I quickly loaded the boat and prepared to get under way. I made a quick run to Eagle Harbor, cozy with my newly installed cabin heat drawing off the starboard engine. I arrived and tied to a buoy just before dark. I shared the bay with one other boat, who’s crew was probably surprised to have company. As the darkness fell, the cabin was filled with good music playing and the pleasing smells of dinner in the oven. I watched a movie and called it a night.

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Continue reading “January Cruise – Eagle Harbor, Friday Harbor”