Day 61 - Anacortes WA - Saturday, August 28, 2010

They're back!   Mary and Dennis bring the R 21 back from a relaxing week in the San Juan Islands, and we race to the top of Cap Sante Viewpoint to see them enter the harbor.  

We are happy to see them again, and watch the lift process of getting the Tug back on land.  

Dennis makes sure everything is OK

We invite them to come to the RV park to rinse the motor for its time of rest; then they are off for the trip to California and eagerly looking forward to returning to work! 

In the evening we visit with Fran and J. O., who have returned from a few days' get-away, and tell us they will be leaving next week for the Grand Tetons.  We suggest the breakfast cruise with Captain Jim at Colter Bay, and hope they can connect.

Willie of Walldog, Willie and Jake

Day 60 Also - Bellingham WA - Friday, August 27, 2010

It is a very busy day, actually beginning with our stopping on the trail this morning to watch a large yacht being hauled on a motorized trailer from the storage lot.  We don't know where it is going, or why, but it takes up the whole road.

We have a short visit with friends as we head back on the trail and are amused at the activity of the dogs -- pretty much ignoring each other after a quick "hello."  Gary's Ginger heads for Herb and Jake heads for Gary!

After shopping in Bellingham in the afternoon, we take the scenic route home and drive along the coast of Samish Bay.  We find quaint small towns with lots of restaurants where we would like to come back for lunch on another day.


The drive just lends itself to photography, and Herb can't resist taking a few shots.

View of Samish Bay from Chuckanut Drive

Jake and Willie among trees along Chuckanut Drive South of Bellingham WA

View from Chuckanut Drive

Sun on the water
From Chuckanut Drive

Willie of Walldog, Willie and Jake

Day 60 - Anacortes WA - Friday, August 27, 2010

Cade Candies

And Herb said.......................


This is an awesome day with a tour of this big, big boat.  I got help from Herb, Walldog, who did the photograph and wrote his blog..............


http://walldogsjourneys.blogspot.com/2010/08/mv-cade-candies-tour-august-27-2010.html


Willie of Walldog, Willie and Jake

Day 59 - Anacortes WA - Thursday, August 26, 2010

The season is changing.  It is the windy season.  Or the cool and windy season.  Maybe the cold and windy season.  

No, actually, it is quite 'nice and cool,' and there are some strong breezes and a gust or two that toppled empty lawn chairs in the afternoon.  Yes, I am told by some who live here year round that it is beginning to change, and we are enjoying the brisk weather -- still in the 50s and 60s.  No rain!

The campfire will keep us warm.

John checks the charcoal to see if it is ready to go into the grill, as Wes prepares to grill white salmon.

The bumbleberry pie is a great finish to the meal.

After dinner Jake gets his treats when we return to the motor home.  Herb gives him a refresher course in being polite.

Jake is good at playing 'Where's the Cookie?'

Willie of Walldog, Willie and Jake

Day 58 - Anacortes WA - Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Today I am anxious to make the crab soup with the new recipe, and will share with friends this evening.  The shelling takes a while, but anticipation is running high.

Chris is the featured cook today with his famous bratwurst, and everyone else contributes side dishes.  




He and Jan are good at posing, and we learn that they are models for billboards advertising.


A copy of one of the ads they have done, for the museum Fort Menendez, is pictured here.

Jan and Chris

Willie of Walldog, Willie and Jake

Day 57 - Anacortes WA - Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Jake meets a new friend on Thompson Trail this morning.  They look like twins and both would like to be let off leash to run and play.

Herb and I have lunch at one of our favorite restaurants.






Where does the time go?  Soon it is time for Happy Hour and a great crab dinner.  We are joined by friends of friends.

Bee Swatter

Willie of Walldog, Willie and Jake

Day 56 - Anacortes WA - Monday, August 23, 2010

Friends are starting to leave Fidalgo Bay, heading out for the rest of their vacation.  Tony and Lorraine (from left) say "Goodbye" this morning to Chris, Sharon and Fred.






Others are still here, and gather at Colleen and Wes' site for Happy Hour.

Lee, Candy, Wes, Herb, Colleen and Jan

Topic of conversation is the great job Candy does on her blog.

Candy

Herb has a nice visit from a fellow Ranger Tug owner, Cary, who has a 25, the Auklet.  He tells us he does a lot of boating in the winter when there are fewer boats in the water.  Today he is on his bike, as he does not have far to come.  He tells us he lives above us in Anacortes on the mountain to the west.

Willie of Walldog, Willie and Jake

Day 55 - Anacortes WA - Sunday, August 22, 2010

We are up early to see Dennis and Mary off to the San Juan Islands, and seeing their 21 EC Ranger Tug makes me 'homesick' for my "Willie's Tug."

I see my first sling launch, and try to capture the whole operation.  

"A picture (or ten) is worth a thousand words."

Later in the day Dennis sends us a picture of Mary as they cruise.

In the afternoon Jake gets a visit from a staff member of Fidalgo Bay RV Resort to bring him the medal he would have won at the Pet Show held yesterday.  Jake did not see his invitation, so he missed the hilarity.  If you look closely, you will see the medal around his neck, just to the right of his dog door chip.

He is so proud of himself for his accomplishments............

Christ Episcopal Church, Anacortes WA
Built in 1891

Willie of Walldog, Willie and Jake

Days 53 and 54 - Anacortes WA - Friday and Saturday, August 20 and 21, 2010

As Herb is reading the TugNuts eMail list, he sees a post from Dennis of Sacramento saying he has a 21 EC Ranger Tug for sale, is heading for Anacortes and then touring the San Juan Islands for a week.  


Herb gets in touch with him, and by Saturday afternoon we are delighted to get a phone call that they have arrived at Cap Sante Harbor.  


After we get a good look at the boat, Dennis and Mary join us back at the motor home for some of Herb's great cooking -- salmon with his special seasoning.

What a fun day!!

Willie of Walldog, Willie and Jake

Day 51 - Anacortes WA - Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Cool mornings, turning leaves, and beautiful flowers...............

el Gato Negro

Willie of Walldog, Willie and Jake

Day 50 - Anacortes WA - Tuesday, August 17, 2010

The highlight of our day is seeing Nita and Bob Ostlund of "Nelly Too" and Sunny and Fernie Martinez of "Blessings" come into Cap Sante Harbor for topping off their fuel before heading toward Canadian waters on the Points North trip.  Several Ranger Tugs are going to Desolation Sound for a get together, and we hope to track them with One Spot to check their progress.  

Herb and I check out the memorial area by the fuel station while waiting for the two 29 Ranger Tugs to arrive.  We see a monument dedicated to those who died at sea while pursuing their livelihood.  The 'Lady of the Sea' sculpture is dedicated to those who work and play in the sea, and those who wait for them.  

As our friends approach the dock, Herb prepares to help them tie up for fueling.    The guys start the chores and we ladies head for the grocery to pick up supplies.  

While our husbands are waiting at the dock, Nita, Sunny and I lose all track of time while in The Market exploring the store, then perusing and discussing the awesome wines section -- actually purchasing a few bottles.  Where is my camera?


During this short visit, the back of Nita's tee shirt catches my eye......... and I bet that was a fun trip!

Willie of Walldog, Willie and Jake