Sunday, July 31, 2011

Day 81 - Roche Harbor, San Juan Island WA - Saturday, July 30, 2011

It is the second day of our gathering with the boaters who will travel together to Desolation Sound.    For some it is a lazy day, a day to explore the area, a day to peruse the shops (and find the ice cream store), a day to visit with friends -- but for some it is a day to fine tune things.


I think Jeff wants his solar panel a bit away from his storage box.


















Lincoln takes Grandpa Tym for a ride in the kayak.








Nita and Lisa enjoy their kayak rides, also.






Herb and I decide it is a good time to stroll with Jake to see the sculpture garden on the hill.


Along the way we see that Capt. Mac has arrived.  
















Max of Allotrope joins us for the walk and points out that some of the sculptures are no longer here; perhaps have been sold.














My favorite is the gyroscope.




















Birds in the foreground, and the replica of a ship in the background.






I am not sure of the medium, but it appears to be tar forming a relief map of San Juan Island.


We look from west to east, with Roche Harbor at the left.










We see activities preparing for a wedding at Our Lady of Good Voyage Chapel on the hill.


The outside of the chapel is being decorated with fresh greenery garland.








The reception will be in the tent we see below as we continue our walk back to the marina.






Max and Herb walk ahead to check out the wedding cake.


















Find Willie's Tug.  Docked bow in, starboard tie, near the left side of the photo.  Dinghy is in the water.


























The marina is quite busy today.














We meet Barb and Don of Barbara Ann.
















And now we see that Linda is with Capt. Mac.
















Max's boat has a gray stripe.  Traveling with him are his parents, Jan and Doug.






The Ranger folks caught 51 crabs at Jeff's cabin on Center Island and share with the group for our evening meal.  


Wedding guests are kind enough to donate a centerpiece for our table, and Lisa donates a Picton Bay Sauvignon Blanc to compliment it.  


She tells me Leroy imports it from New Zealand.


The Terrenal shown below currently comes from Spain.














We meet Gail and Patrick of Ganges, Salt Spring Island, BC.  Through a mis-communication, we missed seeing them when we visited the island last week.






They will be our guides for the Canadian portion of the trip.










Dinner is served.










Dinner looks wonderful!








Herb enjoys his share, and doesn't move far from the buffet table.








My blueberry cole slaw is consumed, as are many of the other sides that boaters prepared.






The Livingston crew and friends enjoy the feast.










Chiquita's tablecloth is, of course, yellow!


















Max found dessert.




Andrew tries not to spill anything on his new clothes.
















Gloria of Mvto Hokte has arrived.  


Her boat name means "Thank you, Girl" in Creek language.














After dinner, Lincoln instructs Herb on attaching his motor to the dinghy.


















Lotsa Ranger Tugs here, on both sides of the guest dock. 










Herb takes Jake and me in the dinghy closer to the shore by the marina office to see the Colors ceremony.


First we see the Color Guard in the center of the photo.




The Harbor flag comes down, as its music is played; the Washington State flag is next, then the Canadian and the British flags, leaving only the flag of the United States of America flying.












As each flag is lowered, the appropriate anthem is played.






Now "My Country Tiz of Thee."



Then the cannon sounds!  Loud!


A cacophony of boat horns can be heard, but the loudest sound Herb and I hear is our own laughter as Jake reacts to the loud noise.  Not sure what is going on or what is to come next, he makes himself really small, slithers under my seat in the dinghy and gets as close to Herb as he can.

Our brave guard dog.


Now back to our boats.............







Willie of Willie's Tug,
   and Walldog, Willie and Jake

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Day 80 - Roche Harbor, San Juan Island, WA - Friday, July 29, 2011

Today is the day we start on our Desolation Sound trip, gathering at Roche Harbor on San Juan Island.  As we near Guemes Island, we see many, many buoys identifying crab pots below.  Crabbing is good this year!






The Guemes Channel is busy as usual, and we are very alert as we navigate between boats.  As we get between Blakely and Lopez Islands, we begin to see the ferries and sometimes do not know which route on the charts they are taking, until they turn.




















We sometimes have to make quick changes in our course.  
















In some places we find confused waters, tide rips, and some chop.


Dedicated kayakers always fascinate me.  They don't seem to be afraid of the wakes.






When we are near Roche Harbor, Bob of Nellie Too, who is traveling along with us, radios that the two fast boats overtaking us on our port are a Cutwater in front, and Andrew from the factory following.


(Cutwater is a new model the factory is now making at their plant in Monroe WA.)






On board with Andrew are his better half, Carline, and Kenny from the factory.




As we settle in for the evening, Herb shows Andrew his workmanship on installing the new battery charger and Andrew gives his  approval.


I think Summer is here, as it is warm enough for me to change into short sleeves.  Yea! Yea!








We have been awaiting the arrival of Chiquita, and see her coming in with Leroy at the helm, and Lisa ready to expertly throw the bow line.






Many of us congregate on the dock by Nellie Too for snacks and get to meet new and longtime friends.


Shown are Nelle and Steve of Our Idea; Nita of Nellie Too; Herb of Willie's Tug; Buzz of Carpe Diem; and Dennis and Darlene of Tug of my Heart.










Ted is making a joke with his wife Donna, both of Papageno.  Jim  of Carpe Diem and Bob of Nellie Too look on.


Willie of Willie's Tug,
   and Walldog, Willie and Jake