Reasons - 9/28/2012

It was a dark and stormy night -- no, I think that was in Texas.

It was foggy, dreary, and cold -- that could happen in Texas, also.

However, the handwriting is on the wall, or the trees, and our sense is that we should go.

The tree which was green and now a beautiful red, is shown with our favorite hardware store sign in the background on the left, and the overhead gateway to lovely downtown Anacortes just to the right of the tree.

As we finish last minute chores and errands we see -- what pumpkins and firewood?   Fall, Halloween, harvest, cold weather?

Reason to go.

At 5p en punto Herb and I are engrossed in reading our books, Jake is asleep in the cockpit, and we hear this very LOUD boom.  I am reading Northern Lights, which tells of a fatal shooting, and I think I am shot!  Herb looks up with a look of horror on his face and says, "What the heck was that?"

It is only when Jake comes bounding into the cabin (yes it is warm and the door is open), that we realize it is Friday afternoon and time for the five o'clock Town Cryer to shoot the cannon at the main dock of the marina to begin the evening's musical entertainment.  We pet our little trembling boy and reassure him that all is OK.

Yes, time to go!

Willie of Willie's Tug,
   and of Walldog, Willie and Jake
   Friday, September 28, 2012

Fidalgo Bay RV Resort - 9/27/2012

Just down the highway from Cap Sante at Fidalgo Bay RV Resort, we say one last "See you later" to Jim and Joan before they begin their road trip south.

Little Izzy, the cat, stays inside and never peeks out the window, possibly because that big ole dog Jake is tethered to the picnic table, and "How dare he come into my presence!"

Big Red is poised to begin the tow, with Wild Blue following.

It is a good thing Big Red has a powerful engine, as the bed of the truck is full, and could not hold even an extra toothbrush.  All the comforts of home, er uh, boat!

A Full Pickup

Safe travels!

Willie of Willie's Tug,

   and of Walldog, Willie and Jake

   Thursday, September 27, 2012

Capt. Jim and the Blonde are Out of Town - 9/26/2012

Capt. Jim and the Blonde are out of town.  Yes, out of Friday Harbor, where they have lived all Summer while working with Safari Whale Watching.  They are now in Anacortes, having brought Wild Blue, the C-Dory, and Big Red, the boat hauler, across on a Washington State Ferry, to prepare for the road trip back to Port Isabel TX.

Wild Blue

We invite them over for Happy Hour at 5P; however, they are a bit late.  We see why ....

Meeting Sam

They are approached by a young man who asks if they are Jim and Joan from the C-Brats (forum).  They are surprised, but then delighted as they learn he is Sam ....

As we were walking to the boat, a young man passed us, said, "Hello," and then asked, "Are you Jim and Joan from the C-Brats?"  We got the opportunity to meet Sam - I have been following Sam's travels as he took his C-Dory 22 from the Puget Sound area up to Alaska.  Sometimes with others onboard, often on his own.  He had just graduated from college and planned this adventure.  I have a lot of admiration for that young man; it was a treat to get to meet him face-to-face (we had corresponded through the forum).

(copied from "Capt. Jim" of  today's date.)

We are glad they had a chance to meet Sam.

Tonight we sit inside Willie's Tug, as the temperature is a bit cool for the ladies, and hear all about Jim and Joan's day.

Then dinner at our favorite pizza restaurant, Village Pizza.  It is a fun evening!

Among the Ivy Hanging Baskets

Willie of Willie's Tug,

   and of Walldog, Willie and Jake

   Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Everybody is Out of Town - 9/25/2012

Everybody is out of town, or getting ready to go.  Summer boating season is over, or waning, and those who don't live here will be leaving soon.

Melle Lee and Charlie come by to invite us to join them at dinner tonight.  We had met them on the dock of Cap Sante early in the season and all through the Summer we found them here and there.

They live in Idaho, apparently in a region with a great growing season, as evidenced by the sweet, delicious home grown tomatoes she has given me.

We enjoy a farewell dinner and look forward to seeing them next Summer.

Willie of Willie's Tug, 
   and of Walldog, Willie and Jake
   Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Small World - 9/24/2012

Earlier in the Summer Anne of Cascadia invited Herb and me to join her at lunch at the Anacortes Senior Activity Center -- not that we qualify for '55 and Over!'

We found it to be a delightful place, copious quantities of wonderful food, and very friendly people.  We went several times over the course of a few weeks, and kept seeing a man whose face reminded us of a friend we knew when we lived in Longview TX.  

Mel and Dotty

Willie and Herb

However, he never seemed to recognize us.  

(Have we changed that much!!!) 

 Too much of a coincidence, it couldn't be him!   However, one day Herb could stand it no longer, approached him, and learned that he is indeed Mel Kangas of Anacortes, formerly of Longview TX.  We are delighted to see him and his wife Dotty again, and spend much time catching up on our lives since we all left Longview.

As members of the Summit Club, we always made a point to go especially on Thursdays for half priced drinks and free hors 'doeuvres -- or was it half priced hors 'doeuvres and free drinks?  We would always see Mel there, as he stopped in for quick refreshments on his way home from work.  

He was always ready with a story or funny joke you could tell at church, and we looked forward to seeing him each week before he hurried home to Dotty's delicious dinner.

Summit Club - 10th Floor of Bank

In Anacortes now, we learn he has a connection to the Alliance, which we see often see docked in Cap Sante Boat Haven Marina.  We ask him to tell us more ....

This from Mel:

The "Alliance", which plies the waters of the Northwest is a 135' yacht, owned by PACCAR (of Kenworth and Peterbilt heavy-duty truck fame).  During 1976 - 1984, I served as General Sales Manager of PACCAR's Dart Divison (heavy-duty mining trucks, etc).  This included some 6 summers of entertaining, with my wife Dotty at times, many mining customers from the U.S. and Canada aboard the 95' "Gryphon", the predecessor of the "Alliance", on the waters near Alaska, Mexico, and Northwest U.S.

  PACCAR sold us in 1984 and I went with R.G. Le Tourneau as V.P. - Sales in Longview, TX, resulting in the meeting with Herb and Willie Stark at the "Summit Club" in Longview.   After 21 years in Longview, Dotty and I moved to Anacortes, WA in 2005 to be near our son, Steve, and his family, who live in Seattle.  This resulted in several meetings again with Herb and Willie in Anacortes. Small world! Much fun!  Happy travels!  Mel Kangas

We treasure this reunion.

Willie of Willie's Tug,
   and of Walldog, Willie and Jake
   Monday, September 24, 2012

Oyster Run - 9/23/2012

Today we hear a familiar sound, and after a while we realize what it is -- motorcycles!  Lots of motorcycles!  Hours and hours of riding!   Yes, we used to ride a BMW to rally after rally, and Herb spent countless hours 'telling tires and kicking lies.'  

Apparently, we weren't here last year during the Oyster Run, because we don't have a clue about what is going on.  We soon find out.  Getting anywhere in downtown Anacortes by car today is slow and tough.  

We can see from Cap Sante Marina the side streets by the Dog Park are filling up, and also the area where the Saturday Market is.

There are many, many Harleys, but we see one lone BMW.


Some streets are blocked off, and others have a Harley rider in safety vest directing traffic.  Very orderly.  

Food vendors and portable BBQ pits make sure no one goes hungry!

The event brings many locals out to view the spectacle, and we enjoy seeing people playing at their relaxing and refreshing hobby.

We are told the Oyster Run is the Pacific Northwest's answer to Sturgis!

Willie of Willie's Tug,
   and of Walldog, Willie and Jake
   Sunday, September 23, 2012

The Almost Last Visit - 9/21/2012

At day's end we join Randy of Adventurer at the home of Bob and Nita of Nellie Too for an almost end of our vacation visit.

At their home we can always see some of the world's cutest children playing on the sidewalk between their homes.  One little girl is proud to tell us she had just learned to ride her bike, and gives a demo.

But the real highlight of the evening is sharing stories, enjoying friendship, and of course, indulging ourselves in the cuisine prepared by our hosts.

Bob is in charge of the roasted corn, while Nita makes BBQ'd ribs.  Yum! 

Willie of Willie's Tug,
   and of Walldog, Willie and Jake
   Friday, September 21, 2012

Got Fog? - 9/20/2012

We wake to a different sunrise, with the red ball of fire seen already rising high into the sky through a streak of clouds.

Will it be sunny today for the trip back to Anacortes?

Leaving at 8:50A we are in sunshine, but see fog all around us in the distance.  It is thick toward Sidney Channel and against Sidney Spit.

The Coast Guard directs listeners to switch from 16 to 22 Alpha for a low visibility report, and we hear there is fog in the San Juan Islands, Puget Sound, and Guemes Channel.  Yep, it is everywhere.

The sun is filtering through a thin layer over us, and as we go by Sidney Spit, we look for Pat and Patty's crab pots -- but no luck.  Guess they haven't been returned yet.

Our course takes us inside Forrest Island, where we see a marker on a beautifully carved rock, and in the distance we see through the fog the ghost of a ship crossing our path to port.  We will safely go astern.

She is Lorraine, 600 ft long by 100 ft wide, and cruising at 20 knots.





"Is the fog lifting?" we ask, as we pass the yellow buoy near Gooch Island, and a favorite haven for the birds.

We can see well enough to cross the shipping lanes in Haro Strait, and to see the kayaks on our port.  There are five and they go astern.

The fog seems to be still in the distance, but visibility OK where we are, which is now in Spieden Channel, north of San Juan Island.

Atlas, who lives at Cap Sante Boat Haven, comes close enough to give us a nice view, and we watch for and stay out of the way of many ferries.  We hear the Yakima call Traffic to dock at Ship Harbor in Anacortes.  

Atlas

We go through Wasp Passage and Harney Channel and head toward Thatcher Pass.  Water is flat.  

The fog lifts a bit near the south end of Blakely Island, and we see the  ferry Hyak coming out of the Pass; Yakima has gone in, and with Hyak out, it will not be too crowded in the Pass.

With fog a bit heavier now, Herb calls Traffic to cross the shipping lanes of Rosario Strait and is told the only vessel is Pacific Mariner II, southbound, and he finds her on AIS.  We will come within .8 mile of her at our intersecting paths.  Visibility is now 800 ft.

Mt. Baker in the Fog

Safely across, we see the fog lift.  It is totally clear in Guemes Channel.   As we pass Bellingham Channel, we see thick, thick fog to the north, but we are 'home free.'

Ah, the Water!

Willie of Willie's Tug,
   and of Walldog, Willie and Jake
   Thursday, September 20, 2012

Enjoying Sidney and a Taste of Home - 9/19/2012

Port Sidney Marina

On our early morning walk with Jake, we get to enjoy the many sculptures in the garden of The Sidney Pier Hotel & Spa, and are amused at the fresh flowers someone has put into the hands of the fisherman, who is busy baiting his hook.

Perhaps they came from the pile of discarded flowers and will delight the guests one more time.

In the upper left above, you will see the whimsical Bottle Tree, also pictured below.

Sidney is full of happy people.










In the lobby of the hotel, we greet Dave, the hotel mascot, whose bed and water dish are at the right of the photo.  We met him last year, and are so glad to see he is still around.

His vest says, "Please do not feed me.  I am on a special diet."  (There needs to be a guard at the buffet tables in the hall when a seminar is in progress in a meeting room.)   Dave doesn't move very fast, but his nose is table height.

Later, we stroll down Beacon Avenue in search of a restaurant for lunch.  The Mexican sign catches our eye and we can't remember when we last had Mexican food.  We go in.

Everything on the menu looks good, but today I can't pass up the chicken quesadillas.  Muy queso y muy pollo!  Herb has camarones picantes.  From the looks of his empty dishes, he must think it is muy bien!

Carlos Cantina

Herb first gets a Corona and his thumb indicates approval, as well as the European way of ordering.

Una Cerveza Por Favor

Victor, the owner, visits with us and takes another photo.

Herb y Willie

Several guests come in, one couple at a time, and Herb and I enjoy eavesdropping on their conversations.  Victor asks them if this is a special occasion today, and one lady tells him she is celebrating the fact that she woke up this morning on top of the grass, not below.   The laughter from the group is contagious.  

We learn they are from Vancouver and Alberta, and have traveled to Aransas Pass, Texas, and Arizona for their winters.  We invite them to South Padre Island this year.

They are agreeable to having a photo, and Victor hurries to put on his hat!  I tell them we have decided this is our favorite restaurant in Sidney -- the food is good, and it gives us a chance to practice our Espanol.  

Victor shares that he is from Argentina, found his way here, saw a restaurant for sale and bought it!  He named it Carlos Cantina, in honor of his son.  We will return to this pleasant place. 

The afternoon exercise finds a new animal for me.  I don't think I have ever seen a weasel before today.  The link shows a drawing; my photo shows him hiding in the rocks of the breakwater.

Cute Weasel

Jake meets new friends.  One of them is a Golden Retriever.

Which Twin is Jake?

The last stop is the Fish Market on the breakwater, which was not open last Summer, but we are in luck today.  Smelly, yes, but lots of good fish is available to buy.  We choose the salmon for tonight's dinner. Back in the boat,  Herb works his magic with the salmon steaks and I prepare the sides.  Yum!

Dungeness!

I think the rockfish are looking at me.

Willie of Willie's Tug,
   and of Walldog, Willie and Jake
   Wednesday, September 19, 2012