Windrose, aka "Rosey" has made it to the San Juans
In good company anchored at Jones Island
I wrote this post ten years ago. It is about a tsunami-damaged boat we rescued following the Fukushima Japan earthquake of 2011. Windrose was pummeled but not quite sunk as her slip was destroyed around her in
Crescent City, CA.
As I write this post, Rosey's journey back is finally almost complete.
Today will be another white knuckle trip up the interstate for six hours, and then Monday we will be slinging her into Swinomish Channel. After a day or so rigging we will be heading to Hood Canal to visit Camp Parsons Boy Scout Camp to pick up our son. Next week we expect to make it to San Juan Island with three bicycles on board so we can do a little bike riding. Right now I am preparing to download some tide forecasts and somehow appease the fog gods to lay off the Strait of Juan De Fuca. I'm still short a trusted GPS, the radar is not tested, and my brand new Humminbird was shipped off for repairs and won't be back in time. So we will be dependent on our eyes, good looks, and the antique spinning sounder that makes a whirring sound. I think we will be just fine, but don't count on us to make any appointments on time, which is what I would say if we were on a modern newer boat with all systems functioning.
More than a decade ago I installed an outboard bracket to carry the dinghy motor on the back of my 40-year-old Nordic Tug.
The transom-mounted bracket allows me to store the 5hp Honda and easily transfer it to and from the dinghy. Thinking way ahead, I mounted the bracket down low so that if I ever needed an emergency push or trolling kicker, I would lower the motor, connect the fuel line and away we'd go.
Well it finally happened.
Last month, the tug made a strange sound so I shut off the motor and began drifting. Because I had forgotten how the mechanism worked and fiddling with it while hanging over the transom was very uncomfortable, it took me a few minutes to get the prop in the water and the fuel line connected. After about ten pulls the motor came to life and we were ready to go.
Holding the cowling
Facing backward, I pointed it at what I guessed was straight ahead. I shoved the gearshift into forward and twisted the tiller to a medium-fast idle. At first, we didn't move but then it was apparent our nearly ten thousand pounds was actually making headway. Because I was hanging over the back and couldn't see where we were going, I yelled to Linda, asking if we were pointed okay or if I should try steering. Her answer was not helpful.
I made my way inside the cabin and determined we were indeed headed for a mud flat. I turned the wheel and observed an agonizing slow response. The gps showed we were making 4 mph but our smallish rudder is designed to have the force of the diesel engine pushing our 18" prop wash against it. The outboard is far over on one side and actually behind the rudder. Never the less we began turning away from the shallows.
So, the system worked. I can't say I am impressed with performance but it will beat using the canoe paddle that I keep on board. The two gallon fuel tank will be very limiting and I am aware that the outboard can't be lowered with the dinghy on its davits.
I know others have get-home plans and motors, I thought some might benefit from hearing my experience. Oh, and the tug, as always, it was fine.
It was a tranquil Sunday afternoon, the kind where the air feels warm and still, and the water gently laps against the hull—a perfect day for leisurely boating. We were relaxing on deck, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere, when the gentleman moored behind us untied his lines. As he cast off, he mentioned he was making a quick stop at the pumpout station on the adjacent dock before heading home. I gave him a casual wave from the cockpit and returned to my magazine, assuming it was just another routine departure.
Moments later, my attention was abruptly drawn away by the unmistakable roar of an engine revving at full throttle. A feeling of unease crept over me. “Something’s wrong,” I said to Linda, glancing up. “Look over there.”
Sure enough, the boater who had just left was now in the next fairway, visibly struggling against a powerful current. His boat, a thirty-footer, was being dragged toward the aluminum footbridge connecting the walkways. He was clearly in trouble. “He’s not going to make the turn,” I muttered, my concern growing by the second.
Then, to my astonishment, he made a desperate decision—he gunned the engine, slamming it into full throttle in an attempt to execute a rapid 180-degree turn before colliding with the walkway. For a moment, it seemed like he might succeed. The boat narrowly missed the footbridge and almost completed the turn, but the momentum was too great. Instead of cleanly maneuvering away, the vessel barreled into the dock adjacent to the pumpout station. With the engines screaming, the impact was forceful enough to propel the boat nearly three-quarters of the way onto the dock, its bow perched at a steep, precarious angle.
Panic seemed to set in. Desperate to correct the situation, the boater threw the engine into reverse, the sudden jolt pulling the vessel off the dock and sending it sliding back into the water. Now facing the opposite direction, the boat roared backward—straight toward the footbridge. A heartbeat later, the sickening crunch of fiberglass meeting metal filled the air. The unmistakable sound of damage done. Then, finally, the engine fell silent.
The entire chaotic episode had unfolded in mere moments, as quickly as an engine could rev and a boat could collide. By the time I and a few other onlookers hurried over with boat hooks, the vessel was once again floating peacefully next to the pumpout, as if nothing had happened. But the damage was done.
What does one even say to someone who has just put their boat through such a disastrous sequence of missteps, each error compounding upon the last? There is no easy way to soften the blow of such an expensive and humiliating lesson.
Speaking for myself—and likely for many other seasoned skippers—I can admit that I, too, have misjudged currents or the handling of my boat. I have, in moments of desperation, gunned the engine to avoid a collision, and I may have even suffered a few minor bumps as a result. Fortunately, I’ve never caused significant damage—or perhaps I’ve just blocked those memories from my mind.
Experience is a relentless teacher, and sometimes, the lessons it imparts come at a steep price. In this case, the takeaway is clear: Never attempt to turn around upstream of an obstacle you absolutely do not want to hit. And if you do, for the love of fiberglass, do not hit it at full throttle.
With hindsight, two alternative courses of action present themselves. First, the boater could have turned around outside the fairway and backed down toward the pumpout, though this would still have carried the risk of losing control in the strong current. A second, and arguably much wiser, choice would have been to seek out a different location or simply wait for a tide change. Sometimes, the best course of action is no action, or to acknowledge the conditions and exercise patience. When it comes to boating, luck should never be the primary strategy.
Here is a list of independence day celebrations, parades and fireworks planned on Lopez, Orcas, and San Juan Island.
Reserve a slip at the Friday Harbor Marina, but if you just show up, there is always room for another anchor and the paddle over to the dinghy dock is super short. (FYI - anchoring in the cove places you directly in front of the fireworks barge -- there is no better or closer view possible for your independence day grand finale)
We had such a fun time last year at Friday Harbor celebrating the Fourth of July that we are going back for a vacation cruise repeat in 2017.
Don't limit yourself -- below is a list of Orcas, San Juan, and Lopez island fireworks and celebrations planned for the 4th.
Some of the festivities are for different dates so with a little planning you can attend several events.
I copied some of these snippets from last year (so the dates are wrong for 2017 and some events may be altered)
Enjoy the Family 3.3K
Fun Run, log-rolling contest, blindfolded dinghy race, doughnut eating contest,
children's games, live music and fireworks.
Fun Run at Yellow Brick Road
Kids Games at Pool Lawn 12:30-2:30 p.m. - Doughnut Eating at West Lawn
Blindfolded Dinghy Race 4:00 p.m. - Log Rolling at Wharf Building
Fireworks Show in the Harbor at dusk!
Friday Harbor: on the 4th of July
Monday, July 4, 2016 All Day
Friday Harbor's 4th of July highlights include a small-town parade, a
community picnic, live music, dancing and fireworks! The parade, known as one
of the top 10 small town parades in the nation, passes through downtown
Friday Harbor at 10:30am. Immediately following the parade, the 'Pig War
Picnic' put on by the Kiwanis, will be held at the San Juan Historical
Museum grounds. Expect live music and a great lunch. At dinner time, the Port
of Friday Harbor will be putting on music in the Port parking lot, followed by
the biggest and best Fireworks show beginning at dusk, approximately
10:00p.m.
I copied this from the Lopez Chamber website, there is a lot more planned during the year, music, food, art etc.
Event Description
The 4th of July on Lopez Island has become one of Washington State's most treasured celebrations.
Many come from all over the country to enjoy a "down home" themed parade and one of the most spectacular community funded fireworks displays you can find anywhere. The island rolls out the red carpet every 4th of July when they host what has become one of the "don't miss" events associated with the beautiful San Juan Islands. Make sure you plan ahead as it has, for good reason, become the busiest time getting to and from Lopez and lodging can fill up quite early in the year. What really makes this great event a success year after year are the multitude of volunteers and generous donations from both local businesses and individuals throughout the local community and families who come to Lopez to enjoy the show year after year.
Join us, for what has grown into a larger than life tradition, this 4th of July. It's a day packed with many events and activities, not to mention an island full of patriotism.
More Info: www.lopezfireworks.com http://www.lopezisland.com/index.htm
Our new "Land and Sea Guide" is packed with suggestions, and outside the box ideas for getting around the San Juans.
For us, one of the best parts about cruising the San Juan's is not having to make any reservations or depend on anyone else. After a quick stop at the store for food, we just go, and then let the relaxing begin the moment we cast off. Four days, five days, ten days, I quickly leave everything behind, (including the wine and Hershey bars by mistake) all my thoughts are of traveling and carefree times.
However, many times my plans are waylaid by life's little curves and family events. Life curves that I have little control over, and family that - well that just takes precedence over my cruise plans.
Case in point, it took me four years and three tries to finally see in person the flag lowering ceremony held each balmy summer evening at Roche Harbor. One time I missed the cruise altogether, and another time a boat dragged anchor into us just minutes before the cannon went off. When I did get to witness the entire show it was just by happenstance that we were there, for I had given up and mostly forgot about the cannon firing sundown ritual. So when this baby replica of a middle age artillery piece blasted a hole in my thoughts, and its muzzle flash lit up the manicured lawn, I was taken by surprise to say the least. Oh I may have yelled or screamed just a little but no one heard me. The blast was not really deafening but very loud never the less, took me by surprise and captured everyone's attention. Then the returning echoes bouncing off Henry Island from across Roche Harbor drowned out all evidence of my heavy breathing and rapid heart beat. What did he just babble? (how to relax?)
I need some help, (opportunity knocks) I know our last cruise had some gps problems but I don't remember the specifics. All I really remember was that I decided I should get a new gps because my old Magellan could not be trusted or was failing somehow. Being a frugal boater and not having unlimited resources makes it difficult to shell out $400+ for a hand held battery eating device I only use in the fog or to measure distance to my next anchorage. I stopped by a web site or fifty and came away more confused after reading reviews from techies, hunters, hikers, and arm chair skippers. I wish I could just rely on someone to tell me what to buy after hearing my list of wants.
it needs to be battery powered, aaa or aa with a 12V helm plug in
rugged enough to be dropped once in awhile (water resistant too)
day light visible display about 2.5" or bigger (ok a lot bigger)
on board chart for my area (duh) and not an extra $200 fee, and they must include Canada's Vancouver and Gulf islands.
it needs to display nav aids at a minimum, just like my chart
I want a speedometer and bearing readout
I want it to work inside the cabin, or at least by the windows
it needs to boot up in less than 5 minutes
I like my nav aids in color, especially the red ones, but not if it's too many $$$
I want to have local level streets shown for hikes
it should fit in my pocket
it should be dependable, and last, and last, and last
I'm sure I have other wants, I'll add later, here is what does not matter to me (much) (maybe)
upgrade ability
connectivity to a laptop, or chart plotter
altimeter
emergency radio or locator beacon (if it costs boat dollars)
e-mail, forecasts or anything confusing that is more dollars
more memory for charts of other areas
phone numbers of business, etc if it's extra $$
mfd, multifunction display or depth or radar, (just go away, your too wealthy for this blog)
floating is nice, so is waterproof but I can pass if more $$
Are we getting an idea that costs are paramount to me?
About gps and the San Juan trailer sailor.
In my opinion you can get by without a gps just like boaters have done for centuries, but it is a really handy piece of equipment, and fun to share info with others on board, and truly a marvelous aid in foggy conditions. What you can not do without, is a chart, a compass, a depth sounder, pfd's and all the other Coast Guard required safety gear.
Okay, lest I have mislead someone, I believe you need a gps in the fog but you could simply stay in port or go another direction. Boating blindly in fog with any current is a recipe for disaster.
