why you should use "Active Captain"

This may seem like a blatant promotion for a web site, well duh! but before you go cruising, you should check out www.activecaptain.com  You owe it to yourself and crew to be informed. A picture is worth a thousand words, or maybe much more in this case. These snapshots only capture a small amount so I snapped three to really show how much is available, and I left off the local knowledge label so you could go look it up yourself.

All the pictures include the area from Victoria to Bellingham to Anacortes, which means you may have to scroll to view entire picture. Remember, these are snapshots, you need to go to web site for functions to work (try clicking on pics for a bigger view)

  Red markers show marinas and docks

Yellow markers show navigation warnings

Green markers show comments and reviews from cruisers like me and you

Nothing works because these are snapshots, you need to go to the real web site

www.activecaptain.com

How to Bicycle Between San Juan Island, Lopez Island, Shaw and Orcas Island Without a Car

       

  For most people, bicycling the San Juan's means arriving with your bike and gear in a car on a Ferry.

But it doesn't have to be this way. Savvy cyclists leave their cars in Anacortes and ride the ferry to the San Juan Islands.  Once in the islands bicycle travel and free ferry rides is the way to go.

First let's explore a likely scenario for those without a boat, bear with me, this will get a little wordy:

      You drive to Anacortes and find a place to park for free for a week, maybe more. Or park at the ferry terminal long term parking lot for about $40 per week. Next, jump on the ferry paying a small nominal fee for one passenger and bicycle for a lift to Friday Harbor on San Juan Island, or Orcas, or Lopez, or Shaw.  FYI: foot passengers and bicyclists never need reservations or need to wait in line like car travelers.

So far, so good!

      The day is still early, start touring (ride your bike). At the end of the day you will end up in a motel, B&B, campground, or any number of resorts.  You probably will be well advised to have some reservations lined up in advance. Oh, and bring a pocket full of cash because restaurants and beds aren't free. The next day tour around some more then jump on the free for foot and bicycle passengers Ferry to other Islands and repeat. Eventually, you will end up back in Anacortes where your car is waiting for the drive home.

      This is a great plan if you are into minimalist and don't have a boat, but there are a few weaknesses; number one, where is all my extra gear that I take when I travel, oh yeah its back in the car parked in Anacortes while I'm gallivanting around on an island with nothing but my pocket full of cash and what fits in my bike bags. (not good for some of us) Excellent plan if you're a hardcore bicyclist. Number two doesn't matter, I'm still back on number one.

Okay, here's the boating/bicycling scenario:  

WHY own A BOAT? and for me "Why a Sailboat" when what I really want is to go camping somewhere in the San Juan Islands

Why a Boat?

"Why a boat?" is a fair question. The usual quick answer? "Why not a boat?"

Aha—got me again. But if you don’t like the answer, ask a better question.

Okay, how about this: "Why take a boat for a cruise instead of driving and camping?" Now we’re getting somewhere.

Why a Sailboat?

We spend most of our lives on land. A boat, at least for me, offers wide open spaces, freedom, and something more—an escape from the ordinary. The journey itself is my desire, my wish, my goal. The destination? Merely a mark on the chart, a waypoint in life.

A boat is both a complicated machine I must master and a simple drifting raft—a vessel of endless potential. Whether slicing through the waves, steering an underwater wing, or gliding lazily with the current, the experience is the same. The past and future dissolve; I am completely immersed in the present.

Underway at sea, my mind is filled with the pressing matters at hand. What course is safe? What hazards lie ahead? Are we drifting toward that menacing lee shore? Will we clear the point, or should we tack now and risk thin water? What is that new sound? That strange motion? That unfamiliar vibration?

I spot a rock ahead. A glance at the depth gauge tells me we have room—but then the rock disappears. Now it reappears, just off the bow. As we close the distance, I see it has eyes, a nose, and whiskers.

A mariner's connection stirs within me, and I fight the urge to wave. No response is forthcoming.

Anxiously, I check the depth again, hand poised near the motor. Then—the wind shifts. The sails fill. A sudden gust tightens the lines. I glance up the mast; the wind vane swings 90 degrees to starboard.

The sails, hanging like billowy white clouds, spill wind. I ease the mainsheet, adjust the jib. The telltales stream flat. Our trim is perfect.

The boat picks up speed, slicing cleanly through the smooth green water. We’re in the groove now—fairly flying. Our rolling wake is a fleeting marker of where we've been, an open message that tells little but still points our course for all to see.

No longer in the current’s unrelenting grip, we’ll soon clear the point and escape the deadly, ship-wrecking lee shore. No need for the motor—we’ll sail into the cove and anchor in time for a shore hike, a hearty dinner, and a sunset campfire on the beach.

But then—the sails luff. The wind shifts, then dies altogether.

I trim the sheets, but the telltales hang limp. The boat slows.

I glance toward the looming shore. Check the depth again. We may not make the cove after all.

Should I start the motor?

Looking for hazards, I scan the water. More heads have turned toward me now, watching. The connection feels stronger. This time, I give a dismissive wave—they know what’s happened. They know the wind has abandoned me.

Without it, we lose headway. Then, steerage.

Drifting backwards now, ever so slowly, the boat inches closer to the rocky shore. Closer to certain doom.

I check the depth again.

Kelp and seaweed float around us—pockets of debris from the last storm, drifting aimlessly in little flotillas of waste.

Then—suddenly—a slap of halyards against the mast.

The rigging strains, flexes. A swell rolls beneath us, nudging the boat with unseen force.

I scan the water. What caused the commotion? What set off the alarms?

Then I see it—a small boat, far off in the distance. Its wake reaches us in a series of gentle ripples, each one fainter than the last. A message sent. A message received. Then, silence.

I check the depth and glance toward the shore.

And I wait.

An hour later, nestled in the cove, the burnt orange sun silently slips below the horizon, marking the end of a wonderful day. A glass of fine Pinot or a cool drink rests in my hand as I sit by the campfire on the beach. My trusty yacht is peacefully anchored 150 feet offshore, or perhaps tied tranquilly to the dock just a few steps away.

Later, after dark, while waiting for sleep to overtake me, my thoughts drift to the day gone by—and to what tomorrow will bring.

Why not a Sailboat

 

Click below to see Victoria BC

Step by Step guide and Itinerary for making that Dream Boat Trip to the San Juan Islands

     This cruise itinerary is for the first timer with the boat on a trailer. 

The novice skipper with family for crew will find this article contains just what's needed to get going on that long talked about trip to the San Juans. While this is a step by step action plan to follow, some skippers do not need all the steps and prodding and so they should skip ahead to    

  Day #1.  for the daily itinerary  

For the rest of us, these steps are important, so I've numbered them.
  Before you go

1. Right now, go put two marks on the calendar. Mark the day of departure from home and one week or so later mark the day your returning. Do it now or forever hold your peace and admit your not really going boat camping in the San Juans.
2. Go to your local chandlery or go online and purchase a big color map or chart of the San Juans. I'm not telling you which one, it doesn't matter, just big and one you like to look at.
3. Got the map? Good now nail it to the wall where you can see it all the time. Do it now!  OK, the hardest part is over, you have now made a commitment to yourself and crew. Your really going.  Kick back a little, relax, do some day dreaming.  Your trip (cruise, vacation, what ever you want to call it) is already well underway. By now you should be  getting into the  excitement that comes with planning and preparations.    Note:   Don't let worry and stress build up, your really going to enjoy this outing and it will be easy, trust me  (heh, heh, heh)  Relaxing good times should be part of the  process that started when you made the X on the calendar. Remember, on this cruise there are no deadlines to meet, no times to beat, no "sorry no vacancy's" to worry about. You are on your own schedule to do as you please. What could be better besides a gourmet chef and staff.  Study the map with your crew, locate Friday Harbor, Jones Island, and Squalicum Harbor in Bellingham. Do some internet searches, read peoples reviews.
4. Start compiling a list of supply's and provisions that you think you need. Click here for help with that list >>  Cruisers Packing List this list may be a little too much, so pick and choose.
5. Start making a list of boat and trailer, must do's (like greasing the wheel bearings) I mention wheel bearings because there are a few "must do's" that will potentially ruin your plans, having a bearing go out from your neglect is avoidable, so are boat motor issues. We once went with an untested, worrisome diesel motor, and sure enough it quit, but because of suspected problems I had mounted an outboard bracket and brought my trusty 7.5 hp Honda along which not only saved the trip, but allowed us to extend it a few days.  Another time with a different boat I towed a dinghy which sole purpose was to carry a spare outboard just in case.   Another mistake not to make is inadequate packing for inclement weather, (hope for warm sunny days, but plan for cold windy rain).  Don't forget seasickness pills (Dramamine)  or other medication, one persons needs could ruin the trip. There must some other must do's that are particular to your family??? Spare tire for trailer! Hmm!
6.  #5 was a downer, lets lighten up.  You need to bring an ice chest if your boat has none, maybe two, plan on ice lasting 3-4 days and then resupply time.  For a food menu, you should plan to eat well, especially if you have bad weather when hot food hits the spot and improves spirits. Sandwiches are easy to prepare and bring lots of trail mix and snacks.  You will need lots of water, don't plan on any being available once you shove off. We bring our water in 5 gallon jugs and pour it into smaller bottles
7. You will need a propane cook stove and fuel bottles to last entire trip (propane is $7+ in the islands)
8. Garbage:  I need to mention it now after suggesting you bring all the junk food.  Your little boat will quickly become overrun with trash, bring bags, the outside islands have no garbage service. Think about all that convenience food packaging material I just told you to bring.  Some of the packaging may be left at home. Prepare things in advance and freeze meals ready to go as they thaw (2-4 days in ice chest)
9. Under boat equipment, the list is very subjective so lets just list a few must haves.  PFD's all around and all coastie required equipment (whistle, type 4, fire ext., registration, lights, etc) Plus I think you need a minimum of two anchors and extra rode, extra fuel if your tank is small.  Your boat should have a range of 75 miles. The rule is 1/3 outbound, 1/3 to get back, 1/3 for reserve. It could be 25 miles between fuel stops, so a 75 mile range gives a good cushion. Many boaters simply tie 5 gallon jugs on deck.  If your boat is open and it really rains hard, bring a tarp and ropes to lash it down. You may sleep on shore so a tent is needed. You need a hand bilge pump and a bucket (they look like a big suction tube and flex hose.
10. Bring a GPS,  You can get by without one but they are fun and really are useful. Some phones have apps available. Bring your cell phone (they work good almost everywhere) Bring the map or chart nailed on the wall or better yet go buy a real navigation chart with depths and rocks all located.  Bring a compass (hand held is OK) Bring a vhf marine radio (you can buy a portable battery one for about $100.   
11. The boats loaded your ready to go. Don't forget to tell someone where your going, and when to call for help if you don't check in as planned. That person could be a friend or relative that doesn't panic over  icky weather reports.  They should call the San Juan County Sheriff or Coast Guard if needed, or someone you have prearranged to call, 911 works too. Remember, your plans may change as the week progresses, but you can check in with a cell phone call most of the time.

Time to go 

The blue line indicates the general route, red dots are overnight stops. 80 miles