Southern Gulf Island Cruise

[Stella Maris]

The big day finally arrived. We started planning this trip to the Gulf Islands back in March. The build up to the trip did not come without any apprehension or trepidation as to which route we would take.
The direct route across the Straits of Juan de Fuca is the fastest and shortest. This though does not always come without a price. The weather can turn quickly making for a very rough crossing. Our other option was to take the “inside” route around the east side of Whidbey Island and then turn west into the San Juan Islands thus avoiding a good portion of the open waters of the Straits.

I watched the weather closely for the five days prior to the departure date. The forecast did not look good for any day other than the day we planned to cross, Saturday. However, come Friday morning, the day we had to make the final decision “Straits” or “Inside”, the weather prognosis was not looking so good. They were calling for light wind in the morning building throughout the day. Sea were forecast for 1 to 2 in the morning 3 to 4 by afternoon. At 11 knots, it would take three hours to cross. Could we make it before the winds and seas built? There was one person I knew that could give us the best advice, Jeff Messmer of Ranger Tugs. He has made this crossing with his family many times. I gave Jeff a call, ran down the weather forecast for him, he said “go across the straits, you will be fine, get an early start”.

So go across the straits we did. We cast off from Port Orchard at 12:15 on Friday afternoon. Our first nights stop would be Dennis and Darlene of “Tug of My Heart” backyard dock. They live just east of Port Ludlow in a community known as Driftwood Key. They along with June and Herb of “Sea Sweeper” (who just happen to live in the same community) were great hosts. They had a BBQ with all the fixings for us on Friday night.

As I am an early riser and love to be on the water at first light, I left it up to the group as to what time we would cast off. I explained the importance of an early morning start. June looked up and said “5:30”. So 5:30 it was. At 5:20, Sea Sweeper was idling in the bay behind Karma. At 5:25 the lines from Karma were cast and we were off! The first hour the weather, water, and view were incredible. Flat seas, no wind, outgoing tide.

As we approached Point Wilson off of Port Townsend, we knew we were quickly approaching the “go, no go” zone. The seas were good; the breeze was light so off we went. We quickly realized we should have put more distance between us and Point Wilson before making the turn to the west. The seas quickly built to 4 to 5 feet, short, steep, and very close together. We took a beating for about the first thirty minutes until we got away from Point Wilson. Once we were away, the seas dropped to a foot and it was smooth sailing from there on.

We cruised at 11 knots making it a comfortable crossing. At this speed, it would take us three hours. As we approached Victoria, you could start to make out various building on shore. Then, from five miles out, we saw the most impressive sight. Anchored right outside of Victoria was the USS Ronald Reagan! What a sight to see!
Coming into Victoria presents a whole new set of obstacles……. Sea planes and water taxis going in every direction. Then to top that off, you have the very large ferries that also ply these waters carrying tourist back and forth from the US.
Clearing customs also proved to not to be as easy as we had hoped. The procedure is, you pull up to the dock, pick up the phone, talk to the person on the other end…… well,,,,,, I guess they did not like my answers. They instructed me that they were going to come down and take a look at Karma. They also instructed, no one was to get off of the boat, on the boat, take anything off, or put anything on……

Two custom agents arrived within fifteen minutes. They asked Maureen and I to step off of the boat. They went aboard and proceeded to go through every cupboard and nook and cranny there was. After searching the boat, they reported that we had 1 glass to much wine on board……. I should have drunk it on the way in…… Oh well, they told us next time; know how much alcohol we had on board. We thanked them for their time and off they went! They did decide though as they were walking by to do a “random check” of Sea Sweeper. June and Herb got the green light from them and we were off.
The wharfs in front of the Empress Hotel are beautiful. You are right downtown with a great view of everything including the naked people on their bicycles!

The five tugs sitting here in Victoria have caused quite a stir. Numerous people have walked down to the docks to admire our little ships. Currently we have Zuma, Karma, Sea Sweeper, Tug of My Heart, and Lobo here in Victoria.
We will spend Saturday and Sunday here in Victoria. Monday we are off for Sidney Spit Marine

 

[Trinity]

Thank you for the great post. We are thinking of making the trip across the Straits to Victoria this summer and appreciate the detailed information.

 

[j&lgray]

The trip so far sounds great! Unfortunately due to a variety of changes in our plans, the "Laurie Ann" will not be able to join all of you later this week. But I am still recommending Saturna Winery as a fun spot and will think of you all fondly on Saturday when I know you'll be sending money at the Ganges Farmer's Market.

We'll look for you on the water another time.

Laurie

 

[Stella Maris]

Sunday in Victoria was great. We just hung out, walked around town, and had an impromptu cocktail party on the dock….. just had fun!

Victoria is a beautiful town that is easy to walk. Maureen and I also jump on one of the little Harbor tour boats and went for a ride up the gorge. Winds were very strong so we will see what Monday brings. If weather is not conducive to travel, we will spend another day in Victoria.

So far we have five vessels that have come along. Zuma, Tug of My Heart, Sea Sweeper, Lobo, and Karma. We have drawn quite a bit of attention sitting here at the docks in Victoria.

Weather permitting; we will head for Sidney Spit Marine Park today. Planned departure is for 9:30 am which should put us in Sidney Spit no later than 1:30. We will also have to see how the weather is once we approach the spit. Strong westerly’s could make for a bumpy night. If that is the case, Sidney harbor will be the next stop!

Sorry to hear that the Laurie Ann is not going to be able to hook up with us!

 

[Bruce Moore]

Hey Karma krew - just checked Karma's Adventures - looks like you poked your nose out into the Strait and headed back into Victoria Harbour.

Closest buoy I can see is New Dungeness (station 46088) - doesn't look like much is happening out there. But, I can see you're now in a slip. So, if you haven't already, check out the Royal British Columbia Museum! YOu won't have any problem enjoying another day in Victoria.

Cheers

 

[Stella Maris]

Bruce was right, we had no issues with enjoying another day in Victoria.

We headed out on Monday morning as planned. As the last of the boats rounded the breakwater, a high temp warning alarm went off on one of them. The vessel had to shut down and was now adrift. Maureen turned Karma around and we headed back in. Just as we were approaching the other vessel, they were able to start. We followed them back to the dock where after a couple of hours of very minor repairs, we had her up and running. (remember, none of us are what you would call mechanics, but with a little help from Andrew via telephone, we had it fixed!)

By then the seas had built to close to six feet and the winds were gusting. So with that in mind, It was another day in Victoria!

Our planned departure time for this morning is eight AM.

 

[Kamalani]

David & Maureen - As I sit here in Bakersfield, (100 deg.), and read your accounts of your visit to Victoria, I am vicariously drawn back to the time Sherry & I enjoyed the most wonderful week exploring Vancouver Is. (We were tourists, not Tuggers then.) Our adventure took us by small plane from Vancouver to Tofino and ended with a road trip from Tofino back across the island to Nanaimo and down the east side to Victoria. In Tofino, we stayed at the Wickinnish Inn on Chesterman Beach, intending to be amazed by the wild Pacific winter storms. Instead, we enjoyed the mildest, balmiest weather you could imagine. Once in Victoria, we stayed at the venerable Empress Hotel, and made it a point to take in high tea, just so we could say we did. (Being winter, Victoria was a whole different city, yet magical.) Dining tip: we ate at a little restaurant named Camille's two nights in a row just to enjoy the lamb from Saltspring Is. Heavenly.

Anyway, all this reminiscing is leading somewhere, I promise, and that is ... Have you considered a cruise up the west coast possibly as far as Tofino & Clayquot Sound? Without a doubt the most incredible scenic beauty, and the fishing, kayaking etc. is amazing. Then I can once again live vicariously through you as you recount your adventures in what can only be described as God's front yard.

Alex, "Kamalani"

 

[Lobo]

Five tugs (2 x 29; 3 x 25) left Victoria Harbour this morning under sunshine and with reasonably calm seas. Lobo peeled off at Cadboro Bay and headed home to RVYC and the other four headed over to San Juan Island. I pointed them towards Lime Kiln Point with the hope that they would run into Orcas. 10 days ago, returning from lunch at Roche Harbor, we ran into the "super pod" (J, K and L pods) with around 85 whales. I hope they had some luck.

The plan was for the fleet to anchor in Winter Cove tonight. I don't know if Karma will find a wireless connection.

This weekend was a lot of fun for Lobo, both before and with the wee rendezvous. Just prior we participated with our yacht club in the 100th anniversary of the Canadian Navy. Photos from that event are at this website (I hope it works). There are also a couple photos of the "Tug Hug" in front of the Empress Hotel.

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?u ... feat=email

Dave
"Lobo"

 

[Lobo]

For some reason photo show starts mid-way. Go back to see them all.

 

[johnniethek]

Nice pix, Dave. Looks like that was an awesome day for the naval anniversary celebration.

I will be up in your neck of the woods in a couple weeks. Hope we can hook up then.

Cheers,

Johnnie the K

 

[Stella Maris]

As planned we started out for Sidney Spit. At the mouth of the breakwater, one of the tugs suffered minor engine problems. We all immediately turned around as we leave no boat behind. It was determined that the impeller was going to need to be replaced on Zuma. Since none of us had ever done it, it was going to be a learning lesson for all of us! It took us a couple of hours but we got it done. Once done, “the men” piled into Zuma and took her outside to make sure all was working. The run outside went off without a hitch. However by now the seas had built to five to six feet and the wind was roaring. Not a good day to head out! The decision was made! One more night in Victoria! New plan head out on Tuesday morning for Winter Cove.
Eight AM arrived and just as planned we were off! Coming around the corner of the breakwater departing Victoria, we were amazed at what a day can bring. Flat seas, no wind!
We motored along at seven knots thus conserving fuel and just enjoying the day! We ran up the west side of San Juan Island with hopes of seeing whales. Unfortunately, we did not.
When we made the turn into Boundary Pass, we cut over and went through the Pender Canal. As it was low tide, this did create some excitement when the depth meter hit 4.4 feet! We all made it through unscathed and having experienced another new adventure!
From here it was another hour over to winters cove. (we were cruising at five knots to allow us to take in the scenery) Winters cove was beautiful!
Zuma was the first to put her anchor down. Maureen brought Karma alongside. Karma and Zuma rafted while Sea Sweeper and Tug of My Heart dropped their anchors a short distance away. Once all was secured I launched the dinghy from the roof, hung the motor on the transom, and she was off for her first cruise!
Taylor (Lyman and Jeneane’s son) ran over to Tug of My Heart and brought Dennis and Darlene to Zuma for the evening cocktail party. Herb and June motored over in their dinghy. The night was beautiful! Mild temps with a beautiful clear blue skies.
Looking through the binoculars, I was able to spot five bald eagles in various trees! What a place! Tomorrow will bring another day of adventure for the four Tugs!

 

[Bruce Moore]

Looks like the Karma Konvoy had a fairly short cruising day, and are safely moored on the Poets Cove dock. If you zoom in on the map, I'm pretty sure you can see David and the gang playing Marco Polo in the pool.

Hope you guys are having a fine time, and that it includes wine!

Cheers

 

[Stella Maris]

We awoke on Wednesday morning to a partly cloudy sky with a light breeze from the south. As the morning unfolded, the clouds began to clear. It was our first night at anchor on Karma (I guess you could say we were at anchor, we were rafted to Zuma). It was also Dennis and Darlene’s first night to sleep overnight on an anchored vessel. While they were a bit concerned at first, they quickly got comfortable with the fact that they were not drifting and settled in for a beautiful sunset aboard Tug of My Heart.

While we sipped our coffee in the cockpit enjoying great company, we looked up to spot a red R-21 coming through Boat Pass. Who could this be??? I quickly grabbed the glasses to see if I could see who was at the helm of this great looking vessel. While I did not recognize the skipper, we quickly brought him along side and discovered it was John of “Port Nut”. Many of you may recall John from last year’s rendezvous; he came to see what this “Ranger Tugs” thing was all about. After leaving the rendezvous, he headed to South Dakota to pick up his retirement present, Port Nut.
We departed Winter Cove bound for Poets Cove Resort in Bedwell Harbor at 12:55. Our journey today took us around the south end of South Pender Island. The cruise from Winter Cove to Poets was amazing also. A very light breeze with incredible sunshine and the bluest skies I have ever seen.

It was no more than an hour and twenty minutes after pulling the anchors that we were not securing our first lines to the docks in Poets. What an amazing place. This beautiful resort in a beautiful setting with great people along to share the experience.

While the marina was not full by any means, the five little tugs caught everyone’s attention as we came in. It was not long after that we had the few people in the resort walking the docks admiring our little ships. We had one gentleman who came in on a beautiful 40 foot Hunter Sailboat, walk down from the fuel dock to admire our vessels.
Once we were secured it was off to the spa for Maureen and Janeane. They arranged for pedicures, facials, and massages……. It appears we may depart a bit later than planned on Thursday. Oh well, we are on vacation!
While Maureen and Janeane were making their arrangements, the Taylor and Conner quickly made use of the pool.

At four, it was break out the food and wine, social hour was to begin.

Today’s leg of the journey will find us dropping the hooks in Glenthorne Passage on Prevost Island.

 

[patrick]

How fun to have hooked up with the Tugnuts group in Glenthorne Passage tonight!! We really enjoyed meeting you all and seeing your Rangers!! Thank you for making us feel so welcome!! See you all when you get to our island tomorrow!! Patrick says he will not wear a suit and tie tomorrow!!!

😀

Patrick and Gail
That's It

 

[Stella Maris]

It was 3:00 pm when we departed Poets Cove yesterday afternoon. The Cruise up to Glenthorne Passage on Prevost Island was uneventful. Partly cloudy skies with a light breeze blowing. We have been on the water now for a week. We have only had one day with just a sprinkle of rain. The rest of the time it has been either beautiful sunny days or just partly cloudy. Mornings have been overcast, normally burning off around noon.

We approached Prevost Island from the south. Once we were directly abeam of the passage between Secret Island and Owl Island I made the turn to starboard and headed for the passage between the two islands. The chart showed a minimum depth of 24 feet. It was still a bit nerve wracking though as both islands seemed to be solid rock. The opening was no more than 100 feet across. We approached slowly keeping a close eye on the depth meter. The minimum depth we saw was 19 feet. I called back on the radio to let the others know what they would see as far as depth.

Once inside Glenthorne we were immediately greeted by a huge Bald Eagle flying right down the center of the passage. What a sight! We cruised all the way to the end, made a couple of circles, and decided this was the place we would spend our evening. Once again Zuma dropped her anchor and we rafted Karma along side. John on “Port Nut” dropped his hook just slightly aft of Zuma and Karma while Herb and June dropped theirs just slightly forward.

While there were not many boats in the passage, we had every eye on us as we paraded by in our tugs.

Once all was secure, the boy’s went out crabbing and the adults gave into “happy hour”….. Happy Hour had no sooner started when I looked up and spied a Ranger Tug coming through the opening! Who could this be? I quickly grab my binoculars to check out our new arrival. I could see it was an R-25 with full enclosure. That quickly eliminated Lobo as he does not have the full enclosure. I quickly came to the conclusion it had to be “That’s It”. Patrick and Gail live on Salt Spring Island not five miles from where we were presently at. I gave them a call on the radio and sure enough, it was. I instructed them to tie alongside Karma. Once all was secure, we all had to comment on Patrick’s clothing, a suit and tie. We were not sure if they were just very formal in their cruising here in the Gulf Islands or if they thought we were. We quickly found out that Patrick had gone directly from work to the boat where he met Gail. It was just a quick ten minute cruise out from their dock to our location.

When the boys returned in an hour, they had five crabs in their bucket! Jeneane had the boys clean the crabs while she prepared to cook them up. Within 30 minutes there was hot crab for all! What more could you ask for? A beautiful location, great people on great boats, and great food and wine! Cruising on a Ranger Tug is the only way to go!

Patrick and Gail shoved off just before dark as Ganges Harbor is full of crab traps. They did not want to attempt to ply these waters in the dark. They are planning on coming down to the docks this afternoon to meet with us once we tie up.
Our destination for today is just a short hop over to Ganges Harbor on Salt Spring Island. We will spend Saturday morning at the farmers market and then head for Friday Harbor on Saturday afternoon.

 

[johnniethek]

Looking forward to your review of Ganges Harbor. I have great friends who talk glowingly of that place. They know I'll be up in the Gulf Islands this summer and told me Ganges is a place I must stop at.

Enjoying your reports, David.

J

 

[Stella Maris]

We departed Glenthorne Passage at 11:50 Friday morning bound for Ganges Harbor Marina. It was a short one hour cruise at six knots.

Ganges Marina is one of those marinas that actually send folks out to take your lines as you approach the docks. While the docks are old and need some attention, they do have a picnic table in between each finger pier! What a great place to have afternoon social hour!

The city of Ganges is really a nice little town. The grocery store is within a block of the marina. There is a hardware store that also doubles as a chandlery (very limited selection) as well as a number of restaurants within walking distance.

The marina staff assigned our four boats to one very long finger pier therefore we were grouped together.

Patrick and Gail came down for the evening cocktail party on the dock. It turned into a big crab feed as the boys from Zuma caught seven crabs again on Friday! After the grab feed and cocktails, it was off to the opening of the local art studio. The art that is displayed here is all from local artists.

After returning from the studio, we launched the dinghy and took it for a spin through the anchorage. Pretty amazing! There were vessels in the anchorage from as far away as the UK! Ganges is an international port to say the least!

Tomorrow (Saturday) it is off to the local market that everyone says you must attend when coming to Ganges. After the market we will head for Friday Harbor to clear customs and spend the night. Sunday morning will find us off to an early start to get back to Port Orchard by mid afternoon.

Pictures are now loaded in our Album

 

[Zuma]

As I'm sitting here in Friday Harbor reviewing the past 9 days I can't help but smile... Zuma and crew had a fantastic time! Our R-29 was comfortable with 4 on board (and that includes 2 incredibly active teenage boys).

Good times, good friends, good food and wonderful memories. Thank you Karma, Sea Sweeper, Lobo, Port Nut, Tug of My Heart, That's It... see you soon!!!

 

[Kamalani]

To everyone who contributed to sharing this wonderful adventure with the rest of us, I say thanks. The photos are as great as the water seems flat! I'm sure that when the water was less than flat you were not thinking of snapping pix, but what we do see makes me green with envy. David & Maureen, you should consider filming and narrating your cruises for DVD, (ala Tony Fleming). I'd buy it. Just imagine what we could learn as our jealousy grew! Thanks again for sharing your journey.
Alex, "Kamalani"

 

[patrick]

Hey Karma, what happened to your spot? You are still in Ganges Harbour????

Gail