07/20 - 07/22 - La Conner, WA

I thought what Jim thought, and for sure B'ham would kick LaConner's butt!

But here is a thought - why one or the other? Why not Bellingham AND LaConner AND Blakely Island? And Fisherman's Bay on Lopez? It seems we used to have all three, I see no reason why we couldn't again.

But if it is one or the other, no contest for us, it is Bellingham. We need to be able to launch and park, and LaConner simply isn't convenient for that. The potluck on the dock is the highlight, what are you going to do at LaConner? We could care less about how many restaurants there are, we don't eat out anyway, but Bellingham has both Anthony's and the Bayside both right there. Also, we ususally jump off to the San Juans for the week following Bellingham, so the $5 launch and unlimited free parking is really critical to us.
 
Pat Anderson":1h2e8tn4 said:
I thought what Jim thought, and for sure B'ham would kick LaConner's butt!

But here is a thought - why one or the other? Why not Bellingham AND LaConner AND Blakely Island? And Fisherman's Bay on Lopez? It seems we used to have all three, I see no reason why we couldn't again.

But if it is one or the other, no contest for us, it is Bellingham. We need to be able to launch and park, and LaConner simply isn't convenient for that. The potluck on the dock is the highlight, what are you going to do at LaConner? We could care less about how many restaurants there are, we don't eat out anyway, but Bellingham has both Anthony's and the Bayside both right there. Also, we ususally jump off to the San Juans for the week following Bellingham, so the $5 launch and unlimited free parking is really critical to us.
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Pat, Jim and others,

We appreciate the nice comments about Bellingham. It's a great town. Actually there's twelve, (yes 12) restaurants within two-thirds of a mile from the launch site at Squalicum. Not to forget the Saturday's Farmer's Market one mile up the hill from Gate 9. Then walk over a couple of blocks from the Farmer's Market and there's all kinds of stores. The launch fee ($5) and free parking can't be beat....and there's a free shuttle offered by the Port of Bellingham 10 am to 6 pm daily. Like Pat says, there used to be CBGTs at Lopez and Blakely...and does anyone remember the great times in that little boathouse at Poulsbo?

Ruth and Joe
R-MATEY
C-Brats #22
 
We will be happy to come to whatever site is chosen and really want to have another CBGT than just Friday Harbor and Sequim. There are good arguments for having a gathering at a place suitable for a jump off to cruising in the San Juans or points north; Bellingham, Lopez, Anacortes, and La Conner all fit that bill. Alternatively a good case could be made for a gathering in Puget Sound, the place we tend to just ignore or cruise by; Port Townsend, Poulsbo and Bremerton come quickly to mind as places where we would have all the things we seem to enjoy. Patti and I have done Friday Harbor for three years now and there really is very little hard work involved in hosting a gathering. The hardest part for us was gathering the courage to suggest we move from Lopez Fisherman's Bay to Friday Harbor. Once we proposed that there was a lot of support and things got easier but we were very worried that we would offend someone. A key part for us was contacting the town and marina. Was there room, would we be welcomed, was there a place to host a dinner or breakfast, was there a place for the potluck, etc, etc. Getting answers to those questions made all the difference. Tom and Susan are probably in that same boat now and we strongly support them for their willingness to host a gathering, wherever it is.

Having said that, La Conner has many charms, pleasant walking, interesting and good restaurants and shops. I have some concerns about launching, parking, and room for 20-30 boats The last time I checked about launching and parking at LaConner the one public ramp was at the far end of town almost under the "rainbow bridge". I was told it was unusable except at moderate or high tides; it had very limited parking (2-3 cars, no trailer room), and a sign saying no overnight parking was permitted. Other close launch sites are the state site under the bridge at Twin Bridges, at Oak Harbor marina on Whidbey Island, or at Cap Sante in Anacortes. The La Connor marina has adequate mooring space and parking at their transient moorage but we would have to use almost the whole thing if we had the usual number of boats, I cannot remember if there is power at that dock, restrooms are within walking distance, shops are about 1/2 mile. There are two or three small public docks along the town waterfront each with space for 2-3 boats but no place for a larger number.

This post is not intended to cause any trouble, just to raise some questions.
 
Pat Anderson":2d5oqstp said:
I thought what Jim thought, and for sure B'ham would kick LaConner's butt!

But here is a thought - why one or the other? Why not Bellingham AND LaConner AND Blakely Island? And Fisherman's Bay on Lopez? It seems we used to have all three, I see no reason why we couldn't again.

But if it is one or the other, no contest for us, it is Bellingham. We need to be able to launch and park, and LaConner simply isn't convenient for that. The potluck on the dock is the highlight, what are you going to do at LaConner? We could care less about how many restaurants there are, we don't eat out anyway, but Bellingham has both Anthony's and the Bayside both right there. Also, we ususally jump off to the San Juans for the week following Bellingham, so the $5 launch and unlimited free parking is really critical to us.
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OK, Pat
here is a scenario for you. launch your boat in Bellingham where the fee is only $5 and take a leisurely cruise to LaConner(about an hours time) and enjoy the new experience of a new gathering. it solves your parking and you get a good mini cruise to boot. I happen to launch in Laconner and cruise to Bellingham for the Bellingham gathering

what is the difference in having the potluck on the dock in Bellingham or Laconner ????????

as to a takeoff point to the San Juans or Canada, like I said, only an hour difference or less depending where you plan on cruising to .

I vote for Laconner for what it's worth.
 
We love Bellingham but of course we'll come to LaConner if that is what is chosen!

For the (relative) "newbies," a couple of years ago I wrote a blog post on The Anatomy of a CBGT (C-Brat Get Together). They are not officially sponsored. Anybody can make them happen.

Who is ready to step up and get going on some spot that is either new or we would like to return to?
 
colobear":8b7ctozr said:
The last time I checked about launching and parking at LaConner the one public ramp was at the far end of town almost under the "rainbow bridge". I was told it was unusable except at moderate or high tides; it had very limited parking (2-3 cars, no trailer room), and a sign saying no overnight parking was permitted. Other close launch sites are the state site under the bridge at Twin Bridges, at Oak Harbor marina on Whidbey Island, or at Cap Sante in Anacortes.
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Cornet Bay is closer than the Oak Harbor Marina and easier to get to for most folks. The south entrance to the Swinomish Channel is "just around the corner" from the launch ramp. Just FYI.

The trip from Anacortes to La Conner by boat is an easy one.

The launch ramp under hwy 20 at Twin Bridges has been improved but can be a bit problematic with the current (though usually it's not too bad).

There's also Washington Park or Skyline Marina if folks are going to go to La Conner and then head toward the San Juans (and/or beyond). At least from there when you return you don't have to run back in as far to your rig.

I'd also add that Anacortes (Cap Sante) would be a good location. It doesn't have all the charm that La Conner does but it does have a lot of it in the historic district which is easy walking distance from the marina. In Anacortes there is a lot close by the marina including groceries, restaurants, and a West Marine.

Ultimately I've vote for both (even if it was on alternating years); both La Conner and Anacortes have a lot to offer and each could be a good time had by all.
 
And where is Tom? Since he posted this and stirred things up, he's not been here to count his votes... He has more than 10 which means he'll have to take off his shoes... :roll:

Just pulling your leg (foot) my Marine Buddy!! Wish Sally and I could come, we've never been to a Left Coast CBGT, other than SBS a couple of times!!

Have fun wherever you go!

Charlie
 
I vote for Cap Sante, nice protected marina with many things within walking distance. LaConner is nice but the outside of the public dock has little to no protection from boat wakes and weather. It can make for an very uncomfortable night.
 
Pat Anderson":1irvmosf said:
Anybody can make them happen.
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So succinct, so accurate.

Of all the problems one might face in life, too many C-Brat gatherings is one we shouldn't fret over.

If somebody wants Bellingham, Anacortes, Lopez, Blake, or Freshwater Bay - pick a date, step up to the plate, make a post, and watch it happen.
 
Da Nag":12dzk1t4 said:
Pat Anderson":12dzk1t4 said:
Anybody can make them happen.
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So succinct, so accurate.

Of all the problems one might face in life, too many C-Brat gatherings is one we shouldn't fret over.

If somebody wants Bellingham, Anacortes, Lopez, Blake, or Freshwater Bay - pick a date, step up to the plate, make a post, and watch it happen.
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Bill, I think you guys should have a Traveling CBGT :shock: , like the dinners they have where you have one course at each house. Could be a week long with one night in each place and traveling between together in a wedge formation! The TugNuts are outdoing us at Bremerton!! :mrgreen: We need something new and innovative!!:thup

Is that an idea or what!!

Charlie
 
Hey, C-Brats!

It looks like Tom and Susan are going to get a lot of help wherever they decide to hold a future CBGT. We know those two are up to the task. The R-MATEY crew has had a good time with the Bellingham CBGT. As many of you know it has rained (thundered, lightning, hail stones - Yes, in July!!) four out of the past six B'Ham CBGTs but we all seem to go with whatever came our way. Barry, skipper of C-CAKES did a great sun dance and when the last paper plate hit the trash can, the rain came down with a vengeance.

As for the location of future C-Brat events - Well, the way we see it - Us Brats love :love each other so much we could hold a CBGT in a parking lot somewhere and still get a good turn out. We always knew that B'Ham was just about as far north in the Puget Sound you could go without a passport so relocation is a good idea. We thank all of you who came this far north to attend our annual B'Ham CBGTs.

Did we ever tell you that the B'Ham CBGT was Fred's idea? We've had great fun and a lot of interesting experiences through the years because of his suggestion. What a great guy :love

Ruth and Joe
R-MATEY
C-Brats #22
 
Captains Cat":263zoqvl said:
And where is Tom? Since he posted this and stirred things up, he's not been here to count his votes... He has more than 10 which means he'll have to take off his shoes... :roll:
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He and Susan are (or were) up in Canada for a week.

Warren
 
In the absence of Tom, maybe I can fill in a bit about La Conner....

Our marina is in Anacortes but we often stop in La Conner because (at most tides) if we are coming back from the South as it is a pleasant place, friendly to dogs (you can even eat at the brewery, outside, with your dog) and if gives us a simple opportunity for another night out with no hassle.

The marina has plenty of space for a CBGT at either the South or North facilities and the gas today was $4.03 with free pump-out on both visitor docks.
The South side is a little closer to town but the showers/toilets are "open to all" except at night. The showers/toilets at the North marina are open only by those having the key code.

I agree with Dave that the outside can be lumpy but so can Fishermans and I can distinctly remember being hit by wake at FH in the middle of the night so that can happen anywhere. Maybe just more likely at La Conner.

We were there yesterday evening and the South marina was completely full with a number of classic wooden powerboats. I have also seen a full Tolley reunion there. (The took over all the watering holes in town as well :cry: )

There is also a discount marine store which has just about everything (if you can find it). Even if you can't it's a fun place to visit and browse. If the marina is full the shop MAY just have a place on their dock which they use for boats they are working on. It's about the same price as the marina.

Last week we were at a "progressive" reunion with our club and we had happy hour and potlucks every night on the docks at, Edmonds, Port Ludlow and Pleasant Harbor. Port Ludlow has a great barbeque/ fire pit area you can reserve but not much else to do unless you play golf. Most of us used the docks but some anchored out.
The point being that you can take over any place and have a party and I think the "brats" are pretty good at that :thup :beer It's all about the people. :love

M & K
 
Hi, I am back. Susan and I just spent a week in the boat. I will post about it later.

I 'm making the command discussion to host a gathering in La Conner in the late July time frame this next year. I have to set a date with the port later in the month. I will be asking for the south marina visitors dock as it is closer to town and the marina yacht club , which I will try to reserve for dinner so we can shake our fist at the weather gods. I will post a sign up when I have all the details worked out.

I will also try to host a crab trip or day trip to another location during the event. Anyone remember the ice cream run from Deception pass to Orcas island?


Thank you all for your comments and support. I would also like to see more events in and around the sound. Its funny that we spent a lot of time getting as far away as we can from home even when there are neat places close by that we never go see. Susan and I passed by eagle harbor on cypress yesterday and wandered why we never anchored there before. We where always to busy running to steward or patos. We are planing to maybe go back to eagle this coming weekend. My point is I have done very little in the sound but fish and maybe we should do more.

again thank you for your commits.
 
I Have reserved the south dock, 1200ft of it, for the July 20th to the 22nd. As of now it will be $1 a ft per boat but I will be talking to the harbor master soon to try for a reduced rate. I will also be trying for a reduced fuel rate at the pump. the south dock even has a pump out and port a potty dump at the far end of the dock.

I'm still working on a rainy day back up for the pot luck ,but if not we will just have it on the dock while Berry and I do a rain dance on the roof of my boat. Lots of room up there. Maybe I can get a passing tribal crab boat to join us for the dance.

I will post updates as needed.
 
Hi Tom,
We'll be there if at all possible. If we stacked your dad's boat and our boat together, we could get a lot of people under cover if it rained.
Lyle
 
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