09/29 - 10/01 - Stuart Island, San Juan Islands WA

Mike, we always use Squalicom. Good ramps, good parking and good price. We have not had a problem with security etc but I don't leave anything in the truck and open the glove box/console to prove it.
 
Mike,

Living as I do in the San Juan Islands, I know the weather up here. The easy answer is, as always up here: "Who Knows".

However, having said that, I will say that the end of September can be the nicest weather we ever get (at least IMHO). The biggest dependable factor is that the days are considerably shorter. Almost certainly, as you say, it will be on the cool side. It could be rainy the whole week, altho big storms and wind are unlikely. OTOH, it could be beautiful fall weather with wonderful leaf color changes and warm yellow sunlight. Perhaps best of all there will be zero crowds. Almost very cove you see will be your own. Marinas are empty. The tourist atmosphere will be non-existent.

Here's one data point I use......in the 30+ years I've lived in Seattle and north, I use October 15th as the last day on a planned trip. Before boats, I used to backpack in the Cascades, off trail, a lot. So when using 10/15 as my date, I didn't take it lightly. Living on a C-Dory in poor weather is still much easier than stomping thru wet brush and sleeping in a damp sleeping bag! :wink: :lol:

P.S. If it makes any difference, my wife and I are planning to take a week long cruise up into Canada that last week of September ending with the Stuart Island gathering. So we'll be miserable right along with you. :twisted:
 
Thank you both! This is going to be great!

We have a little over 12 hours on the new motor so a couple more fishing trips and out she comes for the first service. I will probably leave it on the trailer to get ready to head north.
 
Second that, Fred and Mike. After seven years it's time to come north and mingle with some of your fans and friends in the Salish Sea. It would be a special treat to be out on our boats instead of meeting on land.
Now, if we can just rouse Robbi...
 
Thanks!

One more last question ...

Is the potable water at the dock in Bellingham good quality? The TyBoo holds about 500 pounds of fresh water and I would prefer not to tow the extra weight. I have filters in the system but like to start with good stuff. The only memory I have of water up that way is stuff at Deception Pass Marina with a pretty rank smell.

Oh, I think we can rouse and roust Robbi!
 
Being this would be my first trip up there if we can make it... what would the plan be? Meet somewhere and caravan together to the island or it’s a free for all how we get there? From a comfort standpoint seeing as it could be rainy etc for me following someone or caravaning would be preferable.

I’ve taken 240 hours off of work this year so will see if I can make it work.

Let me know,
H
 
H, I am not sure when you would arrive but I am sure someone that is going would not mind traveling with you. Robbin and I will be leaving Anacortes Thursday to secure the camp spot and get settled in. If you would like to go with us you are more that welcome.

Fred
 
My wife is in - so as long as I can take the time from work we’ll be there. I’ll confirm with you by Friday. What time are you planning on departing anacortes?
 
Is the potable water at the dock in Bellingham good quality?
Squalicom has two "wash down" hoses. Fresh water off of Bellingham's system so I'd drink it from the hose.

...following someone or caravaning would be preferable...
I don't have an exact departure time but I'd be more than happy to accompany you. I/we are leaving on Friday, probably mid-late morning. The admiral is still trying to get out of the OR, though.
 
You lucky dogs! We would love to be there, but we are on this little cruise of our own - on the Mississippi right now, turning up the Ohio tomorrow. Not sure where we will be on the Stuart Island CBGT weekend, but we will be thinking of you guys!
 
Looks like work has other plans for me...Flying to Florida to pick up a couple planes, so no weekend trip for us ...Hope everyone has a great trip!

John
Scallywag
 
The gathering is getting close. Robbin and I will be leaving Thursday to reserve and set up the campsite #4 at Prevost Harbor.

-We were hoping since there is no garbage cans that we could forgo all the plastic and paper products so to reduce the amount of garbage we produce.
-We will pickup some muffins for breakfast for Saturday morning.
-We will also make a big pot of beef stew and good bread to go along with it for the Saturday night potluck.
-We will bring as much dry firewood as possible. I hope some others can also bring some. I cam supply as much dry firewood if anyone is interested. They will need to stop by our house before we leave.

We are looking forward to this gathering. Hope as many people as possible can stop by, it should be fun.

Fred and Robbin
 
Well now, it turns out that the gravel parking lot at B'ham is being turned into a road so they don't allow long term truck/trailer parking anymore. They said that they have been working with some other marina and that I may be able to leave the trailer at that place and the truck at Bellingham but that doesn't sound like fun to me.

John f says he has taken to sling launching at Anacortes and has good luck with that, so I guess that's an option. I have some easy parking options at Port Angeles but am leery of counting on weather both ways for the crossing.

I liked Bellingham because it was so easy and cheap. Any other suggestions?
 
I believe that you can leave your rig and trailer in the B'Ham main parking lot for up to 5 days. Beyond that I don't know. Maybe on street parking?

-Be prepared for hornets at Stuart. We spent the weekend at Deer Harbor and they were out looking for water and were hungry for any meat they smelled.

-Jones Island's water was turned off due to vandals. Could we check to see if Stuart's system is up and running, still?
-Hoping we get more rain so we can have a nice campfire.
 
Fred,

This gathering sounds like a great time but unfortunately Caryn and I had prior plans so we will be unable to attend. Here's wishing a great time for all!
 
As of now I will be solo. Meredith did get Friday covered but no one would help her out for her Saturday shift in the OR. I will make my grand-ma's Portuguese bean soup. Hardy and great for cold weather.
 
TyBoo":2k1u62rc said:
Well now, it turns out that the gravel parking lot at B'ham is being turned into a road so they don't allow long term truck/trailer parking anymore. They said that they have been working with some other marina and that I may be able to leave the trailer at that place and the truck at Bellingham but that doesn't sound like fun to me.

John f says he has taken to sling launching at Anacortes and has good luck with that, so I guess that's an option. I have some easy parking options at Port Angeles but am leery of counting on weather both ways for the crossing.

I liked Bellingham because it was so easy and cheap. Any other suggestions?

Mike, launch in Blaine, it is closer to Stuart than Bellingham anyway, also a Port of Bellingham marina, same cost, same parking policy, should be ample parking at Blaine!
 
Back
Top