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SAN JUANS CRUISE REPORT WITH PHOTOS (LONG!)

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lcharlot
Master Marine Consultant

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Antigua and Barbuda
1301 Posts

Initially Posted - 08/06/2005 : 00:08:56

Hi everyone, here are some photos from my San Juans cruise. Unfortunately, I had to turn around and head home after only three days up there, due to medical issues - my carpal tunnel problem flared up real bad, in both arms, to the point that I was afraid that I might be incapable of de-rigging the boat and driving the truck home if I tried to hang on for the full two weeks. So I only made it to three places, Fossil Bay at Sucia for one night, Roche Harbor on San Juan Island for one night, and Reid Harbor on Stuart Island for one night, then back to Bellingham. De-rigging the boat and packing everything up for the trip home took 7 hours (It was 01:00 am when I got the mast down), but I made it home okay. The boat is now back in her regular slot in Folsom Lake dry storage, rigged back up and ready to go again the next time I want to spend a day at the lake. I had a nice time otherwise, but considering that the fuel for the road trip cost almost $400 it was a pretty expensive 3 days. I don't think I will tow a Catalina 25 up there again. With my back and carpal tunnel problems, it is getting too difficult and strenuous for me to do the mast lowering/raising thing 2 full times on this Tall Rig C-25 for one of these away cruises. Next time I think I will just fly up and charter, or maybe get an inexpensive, older Catalina 22 for trailering cruises. Heres the photos:

Road trip north, about 1/3 of the way from Sacramento to Bellingham, at Siskiyou Summit on Interstate 5 at the California/Oregon Border. The downgrade on the north side of this 4310' elevation mountain pass is 7% for 7 miles, and has no less than 2 runaway truck emergency ramps. Better check your brakes!

"Quiet Time" with dinghy side-tied to the visitor's dock our first night at Squalicum Harbor in Belligham. Catalina 22 #1746 "Cosmic Dream", one of the other three boats in our group, is tied next in line aft. I didn't get my headsail run up on the furler until the next morning.

Mount Baker at sunset, view from Squalicum Harbor.

Some of the crew of "Toy Box" (Catalina 25 #5873) and "Akuna Matada" (Catalina 25 #4903) socializing at the quayside at sunset in Squalicum Harbor.

"Quiet Time" outward bound from Bellingham, en route to Fossil Bay on Sucia Island via Hale Passage. This was the best sailing conditions I had the whole trip, wind about 8mph from the west. Portage Island is the closer landmass visible on the right side of the photo, with Lummi Island behind and to the left, Orcas Island behind Lummi to the right in the far distance.

Fine sailing along the south shore of Bellingham Bay

Looking southwest across the Strait of Georgia to Orcas Island. Lots of barge traffic uses this waterway - it is on the direct route from Seattle to Vancouver.

Motoring across the Strait of Georgia en route to Sucia Island's Fossil Bay. View of the north side of Matia Island with Orcas Island in the background. A 3kt flood current made it a long hard push from this point to Fossil Bay, with only about 1.5kt VMG for the last 2 hours of the trip.

Safe at anchor in Fossil Bay, a little before sunset, rafted up with "Toy Box"

En route from Sucia to Roche Harbor, San Juan Island, motoring along Spieden Channel with Spieden Island in the background.

Roche Harbor, San Juan Island

Roche Harbor, San Juan Island. Air Taxi flight on take-off with the 190' "Lady J" in the background. There were a at least a dozen really huge motoryachts moored in Roche harbor while we were there.

Great Blue Heron wading on a beach south of Roche Harbor on the west shore of Mosquito Pass. I went on a slow exploration of Mosquito Pass in my dinghy that afternoon and saw several long stretches of secluded beaches like this.

Several new homes are under construction around Roche Harbor. I don't even want to guess what it must cost to purchase a waterfront lot like this and put a home on in the heart of the San Juans. More that I can afford anyway! Lots of kayakers around the area too, these were only two of many I saw that day.

Our group quayside in Roche Harbor Marina. "Toy Box" (Cat 25WK Mk. IV) is nearest to the camera, "Cosmic Dream" (Cat 22SK Mk. I) next, then "Akuna Matada" (Cat 25SK Mk. II) in front. "Quiet Time" is anchored out in the harbor; I dinghyed in to the marina.

En route from Roche Harbor to Reid Harbor on Stuart Island. "Akuna Matada" (Cat 25) is leading "Cosmic Dream" (Cat 22). "Toy Box" is several hundred yards ahead, too far to include in this group pic.

"Cosmic Dream" entering Reid Harbor, Stuart Island

"Toy Box" and "Akuna Matada" rafted up in Reid Harbor. "Toy Box" is one of the 50 or so Inboard Diesel Cat 25 Mk. IV's that Catalina built, and is still owned by the original owner.

"Quiet Time" and "Cosmic Dream" rafted up in Reid Harbor. Some crew from "Akuna Matada" are out exploring in their red dinghy (I'm in my own dinghy taking pictures)

Reid Harbor sunset. "Akuna Matada" and "Toy Box" are visible on the right, with "Cosmic Dream" and "Quiet Time" behind them. You can easily tell "Quiet Time" from "Cosmic Dream" by the taller mast.

Reid Harbor sunset. "Cosmic Dream" and "Quiet Time" rafted up.

My last day; heading from Reid Harbor back to Bellingham to haul out and go home. Mt. Baker is still snowcapped in last July. View from Boundary Pass near the northern outlet from John's Pass (Stuart Island). I think the islands visible in the distance are Waldron on the left and Orcas on the right, with President Channel between them.

Coming up on Matia Island with Mt. Baker peeking over the top at me. Mt. Baker is at least 50 miles away from me, so the air was sure clear and pretty free of haze and pollution that day.

Inside Hale Passage, southbound. Portage Island with Mt. Baker in the distance. The south side of Portage Island is my turn-left point into Bellingham Bay; I am about 90 minutes to the end of my San Juans cruise as I take this photo.

Larry Charlot
Catalina 25WK/TR Mk. IV #5857 "Quiet Time"
Folsom Lake, CA

"You might get there faster in a powerboat, but in a sailboat, you're already there"

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 08/06/2005 : 00:48:05

Thanks

Edited by - on

Tom Potter
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1913 Posts

Response Posted - 08/06/2005 : 09:21:16

Those are some very nice pictures, thanks for sharing your trip with us.

Edited by - Tom Potter on 08/06/2005 09:22:01

Buzz Maring
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1775 Posts

Response Posted - 08/06/2005 : 09:29:52

Wow ... COOL photos

!

'Looks like you had a wonderful trip, even though you had to cut it short ... 'glad you made it back safely.

Thanks for taking time to post the photos!

Edited by - on

aeckhart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1709 Posts

Response Posted - 08/06/2005 : 10:08:12

I really didn't notice until you mentioned Toy Boxes inboard engine. She really drags her stern. I had an opportunity to buy a C25 with an inboard, deep keel and custom wheel steering from a guy in Green Bay Wisconsin when I was looking for a boat in 1988-89. I settled for my current 1988 wing keel w/outboard and have not regretted the decision.

Thanks for the pics.

Edited by - on

ronrryan
Admiral

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USA
561 Posts

Response Posted - 08/06/2005 : 14:21:58

Thank you for the beautiful pictures, Pat and I once visited the area in 1973 and have always regretted not getting back. I had carpal syndrome and expected to require surgery (right hand) but after wearing a splint for a long while, finally diminished, it returns if I try real hard work with that hand, you have my deepest sympathy, I know what you went through. Only good news is that surgery, IF required, is almost always successful, God Bless, Ron Orion sw fl

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britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 08/06/2005 : 17:51:00

Consdering you only had 3 days, you sure took some great pics.
Thanks for posting them and glad to hear you got back ok.
As a full time computer user, I am careful about punishing my wrists, I have a desk designed to cope with the constant mouse use and keyboard clacking.

We don't have any of those white covered rocky things here in SoFla.... our highest landmarks are either beach front condos or trash mountains.

The trailering trip sounds pretty heavy too. how heavy is your total rig and what's the tow limit on your van? (We pull ours with a Chevy Blazer!) Again, the only hills are the turnpike overpasses.

Edited by - on

cathluk
Admiral

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USA
513 Posts

Response Posted - 08/06/2005 : 21:40:27

Sounds like a great trip - even if cut short. Thanks for the photos - it looks beautiful out there.

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bren737
Captain

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291 Posts

Response Posted - 08/06/2005 : 22:18:49

Larry,

Looks like you had a BLAST! Thanks for sharing!

I had a chance to see that mega-yacht "Lady J" several months ago when she was tied up near the tall ship "Star of India" in San Diego. Man, what a vessel. Former oil field workboat converted to a yacht. Carries a 38' Viking sportfisher, a 25' Grady White, a 19' Mako and an 18' RIB on her 'transom ramp'. Never know just when that certain special boat will be called for I suppose. . .

According to this site she's for sale for a cool $6.7 mil:

http://yachtcouncil.com/yachts_info.asp?vessel=2245&VesselFilter_Generic_frm_auto=1&measure=0 &measure_text=US&currency=7&currency_text=US+Dollar&used =2&loa=185&loa_=186&price=&price_=&year=&year_=&builders =&builder_text=&type=2&category_m=&category_s=&fuel_type =&country=0&region=0&state=0&city=&hull_config=&hull_material =&sort1=&sort2=&consumer_id=0&save_id=0&days=&salesman=&company =&make_def=&mode=3&page=1

I know, it's a loooonnnggg address. . . but click on the 'more specs' and 'yacht images'.

Edited by - on

Dan Greer
1st Mate

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USA
36 Posts

Response Posted - 08/07/2005 : 17:43:23

Thanks very much for your post, Larry.

That is my dream trip. Not going to make it this year, but next year for sure....

Your beautiful pictures help keep the dream alive.

Dan Greer
Phoenix, AZ

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johnsonp
Admiral

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USA
606 Posts

Response Posted - 08/07/2005 : 20:11:56

Larry
The pass you came over has a sign saying it's the highest elevation on I-5.
I talked to the gal in black, on Toy Box, at Maple Bay Marina July 29th or 30th, she said you were all at dinner.
paulj C250 #719wk

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ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 08/07/2005 : 21:54:57

Great photos... a real bummer about your wrist troubles though.

I have some old back injuries that I have to worry about in the same way. I keep enough painkillers/anti-imflammatories handy to deal with all but a serious 'twang'.

In the photos, Toy Box looks so much smaller than Akuna... notice that it's riding a lot lower in the water. Maybe that's the difference.

Edited by - on

PamC
Navigator

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171 Posts

Response Posted - 08/08/2005 : 16:07:39

Larry you made my day!

Today is my first day back from a week of camping and lo & behold you posted your San Juan chronicles. My husband & I are going to be going there the last two weeks of September and your post was very timely. Now that we have our annual campout out of the way we are gearing up for what will be our first 2 week vacation together in 21 years of marriage. This morning as I started adding to my already long to-do list for the trip it was starting to feel like a job, so you can see why I appreciated your post SO much. We have only started sailing this year and so we have been on kind of a crash course to learn as much as we can in anticipation of our trip to the San Juans. Fortunately we'll be accompanied by our sailing mentors who will be on their San Juan 26. We will be trailering up from Medford, OR, just about 15 miles north of the Siskiyou Pass you pictured. BTW our boat is moored about 15 miles east of that pass at beautiful Howard Prairie Lake http://www.howardprairieresort.com/index.html. It's like a mini San Juan's experience.

Anyways thanks a bunch, you really got me jazzed to go.

Edited by - on

mashedcat
Navigator

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USA
194 Posts

Response Posted - 08/08/2005 : 17:09:39

Your trip was like mine last year. Spent more time in the slip at Cap Sante, Anacortes than we did out on the water. This year was different. Did 3 weeks in the Gulf Islands. Anacortes to Nanaimo and back. The C25 served us well. First year sailing it. In fact the second time i sailed the boat was the day we left Anacortes. Will try to post a few pics once my wife downloads them. Seemed like a long winter getting the boat ready to go, but well worth it. I asked a few dumb questions here while getting ready, but found out lots here just reading old posts. I definitely appreciate the wealth of info here. Our boat will be joining Pam's on Howard Prarie for the remainder of the season. (We don't know each other). next year at least a month in Desolation Sound.

Edited by - on

Lightnup
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1016 Posts

Response Posted - 08/08/2005 : 22:42:09

Thanks for the pics Larry. Never been to that part of the country but it sure looks inviting.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery of your carpal tunnel problems.

Steve

Edited by - on

glivs
Admiral

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USA
836 Posts

Response Posted - 08/09/2005 : 20:07:37

Larry....great pics and wonderful trip. Is that a 5-rung ladder on "Quiet Time"? If so, how did you come by it, I've searched and talked with CD but have not had any success.

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stampeder
Master Marine Consultant

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1608 Posts

Response Posted - 08/09/2005 : 21:55:49

Awesome. Thank you for taking the time to post all those pictures.
My first experience sailing my C25 is in that area - and my boat comes from Bellingham.
Best wishes with the carpal-tunnel - I hear there are alternatives to surgery.

Best Regards
La Barca (& Le Crew )

Edited by - on

Jack Heaston
1st Mate

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48 Posts

Response Posted - 08/18/2005 : 18:16:31

Hi Larry
Great pictures. I'm sure everyone appreciated them. Typical of you to take the time to post them on the Forum.
Sorry to hear that your trip had to be cut short, but you put a lot of miles on the boat in three days. You went to some really wonderful places.
Not sure when you were up in the San Juans, but it would have been fun to run into you. I was on the water from July 6 through the 29th, but only up in the Islands for a week in the middle of that time. I too overnighted at Stuart Island at Prevost Harbor, right across the spit from Reid, but passed up Sucia due to reports of it being really crowded. I'm not comfortable anchoring solo in a crowd. Roche Hbr is one of my favorites as well, but it didn't work out this trip.
I was singlehanding, as it sounds like you were as well?
Long drive from Sacramento, as it is from Burns, OR. Takes me about eight hours just to get to Seattle from here, if I avoid rush hour. Getting the mast up and down by myself is no problem thanks to the great advice from this Forum, the A-frame and a home-made telescoping mast-up that sits on the aft of the cockpit sole, not on the rudder gudgeons. However it does take about three hours to haul all the stuff
down from the pickup, set it up, rig the guys, run the lines, raise the mast and then reverse the process. I'm sure you know the drill.
I don't know how to insert pictures on this site, but I'll email you some of the shots of my trip.
Thanks again for yours. I really enjoyed them.
Jack 83 FK/SR 3944

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