San Juan’s for the winter

[GrandWood]

Left Reid harbor today, 3hr cruise to Sucia island, beating against the tide most of the way. Lots of fog. Will hang here for a bit, lots of island to explore.

 

[luna]

One benefit of the fog is that when it is around, the wind is generally light. No wind in the current forecast until about Friday.

Stay warm and dry.

 

[GrandWood]

Took a 4 mile round trip hike over to the China Caves at shallow bay, Sucia is a limestone island, Caves were just some cool formations in the rock. Found this sailboat beached, must of dragged in some high wind, or they got to close to shore, and that was that.

 

[slowgoesit]

Wait . . . was that a collapsible swim ladder?!?

 

[GrandWood]

Wait . . . was that a collapsible swim ladder?!?

Dunno, didn’t look at it to close, did notice the out board, there was a few cushions on the beach. Prolly bunch of good stuff on board. Does not look like it has been ransacked. Wonder if the salvage thing applies, lol.

 

[JackConnick]

Ask the rangers. I'm sure someone will come for it from Bellingham.

 

[GrandWood]

Good morning, from Fossil Bay Sucia island. Went to reading the marine park rules more in depth, and found out that I need to leave the area after three days on a dock or mooring ball for 24hrs before returning. Reads like I have to leave the surrounding waters of the whole park. Also seems like ya can’t stay in any state waters more then three days anchored.

So if im Here at Sucia in fossil bay on a ball, I can’t go over to echo bay after three days and get on a ball, or even anchor out, until 24hrs has passed.

I guess I could see the logic in that, so that others are afforded the chance during summer here I guess it gets really crowded.

This past 3 day weekend, and the great weather we are having now, I’m seeing lots more boats out and about

 

[JackConnick]

No, just move around. People go from moorings to the dock and back and forth. Yes there is a 3 day limit at a particular dock or mooring. There's certainly no limitation for anchoring that I've ever heard of. This time of year, they rarely enforce it anyway. If a ranger says something to you, then talk to them then. That being said rain is coming this weekend.

 

[Mac2]

Same as what Jack said. Those rules are for when it’s crowded and giving everyone a fair chance at the ball/dock. If there’s no one around (like this time of year). There’s no one to be fair for. Anyone enforcing these rules should have common sense, or let you know to move along. Is there any competition there right now?

 

[GrandWood]

Same as what Jack said. Those rules are for when it’s crowded and giving everyone a fair chance at the ball/dock. If there’s no one around (like this time of year). There’s no one to be fair for. Anyone enforcing these rules should have common sense, or let you know to move along. Is there any competition there right now?

No, there’s plenty of balls vacant. Boats have been on the dock since Sunday, comming and going. But there’s always been room for at least one boat on the dock. I’ve been on a ball, don’t care much for everyone going by peeping at ya all day, lol.

 

[H2O_Doc]

Left Reid harbor today, 3hr cruise to Sucia island, beating against the tide most of the way. Lots of fog. Will hang here for a bit, lots of island to explore.

Loving the pics. I think that blue Selene was the one we chartered back in May! Sucia was one of our favorite stops.

 

[lwarden]

My friend Kyle, wife and dog is or was just up by you with a Lindell like mine, think he was on the dock. Looks like it was decent weather.

 

[GrandWood]

My friend Kyle, wife and dog is or was just up by you with a Lindell like mine, think he was on the dock. Looks like it was decent weather.

We arrived on Sunday, first couple days it was foggy in am, didn’t really burn off much, but past few days it was really nice and sunny. Today looks like another nice day, we head out for jones island in a bit.

 

[GrandWood]

Cool rock formation, and caught a eagle on the fly over by little sucia

 

[GrandWood]

I was wondering when your staying in the San Juan’s for any length of time, as in months, were do you like to provision/ grocery shop. East sound on orcas seems to have the largest grocery store, which would seem it would have the best pricing outta the stores on the islands. I know no matter where ya go it’s quite a bit more than the mainland. We need to do a good bit of shopping now after being up here 2 months now.

 

[Portage_Bay]

I was wondering when your staying in the San Juan’s for any length of time, as in months, were do you like to provision/ grocery shop. East sound on orcas seems to have the largest grocery store, which would seem it would have the best pricing outta the stores on the islands. I know no matter where ya go it’s quite a bit more than the mainland. We need to do a good bit of shopping now after being up here 2 months now.

It may be worth the time and expense to go to Anacortes. Safeway and The Market are not too far from Cap Sante

 

[slowgoesit]

Unless it's closed, there was a really nice grocery store in Friday Harbor, less than 1/4 mile from the City Marina.

 

[jrd22]

Either Kings market in FH or the grocery in Eastsound, prices (high) and choices are about the same. Another option is to use the shopping service that Island Express water taxi offers (Costco, Safeway, Market and several others). Lots of people here on the island use it regularly and it's a lot cheaper than going to the mainland, taxis, etc. I've never done it so don't know all the details but you could call Express and they can walk you through it, really nice people. It would be cheaper if you were tied up or anchored somewhere not too far from their normal routes (Decatur, Blakely, Obstruction Pass, James Is, etc). 360-299-2875. Might not work for you but it's another option.

 

[H2O_Doc]

Unless it's closed, there was a really nice grocery store in Friday Harbor, less than 1/4 mile from the City Marina.

King's Market? Great place. Note that they may be out of wine since our multiple visits earlier this year! We may have bought them out of Cabernet! Hopefully, they've recovered.

 

[AlaskaProf]

Unless it's closed, there was a really nice grocery store in Friday Harbor, less than 1/4 mile from the City Marina.

I agree re: Kings in FH. Sure it is a little more expensive than "home," but look where you are. A surprisingly good variety of stuff, and I've always found the meats and produce to be fresh and abundant. Nice people too.

Side tie on the outside of "A" dock free while you shop.

 

[Patemey]

Friday Harbor Market Place (I believe owned by Kings) is a bit further of a walk from Kings (closer to the airport), but IMO has cheaper prices, better produce, more selection and seems to be where the locals shop.

 

[GrandWood]

Friday Harbor Market Place (I believe owned by Kings) is a bit further of a walk from Kings (closer to the airport), but IMO has cheaper prices, better produce, more selection and seems to be where the locals shop.

I’ll check that one tomorrow, been to Kings on spring street and it was way spendy.

 

[GrandWood]

Mouflon sheep come right down by the boat this eve, couple days ago couple archers were camped above us and killed a small one.

 

[GrandWood]

We are back at Jones island, got a call yesturday for our engine swap, end of this month, beginning of March and we will finally get that done. Just been moving around here and there lately to the same paces we have been on the western side of the island chain. Will hit Friday harbor tomorrow for vet appointment, provision and then go spend some time on the eastern side, as the weather has been really good this past month, and spring is getting close. Also have over come my fears of high wind, as we seem to be doing just fine staying put with our anchor gear.

 

[GrandWood]

So here at jones north cove tonite is crazy, wind is not that bad but the rollers are rocking us all over, I’d bet 3 to 4 ft. Tossed a bunch of stuff off counters, and even feelin a bit green

 

[Portage_Bay]

Will hit Friday harbor tomorrow for vet appointment,

i recall that your dog needs regular vet appts and you plan on spending the summer in Canada. What are your plans for getting your furry friend the help needed?

 

[GrandWood]

i recall that your dog needs regular vet appts and you plan on spending the summer in Canada. What are your plans for getting your furry friend the help needed?

He needs an allergy shot every 6 to 8 weeks, called cytopoint. Will just have to find vets as we move around much like I have been doing here in the PNW

 

[jrd22]

We are back at Jones island, got a call yesturday for our engine swap, end of this month, beginning of March and we will finally get that done. Just been moving around here and there lately to the same paces we have been on the western side of the island chain. Will hit Friday harbor tomorrow for vet appointment, provision and then go spend some time on the eastern side, as the weather has been really good this past month, and spring is getting close. Also have over come my fears of high wind, as we seem to be doing just fine staying put with our anchor gear.

You picked a great winter to spend here, just a couple of storms and no extreme cold at all (so far). I need to mow the grass and the daffodils are ready to pop open.

 

[GrandWood]

You picked a great winter to spend here, just a couple of storms and no extreme cold at all (so far). I need to mow the grass and the daffodils are ready to pop open.

Really first weeks of November were the worst so far, think the cold is over as well. Really have been enjoying the whole experience, no major problems to this point.

 

[Ertyqway]

FYI, crossing the border with a dog is not entirely straightforward, particularly on the way back into the USA. You will need lots of paperwork. Travel Between The U.S. & Canada With Pets - NEW RULES