San Juan Island Adventure, 2011

[Lowell]

I've lead two trips into the San Juan Islands in the first week in June both years.

There appeared to be lots of interest, but in the end only one person signed up both years. That doesn't bother me, as I enjoy the Islands alone or with a group. However; it was suggested that I ask members when would be a good time for them. John Nelson said he likes the first two weeks in July.

1. Does anyone else have a suggested time they would like to go?
   
2. Do you want to stay overnight in campgrounds or do the cabin or hotel method?
   
3. Where in the Islands are you interested in going?

The boats that go should be equiped with-- high sides,-- an auto bilge pump,-- anchoring gear,-- a recent tune up on the motor,-- VHF radio (handheld is okay),-- carry enough fuel for 6 hours of running,-- and of course all that other Coast Guard required stuff.

Both years there were no white caps over one foot and very little wind, I hope it will be that way in 2011 too.

[Skagitguy]

Lowell, I would be interested in going next year in about the middle of July. Personally i would rather go to places like Lopez Island or Friday Harbor and stay overnight at a resort ( on or off the boat ) like Fisherman's on Lopez that some of us did back in 2007 or 08. That's just my thinking. Chuck

[Andy E.]

Sounds like fun anytime, dock or anchor. If my boat is ready I'll be there. Andy

[Helmar]

20ft Offshore

Hey Lowell.
Been working on our 20ft Offshore and as soon as I feel its dependable after testing, the Skimaster gets retired.
The 20ft Offshore broke one year trying to make it to the San Juans so once running and tested, June or July works for us.:GoodJob:

[Sammamish1]

I have wanted to go but was without a "big water" boat. Next year I should have one(right Helmar?), and would love to participate. Any time but late May - early June works for me.

[Helmar]

I have wanted to go but was without a "big water" boat. Next year I should have one(right Helmar?), and would love to participate. Any time but late May - early June works for me.

Yup, getting closer and closer every week. :Slow1:

[Sammamish1]

VeryBigSmile

[Lowell]

Thank you for the ideas.

I'm reading what all you Adventurous Islander Boaters are saying, keep the ideas coming before the 2011 Events Calendar comes out and maybe it will come together with more people attending. Lowell

[Marty Loken (Norseboater)]

San Juans, 2011

Lowell -

Mid- to late July always sounds great, so hopefully we can make the 2011 San Juans Adventure.

Seems like, when planning saltwater events, the first thing all of us need to look at is the tidal calendar....even before the "best-weather calendar"...to be sure there's enough water at launch ramps when folks are scheduled to depart, and also when they return Sunday afternoon/evening. It's also helpful to select a weekend where tidal range is moderate, so that participants don't have to face ominous currents in passes, dramatic tide rips or other tide-related obstacles when launching, retrieving or running through narrow channels. (You obviously know this subject inside and out, Lowell; I'm only mentioning it for others as they consider saltwater events for 2011.)

Hope to participate in the San Juans run, regardless of the date.

- Marty

[BruceDrake]

San Juans 2011

BB21 needs to visit the San Juans next summer! Any time following Marty's tide watch suggestion.

[george]

I would love to be able to join you for something like this, if I get my old boat going by then(the plan is in the water late spring). I have actually been working on it the last couple of weeks. Seeing the classics in Chelan has inspired me.

[McSkagit Tim Jones]

San Juan Islands

For once I'll be able to attend an event. I'm up for anytime. I like Sucia Island. #1 Fox Cove. #2 Shallow Bay.

Tim

[Lowell]

Tides, currents and boats

Good input on the tides I have not checked a tide chart yet. I will do that when we have it narrowed down to a month window. It appears the first 3 weeks in July would be a good time to go. How about mid September? Or May? May can have good weather but fewer people and the flowers are out.

Tim,
We haven't heard from you in awhile, it sounds like you may be interested in going, does that mean the big Skagit is in the water now? Sucia is a nice place. I like Shallow Bay too. It would be easy to beach the boats there, beach it two hours before low tide, let the tide drop, boat sits on the sandy bottom, go for a walk, then return 4 hours later, and she is floating. If you have an inboard with rudder and prop that does not come out of the water you're out of luck on this idea. No problem for you, your boat is so big you can just roam the deck for exercise and just stay anchored out or tow a Bell Boy for a dingy. Or we will come get you after you're anchored.


It sounds like there are a number of people that are working on their boats to get them ready, May is 8 months away. Work! Work! soon enough it will be time to launch.

[Skagitguy]

Lowell ! Boat sitting on the beach with the tides coming and going and rocking and a rollin with waves splashing all over it? ! Not my boat ! July is a good month for the weather and tides. Chuck

[McSkagit Tim Jones]

San Juan Islands adventure.

Lowell,
Well the Skagit Saratogan isn't floating at this moment, but 'Come Monday' (sounds like a Jimmy Buffet song) it will be floating (with Gods grace). I will likely be towing two or maybe three dinghys. Looking for a Whitehall row boat.

The keel on the Saratogan is quite deep (21 inches at the props). According to the surveyor, the keel is deeper than the props. I could careen the Saratogan on a sand or mud beach and probably not hurt anything.....

Careened my Glasply on the beach at Fox Cove many times to the horror of many!

Can't wait to get the 31 out on the water... What a project...

Thanks for your input.

Tim