Lake Powell and PNW

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Lake Powell and PNW Traveler
La Conner
May 5, 2025 in the United States ☀️ 48 °F
Monday, May 5. Happy Cinco de Mayo. Had a smooth transit today, coming up the Saratoga Passage into Skagit Bay and then the Swinomish Channel. Mostly slack, to a pushing current of about a knot and a half. Went through a few areas where the currents were pushing up against each other. Sometimes that can cause tidal rips. I went through a few, but very minor. I took a photo of one, where you can see rippled water giving way to smooth water. Also had a great view of a snow capped Mount Baker. Always enjoy looking at water front homes, and that was no different on Gedney (or Hat) Island, and Camano Island. Some of those homes were up on a cliff with quite an intricate staircase. Every once in a while you’ll see a boat that is moored near the beach, so when the tide is out, it sits on the mud. The approach to the Swinomish Channel from Skagit Bay is slightly challenging, without much room for error, or you’ll find yourself in the rocks or mud flats. (A little more challenging when you have current pushing you off course in the turn.) There are range markers in the bay just west of the channel entrance, that you use to line up for the turn in. (Then they end up behind you.) Then stay between the markers in the channel. One side has a rock bar (which at mid tide just breaks the water surface), the other side mud flats. At Goat Island, someone put a wood cutout of a goat on some pilings. About a mile or so into the channel, you make a 90 degree turn to the left through Hole in the Wall. I’m guessing called that, as you pass between some rock outcroppings. A few minor turns between more rocks, and then under the Rainbow bridge into LaConner. I still had about a knot and a half of current coming into the dock, which is parallel to the current. Parallel current is much easier than perpendicular current, but always a little more fun than docking in calm water. La Conner is a cute town with numerous shops and restaurants. And a nice boardwalk along the water front. Coming back to the dock, I found two more boats had joined me. A shrimp boat had come in on the other end of the dock (rules say no commercial fishing boats…) and then a 40’ Grand Banks trawler between C-Traveler and the shrimp boat. We are pretty tight together with the Grand Bank’s anchor just above my bimini, and his bow just behind and outside of my outboard…Read more
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Lake Powell and PNW Traveler
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Eagle Harbor
May 6, 2025 in the United States ☁️ 54 °F
Tuesday, May 6. Another calm day on the water. Sunny and upper 60’s. Short day as well at 17nm. Got underway with a knot of current on the bow. Went another mile or so in the Swinomish Channel, before passing under the route 20 highway bridge, and through a railroad swing bridge, and on into Padilla Bay. Padilla Bay is mostly a mud flat with a narrow dredged channel through it. Stopped in Anacortes at Cap Sante marina to walk across the street to a service station to get some more diesel fuel for my Webasto heater. (Cheaper than buying it at a marina, and I’ve been running the heater with the cold nights in the 40’s.) Continued on through the Guemes Channel and Bellingham Channel to Cypress Island where I picked up a mooring ball in Eagle Harbor. Decided to get my kayak down, and peddled around the harbor. The disadvantage to being on a mooring ball with a C-Dory, is the ball tends to hit the bow occasionally with changing currents or wind, which echoes into the V-Berth. I think I’ve found a way to hook up the ball to keep it from doing that. I run my line through my anchor roller and over the top of my anchor, and tie it taught. I’ve been seeing seals often, but usually just get a glimpse of their head, and then they dive usually before I can get my camera.Read more
TravelerEnjoying watching your time in the San Juans. We plan to boat around for a week or so up there once we pick up the boat.
5/6/25Reply
TravelerJennie, it’s a great area to explore!
5/7/25Reply
Traveler Great idea… if you run the return line from the ball back through the bow roller to the cleat, it will provide another foot or so margin. Really enjoying these Love Port Townsend… we can almost sense the fresh brisk air.
5/14/25Reply
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Lake Powell and PNW Traveler
Port of Friday Harbor
May 7, 2025 in the United States 🌙 55 °F
Wednesday, May 7. Another easy day at 17 miles. Off the mooring ball just after 7am. A little bit of wind crossing Rosario Straight, against the current, made it just rough enough to occasionally send some salt water overspray on the windows. (I love the cruising here in the PNW, but hate the salt!) Had a 2 knot current push most of the way. Entering Peavine pass, I saw a couple of Bald Eagles on the Peavine Pass Rocks. Water smoothed out leaving the open Rosario Straight, as it’s much more protected from the winds in the San Juan Islands. Winds were only about 10 kts maybe, but really kicked up this afternoon, even here in the marina. From Pevine Pass, which is on the north side of Blakely Island, went between Orcas and Lopez islands, and then south of Shaw Island into the Port of Friday Harbor. Got my slip assignment and settled in. A few C-Dory’s already here, but most will come in tomorrow. Gathering is tomorrow thru Sunday. Visited with some of the other C-Brats, and then walked around town, helping out their economy with a little grocery and wine shopping. Also splurged on some ice cream! Think the temperature was only in the mid 60’s today, and sunny most the day. Chilly later this afternoon when the winds came up. And cloudy.Read more
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Lake Powell and PNW Traveler
Friday Harbor Day 2
May 8, 2025 in the United States ☁️ 54 °F
Today was the official start of our C-Brat gathering at the Port of Friday Harbor marina. Quite a few more C-Dory's came in, and there will be a few more arriving tomorrow. Today was mostly a day to just socialize with each other. I walked into town again earlier, and found the local Presbyterian Church that I'll attend on Sunday. (Didn't see any Lutheran or Methodist churches in the area.) The park just above the marina has a statue of Popeye, The Friday Harbor seal. He was rather famous for his antics in the marina and was a favorite among visiting boaters. I think he passed several years ago. I took my peddle kayak out for a spin around the H dock here to get some photos and explore the shore area outside of the docks.Read more
TravelerHello, I just want to tell you that your post are always interesting and I’ve been an admirer of your posts. Can I add you as friends on fb?
5/15/25Reply
TravelerI appreciate the admiration, but I tend to keep my Facebook privacy for friends I actually know or have met. Hope you understand.
5/15/25Reply
TravelerOh okay, I understand
5/15/25Reply
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Lake Powell and PNW Traveler
Friday Harbor C-Brat Gathering, Day 2
May 9, 2025 in the United States ☁️ 64 °F
Sunny and mid 70’s today. Although it’s been in the mid 40’s at night. Today a few more C-Dory’s pulled in. In all, I believe we have around 43 C-Dorys, and 1 Grand Banks couple that use to have a C-Dory, so still considered a C-Brat! The day was mostly spent socializing with each other. I did walk into town and splurged on a Hot Fudge Sundae. Came back and walked out the main marina wharf, just enjoying the day and boat scenery. On the way back to the G dock, just about tripped over a young seal sunning itself on the dock walk. A local said they call it Arrowhead, due to the arrow spot on its forehead. Seal didn’t seem bothered at all by the presence of boaters and their dogs, walking by. Early this evening, a number of us met up at the San Juan Island Brewing Co restaurant for supper. Took up three large tables.Read more
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Lake Powell and PNW Traveler
Friday Harbor C-Brat Gathering, Day 3
May 10, 2025 in the United States ☁️ 61 °F
Rather cloudy and chilly most the day, although the sun did come out for a while. Tomorrow is the official last day of the gathering here at Friday Harbor, but there is nothing planned for the day, other than about a dozen boats will head out for Princess Louisa Inlet with its Chatterbox Falls. Many others will head back home. This morning started out with USCG Safety inspections of our boats for those that signed up for them. And more socializing. At 2pm there was a meeting for anyone interested in going to Princess Louisa Inlet and discussing weather and border crossing with Canada, including food restrictions and process for clearing customs both ways for boaters. Then at 5pm we had our potluck followed by drawings for some very nice “swag”, mostly provided by Northwest Marine Industries. I also shared that a few of the items were from another new C-Brat from the east coast (Rick on Willow) that enjoyed doing some intricate wood work and engravings, had asked me to bring out to this gathering, as he had shared with the St. John’s River gathering as well. Michael , one of the NMI owners, and his wife Alona, were introduced and thanked for the goodies they provided along with the steak at the potluck! Julie, NMI’s marketing director was also introduced. While Gary and Colleen from Daybreak coordinate this gathering, they asked Patrick from Kim Christine to emcee this afternoon. Patrick also did the boat christening of Sjohest, for its owners, Ken and Stacie.
I saw that both the resident seals were resting up on a dock finger again, up near the dock intersections by the restrooms.
(There are two videos of the boat christening, one of which was too big (2mins35sec) to place in Findpenquins. If you would like to watch them, please go to my youtube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23nflZ1zNgU, and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkKbdzvP0TQRead more
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Lake Powell and PNW Traveler
Last Day/Night in Friday Harbor
May 11, 2025 in the United States ☁️ 57 °F
Today was a pretty laid back day. I can pretty much describe it with my photos. As the past couple days, cloudy and cool, with sun coming out heating things up to the mid 70’s during the middle of the day. Went to the local Presbytarian Church this morning, stopped to splurge on Ice Cream on the way back, saw the longest kayak I’ve ever seen. (There were about half a dozen kayakers bringing their kayaks up the main wharf from an overnight trip to Jones Island). Did my laundry. Planned to buy some fresh crab from the fish shack under the main wharf, but they were closed, so just had some leftovers that I grabbed from the potluck last evening. There were maybe a dozen or so C-Dorys still here this morning when I left for church, and when I came back around noon, there were just three others besides me. I think we will all be leaving tomorrow morning.Read more
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Lake Powell and PNW Traveler
Port Townsend, part 1
May 12, 2025 in the United States ☀️ 50 °F
“Point Wilson is the corner where Admiralty Inlet turns into the Strait of Juan de Fuca. On an ebb, a nasty tide-rip can build immediately north of Point Wilson, and stretch well across the mouth of Admiralty Inlet. If it’s a big ebb and opposed by strong westerly winds, the seas in the area are not merely nasty, they are dangerous. They are high, steep and close together.” I read this in my Waggoner Cruising Guide later, after arriving here in Port Townsend. So, this is my story. Got up early and departed Friday Harbor just before 7am with a great 3 kt current pushing me out the San Juan Channel into the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Since this crossing was a little over 20 miles, I decided rather than running slow as I usually do, I’d put C-Traveler up on plane and get across a little more quickly. Passed the Cattle Point Lighthouse, dodged a few logs that were flushed out with the current, and enjoyed a mostly smooth crossing until abeam Smith and Minor islands. Past those there was a little more chop as the winds were maybe 10mph out of the west. While the ebb out of San Juan Channel was behind me, the ebb out of Admiralty Inlet was ahead of me. And I found 4’ to 5’ standing waves as I approached the Inlet. Boat was pretty much thoroughly bathed in salt water by the time I passed the Pt. Wilson Lighthouse and arrived at the Point Hudson Marina in Port Townsend. It was about 9am when I arrived, and even though check in is not until 1p, the marina assigned me a temporary slip, until a regular slip opened up around 11a. I spent a little time washing C-Traveler down with fresh water, and doing some house cleaning. At one point I stopped to watch the marina shop lower a Ranger tug with their travel lift. Apparently it was having engine problems and it didn’t look like they were able to fix it, as TowBoat US took it away. After the sail boat left my assigned slip, I moved over to it. The marina facilities are in some buildings that were part of a military base that housed Navy, Army and Coast Guard personnel for over 20 years. Those buildings are quite prominent on the water front as you come around the point. The marina has a narrow breakwater entrance just past the point. It also has a fairly tight bend in it which restricts the length of vessels that can come in.
After lunch, I spent most the afternoon walking around town. Really a cute town with older buildings from the 1880’s-90’s. There are a number of art shops, along with various other shops, restaurants and other buildings. The downtown area is along the water front, while the residential area is on the bluff behind the town. Northwest Maritime is also located here, with a lot of history in boat building. The facility also has a ship simulator and also provides different programs for younger students.
(Too many photos for one footprint, so this is part one of two.)Read more
We hit the waves and chop in Admiralty Inlet from 5:30-7PM on our way back to Seattle. Quite a few pucker moments, so lesson learned. [Shad, C-Squatch]
5/14/25Reply
TravelerThe C-Dory is more sea worthy than us! lol
5/14/25Reply
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Lake Powell and PNW Traveler
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Port Townsend, part two
May 12, 2025 in the United States ☀️ 54 °F
Just adding more photos for the day in Port Townsend
Traveler Is the Maritime center similar to the Chesapeake Bay Museum in that they have traditional craft from the area display there? My favorite Northwestern Boat designer is somewhere near you, Devlin.
5/14/25Reply
TravelerI’ve never been to the Chesapeake one, but likely.
5/14/25Reply
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Kitsap Memorial State Park
May 13, 2025 in the United States ☁️ 61 °F
The weather the last couple of days has been much cooler and more clouds. Today was up to 62, but the next couple days forecast to be in the mid 50’s for highs. Nights have been in the mid 40’s. Sun does come out from behind the clouds for a couple hours. Before leaving Point Hudson today, I watched a couple of River Otters playing just beyond the dock. As I left I passed a Northwest Maritime instructor giving some students instruction on sailing. I stopped at Union Wharf to take one last walk into town (while waiting for the tidal currents to change). Found some interesting flowers on the hill. Perhaps someone can tell me what they are. Leaving Port Townsend I passed behind the tug Hercules and its tow. Stayed out of the restricted area around Naval Magazine Indian Island. Entered the Port Townsend canal with a 3 kt flood current pushing me up to 8 kts from my usual 5. Interesting current patterns where the canal exited into Oak Bay. Turned into the Hood Canal, and went under the floating bridge. That’s worth googling! (Hood Canal Floating Bridge.) Near Kitsap Memorial State Park, stopped at C-Brat Ed Johnson’s neighborhood dock for a bit, and then went out and picked up the Park’s mooring buoy. Ed came out with his Tomcat to pick me up. That’s my first ride on a C-Dory Tomcat. Visited with Ed for a while, and then his wife made us a great supper. Afterwards, Ed gave me a ride back to C-Traveler.Read more
Traveler I’ve sold these for years: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kniphofia
5/14/25Reply
TravelerThanks
5/14/25Reply
Color - Composition - Timing - Light … Excellent Photo ! [Dale Smith]
5/14/25Reply
Traveler This is probably Kniphofia 'Traffic Lights'.
5/15/25Reply
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Lake Powell and PNW Traveler
Pleasant Harbor
May 14, 2025 in the United States ☁️ 50 °F
Low clouds, and chilly. Mid 50’s for a high. Hood Canal floating bridge schedule indicated a closure of the bridge to auto traffic today at approximately 10:45a. I wanted to see that, so dropped the mooring ball around 9 and headed back the 3 miles. There is a launch ramp on the north side of the bridge, so I just tied up to the dock there on one side, since there were no boats launching. I thought maybe there would be some military ships coming through, but ended up to be two sail boats and two yachts. I was kind of surprised to see it open for them. The elevated bridge section on the east side has 50’ of clearance at high tide, and we were at low tide. I assume that their masts and antennas were higher than that, as boats can be fined that request this bridge be opened if they can fit under the elevated section. Anyway, it was kind of cool to watch the bridge open. I took two videos, one at just over 2 minutes, and the other at 7 minutes. That longer one was of the bridge closing. Video is kind of long in the middle as it took about 5 minutes from when the one section was moved back into place, before the raised section was lowered. In case you didn’t google it from yesterday’s post, there are two sections of the bridge on both sides that are slightly raised, so that the middle two sections can be slid back underneath the raised sections. They only opened the eastern half for the private boats going thru, as they didn’t need any more space, and it would take a bit longer to open both sections. I will post those videos on my Youtube channel for those reading this blog at Findpenquins, since they are too long for that media. https://youtu.be/m9C0qwFnAAE and https://youtu.be/sjK3RksnLG4
After the bridge closed, I ate lunch, then left the dock to head back down the Hood Canal towards Pleasant Harbor. There was still an ebb current that I would be going against, however I found that staying along the eastern shore there was a bit of a back current, as I was getting a 1 knot push. The tides changed when I was half way along my route, so I began to get the current push in the mid channel. Went by some military restricted areas. I believe Navbase Kitsap. Didn’t see any submarines or big ships, but there were some small ships & boats. There was one security boat patrolling the perimeter to make sure no one unauthorized entered the restricted zone. I also passed some training going on with the USCG I believe.
I envy some of the homes along the water front, but have only taken a few photos of them. I passed one harbor, Fisherman Harbor, that is a very small cove, but only accessible at high tide. Looked to be pretty scenic and peaceful, and private, but it was low tide, so unable to go in and check it out. Pleasant Harbor matches its name. You come through a small spit, and then opens up into a small oblong cove, at the base of some mountains. I’m the only one docked here at the state park dock, but there are two larger marinas next to me. I walked one mile round trip to the farthest marina, which by boat would have been about 100 yards. Lol. I’m watching a couple seals swimming a couple boat lengths away from me as I type this.Read more
TravelerWe love pleasant harbor & have swimmer right outside the inlet in the summer ! Was wonderful
5/15/25Reply
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Lake Powell and PNW Traveler
Port of Kingston
May 15, 2025 in the United States ☁️ 52 °F
Misty and rainy and 54 degrees for the day. Cruised up the Hood Canal with a 1 kt ebb current behind me, and then when I got around Foul Weather Bluff into Puget Sound, I decided to put it up on plane with 2 kts of ebb current on my bow. Also wanted to get to Kingston a little earlier. I’m very much enjoying the Sound and places I have not been before. Hood Canal was perfectly smooth today.
Turning into Puget Sound, I started getting a little chop. A number of interesting sights today. First, I was overtaken by a Navy Tug “Deception” YT 810. I didn’t really give it much thought other than I knew it came out of the Navy Base Kitsap. It was running without a tow.
Coming under the Hood Canal floating bridge, I did a little more googling to see what the facility was on Point Hannon. Looks to be a Hood Canal Mariculture site. Or Kelp farming. Also noticed some items on Point Hannon that might be native related. Pt Hannon, otherwise known as Whiskey Spit, has been a meeting point for native peoples, mariners, fishers and loggers for hundreds of years. Native tribal members tell of tribal gatherings, ceremonies, and ancestral canoe burials going back for some time, and continuing to the present day.
Just prior to Foul Weather Bluff, I found out where the “Deception” was going. Several Naval and USCG support ships and a Navy Submarine were in the area. I suspect Deception was going to tow or help bring the sub in at the Hood Canal bridge. Wish I could have been closer, but one of the USCG small boats, with a guy manning the machine gun on the bow, intercepted me and asked that I turn towards the eastern shore away from the sub. I did ask about taking some pictures, and they said as long as I turned my bow away from the sub, I would be ok. (Mind you, I was already about ½ mile away. They then proceeded to be my “wing man” for a good distance. (Running on my port side and just behind so not to block my pictures). I got a number of photos of the sub from the distance. About abeam the sub, the small boat running beside me broke off, and a larger USCG support security boat provided security.
Turned the corner at Foul Weather Bluff and picked up my speed. Some nice homes along the western shoreline. Went around Point No Point and took some pictures of the lighthouse there. Just before entering the breakwater into Port of Kingston, I saw a large sailboat listing on the beach. That’s what happens when you anchor too close to shore at high tide and the tide goes out. Actually, in this case, I guess the sailor did it on purpose. The marina staff said that he did that so he could remove some line that got wrapped around his prop. I think most folks would prefer to hire a diver or dive themselves. But I guess as long as nothing breaks on the hard, you can stay dry and save money.
After checking in at the marina office, I walked around town, found some ice cream. Also found a geocache. The Washington State Ferry had a line of cars waiting, that extended for several blocks. This marina is pretty nice. Great customer service by all the staff, fast internet. And FREE showers. (Most charge a quarter for 2.5 minutes.)
Update to my planned itinerary for tomorrow. I had planned to go anchor in Poulsbo tomorrow, and then into Bell Harbor marina on the Seattle waterfront for Saturday. Now I’m thinking of going through the locks and anchor in Andrew’s Bay in Lake Washington. I’ve already been to Poulsbo, and I’ve locked through so many other places, thought it would be interesting to check out the locks here. Since I haven’t mentioned it before, the rest of my itinerary after Bell Harbor is, Des Moines, Vashion, Tacoma, Gig Harbor Olympia (may spend two nights, but not definite yet,) Shelton, Jarrell Cove, Gig Harbor (or somewhere else on the way to Port Orchard), and finally Port Orchard, where my truck and trailer are.Read more
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Andrew's Bay Lake Washington
May 16, 2025 in the United States ☁️ 52 °F
Mostly cloudy with some rain and a high of 62. I’m very happy with my change in choice to come into Lake Washington today rather than spending another day in Poulsbo. After leaving Kingston, I crossed Puget Sound to the east side, and then cruised down the shoreline until turning in to Shilshole Bay and the Lake Washington Ship Canal. Some nice “ocean” homes along the shore in Richmond Beach, but too many other photos to upload those. Captured a Bald Eagle sitting on a buoy (maybe weather related buoy), and a train along the shoreline. I very much enjoy the industrial and mechanical views, so trains, bridges, river industry, etc, were kind of my thing today. The Shilshole Bay marina is filled with sailboats, and you can easily see all their masts behind the breakwater before turning in for the ship canal. I had to wait about an hour before the locks were opened. There was one other boat also waiting. Eventually several boats coming the other direction were locked down and once they left the gate was closed again. One of the larger boats that came out, turned around and waited to go back up. Ended up we were waiting for the “Argosy”, a Seattle sightseeing tour boat. Once he got into the locks, the rest of us were allowed in. They had me raft on the boat that I had originally been waiting with. I guess the locktenders will frequently have boats raft together to keep everybody on the north wall. And since I was single handling, it made my life a lot easier. They have a small and large chamber at the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks. The small chamber is normally used for small pleasure craft. However it is currently closed for maintenance, so we were in the large lock. It only took about 15 minutes to fill the chamber and complete our lockage up. Once the gates were opened and I departed, it was like entering an entirely different atmosphere. Definitely boat industrial. Small boats, big boats, fishing boats, tug boats, shipyards, sunken boats, expensive boats, rusty boats… I believe this was called Salmon Bay. Many “working” marinas as well. Eventually the waterway of hodgepodge boats and facilities added floating homes and homes along the shore. At one point there was a good view of downtown Seattle and the Space Needle. The canal passes through the north end of Lake Union and then Portage Bay Lake and then into Lake Washington. I turned south to go under the elevated portion of the Evergreen Point Pontoon Bridge, and down the west shore, crossing under the Lacey V. Murrow Bridge (another pontoon or floating bridge with elevated spans at both ends allowing boat passage) to Andrew’s Bay. This Bay is surrounded by very nice homes on the west side, and forest with a park on the east side. Very peaceful in this bay, and it’s the only place on Lake Washington that one is allowed to anchor. I was here by myself most the day. I see another larger boat has come in and anchored a 100 yards or so away.Read more
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Bell Harbor (Seattle)
May 17, 2025 in the United States 🌧 55 °F
Rainy, foggy and chilly. But fairly smooth on the Sound! Was a very peaceful night anchored in Andrew’s Bay. Had a family of ducks visit me this morning…probably hoping I’d share my breakfast… Retraced my route through Lake Washington and the Seattle Ship Canal, following a kayaker most the way. I was impressed, as I was running at 5.7 kts, and barely keeping up with him. Maybe he was rowing to work, as he stopped at a restaurant about a mile from the locks, pulled his kayak out, and carried it on his back up the alley. I heard two boats call the locks on the radio as I was still about 15 minutes away, so I called them on the phone to see if I could come through as well. The locktender said he had me on the radar and to keep coming. When I got there, there were four boats already situated in the locks, one of which was rafted on a small passenger boat with kids, and they once again had me raft on one of the other boats. That boat captain told me later, that the other rafted boat didn’t appear to have much experience as he had trouble getting rafted. Once I got rafted up, they closed the gates and we locked down.
Downtown Seattle was too peoply today. Lol. The cruise ship, Norwegian Bliss, was in port here and probably had something to do with the number of people at Pike’s Market. Bell Harbor Marina, where I am slipped, is behind Pier 66, where the large cruise ship, Bliss, was docked. After finding my slip and getting checked in, I walked around downtown, first finding a geocache, “earthcache”, and then spending most the rest of my time in Pike’s Market. There’s much more there than I remember from a number of years ago, but I learned that the Alaskan Way Viaduct was demolished and replaced with a tunnel, and that Pike’s Market was expanded. Other than a late lunch/early supper, I pretty much just window shopped and then decided I had enough of the crowds. Venturing outside to find some ice cream, I passed another Trump protest. ( I witnessed one in Poulsbo.)
I have a great view out my front window tonight of the Seattle Ferris Wheel all lit up. Forecast Monday calls for pretty windy conditions, so I may change my itinerary again tomorrow, and after stopping at Des Moines to take on some fuel and meet for lunch with a college friend, head on down to Tacoma. Don’t care to be out on Puget Sound Monday with 20mph winds!Read more
Traveler Left under gangway.
5/18/25Reply
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Lake Powell and PNW Traveler
Tacoma
May 18, 2025 in the United States ⛅ 50 °F
Partly sunny, a little breeze and somewhere in the low 60’s. Puget Sound was a little choppy as expected. Not too bad, but still enough so to mess up my windows with the salt water spray, again. Departed Bell Harbor early this morning (7am). Pretty quiet as I left Elliott Bay into Puget Sound and then turned the corner at Alki Point. Watched the Tug Osprey with his tow northbound. Heard some interesting radio chatter between Osprey and apparently a fishing boat. Osprey asked if the other boat was going to pass in front of him, or behind him. Sounded more like a hint to pass behind. I heard the other boat say something about crossing in front, but would have 300 yards, It would be close but he’d see if he could make it. This left some silence until Osprey called Seattle Traffic to say he would turn out of the ship lane a bit to give the other guy room. Not long after, this caused a little chiding from traffic control to the other boat, and after that there were several all call warnings issued by both the USCG and Traffic Control about fishing boats and regulations about giving way to large ships in the shipping lanes. IOW, someone very likely got their ass chewed out later by the authorities. Turned into the Des Moines Marina to put on some more fuel, and meet a college friend for lunch. Des Moines is known for having the cheapest marine gas in the area. In fact, my friend said she paid more per gallon for her last car fillup! Gas at the marina was $4.369/g. I only added 45 gallons to the 20 I had left. Shouldn’t need anymore than that for the rest of my trip here. I had originally planned to overnight at Des Moines. However with forecasted southerly winds tomorrow at 10-20mph, I decided to continue on to Tacoma and stay here two nights. After entering Commencement Bay, I turned into the Thea Foss Waterway and am pretty much near the end of it, at the Dock Street Marina. Just as I entered the Foss Waterway, was an interesting facility. I learned it is a Grain Inspection facility. This marina is just below the Glass Museum. Which unfortunately is closed tomorrow and Tuesday! There are several other museums in the area as well, that I will check out tomorrow. Some interesting bridges over this waterway. First the Murray Morgan Lift Bridge, and then just beyond the marina here, is the Route 509 bridge. The last three marinas I have stayed at have had free showers. So many marinas in the PNW have pay showers, so these get a much higher rating from me. I’m really getting spoiled staying in marinas, as usually in my boating travels I tend to anchor out. But staying at a dock gives me easy access to explore the cities as well as the water.Read more
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Tacoma Day Two
May 19, 2025 in the United States ☁️ 55 °F
Off and on rain, some sun, some wind, 58 degrees. Tacoma Museum of Glass, closed! Washington State History Museum, closed! LeMay America’s Car Museum, open! My second post today will cover the Car Museum. First, walked a little around the immediate area. Enjoyed some of the sculptures around the Museum of Glass, some very intricate glass work on the Chihully Bridge of Glass, the interesting architecture of some of the buildings, and found a geocache at one of the Glass Museum’s Plaza Xylophones. My walk over and back to the Car Museum passed by the Tacome Dome and a train yard. I also crossed over the end of the Thea Foss Waterway that I am docked on. As I walked through a sketchier area of town, seeing some of the homeless and their tent camps, I am reminded how blessed I am to live the life that I do.Read more
Tacoma Dome was the largest wooden dome in the world when it was built. It used lumber from the downed trees from the Mount St. Helens eruption. [Stefan]
5/21/25Reply
TravelerCool! Thanks for that info!
5/21/25Reply
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Lake Powell and PNW Traveler
Tacoma LeMay America's Car Museum
May 19, 2025 in the United States ☁️ 59 °F
It was the only museum open today, and well worth the two mile round trip walk over to it. The LeMay America’s Car Museum is huge! And fascinating! I took over 270 photos, so it will be hard to decide which ones to upload. (And it’s going to take a while to go through them on my laptop now and thin them out and categorize them.) There is also a lot of history shared about the auto industry and even route 66. With all my travels, and mostly because I spent a lot of time on Route 66 in Arizona during my college years, it was nostalgic to see some of the information about Route 66 history in Arizona and New Mexico. The best part of the museum is when I drove a Mazda simulator on a race track. My first two laps were not pretty. But in my defense I was still getting use to the simulator and trying to move my foot over far enough for the brake and still managing to hit the accelerator. But by the third and last lap I had it pretty much down and didn’t crash or wipe out any barriers. LOL! There were three other gentlemen at the simulator room also, but one of them was just watching, and he was willing to use my iPhone to take some photos and video of me. (There were only three simulators, so we each had our own.) I think I spent about 3 hours in the Museum, looking at the 4 floor levels of cars!Read more
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Lake Powell and PNW Traveler
Point Defiance and Gig Harbor
May 19, 2025 in the United States ⛅ 54 °F
Mostly sunny today, and in the low 60’s. A few sprinkles, and light breeze. Last evening I watched some Tacoma Dragon Boats row by after I had already posted the day’s blog. This morning on the way out of Foss Waterway, I saw the tug, Osprey, docked. This is the tug that was towing the barge towards Seattle two days ago. Took a few more photos of some interesting buildings in Tacoma before leaving the Foss Waterway. Just outside the waterway, in Commencement Bay, were two large gray sister ships, the Cape Intrepid and Cape Island. These are roll on roll off, or RORO ships, specifically a combination container and RORO ship owned by the US Department of Transportation, and part of the Maritime Administration’s Ready Reserve Force. It’s designed to be deployed quickly for various purposes, including disaster relief, wartime operations, and supporting military logistics.
Picked up my brother, Arlin, and his wife, MaryAnn, at the Tacoma Municipal Parks Boat Ramp on Point Definance. Another cute seal was on one of the docks as I approached the ramp. After picking them up, we slowly cruised through the Breakwater marina looking at all the boat houses, then headed over to Gig Harbor. A Sea Lion was resting on one of the docks as we entered into Gig Harbor. We cruised around the bay, and then docked at the Jerisich Public Dock. They took me out to lunch at Tide’s Tavern, and then we walked around town and I took them out for Ice Cream and shakes. Back at the boat we headed back over to Pt. Definance and I dropped them off. I came back to Gig Harbor and am anchored for the night.Read more
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Olympia Port Plaza and Percival Landing
May 21, 2025 in the United States ☁️ 48 °F
Mostly sunny today, not much breeze, and 65 degrees! Puget Sound ends at the Tacoma Narrows which is the waterway I entered as I left Gig Harbor. Soon after leaving Gig Harbor, I went under the Tacoma Narrows Bridge and then via the Balch Passage, past the south side of McNeil Island, the Drayton Passage and Dana Passage into Bud Inlet, and then the West Bay of Olympia to the Olympia Port Plaza dock. I’m right at the base of the Olympia Farmer’s Market, which I’ll check out tomorrow! I’m sharing the dock with a large maritime training vessel, the Doolin-Rogers. The Doolin-Rogers is the new training vessel of the Youth Marine Foundation. Many programs on the Doolin-Rogers are designed for students interested in Maritime Careers. So if you have a kid that might be interested, google Doolin-Rogers to see what they offer. This is a beautiful area to learn about the maritime industry! The Port Plaza has a tower you can climb up and get a good view of West Bay. I walked along the Percival Landing Boardwalk, noticing many sculptures. Each year the Percival Plinth Project hosts a new group of sculptures on Percival Landing. A community vote is held and the sculpture with the most votes is added to the City public art collection on display throughout Olympia. At the far end of West Bay, in a small park, among some power boxes with murals, I located another geocache. There is also a cute statue “The Kiss”. Passed some more nice homes, a lighthouse, the Washington State penitentiary on McNeil Island, and that Island’s Tug Ferry. While I’ve seen a number of seals and sea lions on docks, I also see quite a few in the water. Just limiting how many photos I upload with each blog…This evening a bunch of kids showed up to go sailing. I learned that the Olympia Community Sailing organization does this every Wednesday evening.Read more
wow that is cool... [Don]
5/22/25Reply
Traveler I’m NOT showing Mike the tug because he would absolutely want it!
5/28/25Reply
TravelerIt was cute! I wanted it! But one boat is enuf, lol
5/28/25Reply
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Lake Powell and PNW Traveler
Olympia Farmers Market and Brewery Park
May 21, 2025 in the United States ☁️ 55 °F
Another sunny day with a little afternoon breeze and in the 60’s. Woke up this morning to find a large cargo ship had come in to the dock behind me. Watched the Doolin-Rogers depart with about two dozen kids for a 90 minute learning cruise. Went up to the Farmer’s Market and bought some Fruit Habanaro Jams, some pickled hot Asparagus, wine, and some apples. Then bought lunch at a Mexican food stand, some gelato, and enjoyed some music by a local band. Arlin and MaryAnn (brother and his wife) then came and took me to Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls. There is a fish hatchery there that raises salmon, and a trail along the river and to the falls. It was interesting seeing the fish ladders along the side of the river. Also did an Earthcache (geocache) there that talked about the geology of the rock in the area. Before heading over to the park, we had the opportunity to meet another C-Brat that has a new 22’ C-Dory that he worked with the factory for some changes to the usual layout to allow for electric propulsion. Arlin decided that would be the way he would go if he was to get a boat. Upon returning from the park, we had another opportunity as the captain and one of his mates on the Doolin-Rogers invited us to a tour of the boat. Along with the main classroom area, we also got to see the engine and generator rooms along with the bridge. So all and all a pretty damn exciting day for us boys! I think MaryAnn enjoyed it too. She is a retired teacher, so really liked seeing the education stuff. It was still early in the afternoon, so I decided to depart and start towards Jarrell Cove. I thought I’d stop at Hope Island (a marine park, only accessible by boat), but once I got there, with only another 8 miles to Jarrell, I just decided to continue on. I did run on a slow plane of 16 kts today, so only took a little over an hour between Olympia and Jarrell Cove.Read more
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Lake Powell and PNW Traveler
Jarrell Cove
May 23, 2025 in the United States ☁️ 61 °F
Nice sunny day, 66 degrees, breezy in the afternoon. Today was mostly a day of rest. That is, no cruising on C-Traveler. I did launch my kayak and peddle all around the shoreline of Jarrell Cove. After that, I walked around the island some, also along the shoreline, and then inland a bit looking for a geocache, which I found. Rest of the time was just chatting with a few other boaters here on the dock. There are two state park docks here, and a small private marina. The state park has a long dock, with power, but it was already filled with larger boats when I arrived yesterday. Then there is the T dock I’m on, without power. A 36’ sailboat came in late last night and shared the dock with me. There is also a state park Ranger boat at the end of this dock. A couple more boats came in and docked here today as well. This afternoon I cleaned up the kayak and started to put some things away, as I plan to head back to Port Orchard tomorrow morning. It’s forecast to be a 72 degree, sunny day. I’ll likely go all 55 miles tomorrow, so run a combination of both fast and slow. I’ve had a great time both at the Friday Harbor C-Brat gathering, and exploring Puget sound. But I’m ready to get back home for a bit. And I’ve pretty much seen everything I planned to see.Read more
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Last Day on the Water this trip
May 24, 2025 in the United States ⛅ 73 °F
Another sunny day, with little breeze and high 60’s. Today was my last day on the water out here in the Pacific Northwest. I was away from the dock at 6:45am. I had a tail current most the way, but still pushed the throttles up for a good part of the time, running at 20 kts. (And I believe the tail current gave me a 4kt push about half the way!) The route took me around the east side of Harstine Island, south on Case Inlet, then Balch Passage south of McNeil Island, under the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, and north on Colvos Passage. It was midway on this passage that I came across an abandoned paddleboard. I suspect it floated away from a beach somewhere, or fell off someone’s boat. I contacted the Coast Guard, and they had a boat in the area that came and picked the board up. (I didn’t think of getting a photo of them until they sped away and passed me.) I continued on around the west side of Blake Island into Rich Passage, around Pt. Glover, into Port Orchard, and then on to the Port Orchard Marina. It was crazy busy up on the street there with some kind of market or craft fair going on. I bypassed all the stands as I was ready to get off the water and head over to my brother’s for the weekend. The C-Brat, Dave, that I left my truck and trailer at was still out in the San Juan Islands fishing, so I caught an Uber to his place. Came back then with the truck and trailer to the boat ramp and loaded C-Traveler up. Headed back up to Dave’s place, and flushed the motors and washed the boat down with salt-away. Then headed over to Arlin and Maryann’s, about an hour away. I’ll stay here two nights, and then head out early Monday morning on my long drive home. I added one more unrelated video to this blog. Rosanne and I enjoy watching "our" birds, and we have a birdhouse right outside our kitchen window. Rosanne captured some video of mama feeding one of her babies. Thought you might enjoy it too.Read more
TravelerOmg look at that video of the mommy feeding the baby….amazing!!
5/28/25Reply
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Lake Powell and PNW Traveler
Bro and sis-in-law and first 500 miles
May 25, 2025 in the United States ☁️ 61 °F
I enjoyed my visit with Arlin and Maryann (brother and sister-in-law) at their home yesterday. I ended up replacing my house batteries with AGM’s. Arlin gave me a hand with getting them installed. I’m hoping that these will do a better job with capacity over night. Arlin grilled some good burgers Saturday for supper, and MaryAnn made some great blueberry pancakes Sunday morning, and then some good tacos in the evening. I was up early today, and both Arlin and Maryann saw me off at 6:45a. A little rainy when I left, but cleared up by the time I got into the Cascades. I always enjoy the mountain scenery that I drive through. Had three watercraft inspections to stop for. One in each state, Washington, Idaho and Montana. I will have one or two more here in Montana that I know of, tomorrow. For those not aware, all these states west of the Mississippi are pretty serious about trying to stop invasive water species. (Especially zebra mussels.) The inspectors will ask questions of what was the last water body you were in, where are you launching next, how long has your boat been out of water, etc. Then they inspect the boat for any invasive species. If they find some, they can power wash it with hot water, or quarantine it for a set number of days before you can launch again, at least in their state. Seems repetitive that each state has to do their own, when the boat has already had a seal placed on it (preventing it from being launched without breaking the seal), and a record of inspection has been provided. Personally, I also find it more cosmetics and a money maker for the state so they can charge for permits to use your boat in their state. While they inspect what they can see of the boat, there are so many other nooks and crannies that invasive species can get into. The internal water passage of the engines, inside through hulls that allow water thru, or even the boat trailers square framing. And, recently, they’ve found that birds can spread invasive species as well.
Anyway, good day of traveling with no problems. I’m parked at the Cracker Barrel in Missoula tonight, after having a nice supper in the restaurant.
I forgot to give the stats for my time in the San Juans and Puget Sound. A total of 123 gallons of gas burned, and a total distance of 414nm or 468 statute miles.Read more
TravelerQuick question—is there signage regarding boat inspection areas or how do you know?? We have never had an experience with this, but will be taking similar route home with our Tomcat after cruising San Juan islands.
5/27/25Reply
TravelerYes to signage. You can’t miss it. There’ll be several signs stating watercraft inspection ahead and then again at the exit or off ramp, Be sure your bilge plug is out and you will be asked to lower your motors if you tow with them up. Make sure all the water is drained out of them. I always wash the grime off my boat at a car wash before proceeding. You pretty much want to insure your boat doesn’t show any signs of foreign or invasive plants or critters. Coming out of the ocean makes it a little better as the inspectors know that salt water kills the fresh water species. 😊
5/27/25Reply
TravelerOn 90, I had inspections in central Washington, Post Falls Idaho and near St.Regis, Mt, Washington didn’t do the seal so I asked them to seal it in Idaho. Didn’t really make any difference to the guys in Montana…. They all want to do their own inspection..,
5/27/25Reply
TravelerThanks so much for the helpful information. Looks like you had an amazing trip. Safe travels on your way home. My husband and I have enjoyed following your travels. We depart August 15 to head up to Bellingham. Can’t wait!
5/28/25Reply
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Lake Powell and PNW Traveler
Red Shale Campground
May 27, 2025 in the United States ☁️ 68 °F
Another early start to the day, and 500 miles. No more watercraft inspections today. The one I was thinking about near Billings, just does it west bound. A while back, because of all my trailering, several guys told me I should have a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). I didn’t see any need as I’ve been pulling various trailers for a long time. I’m pretty religious about doing walk arounds to check tires and hubs anytime I stop, and before I take off in the beginning. However, last year I finally decided to buy a TPMS. A few times I’ve been disappointed when the thing gave me a false overheat warning. (They also monitor temperature.) However, today it earned it’s satisfaction from me. Late this afternoon, I got a warning that my right rear trailer tire was losing pressure. When it reached 30psi, (they hold 80), I decided to stop and change it so I wouldn’t ruin the tire. Checking the pressure with a tire gauge, it was indeed only 30psi. Like props on the boat, I carry two spare tires for the trailer. I put one of them on and threw the one going flat back in the truck. I’ll see if I can find the leak later. Continued on to my planned stop this evening at Red Shale campground. This is a national forest campground, free, and very nice. Picnic table and a fire ring at each of the 14 campsites. And several pit toilets. This is probably my favorite stop when going along this route. When I pulled in around 5p, there was no one else here. I see one other camper pulled in a couple hundred yards from me. This place has never been busy when I’ve stayed here. I think the most I’ve ever seen was 3 other campers. It’s near Ashland, MT, on Hwy 212. This highway shortcuts I90 cutting out Sheridan and Gillette.Read more
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Wall Drug
May 28, 2025 in the United States ☁️ 63 °F
Up early again today, and another 500 miles behind me. Some rain last night and today. No matter how many times I’ve been there, no drive through South Dakota on I90 is complete without stopping at Wall Drug. And I'm quite the lady's man there! lol. (Or detouring along the Badlands National Park Loop, however I’ve driven that loop several times, including dragging the boat behind me both ways on past trips, and it was already going to be a long day by the time I got to my planned stop for the night.) I stopped briefly at the S. Dakota Welcome Center near Chamberlain SD, and the Missouri River. I had not stopped there before and was impressed with how nice this rest stop is. A beautiful large sculpture called Dignity is there, with a scenic overlook of the Missouri River valley. This was also a Geocache Virtual I got a smiley for. For more information on Dignity, you can link here: https://www.travelsouthdakota.com/trip-ideas/st…
This evening I stopped to eat at Marlin’s Family Restaurant in Mitchell, SD. I had planned to make this a Walmart night, but couldn’t resist the idea of eating at Marlins. Some of you may understand the connection I have with it.Read more
TravelerI love that area. Drug our drift boat through there 5 yrs ago. We really liked the Dakota's though the beaches are missing.
5/29/25Reply
Traveler Big Lady. I believe Lewis and Clark also went through there.
5/29/25Reply
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