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2017 - Week on Saturna
  • Clark and Mary Johnson

2017 - Week on Saturna

A short but fine adventure by Clark and Mary Read more
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    August 1, 2017
    Clark and Mary Johnson2017 - Week on SaturnaTraveler

    Get away from the dock

    July 31, 2017 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    We are always scrambling as the anointed hour approaches. Never seem to get all the details handled. This time was no exception to the rule. We did depart Lopez Sunday July 30th (only one hour late!) and headed for Blind Bay. This is always a good choice because it is only 3 miles away but meets the criteria of having "left the dock." Ta-Dah!

    Discovered we'd left a couple of minor things behind -- we decided we would be a able to cope.

    Today - bright an early got away by 8:30 and headed for Deer Harbor. They have very good water -- since we did not need fuel this time we thought we had to arrive before the crowds so that we did not occupy gas dock space when it was in high demand - and that worked out great. Mary snapped a pic from the dock

    We then headed for Canada -- Mount Baker was lovely on the distance as we motored between Orcas and Waldron.

    We have to clear customs by phone and our phones only work on the U.S. We also have to tell the officials when we will arrive and it can't be any more than two hours from the time we call. So it's a bit of a guessing game -- how long can we wait before calling so that we are within the two hour window and still expect to have cell coverage? The theory is -- as long as we can "see" Mount Constitution we should be OK. We phoned as we crossed the international border and got put on hold -- hoping that the coverage would hold, we kept heading towards our goal of East Point on Saturna Island. We finally did get through and are now tied up to a bout off of Cabbage Island.    Read more

  • Clark and Mary Johnson2017 - Week on SaturnaTraveler

    Stormy night on a buoy

    August 1, 2017 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    Cabbage Island anchorage is open to the West. We were sleeping soundly until midnight when a howling storm kicked. Al though we were surprised I was not porridge since we were on a buoy and I had double lines set. Very rough ride though and we frank.y did not sleep all that well. Next morning I went forward and found one of my lines had nearly parted! My fault -- I had it passing over a metal edge which though not sharp was enough on combination with the constant hammering up and down to wear though most of the line. Glad I had two lines set.

    The second photo is sunrise through the smoke. Lots of wide fires in B.C. right now.    Read more

  • Clark and Mary Johnson2017 - Week on SaturnaTraveler

    Winter Cove

    August 2, 2017 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C

    After our rough night we listened to the weather report which threatened another serious blow from the West. Lyle harbor is open to the West so we went to Winter Cove instead.

    Anchoring went smoothly -- then several Bayliner's liked the location and parked right on top of us! We were cool and went for a walk along East Point Dr. this was a good first walk as it has no hills -- we are really noticing that we have not been active recently.

    Since we were expecting another stormy night we decided to pull our anchor and move away from the boats that were too close. As luck would have it, no storm developed. Whatever -- we both slept well in the knowledge that were well positioned for whatever the weather gods decided to provide.    Read more

  • Clark and Mary Johnson2017 - Week on SaturnaTraveler

    Mary selects an "easy" walk

    August 2, 2017 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C

    Here's the logic. We start and end at sea level. What could be so hard about that?

    Mary spotted Thompson Park on the North west corner of Saturna next to Breezy Bay. We figured the Breezy Bay road would connect. Our first mistake. Once we got going we found out we had to take the road at the community store -- up hill but not too bad and we wanted to check out the store's supply of fresh food. So, OK . . . We can do this.

    It turns out Harris road goes over the island's spine which includes Mt Warburton. But, since we aren't climbing that peak today this should still be OK -- right(?). Well it is pretty steep for the first kilometer but then it becomes more moderate. We're feeling pretty good. It is 85 but there's lots of shade. . .we can do this.

     But then we get to the other side and see "THE SIGN." I've never seen a road with a 20 degree pitch! Wow. This would be steep for a skiing sloop! The picture is taken level with the horizon. Walking down we know we'll have to climb back up. OMG

    Mary is now concerned we will die of heat exhaustion because we have limited water. At which point a car stops to ask if we really think this is a useful way to improve our health. It turns out the driver own the 80 acre vineyard in the valley below and he offers to open it up to refill our water. So we ride down the rest of the way with him. Nice guy.

    The park is pleasant with some interesting local history. We actually had an opportunity to catch a ride back but I am dedicated at this point. We can do this!

    I can verify that a 20 degree pitch is like stair masters on steroids. Mary is a trouper and we made it all the way back to the store in just one hour. They have air conditioning and free wifi -- life is good.    Read more

  • Clark and Mary Johnson2017 - Week on SaturnaTraveler

    Blisters emerge

    August 4, 2017 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C

    Yesterday we walked the entire length of Saturna -- about 5 miles each way. The objective was Naveraze Bay Provencial Park. Thankfully the road was flat most of the way. Still, we both developed serious foot blisters. Today we are taking the day off.

    The local store has a cafe with a German chef who has a good reputation. The fu-fu night is Saturday -- which was sold out when we checked Wednesday afternoon. So we selected Friday which is gourmet pizza. Might have a picture to share later.    Read more

    Trip end
    August 4, 2017
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