Fog and currents at Deception Pass

A slightly more civilised start on Sunday, when we planned to motor through Deception Pass at slack tide. This dramatic rocky pass experiences some incredibly fast tides – up to 7 knots! – and slack water lasts a mere 20 minutes.

Sadly, the morning fog made another appearance and as we approached the mouth of the pass it just got thicker, and thicker, and thicker, until we couldn’t see either side of it. Plan B – head back to Hope Island’s neighbour – Skagit – and wait until the next slack at 3pm.

And what a cracking plan. Not only did we get to row around Washington’s newest state park – Kiket Island – we then beached on Skagit and fell in love with it.

It’s fringed with dramatic madrona trees, with a windy path that takes you on a complete circuit, over rocks, shrubs and beaches. The island was used as a hideout by one of Jesse James’ old gang back in the day. Now, it’s just home to a bald eagle or two – and probably the best skipping stone beach I’ve ever  been to.

But the tide waits for no man, so we weighed anchor and headed back to Deception  - just as the sun came out. Here’s the last photo before the currents got too fast to do anything but steer! We had 4.5 knots behind us as we shot through standing waves crashing and frothing all around. Exciting stuff!

 

A couple of minutes afterwards, through into the Rosaria Strait, it’s like a completely different day. Calm waters, blue skies and harbour porpoises dancing at the bow. I’ll spare you the details of the mad rush to register at Skyline Marina, the sweltering bus ride to SeaTac and the expensive cab home…

Anacortes delivery run – winter in July

No, I haven’t just discovered a cache of photos taken in February. This here is a lovely summer’s day on the Puget Sound.

Last weekend, Karen and I delivered Ulithi from Seattle to Anacortes, ready for Bill and Mary, and then Raleigh and pals to tour the San Juans. We had to get an early start (6.30am!) to catch the right current at the Clinton/Mukilteo crossing, so we slept on the boat at Shilshole Marina – the second weekend in a row within earshot of the traintracks…

We missed that ferry by miles, honest. The fog lifted by early afternoon and we had a good (if long) cruise up to Hope Island in Skagit Bay, where we got the last mooring buoy – phew! First things first – get in the dingy and explore!

It’s a nice island with dozens of little rocky coves and charming beaches. And a surprisingly lush, unspoiled interior..

In the evening, grilled salmon and mushrooms, a bottle of beer and Scrabble as the sun went down. Aaaah!

Another camping post – bored yet?

Sorry for yet another camping blog but that’s about all we’re doing this summer – especially when we see a glimpse of sun. Two Saturdays ago we decided on the spur of the moment to try camping at Chuckanut Drive up the coast. We started with a hike from Larabee State Park – great views of the San Juan islands!

Goal of the walk was Fragrant Lake – a beautiful like gem of a place surrounded by hills that was even warm enough to tempt Karen in for a dip after a sweaty climb.

Down the hill and just in time to get one of the last camping spots at the State Park. Tried out the new(ish) Eden 2 tent. It’s super light and very breathable but its crazy, unstable three-pole system is a bit too sci-fi for its own good.

Why is Karen so happy?

Because Trika, Troy and Ivy are here, of course!

Two sweet motors with only 24 inches and $24,000 separating them.

In the cheesy footsteps of Lewis and Clark

Before we headed back to Portland on Monday, we took a walk through Ecola State Park – the place where intrepid Anglo explorers Lewis and Clark would have starved to death if they hadn’t been told about a massive rotting whale carcass on the beach by local Indians.

No rancid blubber on the menu for us, though, just a beautiful grey day, a few surfers and miles of virgin sands. We hiked up Tillamook Head – which shares it's name with the North West’s most famous cheese dairy. If you ever get the chance to eat some Tillamook Cheddar, pass it up. In the distance there is a lighthouse. Oooh.

Family Hettleson hiking the trail.

Cool/spooky WW2 gun emplacements at the top. Things get overgrown *fast* here in the North West.

Firework insanity

If you ever get the chance, head down to the sweeping crescent beach at Seaside, Oregon for the Fourth of July. It’s a cross between a warzone, Burning Man and Fireworks Night, a crazy mix of organised displays, beach fires, sparklers, roman candle duels and (probably) more than an eye or two put out.

The perfect environment, in short, for a six-month old baby.

The clouds rolled off just in time for a glorious sunset. Here’s me getting in the way of it (thanks Kurt!).

Sparklers! Enough said. The whole evening made me a little bit nostalgic for my fireworks testing nights on Brighton beach, I must admit.

And despite Ginger’s misgivings, the cacophonic detonations, the  sizzle of (veggy) hot dogs and our incessant whooping, Sam slept through almost the whole evening…

Beaches and babies

Fourth of July is a long weekend in the States, so rode the train down to Portland, then headed out to the Oregon coast with Ginger, Kurt and baby Sam. This is Haystack rock, home to many sensitive puffins (no fireworks allowed on the whole beach).

Also home to the giant sand squid, a ferocious creature that nevertheless is most considerate in arranging its victims’ footwear neatly.

 

It brightened up enough later on to enjoy a glass of wine (or milk) and some cheesy crackers in the dunes.

The next day, it was drizzly and grey – what better time to skip the 4th of July parade (see cute dog below) and head to the beautiful  Short Sands bay for some boogie boarding.

Hood, booties and gloves obligatory – this water is cold! 

Kurt seems to be enjoying himself though…

As did Karen and I! Super surf, clean water and gorgeous surroundings.

Riding is good for the Constitution

First camping trip of the year – and we got a lucky, with a (mostly) dry, warm weekend on Orcas island in the San Juans. While Karen hung out with some old high school friends at Hartstene, I rounded up a trio of blokes for a bike, beers and World Cup break.

The ferry was due to hit Orcas Landing at 11.20, US vs Ghana kicked off at 11.30 – and we were six miles from the nearest telly. Cue massive speed burst to Orcas Golf Course club house - $3 microbrews, comfy sofa and – yes – putting at half time. That’s Doug (left), Jesse (centre) and Bill (right).

Here’s Doug in Moran State Park with a nasty warning sign. We lost Jesse en route with a bad pack (he took on valuable campsite locating duties).

And then there two. Only Doug and I made it to the summit, as Bill’s front chainring didn’t make the grade (sorry). Truly amazing views from the top – that’s Mount Baker peeking over the clouds in the distance. Matia island, hiding behind my right wrist, was where I crashed the Ulithee last summer – luckily no wrecks this weekend.

 

Here’s my Little Britain at the West Beach resort – mmm, cold Newcastle Browns. And then a hot tub soak. Heaven.

The next day, we got up early for a footie match that I have blocked from my memory and spent the day touring the island. One place not to miss – the Howe Sculpture Garden packed with uber-cool kinetic steel sculptures.