05/08 - 05/10 - Friday Harbor, WA

Steve Grover":3dypqu8u said:
Heading your way in a few days and bringing only shorts and tee shirts. 800 mile tow... :roll:. Hate to have to drive back for long pants :cry:
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You'd better bring 'em....(long pants that is).....if you don't, I'm certain you'll find a store that will sell you several pair. Oh, and don't forget to bring a coat. (There is a reason that Jim (Wild Blue) isn't going to be at this gathering and it ain't because of the lack of frickie dickie dolphins... :crook ).
 
I attended a meeting a couple weeks ago where a NOAA meteorologist was asked what could be expected for a fire season in the northwest this year. His answer, "There is a 33% chance of it being a below normal, normal, or above normal season".

Based on this expertise, we are coming prepared for anything, especially after it snowed here yesterday. We are looking forward to the trip.
 
It is kind of amusing to see all the angst about tide, current, wind and so forth. We have done the vast majority of our boating out of Bellingham and/or Blaine. Out of Bellingham we always have to cross Bellingham Bay, and out of Blaine we are immediately in the Strait of Georgia. Neither is a big deal MOST of the time! We rarely have had to make a go/no go decision, we usually just go. If we didn't go based on the NOAA forecasts, we would probably never get out! Our decision is based on observed conditions, either out the window at Birch Bay or maybe at the launch ramp. The "no-go" conditions would be based on wind wave-height > 2' and definitely reduced visibility (fog). But I cannot recall a time when either of those conditions prevailed to an extent that kept us from going. Yes, we have had our fillings knocked loose a few times in a few places (Juan de Fuca, returning from Sequim comes immediately to mind), but we have never felt we were unsafe.
 
I agree Pat. We would not have participated in this years Anacortes Salmon Derby if we had heeded the NOAA predictions for gale force conditions. The water was great for most of the weekend with very little wind.

The only time I get anxious about the conditions is if it is extremely windy while attempting to cross Rosario Strait. Even so, I've gained enough experience to be able to read the wave action and current to be able to cross it with confidence. Last year, after the Anacortes CBGT, we crossed Rosario under very windy conditions just by tacking, being sure to cross the waves head on and adjusting our course on the lee side of the island. Our first year, we probably wouldn't have attempted that. Even so, it's not a lot of fun but definitely doable.

As you stated, we pay attention to the conditions and try to make the best possible decision to go/no go.
 
Joyce, I and Wicket (the dog) are definitely looking forward to this one. From what I read in this thread, we needn't reserve our moorage individually correct? We'll be heading out EARLY Fri AM from Anacortes. I want to get the shrimp pots in the water on both Fri and Saturday. I'm really looking forward to getting some shrimp this year and to pulling pots with my new pot puller.
 
Hi,

We are new C-Dory people and would like to come to Friday Harbour. Do we need to register ahead or simply show up? Also, as Canadians, who are new to boating I wonder if someone could clue us in as to the Canadian/US customs procedures involved.

Thanks to anyone who can relieve us of our ignorance.

Shirley
 
OK, its time for an update. We were at Friday Harbor Monday for the last minute stuff. We have all of the inside of H dock and overflow on G dock just like last year. We also have the A breakwater for the potluck, the party mini-barge will be there again too. All reservations are taken care of, just show up and when checking in on 66A, identify yourself as a C-Dory/C-Brat and they will direct you to the moorage. H dock is just to the right as you enter the harbor between breakwater B, where the customs office is, and breakwater A. There are no specific slip reservations, just take any one that is open. They will probably have either "reserved" orange cones or the bicycle orange flags. After mooring, go to the harbormaster's office and check in. We have discounted rates for moorage and power. A special note for those who've been there before. Friday Harbor has added nice new floating bathrooms! That cuts the trek to the potty in half. Yea!

Patti and I will be there mid morning on Friday. We have 5:30PM dinner reservations at Downriggers for Friday night. They are doing a special menu for us. We have discounts for car rentals, the Whale Museum and from West marine for safety equipment. West marine has also donated a flare gun and flares to be given away at the potluck. The factory has also generously donated some goodies to be given away. A word to the wise, C-Brat trivia might be a good way to walk off with goodies. Hint! Hint!

Patti and I will have nametags for everyone courtesy of Roger and Janet Clark (Dreamer), we will also have other goodies. The usual schedule applies: Arrive Friday, dinner out for those that want to. Breakfast as you wish Saturday (we have some restaurant recommendations), Saturday activities on your own, potluck on A breakwater around 5ish Saturday, Breakfast Sunday as you wish (Downriggers will be busy as it is Mother's day but are expecting us, no reservations unless you make your own, Depart Sunday as you wish.

Port of Friday Harbor website has good marina maps.

For our Canadian friends, Friday Harbor is a port of entry. Bring passports or Nexus cards. If you have Nexus, the usual clearance procedures apply.

Please ask any further questions on this thread as someone else may have the same question. 37 boat signed up as of now. I have not heard of any boat christenings but know of at least a couple of new boats coming. Both Rev Dave and Rev Jim will be there to do the honors. If you would like your boat christened, let us know, bring some greenery and libations to appease Neptune/Poseidon and we'll do the job.

See you on the 8th.
 
Barry and Pattie
Kathy and I are looking to be in FH sometime early Thursday afternoon will we be able to tie up at the H dock? Thank you for setting this up. Had a great time last year am really looking forward to this years event.

Chuck
Bootleg Hooch
 
Chuck,

I don't think you will have any problem arriving a day early. POC is Jeremy Talbott, Asst. harbormaster (360) 378-2688 or Cell (360) 317-4713. Just tell him you are a C-Brat arriving early.
 
Thanks for your kind welcome...Yes....we have recently got ourselves a little beauty....22 foot green C-dory cruiser. I can't see how to upload photos though.

Shirley
 
mamalena":3okhkgtg said:
Thanks for your kind welcome...Yes....we have recently got ourselves a little beauty....22 foot green C-dory cruiser. I can't see how to upload photos though.

Shirley
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Congratulations and welcome to our place. We're working on the picture posting part for you.
 
The "A" breakwater where we will be having the potluck is a little shy on tables so if you have a folding table (or any other kind) to put food and other things on please consider bringing it.

Thanks.


Barry and Patti on C-Cakes
 
We had such a great time last year! The kids had a blast playing on the docks and catching critters and I enjoyed the weather and friendly folks. TimFlan has of course already rsvp'd us, but I finally got myself a logon here at C-Brats and wanted to chime in with our excitement about the Friday Harbor Gathering.

Anyone happen to know if there will be live music in the evening at the local brew pub?? That was a highlight for me last time...

looking forward to seeing all you C-Brats,

Julia R. (TimFlan's better half)
 
Bryant":1elaovad said:
Everyone has their own opinion but my recomendation would be to come to Whidbey Island and park your trailer at Cornet Bay. There is a fee but it's not much and it's safe. You are right at Deception Pass and it's an hour and a half from there to Friday Harbor. Just time your trip with the tide. It's an easy run from there and mostly protected. I'd love to go with you but I can't make it this year.
Bryant
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How safe is it to leave a car at Cornet Bay? I am planning on taking the ferry from Anacortes (like I did last year) but another option would be to meet up with the DH at Cornet Bay. My main concern is leaving my car--it's precious to me.

thanks for any thoughts
 
Julia,

We have left our truck and trailer at Cornet Bay many times with no problem. This time, since we will be gone 10 days we are leaving it at Les and Kathy's EQ Harbor services just about 1/4 mile up the road from the launch ramps (the state charges $10/day to leave it at their area and $100 for parking is a little steep! They are at 360-679-4783.
 
For those launching in the everett area. The ramp charges for launch and over nite parking, but until may 31st its free overnight parking. Some one here asked me about it in the last week and I gave the wrong info. I was told parking charges were year round.
 
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