05/18 - 05/20 - 2012 Friday Harbor CBGT

Thanks. I wonder if the signup was added recently since I added myself to the Fishermans Terminal one a week ago and didn't see this one.
 
If one wanted to cruise over to Butchart Gardens from Friday Harbor, where would be the closest Customs in Canada? We have Nexus cards(never used); could we just call and not have to stop anywhere?

Thanks much.
 
Sidney would be closest. With Nexus, going in to Canada, you call the Nexus number, tell them, among other things, what port of entry you will be going to and when (pretty accurately) you will arrive. We usually call when about 15 minutes away from the POE. You then must go to the POE and tie up briefly, if no one comes to board your vessel you can go ahead. Be sure to get a Canadian Clearance Number from Canada Border folks. Post it on the window of your vessel for the duration of your stay in Canada. When you come back to the States you can call the US Nexus number once you are in US waters (wait until your cell phone is not roaming else you'll be making an expensive international call) You will need to tell US CBP your Canadian Clearance number and some other information. I recommend you call the Nexus numbers in advance to get a "BR" number for each Nexus holder and to give them info about you and your vessel. Save that BR (Boater Registration) number as you will use it for each entry from then on. Nexus doesn't do a whole lot going in to Canada but it is much faster when coming home.

From Sidney you can take a public bus to Butchart Gardens or into downtown Victoria. We've done both and it is clean, safe and easy. Or you can go around the Saanich peninsula and moor closer to the gardens. In summer you might find Todd Inlet a bit crowded. You will need a dinghy to get to the rear gate of the gardens. Check their website.
 
Have you thought of going across the street to the new Cask and Schooner? It is the old pub, but has new owners. It is totally redone and offers some very good fare.
 
Thanks Dave and Barry. I'll plan Sydney, and call Nexus before we head out.

turtleblues":r149ihx6 said:
Have you thought of going across the street to the new Cask and Schooner? It is the old pub, but has new owners. It is totally redone and offers some very good fare.
Click to expand...
I was hoping they'd got that place all finished up. Was really disappointed last year when we found it shut down. I'll definately be having a beer there after dinner.
 
A day trip to SIDNEY would be a fun trip. ANd if you are there and like Fish and Chips, don't miss "Fish on Fifth". Some of the best F&C on the planet. Easy to find, straight up (east) on Beacon Ave from the marina and then right on 5th about 100 feet on your left.

I don't have a nexus but would sure like to do that trip.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon
 
Patti and I are planning to head to Victoria, BC after Friday Harbor and just want to let everyone know so you can join us for the trip, if you wish.
 
Shirley and I will leave Saturday morning for Sidney, BC, spend the night there, and then stop by FH, Sunday, on the way home. We're going to visit Butchart Gardens while there. Of course anyone is more then welcomed to join us.
 
Barry,

Just one comment on your 15 minute call-in to Canadian customs. Last time through Bedwell they wanted 30 minutes so we just went to the dock and used the phone where they asked (of course) why didn't you use Nexus call - in so we told them and they laughed and the guys on the dock did a full up inspection on the 60ft+ boat next to us for fun.

Still looking at joining you on the Victoria trip

Merv & Kathy
 
We look forward to joining the fun! Should be able to take our new baby out on a couple of sea trials by then before braving a cruise to Friday Harbor.

Barry: If your offer for a CGAux safety inspection is still open, we'd love to take you up on it.

And hey all: Can we enlist your help to christen our boat? After much thought, we now intend to call it Caiprianha ... and we'll give you a taste at the christening :-)

paul
 
Hi Paul. I look forward to meeting you. You can count on some assistance to christen your boat. I did it last year at Friday Harbour. I was surprised how moved I was. Kerri On has been a loyal companion on my travels George
 
You bet,

David of Anna Leigh and I will be doing USCGAux vessel safety checks at Friday Harbor.
As far as christenings go, there are usually a few at every Friday Harbor gathering, one of the two "revs" Jim or Dave is usually there. The ceremony is lighthearted and involves greenery (to make sure your baby carries you safely back to land), many toasts using adult libations of choice and finally the ritual basting of the bow with little drams of those libations; done gleefully as the new owners look on with horror as their new boat has all kinds of liquids poured over the bow. :lol:
 
We will be 3/4 of the way to Friday Harbor, when in the delta and missed the PNW last year. So we might as well do the Friday harbor gathering. It will be great to see old friends and meet some we have not met in person before! Got to break in this new truck properly. I figure a 5000 mile road trip should do that. We will leave the boat at Powell for the summer, after a week on the Lake. Then another week or so on the lake before Catalina gathering; Finish with the Sept. Powell gathering. I may have to beg for gas money along the way!
 
That's great to hear Bob, Carolyn and I are looking forward to meeting you both at Friday Harbor and again at Powell. A 5000 mile run is a good break in for the new truck. Hopefully gas stays ok. I am used to paying about $5.20 a gallon in BC. The $3.50 a gallon I found on my road trip south as a nice break! Travel safe, we have been following all the great things you are doing to Thisaway. George
 
Back
Top