Pat Anderson
New member
Ganges is just a frickin' zoo most any weekend in summer. We were there 3 years ago and Patty enjoyed the shopping and artsy-fartsy stuff. Glad we can say, "been there, done that."
The Cruising Adventures of Wild Blue and crew...
- Thread starter JamesTXSD
- Start date
Hi Pat and Patty,
Part of the fun of cruising is seeing the character of the different places. We've enjoyed our time at Ganges, but probably wouldn't feel the need to come back soon. The town is cute, and it's nice to have access to a good grocery store (we're good for another couple weeks). We really enjoyed the market, even with the crowds. We spent an hour wandering through the hardware store and the used book shop... and found a couple things to take back to the boat. It was another interesting setting, especially with the comraderie of some C-Brats. We enjoy anchoring out in quiet coves, but also want to have some amenities occasionally.
I had to chuckle and shake my head about the attitude of the marina management, but that's part of the experience, too. All things considered, we'd rate this as a good stop. When you use your boat as a weekend escape, getting away from it all is the goal. With extended time cruising, it's more about getting a feel for an area.
We enjoyed traveling with you and appreciate the hospitality you extended us. It was fun seeing how the 4 of you traveled... and how you managed to run the boys off so you could have your nights alone for... well, I don't want to paint any mental images here... but, goodness, the sounds that came from your boat... we can see where Austin gets his great sense of humor. :wink
Best wishes,
Jim & Joan
Part of the fun of cruising is seeing the character of the different places. We've enjoyed our time at Ganges, but probably wouldn't feel the need to come back soon. The town is cute, and it's nice to have access to a good grocery store (we're good for another couple weeks). We really enjoyed the market, even with the crowds. We spent an hour wandering through the hardware store and the used book shop... and found a couple things to take back to the boat. It was another interesting setting, especially with the comraderie of some C-Brats. We enjoy anchoring out in quiet coves, but also want to have some amenities occasionally.
I had to chuckle and shake my head about the attitude of the marina management, but that's part of the experience, too. All things considered, we'd rate this as a good stop. When you use your boat as a weekend escape, getting away from it all is the goal. With extended time cruising, it's more about getting a feel for an area.
We enjoyed traveling with you and appreciate the hospitality you extended us. It was fun seeing how the 4 of you traveled... and how you managed to run the boys off so you could have your nights alone for... well, I don't want to paint any mental images here... but, goodness, the sounds that came from your boat... we can see where Austin gets his great sense of humor. :wink
Best wishes,
Jim & Joan
OK, Dave, just for you...
You can take the boy out of the hippie bus, but you can't take the hippie out of the boy... or something like that.
The shower situation at this marina is interesting: an open room with sinks and very small separate shower stalls, unisex. Joan and I will generally use a larger shower unit together; we can use the time more efficiently and keep another shower available for someone else. Plus, it's more fun. :wink: That's not possible here; the stalls are just too small. While I was shaving at the sink, a woman came in to shower. I heard the Looney clink, the gasp of cold water, and a short time later the shower quit and there was a big groan from that stall. Ah, such a newbie... I got my showering done on one Looney this morning. 8)
After a bite to eat, we are heading north and expect to not have an internet connection again for a while. Thanks again to all the C-Brats who made this portion of our cruising so enjoyable.
Best wishes,
Jim B.
You can take the boy out of the hippie bus, but you can't take the hippie out of the boy... or something like that.
The shower situation at this marina is interesting: an open room with sinks and very small separate shower stalls, unisex. Joan and I will generally use a larger shower unit together; we can use the time more efficiently and keep another shower available for someone else. Plus, it's more fun. :wink: That's not possible here; the stalls are just too small. While I was shaving at the sink, a woman came in to shower. I heard the Looney clink, the gasp of cold water, and a short time later the shower quit and there was a big groan from that stall. Ah, such a newbie... I got my showering done on one Looney this morning. 8)
After a bite to eat, we are heading north and expect to not have an internet connection again for a while. Thanks again to all the C-Brats who made this portion of our cruising so enjoyable.
Best wishes,
Jim B.
LOVE THAT SHIRT. the guitar makes it. more than just tye tie.
it is been so much fun reading your posts. I am throwing a tempertantrum for not being there by wasting five minutes at work at 6am enjoy what you all are doing.
PS
the artsy fartsy stuff is fun. i make tom go to the anacordes art festival every year. But i usually bribe him with a walk to the marina to see what boats are there.
it is been so much fun reading your posts. I am throwing a tempertantrum for not being there by wasting five minutes at work at 6am enjoy what you all are doing.
PS
the artsy fartsy stuff is fun. i make tom go to the anacordes art festival every year. But i usually bribe him with a walk to the marina to see what boats are there.
Whew! I've been off a few days (some would say that I'm always a bit off) and there are almost 500 posts! We are at an internet cafe, so we have a chance to post and get connected for a bit.
I've taken a gazillion photos... for the first time since I retired, I've been have FUN shooting; actually got out the Nikon for some of the images at Chatterbox Falls.
Well, here's the Readers Digest version of the time since we left Ganges... the plan was to get to Nanaimo and check out the Strait of Georgia, maybe spend a night before crossing. Well, it didn't look too bad... wind was around 10 mph. Off we went. The first third was nice, then the wind picked up, of course; the middle third was lumpy. The last 6 or 7 miles was downright rough... we slowed to about 10 knots and got behind an island and some lovely calm. Made our way to Smuggler Cove for the night. This is a very protected cove that opens into an even more protected cove... that opens into, well, you get the idea. We went back to the furthest cove, anchored, stern tied, and kicked back. Spent a glorious afternoon poking around, lounging, and just enjoying being on the water.
Left Smuggler Cove, up to Pender Harbour. Then up the Agemomnon Inlet and up to Princess Louisa Inlet.
We timed it just right for Malibu Rapids and went through in perfectly calm water. It is beautiful along the way.
But the treat at the end of the inlet is as beautiful as we've read about... Chatterbox Falls and the shear mountains rising 6,000 feet up to frame it!
And the most amazing part: we were able to get the VERY FIRST spot at the dock! There were boats circling around, several boats right behind us coming through the rapids... and only one spot left at the dock. A seaplane ran interference for us, and we managed to get that spot! We spent two totally relaxing days hiking, getting sun, letting Molly walk, and visiting with others on the dock.
A real highlight was the opportunity to meet Mac and Linda from Island Ranger, a Ranger Tug (and formerly of Two Lucky Fish, a CD-22). They gave us lots of good ideas for cruising further north, as they are on their return leg from taking the Tug to Alaska.
Here's a look at the deep, lush forest surrounding the falls...
This place is right up there with Lake Powell for a real spiritual feeling.
After a couple days, we felt that someone else should get to enjoy that spot on the dock... several people had asked about our "travel plans." We shoved off from the dock at 6:30 am to time it for low slack at Malibu Rapids.
Several of us left the dock at the same time. Out in the main inlet, I took this image of Island Ranger in the early morning light...
We took our time coming down, poking into other coves, bays, and inlets. Another beautiful spot was the Harmony Islands up Holthum Inlet.
We made our way down towards Hardy Island and decided to go north since the Strait was looking decent. We spent last night in Westview Harbor Marina, just outside Powell River. This is another marina that some would consider "funky"... we think it has "atmosphere." We are in the cheap seats, the third one out, rafted to a couple old fishing trawlers. We walked into Powell River and found a Safeway, Wal-Mart, even a mall. No, there was nothing we needed. :wink: There's a good variety of restaurants in easy walking distance from the marina, a crappy laundramat nearby, and a gorgeous view of the mountains on Vancouver Island.
See if you can find Wild Blue in the photo below...
If this were a postcard, it would say "Having a great time, the weather is beautiful, wish you were here!"
Sorry for the lengthy post - so much to show.
Best wishes,
Jim & Joan B. (heading north)
I've taken a gazillion photos... for the first time since I retired, I've been have FUN shooting; actually got out the Nikon for some of the images at Chatterbox Falls.
Well, here's the Readers Digest version of the time since we left Ganges... the plan was to get to Nanaimo and check out the Strait of Georgia, maybe spend a night before crossing. Well, it didn't look too bad... wind was around 10 mph. Off we went. The first third was nice, then the wind picked up, of course; the middle third was lumpy. The last 6 or 7 miles was downright rough... we slowed to about 10 knots and got behind an island and some lovely calm. Made our way to Smuggler Cove for the night. This is a very protected cove that opens into an even more protected cove... that opens into, well, you get the idea. We went back to the furthest cove, anchored, stern tied, and kicked back. Spent a glorious afternoon poking around, lounging, and just enjoying being on the water.
Left Smuggler Cove, up to Pender Harbour. Then up the Agemomnon Inlet and up to Princess Louisa Inlet.
We timed it just right for Malibu Rapids and went through in perfectly calm water. It is beautiful along the way.
But the treat at the end of the inlet is as beautiful as we've read about... Chatterbox Falls and the shear mountains rising 6,000 feet up to frame it!
And the most amazing part: we were able to get the VERY FIRST spot at the dock! There were boats circling around, several boats right behind us coming through the rapids... and only one spot left at the dock. A seaplane ran interference for us, and we managed to get that spot! We spent two totally relaxing days hiking, getting sun, letting Molly walk, and visiting with others on the dock.
A real highlight was the opportunity to meet Mac and Linda from Island Ranger, a Ranger Tug (and formerly of Two Lucky Fish, a CD-22). They gave us lots of good ideas for cruising further north, as they are on their return leg from taking the Tug to Alaska.
Here's a look at the deep, lush forest surrounding the falls...
This place is right up there with Lake Powell for a real spiritual feeling.
After a couple days, we felt that someone else should get to enjoy that spot on the dock... several people had asked about our "travel plans." We shoved off from the dock at 6:30 am to time it for low slack at Malibu Rapids.
Several of us left the dock at the same time. Out in the main inlet, I took this image of Island Ranger in the early morning light...
We took our time coming down, poking into other coves, bays, and inlets. Another beautiful spot was the Harmony Islands up Holthum Inlet.
We made our way down towards Hardy Island and decided to go north since the Strait was looking decent. We spent last night in Westview Harbor Marina, just outside Powell River. This is another marina that some would consider "funky"... we think it has "atmosphere." We are in the cheap seats, the third one out, rafted to a couple old fishing trawlers. We walked into Powell River and found a Safeway, Wal-Mart, even a mall. No, there was nothing we needed. :wink: There's a good variety of restaurants in easy walking distance from the marina, a crappy laundramat nearby, and a gorgeous view of the mountains on Vancouver Island.
See if you can find Wild Blue in the photo below...
If this were a postcard, it would say "Having a great time, the weather is beautiful, wish you were here!"
Sorry for the lengthy post - so much to show.
Best wishes,
Jim & Joan B. (heading north)
Pat Anderson
New member
Great, keep us posted! It looks like Smuggler Cove and Princess Louisa lived up to expectations! On to Desolation Sound! And when you get there, it really isn't THAT far to the Broughtons! Great ice cream and free WiFi at Sullivan Bay!
If this were Austin's post card, it would say "Having a great time, the weather is here, wish you were beautiful!"
!
If this were Austin's post card, it would say "Having a great time, the weather is here, wish you were beautiful!"
!
Ron Bennie
New member
"and a gorgeous view of the mountains on Vancouver Island."
Hi Jim:
As usual, I am enjoying your pictures and commentary a great deal but the above quote made my heart sing. You were looking at my hometown of Union Bay (or at least the mountains beyond it). I'm so happy you're enjoying the area. I am really enjoying seeing it through your eyes. Beautiful and amazing...
Thanks,
Ron Bennie
Hi Jim:
As usual, I am enjoying your pictures and commentary a great deal but the above quote made my heart sing. You were looking at my hometown of Union Bay (or at least the mountains beyond it). I'm so happy you're enjoying the area. I am really enjoying seeing it through your eyes. Beautiful and amazing...
Thanks,
Ron Bennie
Hi Jim,
Great pics and you are in a fantastic cruising area! If you make it to Lund there is a nice bakery there but you are north of there now.
I also recommend stopping at Wildernest at the entrance to Toba inlet. The owner, a young canadian, is living the dream - his own wilderness retreat. But he does have to share it to make a little money. Oh, he does have a large dog that Molly probably would not like.
I could probably spend a month in Desolation and still not explore everything.
Mac and Linda look way too relaxed after a trip to Alaska! That new Tug must a comfortable boat.
Keep the pictures coming,
Steve
Great pics and you are in a fantastic cruising area! If you make it to Lund there is a nice bakery there but you are north of there now.
I also recommend stopping at Wildernest at the entrance to Toba inlet. The owner, a young canadian, is living the dream - his own wilderness retreat. But he does have to share it to make a little money. Oh, he does have a large dog that Molly probably would not like.
I could probably spend a month in Desolation and still not explore everything.
Mac and Linda look way too relaxed after a trip to Alaska! That new Tug must a comfortable boat.
Keep the pictures coming,
Steve
Howdy from Desolation Sound. We're, um, "borrowing" wi-fi from our new best friend, so don't know how long this will last. :wink: Desolation Sound is absolutely beautiful, and anything but "desolate". We are amazed at the number of boats here... I know the cruising guides say it's busy here this time of year, but there's a lotta darn boats here. We are in Refuge Cove right now, after nights in Grace Harbour and Melanie Cove (Prideaux Haven). So far, we've managed to anchor to the far ends of the coves and have had plenty of space to ourselves. We're heading around Cortes Island for the next week or so, and then back to no particular plan.
Coming into Desolation Sound...
Heading towards Grace Harbour, Joan asked, "Is that what I think it is???"
Yes, it is!
I swear, there was no "Photoshopping" done to this image. We got close to see if he needed help, but he assured us that professional assistance was on the way. We offered to stay until it came, but he did not want that, either.
Here's an example of what we've been able to find for space in the anchorages...
And then back out again...
And, another anchorage where we were the smallest boat there by far...
There is plenty of dinghy traffic at the backs of the coves, and they all seem to think highly of the C-Dorys. Comments like, "Great little boat for this area, eh?" or "Did you come all the way in that? Those C-Dorys can handle it." Yeah, we think so, too.
And speaking of dinghy traffic, here's a look at Molly the C-Brat Cat on a dinghy ride...
She does look a bit concerned about my rowing. And here's a look at her right after the dinghy ride - racked out...
That part with Molly is for our daughter who has been monitoring our travels on this thread. Hi Stephanie - Mom and Dad miss you. (Thank you for that indulgence, C-Brats... phone coverage is spotty and expensive up here).
Hope y'all enjoyed this look at the past few days. There was a less-than-great forecast that never materialized. The past few mornings have been overcast, breaking to glorious sunshine and low humidity. Don't believe all the talk about "the warmer water"... we did see 70º in Melanie Cove. Warm enough to keep the jellyfish happy, but too cold for us to get in the water.
Best wishes,
Jim B.
Coming into Desolation Sound...
Heading towards Grace Harbour, Joan asked, "Is that what I think it is???"
Yes, it is!
I swear, there was no "Photoshopping" done to this image. We got close to see if he needed help, but he assured us that professional assistance was on the way. We offered to stay until it came, but he did not want that, either.
Here's an example of what we've been able to find for space in the anchorages...
And then back out again...
And, another anchorage where we were the smallest boat there by far...
There is plenty of dinghy traffic at the backs of the coves, and they all seem to think highly of the C-Dorys. Comments like, "Great little boat for this area, eh?" or "Did you come all the way in that? Those C-Dorys can handle it." Yeah, we think so, too.
And speaking of dinghy traffic, here's a look at Molly the C-Brat Cat on a dinghy ride...
She does look a bit concerned about my rowing. And here's a look at her right after the dinghy ride - racked out...
That part with Molly is for our daughter who has been monitoring our travels on this thread. Hi Stephanie - Mom and Dad miss you. (Thank you for that indulgence, C-Brats... phone coverage is spotty and expensive up here).
Hope y'all enjoyed this look at the past few days. There was a less-than-great forecast that never materialized. The past few mornings have been overcast, breaking to glorious sunshine and low humidity. Don't believe all the talk about "the warmer water"... we did see 70º in Melanie Cove. Warm enough to keep the jellyfish happy, but too cold for us to get in the water.
Best wishes,
Jim B.
starcrafttom
Active member
Roger , thats the ball and chain of WORK right :wink: . Just trying to kept you in a boat , because thats the first thing the lawyers go for in a divorce :twisted:
jim,
i need help with photos. i have about fifty photos that i want to add to the bellingham event. but i have to resize them first before posting. is there a fast way to do this? other wise i have to individually resize all fifty...... one at a time. and i am not retired yet!!
susan e
i need help with photos. i have about fifty photos that i want to add to the bellingham event. but i have to resize them first before posting. is there a fast way to do this? other wise i have to individually resize all fifty...... one at a time. and i am not retired yet!!
susan e
Susan E – what operating system do you have?
what graphics programs do you have?
The process you use depends on your OS and programs.
If you have Windows and Microsoft Office or Microsoft Office Picture Manager, it will be real easy to resize them all at once with just a few mouse clicks.
________
Dave
what graphics programs do you have?
The process you use depends on your OS and programs.
If you have Windows and Microsoft Office or Microsoft Office Picture Manager, it will be real easy to resize them all at once with just a few mouse clicks.
________
Dave
This may not be a good thing to say when I'm near the land of Microsoft, but we use Macs. It's easy to put all your images in a folder and do a "batch process" on Photoshop. But, most of the time, I post the images on the fly, so it only takes a few seconds to do each.
Any image software should allow you to resize. I'm afraid I'm not up to speed on most consumer imaging software, but Oldgrowth Dave is right on. HTH
Best wishes,
Jim
Any image software should allow you to resize. I'm afraid I'm not up to speed on most consumer imaging software, but Oldgrowth Dave is right on. HTH
Best wishes,
Jim
We left the anchorage at Melanie Cove, heading for Refuge Cove on the island of West Redonda. It’s less than 10 miles, so it wasn’t much of a journey. There was very little open water; we ran across what there was and followed along the shoreline of West Redonda, still looking to see our first bear. Nope.
It was another overcast morning, but we could see breaks in the clouds. By the time we pulled into Refuge Cove, the sky was clearing nicely.
We’d read that this is another very popular place, because there is a small, well-stocked store and fuel. There were quite a few spots available at the dock, so we took the one that looked to be the most out of potential fuel dock traffic. We tied Wild Blue to the dock and walked up to the store to pay for dock space - a nice surprise at 50¢ per foot. There is no power (well, you can get it for $6 if you have a really long power cord), and the signs say you should boil the water before drinking. But, the store has cold soda, wine, and ice cream! This is another place that I’d describe as pleasantly funky.
We spent some time looking around the store. They also have a couple washer/dryers, bathrooms, and two showers ($4). There is also a restaurant (more of a snack bar) with a small gift shop on the property. And that’s about it.
By 11:00, traffic had picked up markedly. By noon, it was approaching the traffic conditions of a beehive. We walked up to the restaurant, deciding to treat ourselves to lunch out. We didn’t expect the prices to be inexpensive... we were right. But, hey, it’s part of the experience here.
While we waited for our food, we looked through the gift shop - a few local art/craft items and some t-shirts. The dining is outdoors, overlooking the marina. Watching the boating demolition derby in the small marina was quite entertaining. The restaurant provided “score cards” that you could hold up to rate a boat’s docking procedure. The view from up here made me glad we docked away from the fuel dock.
Ah, the American judge is too lenient!
We cleaned up around the boat, then went to the store for ice cream. Yes, it was packed also. Back outside, we sat and watched boats vying for dock space and circling by the fuel dock.
Molly got to spend some time walking the docks and being admired by passersby. And there were a lot of passersby... especially considering that this little settlement has only 17 residents.
Joan saw that there was internet available. I was surprised to find that there was an open connection... I fired up the Mac and got on. It felt good to be connected again. Going without tv is easy; the internet is our main source of information and entertainment these days, and my second favorite part: weather.
Being the frugal boaters we are, we decided to save the $4 and shower on the boat. I put the solar shower on the bow to heat up, and it was delightfully warm for an evening shower.
Then a bit of a sunset, and we were ready to call it a night.
Best wishes,
Jim B.
It was another overcast morning, but we could see breaks in the clouds. By the time we pulled into Refuge Cove, the sky was clearing nicely.
We’d read that this is another very popular place, because there is a small, well-stocked store and fuel. There were quite a few spots available at the dock, so we took the one that looked to be the most out of potential fuel dock traffic. We tied Wild Blue to the dock and walked up to the store to pay for dock space - a nice surprise at 50¢ per foot. There is no power (well, you can get it for $6 if you have a really long power cord), and the signs say you should boil the water before drinking. But, the store has cold soda, wine, and ice cream! This is another place that I’d describe as pleasantly funky.
We spent some time looking around the store. They also have a couple washer/dryers, bathrooms, and two showers ($4). There is also a restaurant (more of a snack bar) with a small gift shop on the property. And that’s about it.
By 11:00, traffic had picked up markedly. By noon, it was approaching the traffic conditions of a beehive. We walked up to the restaurant, deciding to treat ourselves to lunch out. We didn’t expect the prices to be inexpensive... we were right. But, hey, it’s part of the experience here.
While we waited for our food, we looked through the gift shop - a few local art/craft items and some t-shirts. The dining is outdoors, overlooking the marina. Watching the boating demolition derby in the small marina was quite entertaining. The restaurant provided “score cards” that you could hold up to rate a boat’s docking procedure. The view from up here made me glad we docked away from the fuel dock.
Ah, the American judge is too lenient!
We cleaned up around the boat, then went to the store for ice cream. Yes, it was packed also. Back outside, we sat and watched boats vying for dock space and circling by the fuel dock.
Molly got to spend some time walking the docks and being admired by passersby. And there were a lot of passersby... especially considering that this little settlement has only 17 residents.
Joan saw that there was internet available. I was surprised to find that there was an open connection... I fired up the Mac and got on. It felt good to be connected again. Going without tv is easy; the internet is our main source of information and entertainment these days, and my second favorite part: weather.
Being the frugal boaters we are, we decided to save the $4 and shower on the boat. I put the solar shower on the bow to heat up, and it was delightfully warm for an evening shower.
Then a bit of a sunset, and we were ready to call it a night.
Best wishes,
Jim B.