Mike and Beth's Adventures

Friends are one of the reasons we enjoy boating in the San Juan and Gulf Islands.  Several years ago we met John and Brenda while visiting Refuge Cove in the Desolation Islands.  They cruised there on John's 30' diesel cruiser, Salish Dream.  Next time we saw them we linked up on Gabriola Island where John gave us an Island tour. Following the tour we visited his sister and her husband who have a home overlooking Dodd Narrows.   Prior to departing for the Pacific Northwest this summer, we arranged to meet John in Montague Harbor on Galiano Island.  He grew up near Parksville, on Vancouver Island and has cruised these waters for many years,  He has willingly shared his extensive knowledge of local anchorages, harbors, sights, and experiences to enjoy. John was in Ganges getting groceries when we arrived.  We anchored just outside the Provincial Park mooring field and set about boat chores while waiting for John's return.  As we waited, float p...

This afternoon I'm sitting on Amy Marie and listening to live classical violin  being played by the skipper of the vessel Vya Lynn.  The notes just seem to hang in the air.  A perfect compliment to a lovely location.  We are in a typical PNW cove on the north side of Jones Island.  Why the north side?  Today some nasty cold south winds have been blowing and we sought shelter here.  It really is a sanctuary of sorts.  Our fellow voyagers are a mix a small cruisers and sailboats.  Throw in a couple of motor vessels approaching 40 feet in length and you have the whole crowd.   We meet one fellow who has been here a week.  He motored over from Anacortes on his 16 foot center console.  He is retired and travels with his dog, a  Corgi.  He and the Corgi were camped in  an orange dome tent from the '80's.  Those of you who use to backpack know the tent.  It used to be ubiquitous back then.  You could...

Our explorations during July 2023 were unstructured.   Our only constraint was that we arrive in Bellingham Washington by July 26th so Beth could fly to southern California for a family reunion, and I was able to welcome my daughter, her two kids, and their dog for ~ 8 days of cruising.  As you can see from the track log, we successfully met these boundary conditions and, I assure you, managed to have a wonderful time, new experiences, and meet interesting people all along the way! If you would also like to view last month's track log, please click:   June 2023 Track Log     _________________________________________________ Amy Marie in Victoria British Columbia _____________________________________________________________ Last Night in Canada Amy Marie Visits:  Victoria BC Amy Marie Visits: The South-East Coast of Vancouver Island Amy Marie Visits - Comox The Day the Diesel Died June 2023 Track Log Amy Marie Visits: Refuge Cove Amy Marie Visits: ...

Amy Marie at the Ashland Oregon Highway 5 Rest Stop Amy Marie and crew are excited to be on our next trailerable trawler adventure!  Yes! the gang is together and headed to the Pacific Northwest for a summer of exploration.  To bring you up to date. We completed America’s Great Loop in October of 2022.  Since returning, we have been lavishing Amy Marie with some needed attention.   She is sporting: New upholstery, Relocation of the VHF radio to the top of the helm station for better “human interface” Thorough servicing of her Yanmar power plant. List Marine replaced the glow plugs, the impeller, and repaired damaged sound deadening and insulation on the engine cover.   I installed a new oil pressure sender and also an old fashioned analog oil pressure gauge. A new 220-watt solar panel with an MPPT controller.   Love it! New Yamaha 2-way speakers as an upgrade from the Factory installed Fusion speakers. Movie night will have better sound quality! A ...

Lighthouse near Little Current Ontario Little Current We tied to the City Wall in Little Current and walked into town to re-provision at the local market.  Everything you might need is available within easy walking distance and at "normal" prices. You can ask the Harbor Master if you can tie up on the east end of the wall by the stairs that lead to the super market.  This will make your return trip easier if you are heavily laden with provisions. Little Current's waterfront has successfully transitioned from it's industrial beginnings to support of recreational boaters The city wall is quite long with plenty of room for visiting boats. Fuel and pump out are available. The Benjamin Islands After leaving Little Current we headed west to the Benjamin Islands.  These are located along the northern edge of Georgian Bay We found a nice protected cove in which we dropped our bow anchor and then tied a line from the stern of the boat to shore.  By doing so, we re...