Day One to Alaska

Chuck and Linda Stafford were incredible guests, combining very quick learning about boats and boating with help and fun. We picked them up in Seattle, and drove to the boat in Anacortes. We spent the first night there, and then departed for Roche Harbor. The day was foggy and overcast, but we got underway expecting better weather at the destination. We were rewarded! A great day in Roche Harbor. The next day was to Victoria and Butchart Gardens, with pictures already posted. Then to Friday Harbor, where coincidentally there was a C-Dory rendevous. What a cute little boat. We had fun there before heading across the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Waves were 3 to 4 feet, but not too bad. We arrived at Port Townsend and spent a good day before heading on to Seattle. 3 days in Bell Harbor was to be our 3rd visit at the Pike Street Market, and we loaded up, once again, with Halibut Cheeks, Dungeness Crab, and Scallops. What meals we prepared.....


Chuck pushing with Linda providing full and complete instructions...


But Chuck and Linda must return to Birmingham, and then Christy and I were officially off to Alaska. Our first stop was back to La Conner for a repair, then off to Poet's Cove on Pender Island in Canada....


Christy stroking a Ranger Tug, which was at the Trawler Fest in Anacortes before departing for Poet's Cove
This is a boat with great appeal for a couple

Much smaller, but easier to handle and maneuver. Downsides are all associated with the small size.
And a final sunset in Anacortes before our departure for Alaska...

And Christy eating for the camera on the flybridge before our departure..



After 4 hours underway, we arrived at Poet's Cove, seen above. Many Vancouveran's come here for Holiday and we can see why.


This is the Canadian Customs office at the marina in Bedwell Harbor, aka Poet's Cove


We first washed Undoc'd down, getting much salt off the skin...she looked mighty pretty sitting there so clean


The Anglican Church in Bedwell Harbor had an afternoon service in progress as we headed out for a 4 mile walk...


The yellow plant along the shore is Gorsy. A local told us that it was highjaced into Oregon and now is working it's way up the coast. He referred to it as a "hideous" and "noxious" plant that dominated other "good vegetation". They are working to get rid of it, but it sure is pretty from the sea...


And the Marina seen from the road leaving the dock...


This is why Poet's Cove is so popular. The Lodge overlooks the pool which overlooks the marina.
Seaplane activity was frequent, and most was from Vancouver...


Tomorrow we are off to Nanaimo along the east coast of Vancouver Island...