september adventure: kingston and gig harbor
Date: September 20, 2020
Time Start: 9:40 a.m.
Time Finish: 4 p.m.
Cruise From: Hope Island, Skagit Bay
Cruise To: Kingston Marina
Engine Hours Start: 1236
Engine Hours Finish: 1243
Weather/sea conditions: Cloudy a.m., mid 50's warming to 70's, then sun, blue skies, lots of wakes from fishing boats!
NO SMOKE! Just good old fashioned fresh air with cloudy skies as we start our day at Hope Island.
Time Start: 9:40 a.m.
Time Finish: 4 p.m.
Cruise From: Hope Island, Skagit Bay
Cruise To: Kingston Marina
Engine Hours Start: 1236
Engine Hours Finish: 1243
Weather/sea conditions: Cloudy a.m., mid 50's warming to 70's, then sun, blue skies, lots of wakes from fishing boats!
NO SMOKE! Just good old fashioned fresh air with cloudy skies as we start our day at Hope Island.
Before beginning our cruise south, we take time to cruise close to shore for a look at the cormorants on the rock face of Hope Island.
Passing the Seal Rocks, we slow once again to take in the spectacle of the birds and seals in their natural setting in Skagit Bay.
Cruising is smooth as we make our way to Kingston. A kelp bed along Camano Island catches our interest.
Possession Head stands out under blue skies. Sea lions are on the buoy, and fishermen are out in their small boats hoping for a salmon or two. There is a fishing derby today, and the surrounding waters between Everett and Edmonds have been busy with small boats. We had planned to stay at Edmonds for the night, but the docks there are overflowing with fishing boats.
There is plenty of space on the transient dock at Kingston, where we are tucked behind the breakwater. On the outside of the breakwater are an array of ferries. This is a major hub for transporting passengers and vehicles across Puget Sound.
Then a message comes on our cell phones. Our daughter and three grandkids are in the line of waiting cars on the ferry dock! Such a coincidence! Face masks on, we get a short visit!
A walk through town and along the water and a quiet evening aboard complete the day. Find the heron on the rocks!
And then we get photos of our granddaughter Skye, celebrating becoming a teen today. Happy 13th, Skye! We've had her in our thoughts all day, always in our hearts.
Date: September 21, 2020
Time Start: 11:30 a.m.
Time Finish: 4:30 p.m.
Cruise From: Kingston
Cruise To: Gig Harbor
Engine Hours Start: 1243
Engine Hours Finish: 1248
Weather/sea conditions: Morning fog and low 50's, warming to upper 60's, calm
Fall is just hours away, and this morning is an indication that the seasons really are changing. Fog obscures views of the ferries docked beyond the breakwater, and the fog drip glistens like jewels on the many spider webs hanging off of structures and railings in the Kingston Marina.
Time Start: 11:30 a.m.
Time Finish: 4:30 p.m.
Cruise From: Kingston
Cruise To: Gig Harbor
Engine Hours Start: 1243
Engine Hours Finish: 1248
Weather/sea conditions: Morning fog and low 50's, warming to upper 60's, calm
Fall is just hours away, and this morning is an indication that the seasons really are changing. Fog obscures views of the ferries docked beyond the breakwater, and the fog drip glistens like jewels on the many spider webs hanging off of structures and railings in the Kingston Marina.
The sounds of fog horns break through the quiet. We top off our fuel and water and pump the holding tank before heading into the mist. Radar comes in handy at times as banks of fog thicken and then disappear. We weave through floating debris and see seal pups and birds hitching rides on pieces of drift.
Gradually the fog lifts. Sea lions are perched on a buoy, a place we often see them. Shorelines finally come into view.
The entrance to Gig Harbor is a welcoming sight today. We enter the harbor and find the pubic dock full, with the exception of one space, just our size, that we can easily squeeze into with the use of our thrusters. There is just a couple of feet to spare at either end of NORTH STAR. We're happy to be docked!
There is a lot of color on the water. Kayak classes are out practicing, and it is a treat to watch these young people. All seems so normal in spite of COVID. This seems to be an activity where kids can safely distance. We enjoy watching!
Gig Harbor is a great place to walk. We stretch our legs, following the sidewalk along the shore, enjoying the views along the way.
Evening is beautiful!
Date: September 22, 2020
Time Start: 8 a.m.
Time Finish: 12:15 p.m.
Cruise From: Gig Harbor
Cruise To: Swantown Marina, Olympia
Engine Hours Start: 1248
Engine Hours Finish: 1252
Weather/sea conditions: Upper 60's, calm
What a beautiful morning! We haven't been able to say that for most of this September cruise. We're ending with probably the very best weather of the cruse on our final day on the water. Tonight NORTH STAR will be back in her slip and we will be sleeping in our beds at home.
Time Start: 8 a.m.
Time Finish: 12:15 p.m.
Cruise From: Gig Harbor
Cruise To: Swantown Marina, Olympia
Engine Hours Start: 1248
Engine Hours Finish: 1252
Weather/sea conditions: Upper 60's, calm
What a beautiful morning! We haven't been able to say that for most of this September cruise. We're ending with probably the very best weather of the cruse on our final day on the water. Tonight NORTH STAR will be back in her slip and we will be sleeping in our beds at home.
Morning light, calm water, the shoreline of Gig Harbor as we leave - final memories to take home with us.
The cruise home is a reminder of how peaceful, calm, and lovely our South Sound waters can be. Passing Eagle Island, Anderson Island, and all of the familiar shores, we make our way home to Olympia. We live in a beautiful place!
Do we want to go home on such a glorious day? Yes, it's time. A storm is moving in tonight with heavy rain and winds predicted for tomorrow. We have had our share of weather on this cruise, first winds that kept us at Blake Island for three days, and then the smoke and fog that settled over us in the San Juan Islands. We weren't able to do all that we had hoped. The kayak and dinghy got very little use, and trails didn't get hiked. The air just wasn't healthy on many days, and we saw way too much of the interior of the cabin. But we did have wonderful moments, magical moments at times, lots of together time, and had new and different experiences (and challenges!). We will have lasting memories of this cruise and are thankful for our Ranger Tug where we can safely distance in this pandemic. And we really appreciate clean air!
Today, fall is officially here. We'll be out again soon to enjoy seeing the trees turn color from the water!
Today, fall is officially here. We'll be out again soon to enjoy seeing the trees turn color from the water!