Another long summer trip is behind us and our Nimble 20 'Turnstone'.
We launched in Anacortes and cruised swiftly by the busy powerboat extravaganza called the San Juan Islands via the outer route. Entered the Gulf Islands, where sailboats seem to have more space and are accompanied by their brethren to a larger degree. Exited again thru Porlier Pass and hit the mainland shore near Smuggler Cove. Up the coast to finally arrive in Desolation Sound in time for some well needed overcast skies and rain. Pleasant days were spent exploring before returning largely along the same route, except crossing the Strait of Georgia near Lasqueti.
Not as good winds as last year, mainly due to the record setting heatwave. Still used only 6 gls of fuel total for a months worth of cruising. We are always on a budget it seems, so again we proved that boating is indeed an affordable pursuit open to down-and-out adventurers like us. Besides the food that we would eat anyway we spent under $100 for this vacation including launch fees, gas and one night at a marina. But what marina!! No budget is too tight to not visit Vananda on Texada Island where wharfinger Ted and his wife tirelessly welcome all incoming vessels.
The always exciting wind conditions around Entrance Island lighthouse gave us some good sailing
Porlier Pass anchorage
Close to being becalmed in the middle of the Strait of Georgia, slightly north of Halibut Bank
Elusive Half Moon Bay cove. Dries on spring tides.
Hiking on West Redonda took us to the empty south shore
Smiles all around when reaching in 10-12 knots, Strait of Georgia.
Gulf Islands scenery
Desolation sound flotsam
Cold morning after a beating into 15-18 knots for 2 hours. Lawrence Point, Orcas Isl.
The dinghy sailor at the helm of the big boat
Good old Arbutus and emerald water
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