September Cruise: Willard Rendezvous & Cruising Puget Sound

We took the majority of September to cruise on Kozad.

This was the longest time spent on our boat, from September 10th to October 3rd. We absolutely loved our time aboard, so much so that neither one of us wanted to come home.

As the Blog covers an extended cruise this entry will be longer than usual. Hope it is still of interest!

The focus of this trip was attending the 2009 Willard PNW Rendezvous in Brownsville, Wa. and cruising the San Juan Islands to Puget Sound and into the South Sound area which lies between Seattle and Olympia, Wa.

We had a wonderful time on Kozad; we really, really, really did not want to leave our boat when it was time to head back home to Coldstream!

Cruising Destinations: The following is the best map I could find to show the area we cruised. This is to the SE of Vancouver Island and Bellingham is south of Vancouver.

Map of Puget Sound
San Juan's to Olympia

Cruise Overview: The following is a summary of our cruise, I have associated our cruising destinations to the Puget Sound map areas:

Brentwood Bay, B.C. to Friday Harbour, San Juan Islands, Wa. Map #20
Friday Harbour to Deception Pass State Park, Wa. West of Map #18
Deception Pass State Park to Langley, Whitbey Island, Wa. South of Map #17
Langley to Poulsbo, Wa. Map #15
Poulsbo to Brownsville, Wa. South of Map #15
Brownsville to Gig Harbour, Wa. Map #14
Gig Harbour to Long branch, Wa. South of Map #2
Long Branch to Fair Harbour, Wa. North of Map #1
Fair Harbour to Oro Bay, Anderson Island, Wa. South of Map #2
Oro Bay to Brownsville, Wa. South of Map #15
Brownsville to Port Townsend, Wa. Map #19
Port Townsend to Anacrotes, Wa. North West of Map #18
Anacortes to Fossil Bay, Sucia Island State Marine Park, Wa. Map #4
Fossil Bay to Sidney to Brentwood Bay, B.C., West of Map #10

Friday Harbour: We wanted to take our time cruising and not be rushed, so we left Portside Marina, our home port, on Friday 11th September and cleared US Customs in Friday Harbour (#20 on map). We decided to bypass Salt Spring Island on this trip, much to Jan's disappointment.

We knew there would be a few days needed for maintenance and cleaning on Kozad and Friday Harbour, where we spent 3 nights, was designated our work stop! Kozad received two coats of finish on the cap rails and all outside woodwork as well as two coats of fresh paint on the mast & boom which was done later when we were in Fair Harbour. We had a great time in Friday Harbour spending a packed 2.5 days of sight seeing, eating and working on Kozad.

Craig preparing Kozad for Cetol Natural Teak stain
Notice the color matching shirt & tape plus water clogs you can't see!


We always do a lot of walking the docks and looking at boats!
Friday Harbour is one of our favorite dock walk spots

And the only place we saw cats as boat pets!

This is a 1906 Riveted Iron Plate Steam Fire Boat from England
We had a tour from the owner who had it shipped to the USA from Great Britain
Interestingly, this boat was designed and built by his Great Great Grandfather

We met boating friends Rich and Mary Anne owners of MV Pearl a Willard 30 Nomad
They were great hosts and provided a tour of San Juan Island

We took in Roche Harbour
As the sign says, "The largest Lime Works West of the Mississippi"

We had a wonderful lunch in Roche Harbour Marina at the Madrona Grill
The food was outstanding Craig & Rich's Lamb Burgers were excellent but Jan & Maryanne's Chop Chop Noodle Salads were simply outstanding!

Rich, Maryanne & Jan
Preparing fresh Dungeness Crab for Rich's famous Crab Cakes!

Coronet Bay, Deception Pass State Park: We departed Friday Harbour early to catch the currents as Deception Pass is notoriously dangerous unless you transit at slack water. After three warm & sunny days in Friday Harbour we departed under low cloud and fog but no wind nor rain.

Kozad approaching Deception Pass
Currents are treachorous under the bridge which connects Fidalgo & Whitbey Island

Our transit through Deception Pass was well timed, thanks in part to Rudy owner of W30 Slow Dancer who provided local knowledge & advice. This is a very nice State Park, with nice hiking trails, good docks and as a bonus great ice cream is served at the local store! Just after our arrival we heard sirens and the Park Rangers went flying out on their boat as three people had their boat sunk while trying to go through the pass against the flood! Everyone made it to the shore but their boat was not recovered.

MV Kozad behind SV Joshua at Deception Pass State Park.
SV Joshua is a replica of Joshua Slocum's 37' sloop "Spray"
which completed the first solo world circumnavigation in 1895.

Langley, Whidbey Island: our friends Richard & Gwen W40 MV Northstar; who own the Harbour Inn in Freeland, Wa. met us at the docks just as we were coming into port . A great help to us catching lines as we were getting into a very tight and packed marina.

Langley has a very tight city marina
We had to back in and slide to starboard to get onto the dock

Once again we were spoiled by friends who took us for a driving tour of the area. Langley is a very picturesque and interesting town, great food and shops! We had a nice relaxing lunch with Richard & Gwen, who also are Willard owners! They will be joining us in a few days on their W40 MV Northstar in Brownsville for the rendezvous.

Langley waterfront walking paths which overlook Possession Sound to Everett


I can see for miles & miles.....
Great Pizza can be had just up the street from here!

Poulsbo: This is a very interesting town with strong Norwegian heritage; very tourist orientated with great bakeries, shops, markets and restaurants! We spent two nights here, did lots of walking, shopping and will be coming back! It's a must see!

We had a rough, rocking and rolling, wet and slow ride from Langley to Poulsbo

A wonderful old church overlooks the Port of Poulsbo Marina
We had a short sun shower with a nice rainbow

This Bakery has the greatest pastries!!

Ocean Alexander MK1 50 & extended hull 55 footers were having a rendezvous

The Ocean Alexander group were great! We spoke with them, toured their boats and had a lot of fun! This is one of Craig's favorite boats, especially the stretched 55 foot version.

This was the nicest MK1, MV Money Sponge, owned by Steve & Connie!
What a beautiful boat, great name + one of Craig's Favorites
He has a lot of favorites!

This little Schnauzer had a close encounter with a Bald Eagle
In Desolation Sound, an Eagle swooped down, grabbed him off the dock
Luckily the eagle lost it's grip and dropped the dog 25' from the dock!

We met up again with Richard on MV Northstar in Poulsbo
Richard was also on his way to Brownsville for the rendezvous while Gwen drove
P.S. that is not our boat (MV Money Sponge) behind Jan!

Brownsville; PNW Willard Rendezvous: Kozad and Northstar took a leisurely 1 hour cruise arriving as the first participants of the Willard Rendezvous.

Host Doug, MV Liberty Bell & Craig
Greeting, was on the dock with his famous Margarita Machine the "Margarator"

The weather was still holding, sun was shining and it was hot! We got organized and helped the remaining arrivals onto the docks, getting to see all of the Willards! Brownsville has an excellent Marina, great facilities with the Deli run by Kim and Cheryl, being outstanding!

Friday evening Ed & Doug hosted a great clam bake and pot luck supper
Held at Ed's home, notice the tennis court!
The bucket is holding freshly dug clams from a friend's beach front!

June showing Gwen & Richard how to play Boccie Ball next to the Horseshoe Pit

Combination bowling lane and shuffle board!

Competition Tennis Court - June (76) is ranked #4 in the Tennis USA for her age group



Unique Art Piece on Ed & June's Home
Notice the musical instruments through the windows
June has 55 instruments of all kinds in her music room
Now we know why Ed named his boat "Ed's Piano"!

As you can see Ed & June Wurden's home is something; they have the competition sized tennis court with lighting, beach volleyball court, batting cage c/w ball machine, horseshoes, bowling, mini golf, boccie ball, basketball, pool table, dart boards, big fire pit and three event tents with many mini lights, all set up in their yard! This is all in place permanently. They have parties for up to 200 people with a spare lot for parking! It is truly amazing!

The next day, although wet and cool, was spent visiting one another's boats, socializing and getting ready for the "pig roast" at the marina pavillion. The pig took a little longer to cook than anticipated! No problem, we just ate from 1700 to 2200hrs ... Alright, we had a few margaritas as well.

Gwen & Richard, W40 Northstar, arriving to the Pig Roast.

Richard checking out a Magnum of Wine which was donated by one of Ed's Friends

Gwen (W40 Northstar), Cindy (W40 Rincon), Steven (W46 Nereid) & Us!

Doug (W30 Liberty Bell) with Jan & Ed (W30 Ed's Piano)

Awaiting the pig to Roast.... Oh what a wait it was!

This was the third year for the Willard Rendezvous and we are not sure where it is to be held in 2010. Some have suggested that it be hosted by Canadians... Oh yeah, we are the Canadians who have attended the 3 rendezvous! Not sure if that will happen. We will have to check our retirement schedule and how many would join us in Canada!

The 2009 PNW Willard Rendezvous saw a total of 11 boats this year:

Nereid: a 47' Pilot House
Northstar: W40 Widebody Sedan
Lady Anne: W40 PilotHouse
Dulcinea: W36 Northsea Pilothouse
Ed's Piano: W30 Searcher
Liberty Bell: W30 Nomad
Puffin: W30 Nomad
Pelican: W30 Horizon
Cara: W30 Voyager
Slow Dancer: W30 Voyager
Kozad: W30 Voyager

Great job to our hosts Ed & Doug!

Bob & Thea
MV Pelican W30 Horizon
Hosts of the our first (2007) Willard Rendezvous held in Port Townsend!

MV Dulcinea departing Rendezvous in the low cloud
Another of Craig's Favorite is the 36' Northsea Aft Pilothouse
She is one of ony 6 made in 1961 and 1970 by Willard
This W36 has cruised to Hawaii and back!

South Sound Cruise with Kozad, Northstar & Ed's Piano: This was an optional element of the rendezvous offered by our hosts; a cruise through the South Sound. Unfortunately Doug was not able to join us, he had to be on the East Coast (Virginia) for work with the US Navy.

Only three boats participated, Kozad, Northstar and Ed's Piano (host); we had a great time, great weather, great company and great food & drinks! The party boat was of course Northstar, with her large covered and enclosed cockpit, including heat and piped in music . Life is good!

First day of Cruise saw us past Seattle on our way to Gig Harbour!


Another great day on Kozad!

Gig Harbour Town Marina, we were all able to get onto the busy dock.
This is a nice spot but a bit too busy and congested for us.

Richard and his son, Evan on Northstar's tender a Portland Pudgy.
This is the slickest little dinghy and everyone wants to know where to get one!
Craig wants one....


We departed early to catch the tide on 2nd day to Long Branch
Jan took a great sunrise photo. As a matter of fact, she took most of the photos!

Ed's Piano approaching the Tacoma Bridge
We transitted 5 bridges during our September cruise


Kozad and Ed's Piano arrived first at the Long Branch Dock.


Took a tandem dinghy ride with Ed while awaiting Northstar
Surprise! We came across MV Money Sponge, OA MK1, we had met in Poulsbo!

Wine, Appetizers before our supper on the Docks.
June, Jan & Ed on Northstar's spacious cockpit. We are jealous!


Sun setting on Mount Rainier as seen from Long Branch Dock



Potluck dinner on the docks



Our 3rd day rewarded us with another beautiful sunrise on our way to Fair Harbour


Fair Harbour is a small body of water with not much room
Kozad & Ed's Piano had an end tie while Northstar was on another dock

Cocktail Hour
A little cozier than on Northstar but still fun!


June relaxing with a book, another sunny and warm day boating!


Richard took his Pudgy out exploring
I still want one of these. Can I Jan, Please?


4th day of South Sound Cruise
Northstar and Ed's Piano at Jarrell's Cover Marine Park (Map #1)


Kozad rafted to Northstar anchored at Oro Bay, Anderson Island
Ed's Piano is anchored in the background

Ed dropped the crab pots, we call them crab traps in Canada!
These two were caught to have with wine on our return to Brownsville


On our 5th day the weather changed with overcast and low clouds
Kozad heading back to Brownsville for one night
Northstar had our camera!


Jan helping our flag fly proud
She says for some reason it just hangs there limp
Excuse me, but what's that all about!


After arriving in Brownsville Gwen and Jan are having refreshments
Hey!! What happened to those crabs?

Port Townsend: Northstar was going home to Anacortes, so we decided to head together to Port Townsend to take in some of the PTT Film Festival where we saw Cloris Leachman! Port Townsend is another one of our favorite places to visit with the boat. This is the third time here, second time with Kozad. A wonderful historic town with a lot to offer!

Kozad & Northstar departing from Brownsville to Port Townsend


Gwen waving good bye
Gwen, who had driven to Brownsville a week before, would meet us in Port Townsend.
It would be a 1 hour trip driving for her and a 7 hour boat trip for us!


Passing Point No Point at Foul Weather Bluff
The name says it all if the wind & seas are up! A lot of fishermen trying there luck.


Northstar approaching a US Naval Ammunication Facility
On Marrowstone Island across from Port Townsend, Wa.


Facility is protected by armed patrol vessels
They were interestingly observing Jan taking photos


Northstar heading to Port Townsend. We stayed at the Point Hudson Marina.


Port Townsend, Washington
This turn of the Century Town was to be the largest sea port on the West Coast


One of our favorite Towns!
Victorian Buildings, Lots of Ship Yards and Wooden Boats


A 60' Aluminum "Ship" used for Kayaking Tours
The Captain was having a lot of trouble getting her onto the dock in tight quarters.


Everyone went running to fend the boat off - including Richard!
This "ship" is a little bigger than Kozad


Take a look at the bulbous bow on this baby!


Richard & Gwen just before heading off to Anacortes
We had a great time together and plan to cruise more next year

Anacortes: We traveled once again with Norhstar to Cap Sante Marina in Anacortes where we fueled up, emptied our tanks and explored the town for a few day. The weather later moved in, with strong winds and rain.

When we arrived the weather was beautiful, it just happened to be the day of The Anacortes Oyster Run which means there were approx. 20,000 motorcycles in town! We were kept on the docks for a few extra days but caught up on some relax and reading time. Jan found a great grocery store, the Anacortes "Market Place" just a block west of the Safeway. It had great selections, a Chinese spice bar, huge gluten-free selections (for my gluten-free friends!) and unique foods, it is on the list for next year.

The docks were being prepared for the Anacortes Floating Boat Show and we were able to see a lot of boats; dreaming about that bigger boat with a stand alone shower, a flybridge, generator, hydronic heating system and a large covered heated cockpit! A bigger boat! Oh dream on and hope to win the Lotto soon! Gotta buy a ticket!

Mount Baker from Kozad on Rosario Straight


This huge tug had small sailboats circling it, the wind was just right!
Just off of Guemes Channel on our way to Anacrotes


Large Barge Tug from New Orleans
Notice the helicopter landing pad above the Pilothouse

Oyster Run Motorcycle Rally, Anacortes, Washington


Oyster Rally, we saw a lot of unique vehicles
including a converted ambulance serving as a mobile tattoo and piercing shop!


We were docked on an end tie with a great view
"Northstar" is 2 slips away. Her home port.
It was a great view until the wind started to blow real bad!


Some pretty big boats came into the marina
Notice Kozad docked to the right!
This 100 ft. boat had a professional chef who had a view window from the Galley

We had another beautiful sunset in Anacortes


Another favorite of Craig's!
This is MV Delfin; a 1965, beutiful, 55 foot steel hulled Romsdal trawler which has been completely rebuilt; info can be viewed at Delfin's Website.


Looking for another favorite? Always!!

Fossill Bay, Sucia Island Marine Park: The forecast was for day 4 and 5 of strong winds, rain and a high pressure coming with a cold front. So we decided to leave after three nights in Anacortes. Kozad headed off for Sucia Island in relatively good seas although the winds were up and the rain clouds were visible.

Heading to Sucia Island Marine Park

The weather had lightened by early afternoon


This fishing boat was throwing a huge bow wave & wake
Not sure what his hurry was but we hope it was worth the fuel he was burning!


Sucia Island is one of the most popular Marine Parks in the San Juan's
It is very crowded in the summer months with boaters and kayakers


Sucia Island is famous for it's sculpted sandstone cliffs


The only other occupant of Fossil Bay we saw while we were there!

Here we are, finally!
We have been trying to get to Sucia Island for three years!


Interesting sandstone rocks found on our hike to Fox Bay


The weather had settled when we arrived
We hiked some of the trails and build a nice fire
Jan found a spot where we had cell phone coverage

Kozad and only one other Boat in Fossil Bay
Jan wanted to be on a mooring buoy!
At least, until the SE 35kt winds came roaring up the inlet straight onto us at 11PM.
It was a "rock and roll" night and not what you might be thinking! We did not get much sleep!

Off To Our Home Port, Brentwood Bay: The wind would not let up and it was still blowing SE 20 to 25 or above when we decided to leave Sucia Island at 1100hrs the next day. Enough was enough, Kozad was more comfortable out cruising than sitting on the mooring buoy with these winds.

Craig in his usual position, Jan is the Captain you know!


Captain Jan at your service!
Jan has been at the helm docking and undocking Kozad on this trip!
No small feat with a single screw full keel trawler with a mind of it's own!

Great job Jan!

We headed back to Sidney to clear Canadian Customs at VanIsle Marina;then headed home to Brentwood Bay where we took a few days to get Kozad ready for winter.


Brentwood Bay, B.C
This view is from our slip at Portside Marina
Kozad's home port!

After putting Kozad to bed for winter; we had some time to visit with our close friends Garry, Joanne & daughter Jennifer, as well as seeing Craig's cousin Colleen & her husband Dave who live in Saanichton.

Our boating friends Penny & Mike from Cowichan Bay, whom we have mentioned previously in our Blog; took the Mill Bay Ferry to Brentwood Bay so we could meet for lunch at the Seahorse Cafe where we had Crab Cakes on the waterfront. It was great to see them and catch up again, plus we enjoyed seeing pictures from their daughter's wedding.

We were very pleased to have a few visits with our youngest son, Jim and his University Room Mates; Ian, Luke, Peter and Shawn.

Halloween SWAT Team
Our Son Jim (left) and his Room Mates Ian, Shawn & Luke

Kozad at home dock
Portside Marina, Brentwood Bay

Sadly, the 2009 cruising season has come to an end
Kozad has been put to bed for another winter.

Can hardly wait for spring 2010.