On to Vancouver, BC

 As we approached Vancouver the evidence of a world class city began  to appear on the horizon. Lots of tankers and bulk carriers. We just skirted the Spanish Banks and it got shallow very quickly. Once back inside channel, plenty of water. The buoys are right on the edge of the Banks.

 The city starting to come into view. We chose to anchor in False Creek. Near Yaletown and site of the Worlds Fair.

 Sundown and sundowners.

The purpose for going to Vancouver was to pick up Jill and Ray Thomas, from Florida for a two week holiday into Desolation Sound.This was Snug Harbor on Bowen Island. About 11 miles from Vancouver. The Union Steamship Marina.

San Juan and Stuart Islands

 San Juan Island is the county seat of the islands and Friday Harbour is the top tourist destination. Ferry service to the island is more frequent and all the Victoria ferries stop in Friday Harbor.Above is some classic woodies that can be chartered for an afternoon sail. Very beautiful old boats.

 This is a 60s era Skagit runabout. Lovingly cared for it appears.

 

We went to Stuart Island to visit with Mary Johnson. She was doing volunteer duty at the Turn Point Lighthouse museum for a week. Turn Point light is a major turn for commercial vessels taking inside passage to Alaska or going to Vancouver. Critical piece of equipment on a coast that can be very fog bound at times. Stuart has no ferry service so access by boat is the only way to arrive. Two good harbors, Reid and Prevost.

The above is the Stuart Island Treasure Chest. IT is on the path to the lighthouse. If you would care for a souvenir shirt or hat ,take it and an envelope and mail in the payment. Entirely on the honor system.

 View from Lighthouse keepers home.

 Offshore

 The light has been automated for a number of years. The buildings were donated to the US forest service and volunteers are trying to keep the building in good repair.

 After leaving Stuart we went to Roche  on San Juan. This is the historic Hotel Haro.

Roche Harbor was at one time the largest lime works west of the Mississippi but has been an upscale stop in the Islands for decades. Some very large power yachts hover here.I was reluctant to stop but glad I did. The sculpture garden and the mausoleum are a must see. People watching here is quite interesting as well.

Lopez Island

 WE arrived at Lopez in the San Juans in time for the 4th of July Celebration. Lopez has the best fireworks display in the islands. We put LCB into full dress ship for the holiday.

 Sunset, Fishermans Bay, Lopez Island

Turn Point on Stuart Island with Mt. Baker in the background. The weather has been superb since our arrival in the Island Group.

Astoria to the San Juans

 After leaving Portland, we caught the tide down river and over nighted on the Claskanie Slough. As we wanted  good weather to sail up the Washington Coast, meaning following wind and seas, it was raining part of the trip. The wind blows SW to South when it rains this time of year. Normal wind pattern is 15-25 NW, not great for bashing North.Above is the Astoria Megler Bridge. It is over five miles long at the mouth of the Columbia.

 Astoria, after being a forestry and fishing community for over a hundred years has being trying to reinvent itself. This is a 1913 electric trolley car that has been lovingly restored by volunteers. For $2 you can ride back and forth on the Astoria waterfront and hear the running monologue of the volunteers. Very convenient for cruisers as it stops by marina and the local grocery store 2 miles away.

 As the overhead power lines no longer exists the trolley tows a generator behind the car.

Tatoosh Island, Entrance to the Straits of Juan de Fuca. The trip up the coast was quite easy for this stretch of ocean. As predicted , wind was Southerly but did not have the pressure that was predicted. We motor sailed most of the way. No complaints , I  have made this trip when it was brutal, motor sailing is OK!

Back on Boat....at last!

Plan to go North, to Alaska(hear Johnny Horton) this summer . New parts and lots of work to do will update soon.

Palm Springs to Joshua Tree

 LJ and jumped on the bikes and drove the 20 miles out to the Oasis just outside Hot Springs. Barren except for this spot that straddles the San Andreas Fault. That is why there is water in the desert. The water oozes up through the fault.

 Larry and the sign.

 We drove over to Joshua Tree National Park and obvious why this place is so popular with rock climbers.

 Do my leathers make me look fat?

Run to Florida. Carlsbad New Mexico

While staying and prepping LCB for the winter....the winter started in Oregon! I decided to drive the Harley to Florida by the Southern route to hopefully avoid the cold weather moving in across most of the US.

I flew to Palm Springs and picked up the Harley at LJs house and planned to avoid the freeways whenever possible and stay on the US highway system. When in Roswell, NM I decided to visit the Carlsbad National Park.

The following pictures were from the underground caverns. My camera cannot even begin to describe the beauty of this park that is 750 feet below the surface. You can ride the elevator down if needed.

 These giant structures are in the main caveren that is about 4 football fields in size.

 The Park Service has installed lighting in order to be able to see.

I swapped out the Springer for a new road bike in Beaumont, Texas.