Preparing To Circumnavigate Vancouver Island

Preparing To Circumnavigate Vancouver Island

The first part of our shakedown cruise is officially over, and we are heading back to Anacortes, where we will spend a few nights at Cap Sante Marina.

Anacortes is a coastal town of about 18,000, that boasts great restaurants, ocean breezes, and friendly people. Ferries filled with passengers (residents and visitors), buzz across the water to Lopez, Shaw, Orcas, and San Juan Islands–all places we visited on our shakedown cruise.  The Skagit County ferry speeds along to Guemes Island–which is a residential island, that we did not visit.

It was Taco Tuesday, so my Humans hit up The Union Tavern: Two Tacos and a Pint for $13.00, and not street tacos; full-size tacos. They met their friend Jack Sprague— (who my Male Human calls Jack Spratt, after the nursery rhyme), his wife, and another boat owner named Brady. Jack is a sea dog himself and has turned out to be an invaluable resource and friend to my Humans. He works with The Codfather, outfitting people with their boat dreams. My Female Human used to work in the music industry and is still crazed about it—and she has met her partner in Jack! He loves all things music and gear. They can wax poetic for days about musicians, turntables, needles, vinyl, and whatnot.  Jack is a fun and funny guy.

My Humans made two trips to West Marine—the 7-11 Marine stores, meaning they don’t have everything, and what they do have is overpriced. They had to get supplies for their next day’s projects, and choices were limited here. They also walked to Pelican Books, a great bookstore that does have everything at very reasonable prices. My Female grabbed a couple of more cookbooks. She is learning to cook in general and on a boat specifically. It has new and varied challenges, but it appeals to her Virgo sensibilities; following a recipe and creating something out of nothing.

Her first cookbook was The Essential Galley Companion by Amanda Swann. It is filled with fun, easy recipes, which have all tasted great, along with practical advice for setting up a galley and cooking on a boat. She was excited to share it with another female boater, but when she did, the other female rolled her eyes so hard you could hear them smack on the back of her head. “Oh, that Amanda Swan book. I read two pages before I threw it overboard,” she quipped. It was at that moment; my Female coined the term “Boating Bitch,”  as she had yet to find a pleasant boater woman. I hope she finds a Boating Friend of her own.  She bought a book called The Cruising K.I.S.S. Cookbook; (Keep It Simple Sailor).  It is a bit older, but she has enjoyed making things from it because it is pretty foolproof.

Later, they met The Codfather at Wheelhouse Pizza, their regular haunt. My Humans related their adventure thus far, including when my Male Human almost dumped my Female overboard. He told her to put her back into it and pull the winch; when she did, he failed to mention that he was ‘jumping the halyard.’ She almost toppled off my rear. She went to the front, where my Male was sheepishly waiting, and scolded him up one side and down the other.

The Codfather was happy to see they were laughing about it and now pronounced that they would be fine.

The next few days, many visitors came: Stewart and Ellen, who always bring great presents for both of us; wine for my Humans and treats for me; cleaners and a Breeze Pole for me; and Keith Stone, who plays a mean Saxophone. He gave my Humans a fishing rod. Jack and Lorraine also stopped by.

These few days in Cap Sante were productive. My Humans bought paper charts, ran a ton of errands, including the post office, bank, and shopping, filled my water tanks, gave me a luxurious bath, and fixed my Head—at last.

Of course, Enzo was spoiled even more, if you can imagine that. Saxophone Keith brought him a unique Dyneema Rope and Wichard Twisted D Shackles harness. If they keep spoiling him, his head will get so big that he won’t fit on my stern.

Well, we are ready for the Big Sail: Circumnavigating Vancouver Island in Canada!

Until Next Time!

And if you dug this story, check out the entire circumnavigation of Vancouver Island.

Fear Less/Adventure More!

S/V Gypsea Explorer and her Humans: Heather & Chris

5 Songs Inspired By The End of This Journey!

“You’ve Got A Friend”  Carole King

 “Takin’ Care of Business”  Bachman-Turner Overdrive

“Jack & Dianne”  John Cougar Mellencamp

“Gotta Believe ” Donavon Frankenreiter ft. The Blind Boys of Alabama

“Burn Bright” The Heavy

And, if this tickles your propellor, grab 5 Months of Amazon Prime Music Here–FREE!

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