August 17 - Sept 3, 2012 - Canada boat trip

Pictures and info coming shortly

10-14-2012:  Short update here:  I have been so busy the past few months that I haven't gotten around to posting any pictures of our trip.  The reason for being so busy?  I have been in a US Coast Guard class so I can get my Captain's License.  It's been a tough 2 months, but I just passed my last test yesterday.  8 weeks of classes (5:30-9:30 3 nights per week), 4 tests, and a LOT of study time.  But I'm not done yet.  As soon as I take CPR, First Aid, get a physical, take a drug test, 3 letters of recommendations, and get a TWIC card (Transportation Workers ID card) you can call me Captain Steve (50-ton Masters License).  After two months of grueling work, I think I can have my life back!  It might take me another 2 months to finish the rest of the requirements, but the hard part is done; passing the tests.

So, in the next week or so I will be posting pictures from our tip....  I promise.

11-08-2012:  I have finally gotten around to posting some pictures.  Enjoy!

Cindy taking the first plunge!

Anchored off Sand Island, BC

Anchored at beautiful Octopus Island's Provincial Park.

Rainbow in the Straight of Georgia

Interesting sandstone formations at Gabriola Pass

Our kitty "Zappa" goes for a kayak ride in Annette Inlet

Zappa finds a nice cubby to hide from the Bald Eagles

Great old tree stump at Reid Harbor, WA

Ah, life on the water.....

Cindy takes us for a dinghy ride 

Hanging out in Squirrel Cove BC.  Zappa is under the rock!

Dinner out!  Squirrel Cove BC

Deer crossing the canal that connect Squirrel Cove to a small lake

Snack time in Grace Harbor BC

Summer sun

Cindy takes us exploring

Kevin's turn to drive.  We are headed to a "cruisers cabin" where boaters
leave mementos scattered about.

The "cruiser's cabin" at Octopus Islands

There are thousands of items left here by boaters during the past 20 years

A primitive shower in Grace Harbor.  Cindy washes her hair.

I've got the whole world moon in my hand.  Clam Bay BC

Our boat Adagio, and our 10' Walker Bay sailing dinghy.  Annette Inlet BC

Cindy, fresh out of a week at sailing camp on Lopez Island takes Kevin sailing.

Hiking around Prevost Island, BC

Perfect conditions in Pendrell Sound

Anchored in the warm waters of Pendrell Sound

Kevin does a little cliff diving in Pendrell Sound

Cindy at the helm.  Prideaux Haven, BC

Playing on the rope swing, Pendrell Sound BC

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July 14, 2012 - Fisherman Bay fireworks and sailing camp

It's our annual Fisherman Bay 4th of July fireworks trip.  This is also our daughter Cindy's birthday trip as her birthday is on July 3rd.  This time our niece from the Boulder CO area will be with us.  Cindy and Bekka are good friends and Bekka is only 1 year older than Cindy.

The week after 4th of July Cindy and Bekka (and 6 other kids from La Conner) will be in a week-long sailing camp.  Everyone has really been looking forward to this experience!

Our small flotilla in Fisherman Bay, Lopez Island.

4 very different boats.....
SportFisher, Cabin Cruiser, Coastal/Ocean Cruiser, Sunbridge overnighter.
Our first "cruising" boat was just like the one on the right (Bayliner 28' Contessa).
Now we have the big one next to it (Hatteras 48 LRC). 

Another great fireworks display by Lopez Island

Nice fireworks!

The girls, and Zappa playing in the water.

Could you ask for a better evening?  Anywhere?  Perfect!

Climbing the rocks on beautiful Sucia Island.

Bekka and Cindy pose as a WA State Ferry passes by.

Playing in the pool at "The Islander Resort"

First day of class;  getting familiar with the boats.

Fletcher (teacher) hangs out in gale force winds (not).

Now that's a lot of people in a small boat...

Vaughn, what are you doing?

Good times at sailing camp!

Vaughn at the tiller, Aidan manning the mainsail.

The whole class:
Captain "Red Eye" Russ, Braden, Cindy, Vaughn, Grace, Bekka,
Mason, Aidan, Fletcher (teacher), and Will.

Final Exam time: Aidan and Mason tip over their boat,
then right it, and then sail it back to the dock.  Good Job!

Our friends on their way home from "Sailing Camp"

Crazy weather;  that's a major lightning storm behind us.

Cindy's 10th Birthday.  Kevin on the left.  Cousin Bekka on the right.

Chocolate fountain!!!!

An hour before fireworks.  Cindy is "tooting" an air horn.
Kevin is tooting something else  :-)

Bekka having fun behind the wheel.  

Bekka guides us past "Thea Foss", a famous NW yacht.

Here's a good page with info about the 1930's 130' Thea Foss

http://www.charterworld.com/index.html?sub=yacht-charter&charter=thea-foss-4286

Exploring the tidal pools at Patos Island.  Canada in the background.

Amazing rock formations on Patos Island

The kids harvest a large Bull Kelp.  

Playing around in China Caves, Sucia Island

Rock climbing China Caves.  This is better than a playground
climbing wall !

Bekka enjoys driving the dinghy.  Headed for Little Sucia Island.

Bekka says "swim faster Cindy, it's cold water!"

Beautiful Sucia Island

Steve, Kathy, Kevin, Bekka, and Cindy.  Sucia Island.