San Juans trip in July

Nalu · 12-17-2003, 07:19 AM

Ok, so I know this a bit in the future, but heck, I'm a long range planner. :smile:

Towards the tail end of July 2004, I am planning to haul the boat up to Anacortes, then spend a week in the San Juans. Our main goal will be to dive as much as possible, take plenty of underwater pictures, find various pods of Orcas to watch and photograph (topside), and simply enjoy the beauty of the San Juan Islands.

We plan to stay on the boat for the most part, and perhaps end the week long trip by spending one night or two in a B&B on one of the islands.

I should have a portable air compressor available for air fills.

I have never boated the San Juans, but I've been studying up on the area for both boating, and diving. We may have others boats with us that have been there, perhaps not.

If anyone has an interest in possibly hooking up with us, let me know. There's not going to be a real hard and fast schedule, other than tide specific hours that we will plan our dives around.

Nalu

Popeye · 12-17-2003, 08:02 AM

Nalu....In case you're not aware of this site, here's a really good one for the Islands

http://www.nwboating.com/

corrirod · 12-17-2003, 08:11 AM

Nalu,

I've got a couple of books that are really infomative on the San Juans that you could borrow and if you like them you can get them at Fisherman's Marine and online.

"Gunkholing in the San Juan Islands"
"The Essential San Juan Islands Guide"

Email me if you'd like to borrow them. I'm in Beaverton as well.

Nalu · 12-17-2003, 10:22 AM

Popeye- Thanks. I've checked that site out before, very informative.

Corrirod- I might have to check those out of your library for a bit. I've looked at "Gunkholing in the S.J." at Powells. Very informative!

I have "Afoot and Afloat in the S.J. Islands" and it is a good one as well.

We're really excited about the trip. Hopefully we'll have some others join for a bit.

Nalu

blubeast · 12-18-2003, 09:51 AM

We made our first boat trip there this past Sept. Slept onboard. Got three cruising books... read all before the trip... the Gunkholing book was best imho... it was the only one I packed.

My biggest surprise was how close things were. Reading the books make it appear great distances are involved...no actual mileage is ever mentioned. In reality actual travel distances are short.

Loved the marina in Anacortes...first rate. Plan on going again... soon.

[ 12-18-2003, 10:52 AM: Message edited by: blubeast ]

lost_sailor · 12-18-2003, 10:02 AM

shrimp trap

rojo · 12-18-2003, 10:27 AM

The Waggoner Cruising Guide, the best imho. It is updated year round at www.Waggonerguide.com. And if you have questions you can e-mail Bob Hale and get a answer from them. Bob spends summers cruising the waters up that way and seems to be very knowledgeable of the area from the south sound to Alaska...Roger

BUGLEMAN · 12-18-2003, 07:16 PM

Cruized the San Juans for 7days 2 summers ago. My only wish was that I had a dive buddy. I suggest trying to pick a week when the spotted shrimp are in season.

I will post some picks later.

[ 12-18-2003, 08:17 PM: Message edited by: BUGLEMAN ]