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Jennifer Donogh

Travel Log
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June 16, 2022

Crossing the Strait of Juan de Fuca

We made it! It’s a weird one out there, guys! We had a 6 knot current flowing into the Sound from the Strait, but Shane had our Cattle Pass entrance timed to shoot us into our anchorage, so away we went.

Yondu vibes with Baby Yoda bobble head at the helm.

Apart from the currents, Shane was also monitoring tides. We wanted to top off on diesel and pump-out before we left Port Townsend. To be safe we needed to avoid the historic, low tides happening today.

I’ll share the diesel and gas prices from Boat Haven at the end of the log entry. First, let me tell you how awesome Shane did. I was nervous heading into the current, not sure that we would be able to make it across. Shane commented that it felt like we were white water rafting going over the tidal rip. Before I knew it we were passing other sailboats. The plan before we left was that we would ferry across Admiralty Inlet and head north, as if we were on paddle boards. I’m always impressed by Shane’s ability to read the water.

We’re here at American Camp off of San Juan Island. We chose this anchorage using both Navionics and Waggoners — and a hiking book that the previous owners left behind that’s been a fun resource. The boys and I look forward to checking out the park while Shane works tomorrow.

When we arrived only two other boats were in the bay. It was gray, dark, chilly, and started drizzling. It’s June 15th. We had the engine room fan on to warm the pilot house during our crossing. We all had on the same clothes we had on all winter. Is it July yet? When does summer come?

Technically, summer comes next week! Let’s go (or as my kids would say, lesssssssss goooooo)!

Wyatt showing off his paper folding skills.

On the way over here, Kelly (begrudgingly) and I read about American Camp. The boys and I made a heart out of a dollar bill using our new dollar folding art book. We watched the birds – Shane identified a few of them as being Rhinoceros Ocelots. Wyatt napped. Kelly worked out. I worked on making checklists. Kelly even FaceTimed a friend for a bit.

The swells from the passage put Wyatt to sleep.
8-9 knots over ground through Cattle Pass.

We did a quick dinner after we anchored. Shane lowered the dinghy for rowing in the early morning. We played video games and watched a show. Shane pointed out the bioluminescence to finish the night off. We watched the raindrops light up the water. Shane tossed a bucket in, pulled up water, tossed it back in and we were so excited to see the water glow in white around us!

Chilly, gray, and drizzly, but beautiful off of San Juan Island.

Summer school — IXL test outs. The kids are jumping onto IXL, recommended by their teachers to catch up on math skills. Kelly did two exercises for his vocabulary. Wyatt did two exercises from his Minecraft spelling pages. Both boys spent time reading from Kindle, using books borrowed from the Bellingham library. Life school brought opportunities such as researching our destination, seeing currents up close, and observing birds. I finished up my catch-up on their learning plan. Never again will I not stay on top of my tracking.

As far as diesel prices go – $6.25 per gallon + sales tax. Gas was $6.69 a gallon for the dinghy.

TAGS:birdsbudgethomeschoolSan Juan IslandStrait of Juan de Fuca
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Hi, I’m Jennifer Donogh,

Hi, I’m Jennifer Donogh,

the Cruise Director for our 41' ketch sailboat. We're traveling a lot, so creating healthy routines is a priority for me. Plus, planning fun excursions, meals, and onboard activities for our family of 4.

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