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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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Anchoring in Griffin Bay off of San Juan Island
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.

Current Location

Current Location
San Juan Islands

Follow on Instagram

Another adventure on the island! It's so beautiful here. 

Winter is the time to be here — ferries, hotels, and rental cars are more affordable. Plus, there’s a quarter of the people.

If you can be patient with ferry cancellations/changes, odd restaurant hours, some windy bits, a little rain here and there (this is the sunshine belt though), the odd snow storm — then winter is 👌 😋
Another adventure on the island! It's so beautiful here. 

Winter is the time to be here — ferries, hotels, and rental cars are more affordable. Plus, there’s a quarter of the people.

If you can be patient with ferry cancellations/changes, odd restaurant hours, some windy bits, a little rain here and there (this is the sunshine belt though), the odd snow storm — then winter is 👌 😋
Another adventure on the island! It's so beautiful here. 

Winter is the time to be here — ferries, hotels, and rental cars are more affordable. Plus, there’s a quarter of the people.

If you can be patient with ferry cancellations/changes, odd restaurant hours, some windy bits, a little rain here and there (this is the sunshine belt though), the odd snow storm — then winter is 👌 😋
Another adventure on the island! It's so beautiful here. 

Winter is the time to be here — ferries, hotels, and rental cars are more affordable. Plus, there’s a quarter of the people.

If you can be patient with ferry cancellations/changes, odd restaurant hours, some windy bits, a little rain here and there (this is the sunshine belt though), the odd snow storm — then winter is 👌 😋
Another adventure on the island! It's so beautiful here. 

Winter is the time to be here — ferries, hotels, and rental cars are more affordable. Plus, there’s a quarter of the people.

If you can be patient with ferry cancellations/changes, odd restaurant hours, some windy bits, a little rain here and there (this is the sunshine belt though), the odd snow storm — then winter is 👌 😋
Another adventure on the island! It's so beautiful here. 

Winter is the time to be here — ferries, hotels, and rental cars are more affordable. Plus, there’s a quarter of the people.

If you can be patient with ferry cancellations/changes, odd restaurant hours, some windy bits, a little rain here and there (this is the sunshine belt though), the odd snow storm — then winter is 👌 😋
Another adventure on the island! It's so beautiful here. 

Winter is the time to be here — ferries, hotels, and rental cars are more affordable. Plus, there’s a quarter of the people.

If you can be patient with ferry cancellations/changes, odd restaurant hours, some windy bits, a little rain here and there (this is the sunshine belt though), the odd snow storm — then winter is 👌 😋
jenniferdonogh
jenniferdonogh
•
Follow
Another adventure on the island! It's so beautiful here. Winter is the time to be here — ferries, hotels, and rental cars are more affordable. Plus, there’s a quarter of the people. If you can be patient with ferry cancellations/changes, odd restaurant hours, some windy bits, a little rain here and there (this is the sunshine belt though), the odd snow storm — then winter is 👌 😋
5 days ago
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1/1
@jenniferdonogh

Liveaboard Life

Routines & Fun

Personal Development

What I Use

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G7X Mark II

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LaCie Rugged Thunderbolt USB-C 2TB External Hard Drive

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Rode SmartLav+

  • Family Winter Update

    January 9, 2023
  • Reality Check: Fall Edition

    October 23, 2022
  • Hippity Hops Through the San Juans

    August 5, 2022

Follow Along @JenniferDonogh

Another adventure on the island! It's so beautiful here. 

Winter is the time to be here — ferries, hotels, and rental cars are more affordable. Plus, there’s a quarter of the people.

If you can be patient with ferry cancellations/changes, odd restaurant hours, some windy bits, a little rain here and there (this is the sunshine belt though), the odd snow storm — then winter is 👌 😋
Another adventure on the island! It's so beautiful here. 

Winter is the time to be here — ferries, hotels, and rental cars are more affordable. Plus, there’s a quarter of the people.

If you can be patient with ferry cancellations/changes, odd restaurant hours, some windy bits, a little rain here and there (this is the sunshine belt though), the odd snow storm — then winter is 👌 😋
Another adventure on the island! It's so beautiful here. 

Winter is the time to be here — ferries, hotels, and rental cars are more affordable. Plus, there’s a quarter of the people.

If you can be patient with ferry cancellations/changes, odd restaurant hours, some windy bits, a little rain here and there (this is the sunshine belt though), the odd snow storm — then winter is 👌 😋
Another adventure on the island! It's so beautiful here. 

Winter is the time to be here — ferries, hotels, and rental cars are more affordable. Plus, there’s a quarter of the people.

If you can be patient with ferry cancellations/changes, odd restaurant hours, some windy bits, a little rain here and there (this is the sunshine belt though), the odd snow storm — then winter is 👌 😋
Another adventure on the island! It's so beautiful here. 

Winter is the time to be here — ferries, hotels, and rental cars are more affordable. Plus, there’s a quarter of the people.

If you can be patient with ferry cancellations/changes, odd restaurant hours, some windy bits, a little rain here and there (this is the sunshine belt though), the odd snow storm — then winter is 👌 😋
Another adventure on the island! It's so beautiful here. 

Winter is the time to be here — ferries, hotels, and rental cars are more affordable. Plus, there’s a quarter of the people.

If you can be patient with ferry cancellations/changes, odd restaurant hours, some windy bits, a little rain here and there (this is the sunshine belt though), the odd snow storm — then winter is 👌 😋
Another adventure on the island! It's so beautiful here. 

Winter is the time to be here — ferries, hotels, and rental cars are more affordable. Plus, there’s a quarter of the people.

If you can be patient with ferry cancellations/changes, odd restaurant hours, some windy bits, a little rain here and there (this is the sunshine belt though), the odd snow storm — then winter is 👌 😋
jenniferdonogh
jenniferdonogh
•
Follow
Another adventure on the island! It's so beautiful here. Winter is the time to be here — ferries, hotels, and rental cars are more affordable. Plus, there’s a quarter of the people. If you can be patient with ferry cancellations/changes, odd restaurant hours, some windy bits, a little rain here and there (this is the sunshine belt though), the odd snow storm — then winter is 👌 😋
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
1/6
V A L E N T I N E ‘ S  D A Y

Coco Mar is all setup for Valentine’s Day! Last year Wyatt and I did a doodle challenge for February that Kelly and Shane are joining us in this year. We’re also going to watch some rom coms! 

#valentinesday #boatlife #liveaboard
jenniferdonogh
jenniferdonogh
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V A L E N T I N E ‘ S D A Y Coco Mar is all setup for Valentine’s Day! Last year Wyatt and I did a doodle challenge for February that Kelly and Shane are joining us in this year. We’re also going to watch some rom coms! #valentinesday #boatlife #liveaboard
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/6
You know it gets windy there with the gnarled trees and grass like that 😋

The boys and I tried to hike around here last June when we anchored in Griffin Bay. I had to call Shane to pick us up early in the dinghy because my eyes were too swollen and itchy to keep going. Oh well! We had a mostly dry hike this time and the views were beautiful. Especially on the west side overlooking Victoria.
jenniferdonogh
jenniferdonogh
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You know it gets windy there with the gnarled trees and grass like that 😋 The boys and I tried to hike around here last June when we anchored in Griffin Bay. I had to call Shane to pick us up early in the dinghy because my eyes were too swollen and itchy to keep going. Oh well! We had a mostly dry hike this time and the views were beautiful. Especially on the west side overlooking Victoria.
3 weeks ago
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3/6
2023 New Year’s Resolution - to unlock nuisance level.

A quick walk while Shane and the boys watched the Seahawks game on the first day of the year at American Camp. A National Park on San Juan Island with a fun story. 

The song I wanted to use wasn’t working, so I did this one on a whim. Funny, it’s what I was thinking about while on my walk. In 2022 I stayed “in” to “get things done” a lot. That was something I had moved away from in the years prior. It’s a little harder when you’re in a small space! It’s a learning curve.

David Bowie 🤯
jenniferdonogh
jenniferdonogh
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Follow
2023 New Year’s Resolution - to unlock nuisance level. A quick walk while Shane and the boys watched the Seahawks game on the first day of the year at American Camp. A National Park on San Juan Island with a fun story. The song I wanted to use wasn’t working, so I did this one on a whim. Funny, it’s what I was thinking about while on my walk. In 2022 I stayed “in” to “get things done” a lot. That was something I had moved away from in the years prior. It’s a little harder when you’re in a small space! It’s a learning curve. David Bowie 🤯
4 weeks ago
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4/6
Cozy cozy onboard Coco Mar for Christmas 🎄⛵️
jenniferdonogh
jenniferdonogh
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Cozy cozy onboard Coco Mar for Christmas 🎄⛵️
2 months ago
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5/6
Four course meal while on a mooring buoy after a day of sailing ✔️ back in February I had planned a fun night of Beauty and the Beast for Valentine’s Day. As it turns out the wind was good that day — so we sailed all day long. For fun, we stopped on the mooring buoy off Fort Worden on our way back. So, our fun night still went on thanks to our sailboat being our home 🤣

I put the video of our sail up on YouTube with the last amount of editing I’m comfortable doing. It was my favorite day of sailing. Port Townsend wind was unforgiving, but when it was good, it was the best!! 

#familyfun #movienight #beautyandthebeast
jenniferdonogh
jenniferdonogh
•
Follow
Four course meal while on a mooring buoy after a day of sailing ✔️ back in February I had planned a fun night of Beauty and the Beast for Valentine’s Day. As it turns out the wind was good that day — so we sailed all day long. For fun, we stopped on the mooring buoy off Fort Worden on our way back. So, our fun night still went on thanks to our sailboat being our home 🤣 I put the video of our sail up on YouTube with the last amount of editing I’m comfortable doing. It was my favorite day of sailing. Port Townsend wind was unforgiving, but when it was good, it was the best!! #familyfun #movienight #beautyandthebeast
2 months ago
View on Instagram |
6/6

Jennifer Donogh 2022 Video Editing .