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Jennifer Donogh

Travel Log
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July 6, 2022

4th of July Fireworks at Roche Harbor

If we thought the anchorage was busy before, I don’t know how to describe the Harbor the morning of the 4th. More boats were coming in to fill in the small gaps here and there. We left early to head to shore for the kids games hosted on the pool lawn.

This was the first Fourth of July in 13 years that Shane and I would not be at Lake Marcel. We loved our small town parade and community parade that followed. The lake always had activities for the kids and an incredible fireworks display. Absolute small town Americana. This year, we were grateful to have a very similar experience, but from the boat.

Leaving CocoMar behind at a busy anchorage to go to land.

Leaving CocoMar as more boats were coming in was tough, but ultimately everyone was well behaved. We did have an hour or so in the afternoon where the Coast Guard were out in their tender doing dinghy checks, which kept us entertain for a bit.

Festive atmosphere at Roche Harbor Resort.

The festivities kicked off shortly after we reached land. Community members, wearing red Roche Harbor 4th of July shirts were everywhere. It felt very familiar to all of us. We were so grateful for the effort the locals put into creating a fun environment for everyone.

The line for Lime Kiln Cafe the morning of the 4th.

I attempted to grab donuts for the kids and Shane, but found a long line with an hour and a half wait for food. I decided to just grab donuts from The Company Store. I grabbed the very last donuts on the shelves! I also picked up a couple of fun drinks for all of us and ran back to find Wyatt finishing up his first relay. They give prizes to all of the kids after each age bracket. The families were pretty into on the sidelines too.

Kelly taking the relay races seriously.

Kelly took his races pretty seriously. My favorite was watching the littles try their hand at the challenges. Inevitably there would be one or two under fives who who start tearing up half way through. They even had potato sack races! That was my favorite to watch. The littles really had a hard time with that one.

Shane and the boys hanging out at the kids games.

After a fun morning we went out to lunch at the Madrona Grill, which was delicious with good service, and absolutely no wait. We were stuffed and ready to head back to the boat.

On our way back we were greeted by a large sea lion who poked his head out of the water nearby. We all agreed that he was so large, he resembled a polar bear in the water. After spending a couple of minutes looking at us, the sea lion swam towards our dinghy and Shane started to move us forward away from him. This was a big one and they’re quite intimidating, especially when we were in our small dinghy with its electric motor. The sea lion followed us for a bit and eventually lost interest.

Once back, we all relaxed and listened to JFK’s reading of the Declaration of Independence, and watched a video that explained the history of the document’s signing.

Shane goes off to finish paddling the islands he missed.

Apart from watching the Coast Guard’s activities the boys and I also watched the movie Independence Day. I would have preferred National Treasure as a Fourth of July film, but the kids don’t like it. We all agreed that Bill Pullman’s speech before they head out to defeat the aliens, would have inspired all of us to stand up to the spaceships.

I baked pretzels and made popcorn while we watched the movie. For dinner I turned our left overs into chili, adding sautéed walnuts and zucchini, cocoa powder, some smoke, and tomato paste. It was our last night of hearing the color ceremony. Boats held their horns longer and sounded them more often for the celebration.

I put on our summer playlist as I was washing dishes. It was a playlist I had curated over the years for our Fourth of July parties. Wyatt, Kelly and I danced down by the galley. It was awesome. I am so grateful my boys entertain me by dancing with me when I ask.

Just before 10:30 the kids and I went out on the bow. We were having an issue with the water pump, so Shane joined us once the fireworks got started. They did not disappoint. We’re used to having our fireworks soundtracked, so I brought out our playlist on the bow and had Neil Diamond’s America playing while the explosions burst overhead.

Kelly and Wyatt loved seeing fireworks from the bow of our boat.

Now that Fourth of July is over, it’s officially summer in the Pacific Northwest, a joke that doesn’t feel very funny this year. I’m ready for some steady sunshine. It can rain, I guess, while we sleep. Sunshine and a warm wind that is perfect for taking us where we want to go.

TAGS:4th of JulyPaddle all the IslandsSan Juan Island
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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.

Current Location

Current Location
San Juan Islands

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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 |
1/1
@jenniferdonogh

Liveaboard Life

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  • 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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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 .