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Jennifer Donogh

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July 3, 2022

Paddleboarding 36 Miles Around San Juan Island

Shane’s paddle aspirations landed him here at San Juan Island, anchored at Roche Harbor on a Saturday morning before 4th of July. We had a quiet morning, sleeping in a bit and relaxing in the sunshine of our pilot house. The air was chilly, compared to the previous days here.

The plan was for him to leave at 10:30 when the current was, in theory, pushing him south towards Cattle Pass and then giving him a boost up the pass when he arrived. I made him an egg breakfast with sautéed kale and zucchini, and fried polenta. He had purchased cliff bars, nuts, and his favorite paddle snack, snicker bars at The Company Store the night before.

Before he left he put on some zinc sunblock and filled his waterbottles, leaving behind the gallon jug we had on board for emergencies. I had hoped he would take it, but he didn’t want the added weight on his board.

Shane’s ready to paddle all day!

Equipped on board for emergencies, he had his first aid kit in his dry bag along with his snacks, a neoprene coat, a jacket, neoprene socks, and neoprene gloves. In his PFD he always keeps a knife, compass, whistle, VHF radio on channel 16 and at times whatever ferry or commercial traffic channels he’s going by, and more snacks.

Today was the first time I was more nervous about us, than him on his paddle. We were still in Roche Harbor, a busy area on the festive 4th of July weekend. We were never in any actual danger, but I like having Shane’s reassurances when we have boats trying to anchor close by and when the wind picks up. I also knew the kids couldn’t stay onboard all day and I would have to lower the dinghy, and take them into town by myself at some point.

Always punctual, he left at 10:30, right as our anchor neighbors pulled anchor too. It wasn’t long before he rounded the corner and was gone. For the past couple of years he has used Strava for allowing us to track him while on his paddles. I have fun checking in on him to see where he’s at on his route as he goes, and it makes me feel better knowing he’s making progress.

Seaplanes keeping us entertained.

As the day went on, clouds started to drift in and the wind picked up a bit, making for a sweater type of day. The boys and I had lunch while watching boaters argue over the anchor spots next to us. Seaplanes landed and took off in front of us, yacht club dinghies wizzed by coming in from nearby Henry Island, and our anchor alarm went off here and there. It was an eventful afternoon.

We hung our 4th of July banner.

After cleaning up and checking in on Shane I gathered up the courage to lower the dinghy by myself. Shane had told me Kelly has done it with him in the past and should be able to help. Kelly couldn’t quite remember, so we decided we would do our best. The good news is the dinghy was down quickly and ready for us to go. Ha! The boys were champs, getting down into the dinghy from our starboard side while wakes from passing boats kept us rocking and leaving our footing not as secure as I would have liked.

All sorts of people celebrating on the docks.

Weaving in and out of anchored boats, paying close attention to the faster boats zooming by us, we navigated our way over to the dinghy dock. We were handed all of the challenges, including a landing seaplane and handled it all with no issues. Shane had prepared us well.

While checking in on Shane’s progress I realized he was moving much faster than I thought he would. I treated the boys to ice cream and they ran around a bit and we had to head back.

Wyatt was able to relax on our way back to the boat.

Shane was already at the boat when we arrived. To be honest, he looked tired, but was still in good spirits. This was one of the longer and more challenging of his island paddles at 36 miles, passing a variety of water conditions. He told us later that the first part of his paddle was the hardest for him. By the time he reached Cattle Pass his legs were exhausted, but he had a great time going through the channel. The water was still mixed up, but his planning had given him a boost. From Friday Harbor all the way to Roche Harbor was a downwind paddle and he had a blast.

I made him fish tacos for dinner and he grabbed any snack we had left to gobble up. We watched the sunset and the kids enjoyed a show before bed.

The sky lit up bright pink just as the sun set.
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
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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 👌 😋
2 days ago
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1/1
@jenniferdonogh

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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 👌 😋
2 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
3 days ago
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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.
2 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
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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
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6/6

Jennifer Donogh 2022 Video Editing .