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Jennifer Donogh

Travel Log
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August 5, 2022

Hippity Hops Through the San Juans

wyatt and shane on deck

Timing is tricky on a boat, especially around the islands. The wind might be good to sail, but the current rushing through the islands could be strong enough to put you in a standstill. There’s a high tide and low tide twice a day at varied times and levels. We could have a route timed out, but the forecasted weather doesn’t show up as predicted.

On top of the more weather and water related timing issues, there are also considerations around people. Family commitments, interests of the kids, and the factor with the most weight — work.

For this reason, we’ve made little hops from island to island for the most part. On each of our two week outings we have traveled two to three hours to and from Blaine Marina to Sucia. From there we travel at most two hours to each location, leaving very early in the morning, or after working hours. Our weekends have been tied up on timing factors unrelated to the wind for most of the summer. I’m missing getting the sails out and taking the longer cruises with no engine sounds. Even when we have had the sails out, the engine is on, charging our batteries.

(Note: I wrote that this morning, but we ended up having a nice sail with the engines off leaving Lummi for Blaine. Hooray!)

I can’t complain — I love having power on the boat. And, Shane does a good job of planning our routes around our preferences, his paddle ambitions, work, the wind and currents.

Mount Baker in the background, cruising to Doe Island.

On our latest move we hopped a few times between anchorages. From Lopez Island we hopped over to Doe Island, on the southeastern side of Orcas Island. We dropped anchor around 7:30pm, hoping to avoid the wind cutting across Rosario Strait. Once we were nestled in between the two islands, the waves calmed down. It was a small area, with a few boats privately moored, and a state park dock. The shore was rocky on either side, with homes lining the land on Orcas. The view to the east was beautiful, getting a glimpse of Mount Baker behind Sinclair and Lummi Islands.

A quick dinner with pickled onions. I love how fast quinoa cooks.

Shane and Wyatt rowed around Doe Island while I cleaned up after dinner. We spun Dr. Strange and the Multiverse of Madness on our Summer Movie Wheel, which we watched on the iPad. As we were going to bed the waves started picking up. The current had us stretched sideways, with each roll hitting our beam coming one after the other. It was a pretty uncomfortable night sleep. Shane thought the waves were coming up from the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

The moon between Doe island and Orcas Island.

By the time 5am came around Shane was ready to move and I happily got up to help out. We pulled anchor and headed for the opposite side of the Strait, Cypress Island.

We’d been to Cypress Island last fall and were excited to go back. It’s a beautiful island, primarily undeveloped and managed by the Department of Natural Resources. Last year we moored at Pelican Beach, behind Elephant Rock. This time we found a free mooring ball north of the Cone Islands at the Pelican Beach trailhead.

Coco Mar on a DNR mooring ball right off of Cypress Island’s Pelican Beach.

The beach was so close to our boat! When we got settled, Shane went for a quick paddle. I turned on the electronics a few times to check the depth. We never got below 20 feet of water, which is just incredible. I could see the sand under the water just off our stern, but the drop off was so quick right there.

With the beach being so close, the kids used the opportunity to paddle over and have some time on land to themselves. They ran around the beach, skipped rocks, and explored the area. There was a group of kayakers who had camped over night at the end of the beach, but the rest was unoccupied. Shane and I watched them from the windows of the pilot house. They came back onboard for lunch.

Kelly climbing up the stairs on our way up to Eagle Cliff.

After lunch the kids and I got ready for a hike. It was a short one, but I still prepped a dry bag with snacks, treats, water, sun block, my small first aid kit and mosquito lotion. I have a few small bags that I just transfer between my purse and dry bags now — a different bag depending on if it’s skateparks or beaches.

Like most kids, my kids are not all that interested in going on hikes. However, they legitimately loved the payoff of this one. We hiked up to Eagle Cliff, the rocks on the northernmost point of the island. It’s a beautiful sight to cruise by. The hike up there was so fun. The kids complained a bit about the fact that it didn’t just go straight up the cliff. The surroundings were beautiful, taking us down a little valley, before heading back up switch backs toward the top. The eagles’ nesting in the rocks closes the trail down for part of the year. When we got up to the top we were amazed to see juvenile eagles just overhead. It really was Eagle Cliff!

Kelly taking a little nap on deck while we head to Bellingham.

After our hike we went on a quick paddle around the boat and then packed everything up to head north to Bellingham Bay’s Squalicum Harbor. We got our keys to the boat almost a year ago while it was moored there! It was fun to pass by Vendovi Island (a favorite of the kids’) and head north past Lummi Island. There was a noticeable absence of freighters anchored in the Bay this time, unlike last year.

Squalicum Harbor at sunset.

We were even at the same gate. We tied up the boat and walked over to The Loft for dinner, the boys enjoying a meal out served in paper pirate ships.

Shane’s Paddle Report

Shane paddled just under 70 miles since Sunday. When we were at Cypress Island he paddled Sinclair Island and Boulder Reef off it before work and Cone Islands during his lunch hour.

To extrapolate on his Monday, early morning paddle around Blakely Island, he also went around Frost Island, Flower Island, Armitage Island, Willow Island, Pointer Island, Black Rock, Spindle Rock, Leo Reef, and Blakely Island Shole. Circumnavigating each one. He never complains about a paddle or being sore — maybe a little bit about being sore. Ha! We’re all proud of him for going after what he loves.

TAGS:Cypress IslandDoe IslandLopez IslandOrcas Island
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Reality Check: Fall Edition
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
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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 👌 😋
5 days ago
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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
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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.
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
•
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
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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 .