Destination "San Juan Islands"

In less than three days I'll be pulling the boat, We will have one day at home to load provisions and then Sunday hit the road for Bellingham Washington. Squalicum Harbor has free parking, so I've decided to launch there.  For a float plan I have only the first nights destination, (Eagle Harbor at Cyprus Island) after that we will decide as we go. Weather could easily (fog) make my choices for me. We have set aside up to two weeks although past trips have never exceeded one week.  I have a few stops that I'd like to include, a day visit to Olga on Orcas Island, plus a walk around the lake at Moran State Park on Orcas. Every year I want to spend the day in Haro Strait watching whales, maybe this year it will work out.  We could cross Haro and go to Butchart Gardens, but that means dealing with customs both ways and is a little bit of a negative. I really like the breakfast they put out at Roche Harbor, so food could sway me that direction. Roche also has good ice cream cones.  Just sitting and doing nothing at Jones Island could take two days; that reminds me, I need to pack some more books if I'm going to do nothing.  We are meeting some friends at Cyprus, and tentatively plan to meet up some more at Sucia and other stops.  I expect to try to motor as little as possible, using tidal currents and wind to get us around, last year we used almost nine gallons of fuel, this year I'm bringing three more gallons but will try to use less. We have just installed a new to me outboard, I've been experiencing some problems but I think I have everything under control. As usual the dinghy will be towed astern with it's 7.5 Honda clamped on the transom, we don't really need a motor
on the dinghy but I've grown accustomed to having a back up motor with me.  We can always use the dinghy for exploring shoreline and the motor may come in handy for long distance but I'm  reluctant to motor very far knowing I'll have to row back should the motor quit.  Jaiden has his inflatable kayak so he can get to shore and entertain himself. I need to remember a heavy duty waterproof zip lock for the portable radio and make sure Jaiden takes it with him when he kayaks off.  Cell phones work very well in most areas, we need to be sure to bring chargers. Tonight I think I'll start a food list, I'm leaning a lot towards pastas and one pan meals I can heat on the burner.  Last year we lost all our fresh water when a switch stuck on and pumped it overboard via the galley sink.  (we were on shore) now we have a new pump and new switch, but I think a separate jug packed away is the lesson learned.

I'll try to add to this blog, maybe I'll have some good tips to pass along
OK, here's some news (bad news) I just checked on a nonresident combo fishing shellfish license for Washington $89.00 ouch, my son who is 13 may have to do without, I really wish the government would butt out with all the regulations.