Time to Go North
For the last two years we have sailed locally on the Columbia River, and we are looking forward to getting back up north. We have been planning to cruise to SE Alaska for a few years now and 2022 is the year we are going to get this checked off our bucket list. We’re hoping that we will be able to transit British Columbia at a leisurely pace rather than the “transit-through” requirements that have been in effect for the last two years. Transit-through only allows expedited passage, and knowing how incredibly beautiful these cruising grounds are, we would like to experience the area to its fullest.
In years past we have made several trips to the San Juans, the Gulf Islands, and Desolation Sound. In 2019 we made it as far North as the Broughton Islands on the central BC coast. The scenery is incredible and there are enough destinations and anchorages to last a lifetime. We like to anchor out about 75% of the time and spend the rest of the time visiting the numerous small towns and resorts.
Our planned departure time will be mid-May and our route will be down the Columbia River, up the Washington Coast to the Strait of Juan de Fuca and then up the inside passage to Alaska. We may make it as far north as Glacier Bay and we expect to be back in Portland early September.
Preparation / Boat Projects
Our boat is now 20 years old so there is some original equipment that I’m planning to replace before the cruising season starts. New standing rigging is on the list as well as the refrigeration system, water heater and possibly the inverter / charger. Most everything else has either been updated, is in good condition, or a spare is on board.
Sailing First Light 