Week on the water, San Juans to Vancouver and back itinerary

[Chass]

My wife bought me the book "Voyage of the Dreamspeaker" for Christmas. She is also getting excited about cruising this summer. I started reading it just after our gift exchange on Wed night and read about 1/4 of it. I am having fun with it. Makes me want to visit every one of the places they discuss. Its well written and quite fun.

So my wife and I started throwing around ideas for our first week on the water last night and I'd like to see if anyone has any input on what we are thinking.

We will be driving up on the evening of July 2nd to the Twin Bridges area. We will sleep in the boat that night on the trailer. I think it will be cheaper than trailering on the ferry to San Juan Island. Plus it will get us on the water sooner :) The morning of the 3rd we'll put the boat in the water and head to my Grandmothers on San Juan Island just to the North of Friday Harbor in Rocky Bay. We've got a private dock and access to a mooring Bouy. We will spend the next two days there with family.

On the evening of the 4th we are going to head over. It looks like it might be pretty hard to get a spot. I'm going to enter the lottery for a spot but the harbor master said they had over 2000 boats request spots last year. So the lottery is really just that. He did say for a 28' boat they could likely squeeze us in Med style and that we should call. Apparently that particular harbor master knows my grandmother and happens to own an 84 2850 much like mine so I might have a little bit of an in with ;) We will anchor out if we have to. One way or another we are watching fireworks from the boat and spending the night.

The next day, we'll head back to to the house in the morning. Finish our packing for the next 6 days and head out to BC. This is where we are playing around with plans. The book I'm reading has really made me want to head out to some of the really cool spots they talk about near Vancouver. A little background: The crew will be my wife, our 5 year old daughter, my sister and her 3 year old daughter. So 3 adults and a couple kids. There will be times that my wife and I will want to spend a lot of a trip in remote areas. This isn't the trip for that though. We need at least need a dock and maybe power all but a couple nights. We do want at least one night on the hook.

We are thinking about heading to Sydney for customs, then on up for our first night of boat camping somewhere near or on Kuper Island. My wife also bought me the south east BC Kayaking atlas because it has shore camping, hiking and anchorages on it. Its a cool referance actually. Anyway, there are all kinds of places along the way that we can check out and possibly stay.

The next day we will take inventory of the weather and head out for an early crossing to Vancouver. This is where, if I understand correctly, we might get stuck by weather. If the weather doesn't permit (I don't really know what its like in early July to cross the Straight.) we may head to Nanaimo instead and stay on that part of the coast.

If we have a good trip to Vancouver, we'll spend that there doing the city thing for an afternoon and evening.

Then we head for Gibsons or any number of other cool spots nearby Vancouver playing along the way. Gibsons that night.

Then the next day we head back across, spending the night in one or two places to put us back on San Juan island either Saturday night or Sunday night the 11th or 12th. We'll see how we feel.

The boat comes out of the water mid day on the 13th and we head for home.

Clearly there are LOTS of details in between that we will work out with the boat, the trip and the family before we leave and many details about the trip that we will work out as we go.

Does this sound like a reasonable plan? Am I being reasonable about travel time and distances? And lastly, are there any places that fit my criteria that are must sees that I haven't suggested? :)

Thanks,
Chass
ct

PS, We may very well stretch this to two full weeks rather than just the one week. My thinking is that we will be able to see places further up because we will have already spend the time and fuel to get up North.

[Nehalennia]

Sounds pretty good, but you'll want to get the boat in the water at Twin Bridges if you can get there in the mid afternoon and get your boat in the water.
Here's the tide chart for that day.
http://www.mobilegeographics.com:81/locations/141.html?y=2009&m=7&d=2
It's only a few minutes if you want to stay the night in Anacortes just north of the launch. If you have forgotten anything the grocery store and West Marine are within walking distance.

Sounds like a great trip and many of us have considereda Rendezvous for the 4th. Stay in touch.

[Chass]

Sounds pretty good, but you'll want to get the boat in the water at Twin Bridges if you can get there in the mid afternoon and get your boat in the water.
Here's the tide chart for that day.
http://www.mobilegeographics.com:81/locations/141.html?y=2009&m=7&d=2
It's only a few minutes if you want to stay the night in Anacortes just north of the launch. If you have forgotten anything the grocery store and West Marine are within walking distance.

Sounds like a great trip and many of us have considereda Rendezvous for the 4th. Stay in touch.

Ahhh, perfect! Thats what I was looking for. A detail that I had missed. A question then, is a -1' tide just not going to work for launching at Twin Bridges? I doubt we'll be able to make it up early enough to put the boat in the water on Thursday so it may have to wait until Friday. What tide level is a minimum safe or comfortable level to put in? Or does it have to do with flow?

As far as the 4th goes. I'd be quite pleased if I could meet up with some of you for the 4th at Roche. I just looked at their website and the Lottery for the 4th is a 3 day minimum so I'm not going to enter it. Thats too expensive for one day of moorage for me to justify. I'll chance finding a spot on Friday or Saturday or I'll anchor out.

We will be at Rocky Bay on Friday. If anyone wanted to come and spend the afternoon/evening with us there, we could easily raft a couple boats to our dock or you could anchor out. We could supply power but no water. Its a wonderful private bay that is pretty still even in bad weather. And don't forget the Oysters!

Chass
ct

[Nehalennia]

Ahhh, perfect! Thats what I was looking for. A detail that I had missed. A question then, is a -1' tide just not going to work for launching at Twin Bridges? I doubt we'll be able to make it up early enough to put the boat in the water on Thursday so it may have to wait until Friday. What tide level is a minimum safe or comfortable level to put in? Or does it have to do with flow?

As far as the 4th goes. I'd be quite pleased if I could meet up with some of you for the 4th at Roche. I just looked at their website and the Lottery for the 4th is a 3 day minimum so I'm not going to enter it. Thats too expensive for one day of moorage for me to justify. I'll chance finding a spot on Friday or Saturday or I'll anchor out.

We will be at Rocky Bay on Friday. If anyone wanted to come and spend the afternoon/evening with us there, we could easily raft a couple boats to our dock or you could anchor out. We could supply power but no water. Its a wonderful private bay that is pretty still even in bad weather. And don't forget the Oysters!

Chass
ct

I like a +2 or higher. If you got there by 6PM Thursday evening you'll have tons of time to get to Anacortes(20-30mins).
I'm easy on the destination for the 4th.

[Chass]

I like a +2 or higher. If you got there by 6PM Thursday evening you'll have tons of time to get to Anacortes(20-30mins).
I'm easy on the destination for the 4th.


Hmmm, we are a 6 hour drive from Twin Bridges in good traffic at 75 mph. Towing this boat its going to be a bit slower. We'll have to figure that out. We may have to take Thursday off like you suggest . . .

We'll have to stay in touch about the 4th for sure. Grilling oysters while sipping a cold beverage of choice on my grandmothers deck overlooking our boats sounds like a great Friday activity :) There are good crab there too and I know quite a few ling cod spots on that side of the island. If I get there early on Friday, I'll head out for a fishing expedition (I've been spending a week or more per year there for the last 20-something years so I know that side of the island like the back of my hand. :mrgreen: )

Chass
ct

[Randygh]

We stay overnight on the boat in the parking lot at LaConner or Cap Sante. Both areas are patrolled and quiet. I sling in, won't put the trailer in saltwater.

The cost of slinging-in at LaConner is incredibily inexpensive. Two years ago it was $20.00 roundtrip. Cap Sante marina is now under control of the Port of Anacortes and has great facilities. Last summer roundtrip slinging was ~$45.00 (26'). We really like the folks at the Port of Anacortes (Cap Sante). Very accommodating. It takes us about an hour to motor from LaConner to Anacortes due to the slow speed limit in the Swinomish Channel. If we launch in Anacortes and catch an ebb in Guemes Channel, we can be at Roche or FH in an hour so if time is important you might choose Cap Sante if you decide to sling rather than launch from a ramp.

[Nehalennia]

We stay overnight on the boat in the parking lot at LaConner or Cap Sante. Both areas are patrolled and quiet. I sling in, won't put the trailer in saltwater.

The cost of slinging-in at LaConner is incredibily inexpensive. Two years ago it was $20.00 roundtrip. Cap Sante marina is now under control of the Port of Anacortes and has great facilities. Last summer roundtrip slinging was ~$45.00 (26'). We really like the folks at the Port of Anacortes (Cap Sante). Very accommodating. It takes us about an hour to motor from LaConner to Anacortes due to the slow speed limit in the Swinomish Channel. If we launch in Anacortes and catch an ebb in Guemes Channel, we can be at Roche or FH in an hour so if time is important you might choose Cap Sante if you decide to sling rather than launch from a ramp.

I get the annual pass at the Swinomish Launch(under Twin Bridges) and 3 long weekends it pays for itself + it's good for one year from when you buy it, so I'm good until Jun 09

[jwishart]

You can also launch at Coronet Bay behind Deception Pass. I have launched and retrieved on -2 tides. The ramps are nice for launching big boats and there is ample parking. They have State Park docks a few yards away to tie up to for overnights or you can head over to Bowman around the corner and tie up to a buoy.

I have gone down to the Twin Bridges ramp to take a look at the launch and the current was ripping past the docks.

[Chass]

I really should sling my boat as the trailer is not galvanized and I've got drum brakes. I had intended to do my best at washing the salt off but I know thats not very effective. I might be changing our launching plans around that just to get the boat in the water on Friday morning. I hadn't considered that

The only issue with my trailer and salt is that there are no slings big enough for my boat anywhere near Newport Oregon. If I ever plan to use my boat there (and I do) I'll have to put the trailer in the water. I guess I don't really have any other choices.

I just called both places. WOW what a difference. LaConner is $15 each way and the public parking next door is only $3 a day. Cap Sante is $75 and $30 a week for parking. So are the San Juans so much closer to Cap Sante that its worth the extra money?

Knowing that I'm probably going to put my trailer in the salt water anyway, I may choose Twin Bridges and wash the trailer. Is there a hose at Twin Bridges to wash your trailer after you pull it out of the water?

Chass
ct

[Chass]

You can also launch at Coronet Bay behind Deception Pass. I have launched and retrieved on -2 tides. The ramps are nice for launching big boats and there is ample parking. They have State Park docks a few yards away to tie up to for overnights or you can head over to Bowman around the corner and tie up to a buoy.


That actually looks like a good spot to launch. Only about 8 miles from the intersection of 20 and 20 (however that works).

What was the cost there?

Looks like the parking could be a little remote . . . but I guess if you don't leave anything in plain view it should be ok.

Thanks,
Chass
ct

[Nehalennia]

I really should sling my boat as the trailer is not galvanized and I've got drum brakes. ...... I hadn't considered that

...... So are the San Juans so much closer to Cap Sante that its worth the extra money?
....Chass
ct
No the distance is not worth the extra cost unless we have fuel prices like last summer. Also, look into Skyline marina and their prices. They sling in and they are closer than both Cap Sante and Laconner.

[SomeSailor]

If you figure in the cost of parking and lower cost fuel, you might think about Everett. It's a nice hour and a half up and going through Deception Pass is one of my favorite trips.

[jwishart]

That actually looks like a good spot to launch. Only about 8 miles from the intersection of 20 and 20 (however that works).

What was the cost there?

Looks like the parking could be a little remote . . . but I guess if you don't leave anything in plain view it should be ok.

Thanks,
Chass
ct

Parking is safe there. A marina host who lives in a camper trailer watches over the place during the summer. I have parked there a hundred times over the years and left my truck for weeks at a time with no problems.

If you need to sling your boat, I would vote against Skyline Marina. I went there to sling my 265 for the maiden voyage and their sling was too small for my boat. They have a big lift that operates very little during the year and at a cost of over 100 bucks to put your boat in. I now just launch it down a ramp to avoid the excessive lift fees.

[Randygh]

Chass--Even though you may need to launch in salt water at home, I'd really consider slinging in at LaConner. You have a big boat and it would be a real ****er if your trailer brakes seized alittle due to rust while you're enjoying the islands. It could be a long trip back home with bad trailer brakes.

LaConner is easy to get to, and the parking lot is quiet. There are no fisherman launching at 0'dark thirty. We leave Wenatchee after work and arrive in La Conner about 9:00-10:00 PM. There's always ample parking, and the sling launch opens at 8:00 AM. We'll sling in and while traveling up the channel the Admiral will fix breakfast. We always see blue herons and other wildlife while in the channel. The only problem with LaConner is the extra time ( 1 hour) to travel up Swinomish Channel to Guemes Channel. It's not more expensive, because the slinging charge is much less than at Cap Sante.

[Chass]

I spoke with the operator of the LaConner sling place and he said my boat is pretty big for their sling at 10' wide. He even asked if my boat was solid . . . might be similar issues with Skyline. If that isn't an issue then I"ll probably put in there.

The thing about LaConner is that its cheap. $30 Total for slinging and about $30 for parking during my stay. I assume there is a charge for the ramp at either Coronet or twin bridges so the difference will be small.

I thought about Everett but for this trip I'd like to put in as close to my Destination as reasonably possible. If I decide to ramp it, I'll probably go to Coronet. If I decide to sling it, LaConner is looking like the spot.

I think we will hit Deception if we use LaConner. I remember going through it both ways during an exchange in my Grandfathers 46 Hatteras. That was exhilerating. My wife probably won't like it much but my daughter will love it.

Randygh, thats a good point about the trailer and home. I guess it would behoove me to keep it out of the salt as much as possible if I want to make it last. I may install my own flushing system on the brakes. I know they don't work perfectly but it would be a lot better than nothing.

Ok, now that I've got my launching figured out, how about some suggestions about your favorite places to stop along my general path!? :)

Chass
ct

[SomeSailor]

Ok, now that I've got my launching figured out, how about some suggestions about your favorite places to stop along my general path!?

It's time to start planning for the Summer Rendezvous. Cast your vote and hopefully we'll see ya there!

[linedog]

A night on the hook, Garrason Bay. hands down the best place I have ever stayed. Dingy (if you can or motor) over to the encampment and tour history. Then go East about two miles to the oyster farm and get some fresh clams and oysters for dinner, can't be beat.

[Celtic Knot]

I am currently mooring in a boathouse at Skyline Marina, talk to Bela at 604-273-3977 to get some facts on their sling/boat size etc.
If you want me to get some info for you, let me know. I am at the marina couple of times a week to check on boat.
Dave

[Nehalennia]

I am currently mooring in a boathouse at Skyline Marina, talk to Bela at 604-273-3977 to get some facts on their sling/boat size etc.
If you want me to get some info for you, let me know. I am at the marina couple of times a week to check on boat.
Dave

Welcome CK

[SomeSailor]

I am currently mooring in a boathouse at Skyline Marina, talk to Bela at 604-273-3977 to get some facts on their sling/boat size etc.
If you want me to get some info for you, let me know. I am at the marina couple of times a week to check on boat.
Dave

Cool! A connection at Skyline!

Welcome aboard Dave. I launched my 2355 out of Skyline twice. What a short trip to the islands. Heck, you could almost idle over. :)

[Chass]

Linedog, Thats exactly what I'm looking for! Thanks, we'll take a close look at that.

Skyline is definitely close. I'll call them about their sling. Thanks!

Chass
ct

[Nehalennia]

Linedog, Thats exactly what I'm looking for! Thanks, we'll take a close look at that.

Skyline is definitely close. I'll call them about their sling. Thanks!

Chass
ct

Skyline definitely can handle you but it's $5.50/ft ($154) for your boat round trip. + another $50-60 for parking.
http://www.skylinemarinecenter.com/ourservices.htm

[Chass]

Skyline definitely can handle you but it's $5.50/ft ($154) for your boat round trip. + another $50-60 for parking.
http://www.skylinemarinecenter.com/ourservices.htm

OUCH! Ok, forget that. Thats a good chunk of change! I'll stick with $30 at LaConner.

Linedog, I can't find a Garrason Bay anywhere in the Nortwest with my limited resources here. Can you tell me more specifically where it is?

Thanks,
Chass
ct

[Play N Hookie II]

OUCH! Ok, forget that. Thats a good chunk of change! I'll stick with $30 at LaConner.

Linedog, I can't find a Garrason Bay anywhere in the Nortwest with my limited resources here. Can you tell me more specifically where it is?

Thanks,
Chass
ct

LaConner had no problem slinging me in. I believe I am 9'6" wide and probably close in weight. They do have a sling there for larger boats as well that is run I think by the port and does cost more. But they should be able to get you in fine. They were great to deal with.

[Nehalennia]

OUCH! Ok, forget that. Thats a good chunk of change! I'll stick with $30 at LaConner.

Linedog, I can't find a Garrason Bay anywhere in the Nortwest with my limited resources here. Can you tell me more specifically where it is?

Thanks,
Chass
ct

Garrrison Bay is just South of Roche Harbor
http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&q=Garrison+bay,+San+Jaun+Island,+WA&ie=UTF8&ll=48.587396,-123.15073&spn=0.05053,0.153809&t=h&z=13

[Chass]

Oh I see. Hehe, I've been buying oysters from Wescott for 20 years ;)

Plus, we pick them off the rocks at the house just across the island. In fact, I'm pretty sure we seeded the oysters in our bay. When my Grandfather bought the place there wasn't an oyster to be found ANYWHERE in that bay. It took about 5 years of throwing our shells over the edge of the deck into the water but now there are so many you can't walk on the rocks without stepping on them. There is a virtually endless supply of them.

In my reading I'm to the section on Penderer Harbor, Garden Bay and the rest of the "Venice of the Northwest". That area sounds fun too.

Its really sounding like a good idea to plan a two week trip to Princess Lousia (sp?) hitting a bunch of those places on the Sunshine coast on the way up.

Chass
ct

[Play N Hookie Admiral]

Oh I see. Hehe, I've been buying oysters from Wescott for 20 years ;)

Plus, we pick them off the rocks at the house just across the island. In fact, I'm pretty sure we seeded the oysters in our bay. When my Grandfather bought the place there wasn't an oyster to be found ANYWHERE in that bay. It took about 5 years of throwing our shells over the edge of the deck into the water but now there are so many you can't walk on the rocks without stepping on them. There is a virtually endless supply of them.

In my reading I'm to the section on Penderer Harbor, Garden Bay and the rest of the "Venice of the Northwest". That area sounds fun too.

Its really sounding like a good idea to plan a two week trip to Princess Lousia (sp?) hitting a bunch of those places on the Sunshine coast on the way up.

Chass
ct

Westcott Bay is no longer in business. My Dad owned that company for about 7 years while I was in high school and sold it to the son of the original owner, Bill Webb, but the son just ran it into the ground. Thankfully after paying my Dad off! I could go the rest of my life without seeing another oyster! :?

[Chass]

Oh bummer! I didn't know they had closed. It guess its been a while since we bought them there since they now grow right outside the back door or the house . . .

I guess I get tired of oysters too after the 4th or 5th day of eating them! Still hard to beat a garlic butter with sald and a touch of tobasco spooned into them on the grill as they open.

Chass
ct

[Play N Hookie Admiral]

Oh bummer! I didn't know they had closed. It guess its been a while since we bought them there since they now grow right outside the back door or the house . . .

I guess I get tired of oysters too after the 4th or 5th day of eating them! Still hard to beat a garlic butter with sald and a touch of tobasco spooned into them on the grill as they open.

Chass
ct

They might be doing u-pick this summer but I know the wholesale side is done for, and thats where all their $ came from. No one can sell like my Daddy! ;)

People think Im crazy for no liking oysers until I explain oyster omlets for breakfast, fried oyster sandwiches for lunch, oyster cassarole for dinner and oyster pie ohmy. Not to mention when I was bad (like that happened :roll:) my punishment was to pick the dead oysters from the live ones before packing, at 5am, in the ocean/oyster smelly building, in the cold.

[Nehalennia]

Stompor(Scott), GoAweigh2452(Doug) and I (and the Flock of Admirals) know of a great place to get oysters and clams on the way to Princess Louisa.
http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o99/ToddOlason/NanaimotoCaldwellIs7-23-0814.jpg
http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o99/ToddOlason/NanaimotoCaldwellIs7-23-0816.jpg
http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o99/ToddOlason/NanaimotoCaldwellIs7-23-0812.jpg

I think Scott was puking when these pictures were taking...............
We ate so much seafood that couple of days.

[Go Aweigh2452]

That was a great summer!

[Nehalennia]

That was a great summer!

Indeed since it hasn't sold, I think another trip is in order.

[bradvo]

Westcott Bay is no longer in business. My Dad owned that company for about 7 years while I was in high school and sold it to the son of the original owner, Bill Webb, but the son just ran it into the ground. Thankfully after paying my Dad off! I could go the rest of my life without seeing another oyster! :?

When did they close up? I was still buying from them in August. Man, if there down this is going to get rough and dirty. I loved to get my crab but it was nice just to run over to them for the clams.

[Play N Hookie Admiral]

When did they close up? I was still buying from them in August. Man, if there down this is going to get rough and dirty. I loved to get my crab but it was nice just to run over to them for the clams.

Here is a link to the story from the SJJ about the closure/sale. I am pretty sure they are running the u pick until the land sells but that may have been last year only:

http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/sanjuans/jsj/news/20745849.html

The big money for the farm was the overseas resturants but once my Dad sold the business the new owner just coulnt keep the numbers up. That and the partners he took on were lazy and just wanted to live in tents on the land. I am pretty sure the only time that place actually made money was when it was in my Dads hands - its just too costly to run such an operation these days.

[Nehalennia]

We have a soon to be member (having issues signing on here for some reason) but wanted me to forward his generous offer.


Todd

I've been reading the thread from the "other site" about a "week in the San Juans" and the discussion about where and how to launch. I'm also in the middle of trying to get my membership over there taken care of.....been in communications with Mike about why I can't get my app to send.

Anyway, I wanted to make an offer to anyone thinking about coming up to the area that needs a place to stay the night before launching. I live about 15mins from the twin bridge launch and anyone who needs a place to park for the night is welcome to park next to my shop. They can even plug into my 30Amp power and get things topped off before heading out. If anyone is interested they can reach me at 360-391-3429 and I'll have the driveway clear for parking. Gives peeps another option for planning a trip.

Can you post this on the other site for now till I get thru the membership issues?

Thanks, Steve

Hey Steve and that's a generous offer. I'll post if for you. Thanks

[SomeSailor]

We have a soon to be member (having issues signing on here for some reason) but wanted me to forward his generous offer.



Hey Steve and that's a generous offer. I'll post if for you. Thanks

Not sure what his "membership issues" are. Ask him if he's having problems getting on.

[Camano Hal]

OUCH! Ok, forget that. Thats a good chunk of change! I'll stick with $30 at LaConner.


Thanks,
Chass
ct

Another place to consider launching from is Bellingham.

http://www.portofbellingham.com/content/ArchivesItem_202_460_v

Cost to launch is $5 and parking is FREE.

We launched our 2855 there several times last summer and it is a great facility.

Bellingham is close to the San Juans, and will be close for your return trip from BC.

Swinomish Channel is nice, until you spend nearly an hour navigating from La Conner to Anacortes, at no wake speeds. (we use to moor our boat in La Conner)

Just some ideas.

[Play N Hookie II]

They might be doing u-pick this summer but I know the wholesale side is done for, and thats where all their $ came from. No one can sell like my Daddy! ;)

People think Im crazy for no liking oysers until I explain oyster omlets for breakfast, fried oyster sandwiches for lunch, oyster cassarole for dinner and oyster pie ohmy. Not to mention when I was bad (like that happened :roll:) my punishment was to pick the dead oysters from the live ones before packing, at 5am, in the ocean/oyster smelly building, in the cold.

I miss when he had the oyster farm! He used to give me 5 dozen at a time and I would make them all go away:iconbiggrin:

[Camano Hal]

The big money for the farm was the overseas resturants but once my Dad sold the business the new owner just coulnt keep the numbers up. That and the partners he took on were lazy and just wanted to live in tents on the land. I am pretty sure the only time that place actually made money was when it was in my Dads hands - its just too costly to run such an operation these days.


Is your dad Pete Augustiny? I have done some work for Pete in the past (several years ago) and I understood that he owned the Oyster operation over in Westcott Bay.

[Play N Hookie II]

Is your dad Pete Augustiny? I have done some work for Pete in the past (several years ago) and I understood that he owned the Oyster operation over in Westcott Bay.

Yes, her dad is Pete. He is now living in Stanwood as well. What type of work were you doing? Small world.

[Camano Hal]

Ya, small world.

I am a home inspector, but in the late 90's I was also still a contractor. So I did some repair work on Petes' Arlington home that he was selling (down the hill from Gleneagle), and then when they bought the house out at the horse ranch (can't remember the name) I inspected that for them. He also hired me to help him install some fencing, as I recall.

[Play N Hookie Admiral]

Ya, small world.

I am a home inspector, but in the late 90's I was also still a contractor. So I did some repair work on Petes' Arlington home that he was selling (down the hill from Gleneagle), and then when they bought the house out at the horse ranch (can't remember the name) I inspected that for them. He also hired me to help him install some fencing, as I recall.

Hey I remember you! That place in Arlington was actually my Moms but I am sure it was my Dad that hired you to do the work (long story - they were divorced for 9 years and are now remarried). That was right before he sold the oyster farm. You were the lucky guy who crawled under my Moms old farm house there in Arlington, right?

I think you also did the inspection at our home in Stanwood about 9 years ago as well. You were the one to discover there was nothing holding down all the skylights!

Very small world!

[Camano Hal]

When your mom was selling the Arlington farm house, the buyers' inspector called out some items for repair. I was still a licensed contractor at that time, and was hired to make some corrections. And, I know that one of the issues was that the crawl space had hardly any clearance in the rear portion.
And yes those kind of crawl spaces are memorable. :)

Once that transaction was completed, they bought that home in the equestrian community, with the neighborhood arena and riding areas. This home was the one I inspected for them.

I think I only remember all of this because, a couple years ago I was hired to inspect that same home, when it was being purchased from your parents.

I did not realize that I had inspected your home also. I may have not been aware that Pete was your father. ....Was Brenda Haug your agent?

I do catch alot of those skylights that are not screwed down. I have heard a few stories from folks that found out the hard way, ....when their skylight ended up in the neighbors yard, during a wind storm.

Again ....small world.

[Play N Hookie Admiral]

When your mom was selling the Arlington farm house, the buyers' inspector called out some items for repair. I was still a licensed contractor at that time, and was hired to make some corrections. And, I know that one of the issues was that the crawl space had hardly any clearance in the rear portion.
And yes those kind of crawl spaces are memorable. :)

Once that transaction was completed, they bought that home in the equestrian community, with the neighborhood arena and riding areas. This home was the one I inspected for them.

I think I only remember all of this because, a couple years ago I was hired to inspect that same home, when it was being purchased from your parents.

I did not realize that I had inspected your home also. I may have not been aware that Pete was your father. ....Was Brenda Haug your agent?

I do catch alot of those skylights that are not screwed down. I have heard a few stories from folks that found out the hard way, ....when their skylight ended up in the neighbors yard, during a wind storm.

Again ....small world.

Yup - Brenda was our agent and my parents agent as well. Everytime the wind blows real hard I am thankful to you for catching that skylight issue! I would hate to find out the hard way!! :roll:

My parents sold the place at Meddow Ridge to move to Woolley (against my advice) to have a farm to themselves but once we found out about my Dads cancer I sold their home in Woolley and moved them to Stanwood where they live now so he didnt have all that land to care for and so once he is gone it will be easier for me to rule over my Mother. ;)

Parenting my parents - who would have thought! :?

Are you still in construction or have you moved on to playing with your boat full time? :argh2

[Camano Hal]

My wife (Kelly) worked for Brenda, as her assistant, about the time you and Erik purchased your home. You and Erik might remember her. She remembered you guys and was aware that Pete was your dad.

And I am sorry to hear that Pete developed cancer. I was wondering how he is doing? Also could you please tell him hi for us. I think he will remember me.

I was trying to recall the house you and Erik purchased, and what is coming to mind is a home that the previous owner had decorated with numerous trophy animals (taxidermy style). But am I thinking about someone elses' purchase?

I retired my general contractors' license after insurance rates went through the roof, in connection with Sept 11, 01. Our home inspection company was generating the most business out of the two, and I decided to focus my time, energy, and resources there.

Today Kelly and I are still operating the home inspection business. .....And we do get a little time to play on the boat from time to time as well. :D

http://www.millerhomeinspect.com


BTW Chass; Sorry for the thread drift.

[Play N Hookie Admiral]

My wife (Kelly) worked for Brenda, as her assistant, about the time you and Erik purchased your home. You and Erik might remember her. She remembered you guys and was aware that Pete was your dad.

And I am sorry to hear that Pete developed cancer. I was wondering how he is doing? Also could you please tell him hi for us. I think he will remember me.

I was trying to recall the house you and Erik purchased, and what is coming to mind is a home that the previous owner had decorated with numerous trophy animals (taxidermy style). But am I thinking about someone elses' purchase?

I retired my general contractors' license after insurance rates went through the roof, in connection with Sept 11, 01. Our home inspection company was generating the most business out of the two, and I decided to focus my time, energy, and resources there.

Today Kelly and I are still operating the home inspection business. .....And we do get a little time to play on the boat from time to time as well. :D

http://www.millerhomeinspect.com


BTW Chass; Sorry for the thread drift.

I do remember Kelly but Im not sure I knew she was your wife. Our place was not the dead animal home - I dont think I would even look a house with dead animals in it. We have the place off Jackson Gulch Rd on 6 acres...but you inspected it almost 9 years ago so its ok if you dont remember it!

I will tell my Dad hi for you - I am sure they remember you as well. He is doing ok for today, thanks for asking, but stage 4 lung cancer is not something he will recover from. Cancer sucks.

Glad your inspection business is going good! I would say that was a good choice given the current market for builders! ;)