posted 04-09-2012 08:10 PM ET (US)            

Let's have one on the outside. We can look for Tsunami Whalers.

Just joshing, Canada probably has a better chance of finding Tsunami Whalers.

John

posted 04-12-2012 01:50 PM ET (US)            

Dennis

posted 04-15-2012 11:08 AM ET (US)            

Its been quite a while since the last one. Depending on timing of course, I could be interested in a get together.

posted 04-15-2012 06:08 PM ET (US)            

Thanks for bringing this up Chris.

Dennis

posted 04-17-2012 01:34 AM ET (US)            

Sounds like fun. I have attended several in the past, one on Vashon and Coronet Bay. I'll be interested in joining depending how it schedules out. July 7-8 works for me. I can go north or south, either works for me.

posted 04-17-2012 03:56 AM ET (US)            

Is Anacortes a good place to launch or meet?

Speak up and see if we can narrow it down to a couple places.

Personally, I like Oak Harbor.

posted 04-17-2012 02:21 PM ET (US)            

I'll volunteer to transcribe (read cut and paste) info in email to this point, and post it here. I can make the posting anonymous if someone desires. Let me know.

If this sounds good, I'll do it when I get home tonight. I guess I'd suggest we stick to forum posts if we can to reach the largest audience and be as inclusive as possible. Many local folks have not replied yet, and the silence may or may not indicate lack of interest.

I really hope this comes together, as I am very interested in meeting everyone and seeing your boats. Perhaps I can also hitch a ride other's rides to get a feel for the larger craft.

Thanks.

posted 04-17-2012 03:26 PM ET (US)            

The limited number of entrants could essentially be due to such an early start, however it would be best if the first group decide on a destination so we don't get mired in discussion or disagreements.

My thought is make a list of possible destinations and lets vote them in a 1=best, 5=worst and add up the points. Just an idea.

Thanks again Dennis

posted 04-17-2012 06:05 PM ET (US)            

https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/coastalatlas/UICoastalAtlas/Tools/ ShorePhotos.aspx

Shallow, problems with low tides, has a marina, boat launch but not much of a "gathering" area. I think the yacht club has an area and maybe a guest dock but I am not a member. I have never been in there by boat either.

posted 04-17-2012 06:09 PM ET (US)            

http://apps.ecy.wa.gov/shorephotos/scripts/bigphoto.asp?id=ISL0217

posted 04-17-2012 06:32 PM ET (US)            

I would like Vendovi, I'm experimenting again:

posted 04-17-2012 07:12 PM ET (US)            

Look at these.

[IMG]http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d137/jmartin-/DSCF9608.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d137/jmartin-/DSCF9609.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d137/jmartin-/DSCF9615-1.jpg[/IMG]

Problems with Vendovi:
Probably need permission for a group. There is no overnight allowed on the island. The nearest all tide launch is at the north end of the Swinomish slough. There is overnight parking at the launch for a fee, and a motel across the slough at the Casino.

Biggest problem is it's a long way for the Seattle crowd.

posted 04-17-2012 07:15 PM ET (US)            

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d137/jmartin-/DSCF9609.jpg

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d137/jmartin-/DSCF9615-1.jpg

I should not be doing this at work. I get interrupted and forget what I am doing.

John

posted 04-17-2012 07:35 PM ET (US)         

Cornet Bay is in Deception Pass State Park, there's a decent launch right there, lots of dock space, and camping.

posted 04-17-2012 08:14 PM ET (US)            

Gusgus writes:

quote:

---

Hi everyone,

I am Gusgus, on the Continuous Wave site.

I am not stepping up or in on setting this Puget Sound Rendezvous up,
just making suggestions and offering a willingness to coordinate some
of this.

So if anyone is willing or wanting to step up and suggest a weekend
date for our get together, please do so.

I know nothing of the area so any help, ideas or suggestions would
sure be awesome in setting up a place to meet, including launch
locations and food/fuel locations. A nice Boatel (marine equivalent of
a motel?)would be fun.

I am open for two weekends in a row in July, the 7th/8th or the 14th/
15th.

That opens up another question/option. I will plan on an overnight, no
matter which day or both days we meet. Since it makes no sense to me
to be there and not see some of the place. So I will be off to see
some of the sights on the "other day". Note anyone/everyone is welcome
to lead, follow, or just get out of the way! LOL.

See you all on the water.

Gus

---

JZAB wrote:

quote:

---

Gus thanks for getting us thinking, my current work schedule makes it
hard for me to commit, but both those weekends look like they would
work. My boat is on Lopez Is, but most of the summer I could make it
to Anacortes or Whidbey with out much trouble. I don’t think most
people would find the San Juans practical, but the Lopez Islander
Resort is an easy place to get dock space and they have rooms. They
stretch meaning of Resort, but they have good docks a adequate
Restaurant and over priced rooms. Obviously Firday Harbor or Roche
Harbor have much more to do and lots of choices for rooms.. There
are several motels walking distance from the dock space in Anacortes,
and I have no clue about a place on Whidbey. La Conner might be an
option a long trip out to open water but might be a fun place to
meet. Just some ideas not good ones but ideas (-:

---

DeeVee wrote:

quote:

---

The San Juan Islands would be great, but I would be unable to commit to the time involved in getting there. I am in the far south end. There is quite a bit of protected water for cruising down this way. Jarrells Cove state park is a popular destination. Olympia has few decent restaurants within walking distance from the docks.

Concerning the dates, the July dates may work perfect for me, or may not, depending on my work schedule. It would be hard to totally commit for quite a while. I remain interested though.

---

Chrisz wrote:

quote:

---

Gus, thanks for jumping on this! I am fairly flexible on the location and agree having some good nearby boating/eating options are the key ingredients.
Some locations might make camping a possibility, like Blake Island near Vashon or Cypress Island near Anacortes.
I have stayed at the Lopez Islander and agree that "resort" is a stretch, but the rooms were clean, people friendly, and a good location. Obviously in the San Juan's there would be all kinds of day trip destinations to check out by boat.
I know of two boat launches on Lopez and have also put in at Fidalgo and zipped across Rosario straight on good weather days.
Whidbey and Penn Cove might be an option with boat launch possibilities at Mukilteo or Everett or on Whidbey (even though the one I have used only was good on a reasonable tide).

More central Puget sound, along with Blake Island there is Quartermaster Harbor between Vashon and Maury Island, which has a State owned boat launch and moorage. Folks could also launch at Pt Defiance (Tacoma) to avoid the ferry out to Vashon.

I haven't explored south sound and would love to as well.

Keep the discussion going:)

Chris

---

DVollrath wrote:

quote:

---

Hi Guys,
Thanks to both Gus & Chris for taking the initiative.

I keep my 2 half boats on Orcas Island. Charges are only made for
ferries going to the islands (westbound), but they really get you for
it. Fares during a June weekend would be $200 or so for my boat. They
haven't published the Summer Schedule yet, so it is not clear if it
would go up any more than that, but it won't be any less. However, ferry
lines during a summer weekend need to be dealt with in both directions,
and are a significant consideration. They could easily chew up half a
day if you get unlucky. I strongly recommend against ferrying to an
island in the San Juans to meet. That being said, JohnZ & I need to do
the return trip if we meet anywhere other the San Juans. I'm fine with
this, but if so would like to plan for a launch on the mainland which
does not involve a ferry (sensing a love/hate relationship here?). I do
not know the South Sound at all, but would like to see it sometime too.
Perhaps that is this summer.
If we want to explore north instead, we'd need to find a launch &
trailer parking for others. I know there is a launch under the Twin
Bridges, but I'm not sure about overnight parking. John Martin might
know. Anacortes also has a couple of marinas that I could look into
regarding guest mooring & parking.
If we did launch from that area, La Conner is a nice easy destination
w/o any open water. Without crossing Rosario Straight, we could visit
Cypress (nice camping beach) and Saddlebag nice beaches and crabbing.
As far as destination further out into the San Juans, Friday Harbor is
nice & has lots to do. There is free (4 hr) guest moorage at the marina
there, lots of restaurants. Crossing Rosario is fine under most
conditions. I've done it a number of times in a kayak.
I am building a shop with a small apartment on top on Orcas, and while
I don't have the occupancy permit yet, people are certainly welcome to
camp out indoors. Orcas has a couple of marinas with guest moorage, Deer
Harbor and Westsound. I could use my van to ferry folks between a
marina and my place.
Again, I'm fine with trailering south too, but would like to avoid an
additional ferry if possible.

Thanks!

Dennis

---

posted 04-17-2012 09:06 PM ET (US)            

But here is my 0.02:

Oak Harbor would be good, actually Coupeville dock would be awesome. Then a stroll up to Toby's for fresh mussels to go would definitely be in order. -- Dates to watch is Whidbey Island Race week (14th - 20th July), as the place will be crawling with sailors. (Would be fun to watch the races though.) --- Launching in and out of Oak Harbor is easy (fuel dock too), and the waterway is plenty deep unless you have a 6' keel.

Blake, can't really beat it as center of the Puget Sound, plus you can reserve a open shelter. However, with a stiff Northerly or Southerly, some would get a little beat up.

Lake Union, as odd as this sounds, a put-put around the lake in the evening is a blast (If you need to stretch your outboards legs, hit Lake Wash.) Clam chowder to go at Ivar's, or on the south end of the lake Chandlers or Dukes (plus a lot of others). If we plan on on a Tues. evening you can catch the Duck Dodge beer can races.

Vashon (Quartermaster), the Dockton Dock is pretty big, and well sheltered, the ramp is a little flat at ~2' tides. It would be a short jaunt from Gig Harbor, Pt Defiance, Brown's Point, Des Moines.

South Sound like Jarrel Cove or Hope Island would be nice quite places. But likely a little too south for the general population.

San Juan's, shoot anything up there, but quite a bit tougher to get to. Hood Canal is an option, but that is a bit far for a lot of people, Poulsbo could be done for much less distance.

posted 04-18-2012 05:01 AM ET (US)            

Starting from the North:
Blakely Island
Lopez-Friday Harbor
Anacortes
Laconner
Cornet Bay
Oar Harbor/Coupville
Marine Park
Lake Union/Lake Washington
Blake Island
Jarrel Cove

The way I see it the most central places are Cornet Bay,
Oar Harbor and Coupville.

They offer a good venue of eats, fuel and access from most directions.

posted 04-22-2012 11:06 AM ET (US)            

1. Cornet Bay - Fun area with dock & easy runs to La Conner, Oak Harbor, and Coupeville.

2. Anacortes - A number of launch points available, with destinations of Saddlebag, Cypress, perhaps Sucia or Matia. La Conner is very close as well.

3. Oak Harbor

4. Vashon or Blake - I'm not knocking either of these choices, but I know nothing about them. My 2 concerns would be getting a trailer road worthy, and where would I park and launch on the mainland.

If this does come together and is successful, it would be great to have it on a more regular basis and at different locations. Folks local can then show everyone else places they perhaps have not much exposure to.

Thanks.

posted 04-22-2012 03:25 PM ET (US)            

Very good points Dennis.

You hit some of the points that I have heard and also have concerns with.

#1-Safe Parking. This is a large part of using new places. So those who know the areas could help and feed us information and inform (disclaimer: with no responsibility) of local ramps, fees, crowds, or launch location security for leaving our tow vehicles. I have some (really limited to maybe 2 tow vehicles) parking at my house for secure parking. I am fairly close to Brown's Point, Des Moines, Tacoma Harbor.

#2-Trailering. We have heard a few times that people don't trailer much and therefore don't have nice/roadworthy trailers. Maybe some of us could consider loaning our trailers out? I would entertain it.

#3-Lodging and comfort. Having a place where we can not only harbor our boats and compare/share with each other, but also have a nice restaurant that can house us together and maybe a motel.

#4-Choose new places each year. This is good goal, so we can experience each others areas and be able to share our home waters with others.

I don't know much of my own area and therefore it is all new for me. however I intend to spend some time searching for new ramps and new experiences around Tacoma/Des Moines. This will of course include Vashon and Quartermaster Harbor.

posted 04-30-2012 03:27 AM ET (US)            

Since I seem to be in the place to set the date, I shall do so.

After many hours of internet looking for a place with a boat dock, camping/motel, fuel nearby and some services (toilet and shower), this is the only one I could identify. The location is woodsy and off of the main roads, but it looks like an awesome place for a good time and place to meet any whaler people, who can make it.

The rendezvous will be at Jarrel Cove State Park on the 15th of July.

I will be there the 14th, camping out. I wish I was a better organizer of games and ideas, but maybe one of you all could step up and plan some fun ideas. We can plan a bar B que and/or what ever.

There are camp spots near the dock and fuel right across the narrow channel. It is accessible from any number of launching ramps and can even be driven to. There aren't launch facilities there, but there are restrooms and even a shower. I will be launching about 30 miles away from Jarrel.

from the web site:
"CAMPING
Jarrell Cove State Park has 22 tent spaces, one restroom and one shower. There is one ADA-accessible campsite and four tent spaces (sites number 9, 10, 11 and 12) that are reservable by calling (888) CAMPOUT or (888) 226-7688. Other tent sites are first-come, first-served.

Some of the park's campsites are above the entrance dock near the shoreline and some are in a grassy area in the center of the park. Maximum site length is 34 feet (may have limited availability).

Group Accommodations: A walk-in group camp is available, accommodating up to 64 people. A restroom is nearby in the park. Fees vary with size of the group. To reserve the group camp, call (888) CAMPOUT or (888) 226-7688.

http://www.stateparks.com/jarrell_cove_state_park_in_washington.html

posted 04-30-2012 10:00 AM ET (US)            

I am an enthusiastic *maybe*. I've got a busy schedule this summer and July 6-8 is out for me.

posted 04-30-2012 11:37 PM ET (US)            

It is not exactly a good single hand boat ramp, but the ramp surface, the float and the pier are pretty new and should be in good shape. New on site parking was added this spring.

The current can be a little tricky at max ebb or flood during loading or unloading, but the ramp is mostly protected from wind.

See:

http://www.co.mason.wa.us/parks/latimers_landing.php

Concerning the 15th of July, I will be trying to make it that day.

posted 05-01-2012 04:52 AM ET (US)            

I do like Zittle's (thanks) for a launch site, but there is another. It is (as far as I know un-named. the address is 4849 D Milluhr Dr NE
Olympia, WA 98516. It is a small ramp and looks like a desolate spot to leave my truck but I believe it is free.

So lets try something. Let me know if you can or can't go, for sure, undecided names shall remain as yer goin's, until notified otherwise, OK? I will update the list as I see new people joining or removing their names from the list.

Lets get our names on the list and I will begin the reservation procedure for our group as soon as we get some idea how many are coming. It sounds like each boat captain will need a moorage ticket purchased before the rendezvous.

posted 05-02-2012 01:50 PM ET (US)            

OK, you South Sound Swabs, where should I put in? I've heard mention of Swantown, Zittels, and Boston Harbor. We'll be trailering with full tanks of gas (24 gal, I hope), and parking for the day. Which place has the easiest launching, so I don't embarrass myself too badly? Other considerations?

Thanks.

Dennis

posted 05-02-2012 03:53 PM ET (US)            

Only a couple slight change to the attendee list:

posted 05-02-2012 07:17 PM ET (US)            

Dennis

posted 05-02-2012 07:55 PM ET (US)            

I could get there faster and cheaper in the Sport, but it's real crummy boat camping with the Sport.

posted 05-03-2012 04:18 AM ET (US)            

As I noted in my previous post, the Lattimer's Landing Ramp is the closest to Jarrel's Cove. The Swantown Ramp is a real nice facility, though there is a pretty long NO WAKE zone to negotiate.

If you want a longer boat ride, Swantown is your best bet. Lattimer's Landing is where I will put in.

posted 05-05-2012 02:40 PM ET (US)            

Zittle's is really a nice choice or for a bit closer to I-5, the launch site at address 4849 D Milluhr Dr NE, Olympia, WA 98516. It is a small ramp with a few parking places. There is Boston Harbor, although tides and weather make it a little tougher if you ask me, however it is closer to Jarrel Cove.

or

[quote=Chriscz]I'll probably depart from Shilshole to make it a longer run. But for you northern folks, trailering to Seattle (Shilshole) or Tacoma (Pt Defiance) might be a good option to reduce the length of the run.[/quote]

[quote=DeeVee]Mason County boat ramp located on the mainland side of the Harstine Island bridge. From the ramp to Jarrell's Cove is maybe 5 to 10 minutes./Lattimer's Landing Ramp is the closest to Jarrel's Cove. The Swantown Ramp is a real nice facility[/quote]

Updated:

#1- Chriscz
#2- gusgus and ma'gus
#3- JohnKaloper
#4- DVollrath
#5- JZAB ?
#6- DeeVee
#7- kwik_wurk ?
#8-IGN ?

I believe we should figure out for reservations sake, are how many of us will be moored overnight and camping. The costs will be significantly better if that is gathered first. Of course regardless of the amount of drop in's or day visitors.
The camp offers covered picnic tables and it sounds like a covered pavilion of some sort. We are going to reserve a covered table for our site and would welcome it becoming the central point of contact.

Lastly in this post, food and drink and FIRE. I plan on bringing a good assortment of beverages, both alcoholic and non/alcoholic, plus enough grub for many more than WE will eat or drink.
Firewood, I will plan on having enough for our campsite (even with lots of company). This is (of course) the bane of camping loads. It might require a few trips back to the firewood source, which I plan on having as my truck.

posted 05-27-2012 04:43 AM ET (US)            

The weather is looking good. I hope all of you Whaler owners have a great weekend. I lowered my flag to half staff to honor our fallen heros and raised a glass to them as well.

Thank you to all of the veterans for your contribution and sacrifice for my country and my countrymen.

Peace everyone. See you in July, if you make it.

posted 05-31-2012 02:42 PM ET (US)            

I finally got my motor mounted on Saturday, and ordered some new cables to start the rigging. So things are progressing, but slowly.

I also just noticed that 7/15 is the opening day of crab season up north, same day as the rendezvous. I hope that John leaves me a few.

Dennis

posted 06-09-2012 06:03 AM ET (US)            

My plans aren't set or decided either, but I am still spending every weekend and every night out in the boat shelter, making progress and slowly but surely completing the rewire and re-fit of the old Whaler.

posted 06-12-2012 11:27 AM ET (US)            

The current location is not ideal for me, but I can live with it. Since we'll rotate venues in future years, it's a good chance to see areas we would not normally boat in.

The biggest unknown is whether my boat and trailer will be ready. Cannot work on it except on weekends though. I am working towards the 15th.

posted 06-19-2012 02:43 PM ET (US)            

I can act as a go between to find out which weekends (if any) are booked up and make reservations if we need them.

Note, the launch ramps at the Marina are old Navy ramps for float planes and therefore have a very shallow angle. I can't use them without putting my rear bumper underwater so I use the Marina sling. (About $40 round trip)

Anytime mid July on works for me.

posted 06-19-2012 07:16 PM ET (US)            

Check the tides with the open dates.

posted 06-21-2012 04:58 AM ET (US)            

If you include any other meeting here, it will make communication about our set up meeting tough to understand or keep on track.

Thanks for understanding.

posted 06-27-2012 03:36 AM ET (US)            

Welcome, it will be so nice to meet fellow Whaler people.

Yes the South Sound Rendezvous is at Jarrel Cove State Park on the 15th of July.

There are camp spots near the dock and fuel right across the narrow channel. It is accessible from any number of launching ramps and can even be driven to. There aren't launch facilities there, but there are restrooms and even a shower. I will be launching about 30 miles away from Jarrel.

from the web site:
"CAMPING
Jarrell Cove State Park has 22 tent spaces, one restroom and one shower. There is one ADA-accessible campsite and four tent spaces (sites number 9, 10, 11 and 12) that are reservable by calling (888) CAMPOUT or (888) 226-7688. Other tent sites are first-come, first-served.

Some of the park's campsites are above the entrance dock near the shoreline and some are in a grassy area in the center of the park. Maximum site length is 34 feet (may have limited availability).

Group Accommodations: A walk-in group camp is available, accommodating up to 64 people. A restroom is nearby in the park. Fees vary with size of the group. To reserve the group camp, call (888) CAMPOUT or (888) 226-7688.

posted 06-30-2012 04:56 AM ET (US)            

I am in a similar situation. Right now my engine is in pieces and my work schedule is expected to be quite hectic, so the boat will remain in pieces for awhile longer.
I have not made reservations yet either. But intend to do so as soon as I can see I will be able to motor there as well. I never guessed I would still be fixing stuff. It wasn't that buggered up!

posted 07-03-2012 01:56 PM ET (US)            

Dennis

posted 07-08-2012 06:07 AM ET (US)            

I am quite saddened by this yet I can't change the outcome, as hard as I might try.

posted 07-15-2012 04:49 PM ET (US)            

It turned out to be a really windy day as well.

Did anyone make it?