Salish Sea Again

[David Patterson]

Pete, you (and others) are very welcome. I've enjoyed the sharing and the return comments, both here and privately. On the 24th I'll be on a ferry like the one pictured, pleased for shore time to come with friends and family, and regretful to be leaving. Back in February, if plans work out. Meanwhile, I'll review my journals, and perhaps re-read Brian Anderson's Small Boats on Green Water. It has been a fine ten months on the Salish Sea. Be well.

[David Patterson]

May all of you enjoy excellent holidays. I'm ashore myself until February. My 2014 journals have been scanned, if anyone cares to do some armchair cruising this winter. I have forgotten to whom I have sent them. Send me a private message if you have an interest in a volume or two. I think the last one of which I sent a link was vol. 5, though I'm unsure. Volumes 6 (Jedediah Island) and 7 (fall gales) are scanned now. Some have enjoyed looking at the photos that are related to my writings. Here are a few other photos, in order from 2014/2013/2012) as a holiday card of sorts. First, CLOUD GIRL in a little used anchorage, Matia Island. Second, a locally constructed dinghy from the '70s or '80s (not mine). Third, President Channel as seen from Sucia Island. Happy planning for the cruising to come. David

[Jim Walsh]

Great photos. I especially like the dingy. That natural crook used for the breasthook is a delight.

[David Patterson]

Jim, that dinghy was built by a boatbuilder/craftsman on Lopez Island of the San Juans, in the early '80s I was told. The few remaining craft of his are locally treasured. Here is his medallion. The owner of this boat told me he "would sell his big boat first," before he sold this dinghy. The sweetest rowing boat he had ever had, he claimed. I never heard how she sailed. About 10 feet LOA, I believe.

[Jim Walsh]

"Upright" all that can be asked of a dingy!
Great motto for a dingy builder. Wouldn't be surprised to see this in advertising a year from now,
I should apply for a trademark while I can

[David Patterson]

An excellent motto, to be sure. Grab it while you can. It comes from Upright Channel between Shaw and Lopez Islands, and Upright Head of Lopez Island. If you were to look at a full chart of the San Juan Archipelago you might wonder if the old-timers may have been making a double entendre-type joke. As a motto it is surely a good one. Some great woiden boat building continues in the Salish Sea, in Port Townsend and elsewhere. Bet you really could grab the trademark, but would that be upright to do? This builder was certainly a solid craftsman. One of my favorite place names is tiny Windsock, on Lopez. I imagine a pole with its windsock as the most prominent feature of the place.