Ranger 20 National Cruise 1992 ============================== Participants ------------ All on Ranger 20s (names given when known) Phil and Ann Rousseau, _Lille Baaden_ - CRUISE ORGANIZERS Peter and Bonnie Eddy, "The Lost Boat" from Mt. Shasta, CA Tom and Tom (Jr.) Ashley, _Windchime_ Mike and Kit Hopkinson, _EZ_ John and Julie Muirhead, _Spindrift_ Jeff, Cindy, and Annie Mastrandrea, [_Nepenthe_? --Webmaster] Henry and Jamie Schaup, _Adagio_ Steve and Shona Metz, _Someday_ Fritz Andrews and Rich Cargill, _Firm Ground_ Jack and Bobbie Berg, _Rugga Rugga_ Sharon and Doug Kyle, _Silver Bullet_ Jim Ringler and Rafael Patricio, _Pas-ing Wind_ Ken Collier and Karen, _For Sale_ Evelyn and Larry Baker and sons Robb and Bennie Flinn, _Clipper I_ Larry and Cheri Crane, _Die Seglerin_ Ray and Sharon Honsberger, _Affinity_ Charless, Marjorie, Christopher, and Jonathan Fowlkes, from Bozeman, Montana Joe Masters, _Fleet Feet_ Others? Saturday, July 25, Anacortes to Blakely Island ---------------------------------------------- Perfect weather as Ranger captains and crew members head for Blakely Island Marina. Sunday, July 26, Blakely Island to Bedwell Harbor, South Pender Island -------------------------------------------------------------------- Henry and Jamie Schaup, _Adagio_ ................................ The story begins at Blakely Island. In order to take advantage of the prevailing currents, we left early Sunday morning. We anticipated a long 20-mile sail to Bedwell Harbor on South Pender Island in Canada. As it was, we managed only one hour of sailing and four hours of motoring. We arrived at Bedwell Harbor at about 3:00 p.m to encounter a long line of cheerful yachters waiting to get through Customs. Rules of etiquette in this line seemed to be governed by the size of the next available slip at the Customs dock. There were many surges of motors and bow thrusters adding to the confusion of customs registration. All taken care of at registration, we secured _Adagio_ for a pleasant evening at the Marina. We explored the area on foot and swam in the swimming pool. All in all, a day without wind, but a day of fantastic scenery and bright, warm sunshine. Jack and Bobbie Berg, _Rugga Rugga_ ................................... We woke this morning to bright sunny sky. Upon awakening and finding it to be only 6:10 a.m., I (Bobbie) figured I'd beat the crowd and take my shower. When I arrived at the shower room I found Shona, Cheri, Ann, and Julie already there and showered! You have to get up real early to beat this crowd. We goofed around and visited for awhile, then left Blakely about 0900 hrs. There was very little wind and what there was really puffy. We were able to sail a few times, but mostly we motored. We saw a few seals along the way and quite a few antelope on Speiden Island. We arrived at Bedwell Harbor at about 3:30 to a mad house waiting for the customs dock. We survived that and tied up behind Adagio at the dock. By early evening all boats had arrived and were secure except one. Pete Eddy and Bonnie aboard the boat with no name--where are ya?! Hope you find your way back to us soon. Everybody did their own thing for dinner and then some visiting from boat to boat. A few of us took cold showers. Ann Rousseau had a hot shower; how did she luck out or who did she pay? It is now 11:05. It appears that everyone is asleep. I know Jack is; he is snoring beside me. I just remembered I needed to write this. Good night, and hoping for good sailing tomorrow. Monday, July 27, Bedwell Harbor, South Pender Island to Ganges, Saltspring Island -------------------------------------------------------------------- Ray and Sharon Honsberger, _Affinity_ ..................................... Departed Bedwell Harbor at 9:30 a.m. motored clear of the docks then raised main and genoa to sail out of the harbor. Winds were light and the current was strong. It took about 45 minutes to reach the point. After an hour of little or no progress, we bagged it and resumed motoring. As we approached the end of North Pender Island, the wind filled in from behind and we set the spinnaker. We were able to carry the spinnaker for about an hour. The wind was light and fluky and we had to gybe the pole about half a dozen times. The wind worked around to a beat and we bagged the chute and motored some more. We tried sailing a number of times and finally gave up. As we motored into Ganges, the wind finally filled in, probably resulting in some good sailing for those behind us. We arrived at Saltspring Marina, the dock master asked me to back into a spot at the dock. The wind caught the boat and my motor in reverse produced a beautiful cloud of bubbles, but little else. The result was nearly a disaster, but an open spot at the other dock and a lot of help saved the day. How mortifying! Jim Ringler and Rafael Patricio (son-in-law), _Pas-ing Wind_ ............................................................ 8:00 a.m. - Beautiful morning at Bedwell Harbor. Everybody is up and anxious to locate a gust of wind. For breakfast Dr. Ringler and myself had buckwheat pancakes, eggs, banana, sausage and coffee. So much for our cholesterol count. 10:00 a.m. - We were close to last to leave the harbor; this would ensure me enough scouts to follow. _Rugga-Rugga_ was still there, we knew we were in trouble. It appears to me that there will be some sailing today, but it still remains to be seen, for as soon as we cleared the mouth of Bedwell Harbor, the winds were blown to other adventurous waters. 11:00 a.m. - Dr. Ringler is looking, with eyes as keen as an eagle's for signs of wind.... We're remembering of last night, and have realized our early departure was sabotaged by cups of snugglers from Bobbie and lemon 1 1/2 lb. cake that Ann very sneakily placed in front of us. (Thanks for the snuggle and cake, ladies!) 11:27 - We are SAILING! Even our rags hanging on the shrouds are happily flying.. 4.7 m/hr speed, 300 ft depth, 245 degrees. 12:00 - What's the nautical term for "_uck!"? 13:00 - We've given up sailing, we've resorted to wave riding made by ferries, overpowering their way along. Weather is beautiful, sun and clear skies.... Dr. Ringler still insists that he feels something coming ... maybe it's just gas. 13:10 - _Rugga Rugga_ and _Die Seglerin_ have also given up sailing, they are enjoying the fine art of fishing with or without wind in their sails. 13:17 - Yes, we're sailing along. Depth 173 ft, speed 2.0 m/h, 280 degrees. 14:23 - Pleasant, smooth, quiet. WING ON WING 15 small duck in one single file and 2 AFV. (Ask author for explanation...1.F.N) 16:00 - Docked at Saltspring Marina. Shona read my notes (log) and complained about the "free" sailing we did at Blakely Island. 17:30 - Strolled into town, bought ice, milk (in the old fashion glass container), red snapper @ $2.98/lb, sole @ $4.98/lb. 19:00 - Prepared dinner, cool clear skies, oldies on the radio, oh what a feeling. Shona lost a gold/diamond ring by _Pas-ing Wind_, spent most of the night w/flashlight and hook/line trying to fish it out. Annie caught a 5-lb. fish. "Peppermint Snuggles" (thanks, oh!, and cookies). 23:00 - Lights out. Tuesday, July 28, 1992, Ganges, Saltspring Island ------------------------------------------------- John and Julie Muirhead, _Spindrift_ .................................... 6:30 a.m. - Tuesday at Salt Spring Marina--another beautiful sunny day. Should be in the upper 70s (just right). Canadian geese are having their breakfast on shore. A lone blue heron twists his long neck from side to side watching us then watching the geese. Last night the tuna fishing boat _Salty Isle_ kept a few of us awake with rock'n'roll! John, Joe, Tob, and the Ashleys took a walk up the dock to take their showers only to discover the facilities didn't open until 8:00 a.m. (8 a.m. to 11 p.m.). So they went across the street to the Harbor House Hotel to have coffee and "wash-up." Back on the dock you can smell the bacon cooking at the Rousseaus' "Bed & Breakfast." They're sharing their table with the Bergs, and Ken and Henry had their omelet. Doug Kyle went running and told us he would give us a scenic description when he returned. We always know when he's been running because his washed RED running shorts and tank top are hanging from the mast to dry. Fritz offered to organize a salmon dinner tonight for everyone that wanted to participate. We'll fix a salad and French bread to go along. 11:00 - After the morning dishes were done, the majority of us went into town to check out the shops and grocery stores. This town is an arts and crafts town, including many small groceries, realty offices, bakeries, ice cream shops, etc. I think Ann and Phil, John and Julie and a few others hit every bakery and craft shop. Ann even begged us to go into Harlan's Chocolate Treats. The aroma was enough to add a couple of pounds. Grocery prices were a bit high, but understandable for a small tourist/fishing village. Shona, Sharon, and Cheri "camped out" in a unique art shop near Mouat Village mall. They learned how to make origami birds from the owner/artist. We saw Jim and Raphael, also Fritz and the Mastrandreas. We met at the ice cream shop. The post office was busy; however I bought 4 stamps at 43 cents each. Very nice personnel, good customer service. Henry and Jamie left earlier today on a day trip to Galiano Island. Rousseaus went out sailing after our trip to town. The folks from Bozeman, Montana (Fowlkes) arrived with their Ranger ready to launch. Unfortunately the ramp angle caused them to crack the rudder. They made a "quick fix" for under $10.00. They are geniuses. 8:30 p.m.- We had a community potluck and salmon dinner on the front dock. Jeff, our Dock Master, helped us get a huge table. We enjoyed fresh baked salmon, salad, French bread, fettuccine, sauteed zucchini and mushrooms, veggies and dip, Ranger cookies, oysters, grapes, etc. Great food and good conversation. Henry already exercising his authority referring to us as "his people...." Phil thoroughly confused us about a possible change of plans in our itinerary! Guess we'll just follow him! What a great day! 8:30 p.m - A visit from Ann, Sharon, Cindy, deciding how we could work in a stop at the outlet stores in Mt. Vernon. Jonathan F. passed around the candy (ate a few, too). 11:00 p.m. - Lights out. Wednesday, July 29, Ganges to Winter Cove ----------------------------------------- Doug & Sharon Kyle, _Silver Bullet_ ................................... The Ganges Marina has totally confounded the early risers. The bathrooms don't open until 8 a.m. The lineup started about 7:30 a.m. 8 a.m. - The sky is sunny and there is a moderate breeze from the northwest. Tarps and boom tents are disappearing and everyone is anxious to get underway. 10 a.m. - Left the dock and hoisted sail. A beautiful sail out until we reached Peile Point on Prevost. No wind.... We toughed it out and drifted around. Heard Jack Berg say he was going to sail around the point no matter what! 11:45 a.m. - We are 50 feet off Prevost with no wind so intend to try fishing while the sun bakes our bodies. 12:05 p.m. - A gorgeous sight! A parade of Rangers headed past Hawkins Island toward Navy Channel. The wind has filled in and all are moving well. We are going toward _Lille Baaden_ [to] sink a line. 1:30 p.m. - Phil caught 3 bottom fish (2 rock cod & 1 ling cod) and Larry caught 1 ling cod. We caught nothing and decided to troll for salmon while sailing for Winter Cove. The wind was fickle, ranging from 0 to 10 knots. One big gust caught us by surprise and our one and only fishing pole was jerked over the stern pulpit and sank--so much for fishing! 3:30 p.m. - Arrived Winter Cove and most Rangers were at anchor. We borrowed a foot pump from Ray Honsberger and inflated the dinghy. Once ashore we hiked to Boat Pass. Jack and Bobbie were brave souls and took their dinghy out at slack high tide. After 15 minutes they had a thrilling ride in. Ken Collier took his inflatable kayak halfway through against a strong current before giving up. 6:00 p.m. - All assembled ashore for refreshments and snacks as well as sailor's yarns. Top prize goes to the flying Flinns, Robb and Bennie, who took the _Clipper I_ through Active Pass! They hit strong winds, a rip tide, and huge waves that were reported to be between 8 and 20 feet high. Once in Georgia Strait they entered Winter Cove through Boat Pass. We are all in awe! Second prize goes to Jamie Schaup who fell backwards off the foredeck of _Adagio_ as she and Henry attempted to launch their dinghy. Other than a bruised pride, there was no serious injury. 8:00 p.m. - All returned to their floating Rangers to prepare dinner and savor the sunset. Thursday, July 30, Winter Cove to Port Browning ----------------------------------------------- Fritz Andrews and Rich Cargill, _Firm Ground_ ............................................. Seventeen Ranger 20s left Winter Cove after anchoring out during the night. Some had left by 7:30 a.m. (when we first peeked out from under the boom tent. We left at 10:30 a.m.--one of the last Rangers to leave. The destination for tonight is Port Browning on N. Pender Island--about 4 miles to cover today--bearing 180 degrees after clearing the reef(s) leaving Winter Cove. The reef was occupied by several families (groups, gaggles, congresses?) of seals. They apparently had already eaten their fill of salmon for breakfast. There were certainly no salmon for Rich to catch as we trolled slowly out to the channel. However, many hawks (8 to 9) were circling overhead as we left and a bald eagle flew close enough to be easily identified by Rich. Entering Plumper Sound and clearing Payne Point on Saturna Island revealed Mt. Baker off the port bow. It was shining in the sun, clearly visible until we were well into the entrance of Port Browning. The winds were good during the midmorning, but turned fluky as some of us stayed out in Plumper Sound to play. This wind drove the last of the fleet in by mid-afternoon. The direct route from Winter Cover to Port Browning was blocked by a huge merchant vessel that was unloading limestone or gypsum or some such material off its leeward side onto barges. It was making clouds of white dust that we felt should be avoided. Another merchant ship of some sort anchored a mile or so to starboard, but very visible, added additional man-made scenery to the natural view. There was no fuel or water at the marina! Someone in our group went to the village, 1/4 mile away, for supplies. So we did, after all, have a happy hour at 7 or so and then a dinner enjoyed by all. No distressing or unusual incidents reported today! But there is a surprise. Rich Cargill, Yakima, Washington, owner of a McGregor 26, signed up today as the newest member of Ranger Fleet One. We don't talk about it very much. Rich promised not to attend and compete against Ranger 20s at the Fiberglass Boat Show! Friday, July 31, Port Browning to Garrison Bay ---------------------------------------------- Steve and Shona Metz, _Someday_ ............................... Well, the alarm went off at 5 a.m. today. Time to head up to the cockroach showers. Yesterday Bennie saved a cockroach from drowning and then killed it! I had to get up early. Steve and I laid in our bunks blowing up latex balloons so we could decorate Dr. Jim's _Pas-ing Wind_ in celebration of his 30th birthday--again! Then we headed over to _Clipper I_ to help Robb and Bennie Flinn celebrate their 33rd wedding anniversary. The 1st mate on _Someday_ was up 'til the wee hours of the morning baking them carrot cake and pecan tarts, respectively! We all gathered next to _Pas-ing Wind_ and sang to Jim "Happy Birthday" (not once, but twice--seems as though the head chef and bottle washer, Rafael, couldn't get that camcorder out fast enough). Anyway the 2nd time was better! Maybe Rafael will send a copy of it to some record company in East L.A. and we'll become famous! From all of us to Dr. Jim, a happy, happy birthday, and a happy, happy anniversary to Robb and Bennie! After breakfast was served and dishes done, it is 8:30 a.m. and we are heading out of Port Browning Marina heading towards U.S. Customs at Roche Harbor. Coming down past the north end of Stuart Island heading southeast into Haro Strait giving Stuart and Spieden islands a wide berth because of the adverse currents. The sun is out and it is gorgeous. Phil and Ann really picked a wonderful week. Larry and Cheri on _Die Seglerin_ are parting from us and heading for Friday Harbor for the night. Those honeymooners--they are always taking those secret rendezvous! Ken on _For Sale_, was out early too. We noticed he was all spiffy this morning--going to pick up his fiancee at Roche Harbor and join us later. Here it is 11:30 a.m. and pulling into Roche Harbor. Lots of boats, lots of people, and some empty buoys! Ken, on _For Sale_, was anxious to get there and make contact (!?) with his finance, Karen, who was flying in. After tying up to a buoy, _Someday_, _For Sale_, and _Silver Bullet_ hailed the water taxi and headed up the hill for those "Fluffy Ducks." Aaah, they go down sooo smooth. Coming in behind were Mike and Kit, Evelyn and Larry and sons, John and Julie, and Robb and Bennie. Robb and Bennie had a wonderful experience. When asked at Customs what port they just came from, all Robb could say was, "I don't really know, but it had 2 eagles, great fish 'n' chips, and good beer!" Way to go Robb! After telling our great sailing-or-motoring experiences we stopped off and got a few supplies at the grocery store and headed towards Garrison Bay, with our 1st stop being Wescott Bay Oyster Co. for our yearly supply of oysters! After getting to hand-pick those jewels (I sure hope I get a pearl) we headed into Garrison Bay and dropped anchor. At least this anchoring experience was better--I may have gotten it down pat! Here we are 10 little Rangers all in a row! Some headed to shore and looked around English Camp and some just lounged around. Finally about 6:30 p.m. we could hear those oysters calling. Sharon and Doug and Jim and Rafa joined us for a birthday dinner and oyster BBQ aboard Someday. Rafael did his share of putting those slimy critters away! Seems as though the rest of us liked them cooked a little longer. But there's a strange one in every group! The winds picked up pretty well around 10:30 p.m. With company gone and the dishes picked up, we settled in for a long night. At 0-dark-thirty, Henry and Jamie passed us with the boom tent flapping and lights shining from every crevice looking for better anchoring. Everyone else seemed ok, but I'm sure all the captains kept a watchful eye. Heading for Deer Harbor tomorrow--hot tub, showers, and maybe even dinner out! Hopefully we will see Mike and Kit and Jeff, Cindy and Annie and John and Julie at Deer Harbor. Saturday, August 1, Garrison Bay to Deer Harbor ----------------------------------------------- Tom and Tom Ashley, _Windchime_ ............................... Early morning began with _Adagio_ moving to shallow water to permit inspection of a faulty engine. Fritz and Rich aboard _Firm Ground_ assisted by towing _Adagio_ off firm ground to the dinghy dock where mechanics could be better performed. Phil and Jack looked things over and found that a broken shear pin was the culprit. The Commodore was up to this and broke out the ole tool box and had _Adagio_ ready to go in minutes. We all got underway for Deer Harbor in a stiffening wind. We and the Metzes detoured into Roche Harbor for fuel and some great coffee. Then on to Deer Harbor. The voyage was not an enjoyable one in that we hit some rough seas and took on water in our inflatable. It began acting like a sea anchor and we were towing quite a load by the time we arrived at the marina at 1 p.m. Winds were gusting to 20 knots. We found that Mike and Kit, John and Julie, and Jeff, Cindy, and Annie had departed earlier for Anacortes. Spent the afternoon cleaning the inflatable and the boat, also got a shower. Sun broke out about 2 p.m. We all trekked to the Deer Harbor Inn for dinner and had a merry time. The food was excellent with the bread and soup leading the way. We all enjoyed the presentation of a bungy cord--very much used--to the soon-to-be new commodore, Henry Schaup, by Steve Metz. Henry's response was equally entertaining. Following dinner several of our groups headed for the hot tub, but found the power out. Next best thing was to sit on the patio and tell stories. It was early to bed for most of us, around 10 p.m. as we expected to rise early tomorrow for the trip to Anacortes to complete the cruise. Lights out! Sunday, August 2, Deer Harbor and Beyond ---------------------------------------- Tom and Tom Ashley continue the adventure! .......................................... Up early, good breakfast and underway by 6:20 a.m. Our destination is quite different from the other boats'. We all crossed Rosario Strait in good weather with no current problems. We took camcorder shots of several boats in a group and hope the tape turns out well. Boats began turning off to enter Anacortes around 10:15 a.m. We continued on our course through the Swinomish Channel (strong current) and stopped at LaConner to refuel! We tried sailing after turning south out of the channel but the wind was too weak. We motored throughout the day and found moorage available at the Langley Marina at 5 p.m. A total of 55 nautical miles for the day. Early start the next morning. Monday, August 3, Langley to Des Moines --------------------------------------- Left Langley at 7 a.m. Beautiful day. Found many fishing boats off Possession Point and we joined the crowd. We trolled for an hour and saw only one fish caught. Wind too light to sail, so motored whole day. Weather could not have been better. Got into the Des Moines public dock about 5 p.m. and obtained guest moorage. Tom Jr. packed his gear and got off here. I stayed overnight at this place which is not far from the marina. Tuesday August 4, Des Moines to Fairharbor Marina ------------------------------------------------- Up at 5:15 a.m. and straight to the marina. Tom Jr. helped me cast off and I was underway at 6:05 a.m. Needed early start in order to be in the Tacoma Narrows at approximately 9:15 a.m.--good current going south at the time. Made it just fine and motoring. After clearing the Narrows the wind picked up and I close-hauled for over two hours to enter the channel between McNeil and Anderson islands. From then on I motored and sailed as the wind permitted. Arrived at home port--Fairharbor Marina at Grapeview at 4 p.m. Had been aboard the boat for two weeks even. It was a great experience made possible by the caliber of people in the "club." May thanks to Phil and Ann for a job well done! Hope to see all of you next year.... Footnote -------- Thanks to everyone who so graciously took the time to write about their experiences this year. It was a most enjoyable cruise, great people, good weather and magnificent scenery--what more could a boater ask for other than if his first and only mate would leave the hamburger helper at home next trip! Thanks to all who helped in the planning. It truly was a group (sic) trip. -- Phil & Ann Rousseau (_Lille Baaden_), Cruise Organizers The Lost Boat ------------- Peter Eddy and Bonnie ..................... (You probably noticed that one of the earliest digest entries mentions a missing couple. Well, they are safe and sound. Here is their account of what happened.) Left Mt. Shasta at 4:30 and spent the night near Portland in the boat. Saturday: We arrived in Anacortes at about 12:00. Went shopping for supplies. Put in the harbor at about 2 p.m. Pete tried fishing, but no luck. Arrived at Blakely Island at 6:30 p.m. Met 20 other Ranger boats. Had a great barbecue and chat with the people. Got ideas for the boat, etc. Sunday: Left early in the a.m., we were the last ones out. Were supposed to meet the other boats in Canada at Bedwell Harbor. Pete and I got lost, ended up on the other side of San Juan Island. Stayed the night in Wescott Bay. It was real nice there. There is an oyster and clam farm there. Monday: Got up in the morning and went in on the raft. We went for a 10-mile run. Were supposed to run to Roche Harbor, but took a wrong turn. Went back to the boat and headed out to Roche Harbor to get supplies. Was the best place to buy on this trip. Headed to Vancouver Island. Went through customs in Sidney. Went around the Island to find a place to sleep, as were were headed to Butchart Gardens. Found a nice cove to sleep in. It was a little rocky that night. Tuesday: Got up real early to go to Butchart Gardens. They have a water entry there. Tied up to a buoy, inflated boat and went to the dock to enter Gardens. Spent a couple of hours there, then went over to Brentwood Harbor. Took a bus to Victoria, known as one of the great cities of the western world. Toured around and had a wonderful time. Spent the night in Brentwood, a real nice harbor. There are additional marinas you are able to dock your boat and spend the night at. A very nice area for shopping, groceries, etc. You are able to walk to everything. Wednesday: Sailed to Pender Island. Anchored out in the bay. Also had a good run. A very expensive place. Thursday: Sailed to Sucia Island. Stayed in Harbor. Never got off the boat, but wish we did. Heard there is a lot to see. Friday: Sailed to Cypress. Stayed on the northeast part of the island. A very nice picnic area, bathroom, tables, etc. Hiked up to Eagle Cliff. You could see all of the islands and waterways. Was a spectacular sight. Saw deer. Was a very rough night for sleeping. Saturday: Left early in the a.m. to head home. Arrived in Anacortes about 11 a.m. Was so busy and we did all the wrong things--didn't take the mast down, didn't check into customs, etc. Went to the art fair in town. It was very nice. Headed home and arrived in Mt. Shasta at 2 a.m. THE END Footnote2 (2005) ---------------- This cruise was the inspiration and the model for our 2005 National Cruise. Thanks to Jamie Schaup (_Adagio_ in 1992; _Jules_ in 2005) for computerizing this from a paper copy. Just more of the Schaups' excellent and selfless leadership of this year's cruise--EVEN AFTER THE FACT! --Webmaster