Cruise North 2008 Recommendations

Transportation Options

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Traveling by ferry is a great way to see the PNW. You can have a great time on one ferry ride, or traveling for weeks or months throughout the PNW via ferries.

Washington State Ferries

BC Ferries

Alaska Ferries

Alaska Airlines

Don't miss

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While we are continually learning insights from others, we find we are frequently asked for our recommendations. As such, we've posted insight on some of our favorite "don't miss" places to see in the PNW, as well as some of our favorite items to provision a boat with.

This info is not complete. Please check back later, for more info.

PLACES
SE ALASKA
- Wrangell
- Peterberg
- Sitka
- Ketchikan
- Meyers Chuck
- Glacier Bay
- Tracy Arm
- Pack Creek
- Anan
- Codville Lagoon
- Khutze
-

BRITISH COLUMBIA
- Vancouver Island
- Gulf Islands
- Desolation Sound
- The Broughtons

WASHINGTON
- Anacortes, WA
- San Juan Islands

PROVISIONING
- Galley Items

BOAT TRANSPORTATION

MISC ITEMS

OTHER TRANSPORTATION INFO
- Washington State Ferries
- Alaska State Ferries
- BC Ferries
- Alaska Airlines

Boat Maintenance

2008-09-12T18:03:00.000-07:00

Boat maintenance is a demanding job, that never stops. We are always trying new products and services, seeking out the best. Technology changes and constantly improves products. More products are coming to market that are environmentally friendly, which is important to keep our waters healthy.

We have not yet made a complete list of our favorite products, so please check back.

Brite Boy

Mermaid Cleaning Products
We fell in love with Mermaid Cleaning Products several years ago. While all their products are great, their plastic cleaner really helped us on our PNW cruise this year. It really worked to keep our vinyl windows clean. While I have typically used this product, after a fresh water wash down, this trip I found I needed to clean the windows when I didn't have access to fresh water. Fortunately, the Mermaid Plastic Cleaner came thru and cleaned the windows, including the salt build up, without any streaking or damage to the windows. Thank you Mermaid Cleaning Products! These products are sold in many stores, but we tend to find them at West Marine.
http://www.mermaid.com/

Vancouver Island

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Campell River

Maple Bay

Nanaimo
Transportation: Take the 1/1A or the 2/2A bus to shopping.

Costco, Wal-Mart, Canadian Tire, Canadian Superstore, Thrifty Foods.

Sidney

Victoria
Dutch Bakery on Forte Street

Gulf Islands, British Columbia

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Salt Spring Island
- Ganges: Farmers' Markets on Saturdays are quite fun. Many crafts people on the island show off their wares.

Saturna Island
- Saturna Island Winery
- Lyall Harbor is a great place to anchor. Take your dinghy to the docks near the ferry terminal and enjoy a nice walk on Saturna Island.

Misc Items

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Reliefband Device
by Woodside Biomedical
Carlsbad, CA 92008 USA
1-760-804-6902
We keep two Reliefband Devices on our boat, at all times. While we rarely find we need them, it is a great relief to know they are there. We have frequently used them when we've taken guests on board, who find themselves queezy. It seems within a few minutes of wearing the Reliefband Device they are feeling better and truly able to enjoy the cruise. For the times when we have actually been seasick, while cruising, we were very happy with how quickly these devices made us feel better and that the solution is not based on drugs, and can be used as long as necessary. From our perspective, they are a must to have on board.

http://www.reliefband.com/main.html

Totally Chocolate, www.totallychocolate.com They make excellent Belgium chocolate and can create beautiful, yet tasty, chocolate cards, with your boat image engraved.

Verizon
Verizon provides great phone coverage for Washington, British Columbia and Alaska.

Wilbur Yachts. What can we say, but we love our Wilbur. A perfect boat for cruising the PNW, as well as many other places in the world!

Anacortes, WA

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Anacortes, WA is a great starting point for cruising the PNW. It is also a great place to visit, even if you don't come by a boat. You can get to Anacortes, WA by car (off of I-5) or airplane with flights into Seattle, WA.

Teriyaki Time, 910 llth Street, Suice C, Anacortes, WA98221 (360) 8025). Makes an excellent stir fry at a reasonable price. Great take out for eating on the boat too!

Port of Anacortes. The Cap Sante Marina has excellent restrooms, showers and laundry facilities. It is also located very close to a good size Safeway, close to a West Marine, and nearby restaurats.

Anacortes Public Library. An excellent public library which provides free WIFI and has an excellent CD collection.

Anaco Inn
Our favorite place to stay in Anacortes. Great location, friendly staff, clean rooms, and they provide a wonderful continental breakfast in a nice sunny room.

The Washington State Ferry provides great service from Anacortes to the San Juan Islands.

Deception Pass
Great place to visit and spend time beachcombing, but you really need to have a car to get there.

Hiking
There are several trails that provide easy hiking in the Anacortes area. One of our favorites is near the Cap Sante Marina (NE end), as it provides a great view to Mt. Baker and nearby waters. http://www.usablewebs.com/sally/anacortes/hiking.html

You can also have fun exploring street artwork displayed on various buildings in Anacortes. All excellent!

Galley Items

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Click Clack is a great place to purchase Strahl beverageware and other items for the boat.

Evert Fresh / Green Bags, great for keeping produce fresh for extended cruising and/or at home in the fridge. A must have on board, from our experience.

Glaceau Vitamin Water
We love the refreshing taste of Glaceau Vitamin Water. It is even better to drink knowing it has vitamins and a great taste. We always take Glaceau Vitamin Water with us on our cruises, as well as enjoy at home.
http://www.vitaminwater.com/

Kettle Potato Chips
By Kettle Foods. These potato chips are are favorite. Great quality and excellent packaging. We've found their packaging to really protect against moisture in a marine environment. They are always crisp when we open a bag, even if we've had the bag on board our boat for several months. We love all the flavors, but try their new Chipotle Chips....and look for our name on the package!!!
http://www.kettlefoods.com/

Cruising Material

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CRUISING MATERIAL

Fine Edge Publications: Make great planning maps (e.g. The Inside Passage South, North, Alaska & Canada).

Boat Transportation

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WAVE MAKER BOAT & AUTO TRANSIT LLC
14300 CEMETERY RD
FORT MYERS,FL 33905
MC# 596652
Tel:239-246-7877 Fax:239-694-2624

Desolation Sound

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Pender Harbor- IGA Marketplace is a great place to provision the boat.

Princess Louisa Inlet

Squirrel Cove,

Vancouver Island

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Campbell River

Maple Bay

Nanaimo

Port McNeil- Visit the worlds largest burl
- Take a ferry to Alert Bay.

Sidney
- Thrifty Foods is a great place to provision
- Night Markets on Thursday nights, during the summer, is quite fun. Highly recommend it.

Victoria
- Visit the BC Museum
- Dutch Bakery on Fort Street is an excellent place to purchase baked goods, as well as enjoy a nice meal.

The Broughtons, British Columbia

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There are many, many wonderful places to visit in The Broughtons. We can understand why many boaters like to come here and stay for the entire summer, every year, or at least a month. We've just scratched the door of a few stops in The Broughtons. These waters will certainly be an area that we focus on, when we cruise the PNW next time. But for now, "every" place we visited in The Broughtons was absolutely wonderful. While we tend to prefer to be on anchor, more of our time in The Broughtons were spent visiting "resorts". All were wonderful, but the ones that will remain in our nautical souls, forever are:

JENNIS BAY

KWATSI BAY

LAGOON COVE, BC
One of the friendliest places to visit. They have a great happy hour where the owners provide the tastiest shrimp in BC and all the boaters bring a dish to share. Great opportunity to meet other cruisers, whom you'll most likely meet again during the cruise season (we did).

SHOAL BAY, BC

Shoal Bay Lodge, East Thurlow Island, BC. A beautiful destination spot for boaters. Great pub, with a feeling of enjoying being in the home of a close friend. We highly encourage anyone with a chance to stop by and visit. This is not a large scale commercial operation where you'll feel like you are helping with the bottom line. Great views, very relaxing, very friendly & warm environment. And, you can have the opportunity to dig in the garden, mow the law, or help build something that will last thru time! And, at a minimum, you'll go away with a reminder of what life on earth is supposed to be about. Take time & enjoy what time you have and make a difference! Mark MacDonald is certainly doing just that!

Wrangell, Alaska

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Library
- An outstanding library a short walking distance from the harbor. Does not have WIFI access, but does have PCs that can be scheduled for use up to one hour for free.
- Take time to read a book published by John Muir called "Stikine". You may never find this book again, and it won't take too long to read in the library.
- http://www.wrangell.com/government/departments/articles/index.cfm?Department=22

Petroglyph Park
- Worth the time for a visit as it provides a nice walk on the beach. Remember to bring your mud boots and try to visit at low tide. Great beach exploration area.

Wrangell Museum
- From our perspective, we view this museum to be the best museum in SE Alaska. A must see.

Petersburg, Alaska

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www.petersburg.org

Fabric Basket
- great quilt shop on Nordic Drive
- Even if you are not a quilter this is a great place to visit.
- And if you are a quilter you might want to visit in August. They hold an annual quilt camp retreat in Petersburg.

Wild Cat Quilts
This long arm quilting store is a must to visit when in Petersburg! Grozyna, the owner, is very artistic and an exceptional long arm quilter. Many customers even ship their quilt tops to her for machine quilting. I know I'm going to!
http://www.wildcatquilts.com/

Glacier Laundry
- on Nordic Drive, besides being a great place to do laundry it is the work place of my favorite dog in Alaska. This black lab does the best job of playing dead, when you point and say "bang bang", that I've ever seen.

Public Library
- located on Nordic Drive. Provides free WIFI access. Great selection of books, magazines, newspapers, CDS and DVDs.

Pilot Publishing,
- great local newspaper.

Radio Station: 101.7 - great local radio

Sitka, Alaska

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Alaska Raptor Center
The Alaska Raptor Center borders the Tongass National Forest. Nearby are some delightful hiking trails, with babbling streams. There are various raptors at the center, which you can view up close. And, you'll certainly come away with a better appreciation for these birds.

Ludwig's Bistro, in Sitka, Alaska. We had received many recommendations from other boaters and Alaskans and we felt this was one of our best dinners ever. Definitely not a place to miss. The best part of Sitka. http://www.ludvigsbistro.com/menus.nxg

Public Library- located near downtown this library has a great selection of books, magazines, newspapers, CDs and DVDs. It also provides free wifi access. And, it has a wonderful view of one of the harbors.

Sitka National Historical Park
This beautiful park, near the harbor, offers easy walking trails through the forest. A number of totem poles are located throughout the park, which was originally a Tlinget Fort (First Nations).

Ketchikan, Alaska

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BURGER QUEEN
One of the best hamburger joints in SE Alaska. Also serves great salads, fish & chips, and many other tasty items on the menu. They'll also deliver to your boat. Off of Tongass Ave, near the tunnel, at 518 Water St, Ketchikan, AK 99901 (907) 225-6060

OCEAN VIEW RESTAURANT
An excellent restaurant with a large menu of Italian & Mexican dishes, with some wonderful seafood. Great service and reasonably priced. Highly recommended as a don't miss. Short walking distance south of Bar Harbor Marina, 1831 Tongass Ave, Ketchikan, AK 99901, (907) 225-7566‎

PUBLIC LIBRARY
Located near Creek Street, in the downtown area of Ketchikan. This library has an excellent collection of books, magazines, newspapers, CDs and DVDs. It does not provide WIFI access, but has computers you can reserve for 20 minutes. Unfortunately the que time can be especially long, due to cruise ship passengers in town. But the library also provides a delightful view of the Creek, so at a minimum check out the library for this delightful view. And if you are desperate for internet access consider signing up for PC time, and doing some reading or shopping while you wait.

REFINERS ROAST COFFEE HOUSE
In the Plaza Shopping Mall, behind Safeway, near Bar Harbor Marina there is a delightful coffee shop that serves a large selection of coffees, teas, hot chocolate, desserts and sandwiches. Plus they have free wifi. 907) 247-6652
3648 Tongass Ave, Ketchikan, AK 99901

SILVER THIMBLE
A delightful quilt shop that is a must see for quilters and a even a great shop for non-quilters to visit.
Beatriz Torres Gale, Owner
5 Salmon Landing, Ste. 204
Ketchikan, AK 99901
907-225-5422
email: silverthimble @k punet.net http://www.silverthimblealaska.com/
HIKING IN THE KETCHIKAN AREA:

1. Ketchikan - Carlanna Lake, Minerva Mountain - Go to roughly 55° 21.34'N 131° 41.6'W (Canyon Road), this becomes an uphill gravel road leading to the lake. Supposedly, if you go to the east side of the lake and go uphill, you encounter a trail that ascends Minerva Mountain, east of the lake. (The latter not located or walked yet). Thanks to Paul Lutus on M.V. TEACUP

2. Connell Lake Trail - Trailhead can be accessed by driving up the Ward Lake Road, past the Ward Lake Recreation Area, and turning into the Connell Lake Dam parking area. Trail is 2.0 miles in length and easy access along the shore of Connell Lake for berry picking, fishing, nature study, and camping. Reconstructed in 1998. Fully maintained.

3. Ketchikan - Deer Mountain Trail - - Tongass National Forest - A short day hike (3.1 miles) offers a splendid view of the island. The first overlook is one mile from the trailhead. Additional 2 miles to Blue Lake high alpine meadow - wildflowers. The trail to the 3,000 foot summit is suitable for moderately experienced climbers. Hikers are cautioned to please stay on the trail. Past Deer Mt. summit for experienced hikers only. Not well marked. Have topo map. Exceptionally dramatic scenery. From Fair Street, SW side of town, follow Ketchikan Lakes Road to the Deer Mountain parking lot trailhead.

4. Deer, Silvis, John Trail - The Deer Mountain Trailhead is reached by heading south on Tongass Highway 1/2 mile to Tatsuda's Supermarket. Turn left onto Deermount St. Follow Deermount until it dead ends at T-intersection. Turn right at T, and proceed 1/4 mile to 1st left. Trailhead will be immediately on your right. Trail length is 9.9 miles from City of Ketchikan to Lower Silvis Lake. This trail is rated most difficult. It ascends steeply from the Ketchikan Trailhead to a spectacular overlook of Ketchikan and the surrounding area. It is a 2.5 mile hike to the Deer Mountain Recreation Cabin. From there, experienced hikers can continue past the summit. The trail crosses high alpine ridges and can be dangerous due to elevation and poor weather conditions. It is not well marked as it approaches Silvis Lakes. Dramatic alpine scenery makes the hike well worth the effort. Reconstruction of the first mile of the Deer Mountain Trail is just being completed.

5. Ketchikan Area, Herring Cove. Great place to pick berries and walk along the wetlands.

6. Ketchikan Area, George Inlet Cannery – Beaver Falls, hike to Lower Silvi Lake and/or Upper Silvis Lake.

7. Ketchikan - Married Men's Trail - short trail from Creek Street to Ted Ferry Civic Center. Ask for "Ketchikan Walking Tour Map" at Visitors Bureau. Visit the Totem Park and the Fish Hatchery along the Creek.

8. Ketchikan - Nature Trail - short self-guided trail on the grounds of the Totem heritage Center.

9. Ketchikan - Rainbird Trail - Go to roughly 55° 21.332'N, 131° 40.613"W on a small college campus, at the north end of College Court, between the buildings on an ascending staircase. Climb the hill on a reasonably well-marked trail, you will encounter a large, relatively flat trail that leads SE. this trail terminates toward the SE with a nice view, at 55° 20.913'N, 131° 39.567'W, and joins a road at that end. This trail is much better developed toward the SE than the NW, and the Delorme map shows parts of this trail that no longer exist at the NW end. Thanks to Paul Lutus on M.V. TEACUP

10. Ketchikan Area, Settlers Cove – Lunch Falls Loop Trail and Lunch Creek Hike.

11. Ketchikan Area, Tongass National Forest - Bailey Bay - 2.2 mile trail to Lake Shelokum, stream impassable at high water. First part of trail is steep, rest easy. Ledge crosses over stream - can be hazardous with lots of rain. Trail goes to shelter & hotsprings at north end of lake.

12. Ketchikan Area, Tongass National Forest - Fish Creek - Gokachin Lake Trail to Star Lake

13. Ketchikan Area, Tongass National Forest - Ice House Cove - 2.5 mile Black Mountain Trail to Snag Lake

14. Ketchikan Area, Tongass National Forest - Klu Bay - trail 1.2 miles to Orchard Lake

15. Ketchikan Area, Tongass National Forest - Short Bay - trail to Reflection Lake . The Forest Service maintains more than 400 miles of paths in the Tongass.

16. Ketchikan Area, Ward Cove – several hikes branch out of Ward Lake: Connell Lake Trail, Ward Creek Trail, Perseverance Lake. You should be able to catch a public bus to Ward Cove. Trail traversing 1.3 miles around Ward Lake located 8 miles north of Ketchikan by road. Trail is gravel surfaced and easy to hike. Signs interpreting old-growth forests are located along the trail. This is a heavily used trail connecting all of the facilities located around Ward Lake including campgrounds, picnic areas, and fishing sites. Perseverance Trail - 2.3 miles from trailhead to Perseverance Lake. Trailhead located approximately 8 miles drive from Ketchikan, across the road from the Ward Lake Recreation Area, near the entrance to 3 C's Campground. Trail provides easy hiking access to fishing in Perseverance Lake, berry picking, and camping

17. Ketchikan Area, Wolf Lake Trail - Trailhead is located 15 air miles north of Ketchikan in Moser Bay. 2.6 miles in length. Provides access to a 1930's vintage Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) 3-sided shelter at the outlet of Wolf Lake. Access to trout fishing and hunting. This is a primitive trail accessed by boat or plane. The creek between upper and lower Wolf Lakes must be forded.

Provisioning

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Costco in Burlington is a great place to provision boats in Anacortes, WA. There is also a Costco in Nanaimo, BC and another in Juneau, Ak.

Fred Meyers in Burlington is a great place to provision boats in Anacortes, WA.

WalMart in Burlington is another great place to shop when provisioning a boat in Anacortes. There are also many other WalMarts in the PNW, frequently making them great places for boaters to pick up items while cruising the PNW.

Canadian Superstore
This is a wonderful store to buy items for the galley (and home), as well as many other items. There prices are so good, that boaters often find remote stores in Desolation Sound, Gulf Islands, and the Broughtons, have actually purchased items from the Canadian Superstore and are reselling them at 2-4X the original price.

They have one of the best produce, meat, and bakery sections I've seen in any store in BC. But I really love their "President's Choice" brand (aka generic brand), which label is on many items that I've always found to be very tasty and excellent pricing. I picked even picked up some granola cereal and various sauces, to be able to enjoy once we get home. Oh, I'll definitely miss shopping at the Canadian Superstore...just wish they had one in Southern California!http://www.superstore.ca/

Canadian Tire
This is a great store that stocks just about everything, but is a great place to pick up diesel oil for the boat, as well as other items for the galley. Boaters have the easiest access to this great store in Campbell River, but also via bus 1/1A in Nanaimo.

Thrifty Foods
This is a great store that is of good size, with a nice produce, meat, and bakery. They are located in many places in BC, but I'm more familiar with locations in Ganges (Salt Spring Island), Ladysmith (Vancouver Island), Sidney (Vancouver Island)
www.thriftyfoods.com

Note: checklist for provisioning to be inserted later, so checkback