Journey is a 53.3 ft. boat (no..,it's really a yacht). It is an Ocean Alexander (a brand of boat) with exquisite features and layout. It is powered by twin 450 hp engines, with 38" propellors and has both a flybridge and steering deck. When they told us we would have our own stateroom and bathroom, I figured we were on a cruise ship! We almost got lost figuring out how to get to all of the different levels of this boat! It's amazing, and comfortable, and awesome! We were presented with our Journey-designated attire (Jim a hat, me a shirt) and christened as matey's aboard the Journey.
Jim took a tour of the engine room (you can almost stand up in there!) and it was as clean as a whistle! This baby carries 700 gallons of diesel fuel and 200 gallons of water.
We stayed on the boat overnight to get an early start on Tuesday morning. Other than the party boat moored next door, it was quiet and peaceful in the marina. (The partiers finally went home, thank goodness. It reminded us of being at the racetrack the night before a race!)
We took off at 6:30 am, on Tuesday morning and I was so impressed that Captain Rick didn't even have to touch the steering wheel to maneuver the boat from the slip out into the open water. He used the engine throttles and thrusters to turn and direct the boat.
We watched the sun come up, and we were the only boat on the water for quite a while! It was a beautiful cool morning, and so exciting to sit up top and watch our journey unfold, as we sipped on our coffee and talked about what a blessing it is to be able to experience this!
You could also lounge in the back on a comfy couch and watch the wake created by the dual engines.
Although the day started with sunshine, soon the clouds and fog rolled in and added some excitement to the trip! The water became rough; add to that the rip tides coming in, and it gave Captain Rick some extra challenges to work through. He managed quite well, thanks to his skills, radar (and good first mates!).
Navigation through the area includes charting a course, watching for other boats, ferries and debris in the water, as well as staying on course. Basic tools are maps, binoculars, GPS, radar and good ol eyes!
Our route took us around several small islands with some turns to follow the water passages that wind through the islands. As we passed under the Deception Bay bridge, it was almost eerie, but beautiful, as the fog surrounded us. Here's a front and rear view.
After 7 hourse of travel, we made it to our destination...Roche Harbor in the San Juan Islands. It's a stone's throw from the Canadian border--in fact they have a customs office on the dock! By the time we arrived, the fog had lifted and the sun was out. It's interesting how things work with taking a boat into a marina. You must call in on the radio to let them know you're approaching, and whether you have a reservation. The radio operator responds, providing information on your mooring assignment, and which way you will tie up. i.e. Stern in, port tie up, or bow in, starboard tie up. It was quite busy, a little hectic, and very interesting to hear the operator handle the boat traffic coming in, while working to get everyone in the proper place.
The Harbor is beautiful, and there are lots and lots of boats here. Lots of big boats and really big boats!
Roche Harbor was once an area where lime was quarried and transported to kilns where it was processed. At one time Roche Harbor was the largest producer of lime west of the Mississippi! The old kilns (built by the British in the 1800's) are still on the property.
The area is a great vacation spot for families--there is a pool, and even a pickleball court! The old hotel overlooks the harbor. It seems to be a great setting for weddings and family reunions.
Another interesting sight was the Phecal Phreak! (check out their motto on the sign!) This specially equipped boat provides a "service" for boats who need it. We frequently see these "honey dippers" at the race tracks to service motorhomes, but I have never seen it for boats! I guess everybody needs a little help sometimes!
We took the dinghy out and putted through the marina to look at the boats, We had fun seeing the different boat names: Playbook, Phantom of the Sea, Playpen, Longshot, Whale Tale, Spin Cycle, Show me the Money, Job Site, Take Five, Second Thought, Dawg Gone, Coupon Clipper are just a few. Think of the fun the owners had coming up with the names and christening their boat. There are no two boats alike..each has her own special character...including Journey.
We had dinner at the waterside restaurant, enjoying the good food, great atmosphere and views of the harbor.
In Roche Harbor, there is a 61 year old tradition to retire the colors at sunset. Young employees form the color guard to perform the colorful ceremony, as boaters and tourists gather around. We watched it from the dinghy--quite impressive! They lowered the Canadian flag to "Oh Canada", the British flag to "God Save our Queen" and the American flag to taps. At the end, all the boats blew their horn and applauded.
We witnessed a beautiful sunset to close out a journey full of adventure on Journey!
You could also lounge in the back on a comfy couch and watch the wake created by the dual engines.
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