Jupiter’s mariners returned to Bellingham seven weeks later than expected owing to societal complications and closures from Covid-19.
After nearly six months absence we rejoined our fair vessel, and found her fully serviced, fueled, cleaned and polished to near perfection; ready to cruise.
Our pre-pandemic itinerary would have carried Jupiter north and west to the ragged outer edges of British Columbia and Southeastern Alaska in early May. Now an alternative strategy must steer us in new directions.
Turning Left
But wherever to explore with the Canadian border closed to non-essential travel? Departing Bellingham Bay, we have always turned right. Not this time. Not now, not yet.
The international border opening has been pressed back month by month and is currently promised to be reviewed again by July 21st. So we shall turn left, to the San Juan Islands and beyond, into the heart of Puget Sound. It is rumored that beautiful waters, interesting geology, diverse wildlife, and intriguing communities rich in history exist along this coast without regard for man-made frontiers.
Sucia Island, our first destination, is an anchorage so close to the BC border that American cell phones are often hijacked by powerful Canadian services whose raptorial bandwidths forage deeply into US territorial waters.
Canadian geese also are observed moving freely and gratuitously between countries, canardian passports not required.
Jupiter on anchor in Echo Bay. Mount Baker in the distance.
Pressed Against the Glass
From Sucia and environs one can see Vancouver Island with her peaks and charming quays and bays in the unattainable distance. Like hungry children, faces pressed against the storefront glass, we gaze covetously at seductive sweets and treats lying therein. All is beyond reach for now.
Whoa, Canada!
There’s a land above the border northwest
Where Jupiter is rarely at rest
The border is closed and the crew is disposed
To stay south and avoid an arrest
We are not alone in our quest to travel north. A survey of boats currently cruising in British Columbia shows oceans of Canadian registered vessels, while many American flagged boats lie listlessly in marinas to the south side of the line.
What we are waiting for is not as important
as what happens to us while we wait.
Mandy Hale
So glad to see you aboard with the monkeys wide eyed for as lookouts. All they need is a spy glass. The sky looks bright for adventure. Miss you . Enjoy.
We miss you too, but very happy to be back in the PNW and afloat!
Wonderful to hear that Jupiter and her stalwart crew will, yet again, be off and away in pursuit of new adventures! As Always, you are missed here in what is a Very Different Maine. Covid is having a massive impact here in many ways … not the least of which are severely reduced tourism (due to the mandatory 14 day quarantine for visitors ‘from away’), restaurants just now opening up and deeply depressed lobster prices which are causing many lobstermen not launching their boats this season (the offsetting ‘benefit’ for us cruisers being very few lobster pots in the water).
Even Keel has been in the water since April and the Sally W was splashed just 2 weeks ago. Last weekend there was some excitement at Wayfarer … there was a 2 alarm fire at the Rhumb Line which did significant damage to the interior of the buildings adding to the difficulties this year.
Here’s hoping all is well with you! Here’s to a good season on the water …
Cheers!!!
Bob and Vicki
Thanks for the update on Maine. We’re finding the world to be strange here also.
Cheers from Oregon wine country, south of Portland.
So glad to hear you are on your way. I will always temember the balloon ride over Aspen, when Don was your photographer and we celebrated with champagne at Buttermilk where I was a ski photographer. 30 years later, it will be fun to track you guys living the dream. Stay safe and enjoy some kayaking in the San Juans.
Annie
Newberg, Oregon
30
Annie – great to hear from you. Wonderful memories of Aspen ballooning days, and now very happy to be exploring the great PNW on Jupiter.
Quarantined for weeks on end, poor me
It seems socialization is just not to be
We have searched in vain
For something to entertain
Ahoy, Mateys, Jupiter is at sea!
Thanks Paula –
At sea we are unafraid
While on land is a
Frustrating maskerade!
Great to hear you guys are back on the water and reunited with Jupiter. Judging from the map though, it looks like that darn Canadian border has kinda got you hemmed in. You’re as close as you can get….All dressed up and no place to go. I guess it’s turn left and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Olympic Peninsula, and beyond. Or hang out in the San Juan’s and Puget sound until the border opens. There’s certainly worst places to be stuck. Regardless, it’s great to hear you guys are doing well. Have fun and safe travels.
Love and best regards from SugarLand TX
Dana & Kathy
Thanks, SugarLanders! Lots of big water in Washington to explore.
I’ ll be watching.
Have a great trip.
Love Mum
Thanks Mum! Glad to know you have your eye on us. Happy Birthday!