Hi Ron & Cat,

We are not local Pacific northwest sailors but, for a total of five months we sailed the Islands during the summer months of 2000 & 2001. We plan on returning during 2003. I will give you the short list, then will be glad to talk to you off line for the details so I won't bore everyone and cause those that are lucky enough to still be sailing to fall overboard. We are from NM and are used to a different environment than what the NW has to offer.

1. Invest in a good pair of long johns and dress in layers because temperatures change significantly during the day whether on land or sailing.
2. Use good quality rainwear, because it will rain. Take along good books to read & games for bad weather.
3. Be sure to have good ground tackle. Some anchorage's require lots of rode (20-60 feet depths, with large tidal ranges--some up to 15 feet).
4. Get a good cruising guide, like Wagoner. This book is also helpful in telling you where you can get provisions--an important issue as not all islands have grocery stores. Also get some good charts, like Maptech (book) Pacific Northwest Region 15.
5. Get a good current and tide book. I like the Current Atlas (the Canadian one) because all you have to do is look at the size of the arrows for the day and time. It is real easy. You will use this with Washburne's Tables for the current year.
6. Expect to see a lot of marine life. We got lucky our first time out and saw three different pods of Orcas up close and personal. The scenery, especially in the Gulf Islands, is spectacular, and it only gets better the further north you go. And the people are terrific, especially the Canadians. There is so much to see and do it is unbelievable.
7. At many marine parks, there will be buoys, dock space, showers, etc.
8. Wagoner's Cruising Guide will also tell you what you can and cannot take across the border, and will tell you the places where you can clear customs and how to do so.
8. Consider using credit cards in Canada as the exchange rate is, or at least was when we were there, very good, and the charges to the credit card use the exchange rate that is in effect on the day and time you purchase things. I could go on for hours about specific towns and anchorage's you need to see and experience. I hope some local folks will expand on this. You will have a great time just pay attention plan each days travel in advance, have alternatives in case the weather deteriorates, and read your charts carefully just like you would for any place you travel.

Fred
derfsails@aol.com