[C320-list] The beauty of the Northwest

[Jack Brennan via C320-list]

For those of you who live in the northwest part of North America, I have to compliment you on the beauty of your cruising grounds.

We recently (and somewhat reluctantly) took a cruise ship from Vancouver to Seward with two other couples, recognizing that at this stage of our lives, this was the only way we were ever going to see that country.

Wow. Everywhere I looked, I was dreaming of sailing up the Inland Passage among the mountainous islands. A bonus was seeing those big orca fins cruising the sounds. We even saw the Hubbard glacier, which is huge and growing even in these days of climate change.

I was impressed by the number of sailboats I saw all the way up to Seward although, like most places these days, the majority were tied up at the dock instead of out cruising.

The downside was that every stop was overwhelmed by the cruise ships. Going ashore was a questionable move because the towns were crowded with made-in-Asia trinket shops and overpriced french fry meals. But I suppose that happens everywhere. I've sworn off trips to Key West for the same reason.

We also got socked by covid. Everyone on the ship thought a moderate cough was working its way around, but it turned out to be the newest evolution of covid. Not terrible, but long lasting. I still have a mild cough on day 12.

Anyhow, I checked a box on the bucket list. And everyone agreed that the sights were worth a few days of coughing. One day, I even saw a Catalina, possibly a 320 but maybe a 350.

Jack Brennan
Sonas, 1998 Catalina 320
Tierra Verde, Fl.

[Greg Flanagan via C320-list]

Thanks much Jack,

Yes we are extremely lucky to live here and own a 320. We have sailed down to Olympia at the bottom of Pudget Sound up to Port MacNeil on the inside passage and all the San Juan and Gulf islands and many others here in the Pacific NW. Many times in 40+ years. We have also cruised with Maple Leave Adventures to Haida Gwaii and to the Great Bear Rainforest on the mainland BC. I highly recommend these tours with only 10 to 24 guests/passengers.

Greg
Hoop Dancer #1076
Sidney, BC


> On Sep 2, 2025, at 7:25 PM, Jack Brennan via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
>
> For those of you who live in the northwest part of North America, I have to compliment you on the beauty of your cruising grounds.

[Diane Fowler via C320-list]

Glad you are getting better, Jack. We just booked a captained cruise
in British Virgin Islands on a 45' catamaran. Cook included. Yes, our
age is catching up with us, so looking at other options to keep
adventure in our lives! Journey on until God calls us home. Have a
blessed day,

#948 Windy City, Cape Coral.

Captain Diane Fowler, CRS, GRI, e-PRO

Entrepreneur / REALTOR®
Experience Real Estate Group, LLC
[1]https://dianefowler.eresuccess.com

Cell/Text: (239) 850-4935
[2]dian...@aol.com
"A referral of your friend is the greatest compliment anyone can give
me."

On Sep 2, 2025, at 9:25 PM, Jack Brennan via C320-list
<c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote:

For those of you who live in the northwest part of North America, I

References

1. https://dianefowler.eresuccess.com/
2. mailto:dian...@aol.com

[SARA SCHROEDER via C320-list]

Jack,
So glad you made it up our way! The cruising grounds are unlimited and allow for either short hops or longer distances. We use the phrase "heading north" which means leaving the city behind and heading up to the US based San Juan Islands, the Canadian Gulf Islands, Vancouver Island and even Alaska. When Canada finally opened the borders, there were so many boats that went north that I heard it was difficult to find space in an anchorage!

The beauty is stunning. Gray whales, sea lions, harbor porpoise, orcas, bald eagles, and bears!

Glad you could visit.

Sara
Wandering Star
Seattle
#707/2000