Shakedown Cruise

March and most of April was consumed with boat projects; Got d’ Fever had reached the milestone of 5,000 hours which meant it was time for some major service, repairs, and upgrades.

Adjusting the valves on the starboard engine

Adjusting valves on the engines, replacing fuel injectors, and replacing transmission heat exchangers are recommended maintenance at 5,000 hours. It was also time to change the serpentine belts on the engines, the air filters, and change out the sea strainers. Since we weren’t able to find mechanics that could service our raw water pumps and the hydronic heat system in a timely manner, Leonard took on these projects as well. He also rebuilt the windlass, which raises and lowers the anchor; and replaced the davit motor, which is used to lift and lower the dinghy. Upgrades added this year included crankcase breathers, an ELCI breaker on the electrical panel, and a safety switch for house batteries; coincidentally, it was also time to change out the bank of house-batteries. But we weren't done yet, the genset reached its 1,000-hour mark and needed major service. Then there were the little things like fuses, oil fittings etc. etc.

With all the changes and projects completed, it was time to make sure everything worked properly and head out for a sea trial or “shakedown cruise.” Some boaters jokingly call it the “breakdown cruise.” We left mid-April and cruised through the San Juan Islands, staying close to home in case something went wrong. Fortunately, everything ran smoothly and we returned to Anacortes on May 4^th to begin packing for the next several months of cruising.

Kimball Preserve on the south tip of Decatur Island

During our two-week “shakedown cruise,” we took the opportunity to visit some special places in the San Juan Islands that are little known and less traveled. Kimball Preserve is one of those hidden gems with spectacular views from the ridge trail along the southern tip of Decatur Island.

Views from the Kimball Preserve Trail are spectacular

The unnamed Island along with the southern tip of Decatur Island and the isthmus that connects the two are part of the San Juan Preservation Trust. We anchored in the channel between Kimball Preserve and Center Island and took the dinghy to the northern shore of the isthmus. A trail leads up the hillside and along the ridge, with several overlooks.

Another San Juan Preservation Trust property is on Henry Island near Roche Harbor. Henry Island Preserve is made up of the isthmus forming the crossbar of the “H” on Henry Island, along with some of the surrounding forest.

Beautiful and expansive Henry Island Preserve

In Honor of an Early Pioneer on Henry Island

We took the dinghy from Roche Harbor to a beach along Mosquito Pass east of the isthmus to access the one-mile trail on the preserve, which heads northward through the forest. We also walked the isthmus along the beach at Open Bay, which is part of the preserve and is very open and scenic.
A grave marker near the beach is in memory of Henry W. Perkins (1835-1887).

These lands, along with other preserves in the San Juan Islands, are chosen for their scenic, historic, and ecologically sensitive areas. Signage at the preserves remind visitors to stay on the trails in order to protect plants, flowers, and wildlife.

Other stops during our shakedown cruise included Doe Island, Brandt’s Landing, and Indian Cove on Shaw Island, with access to another San Juan Preservation Trust property. We also cruised the southwest side of Lopez Island, making stops at Watmough, Hughes, and Aleck Bays.

Lovely Watmough Bay on the south side of Lopez Island

Watmough Bay is a lovely spot with a beautiful beach, hiking trails, and three public mooring buoys. The south side of Lopez is best done in settled weather.

On our way back to Anacortes, we stopped at James Island, one of our favorites located close to home. The dock on the west side of the island is often full, but we were able to find space since it was still early in the season.

The Park Dock on James Island is often full during the peak season

The views from the island are lovely and it’s a great place to picnic. We were looking forward to seeing the raccoons that once populated the island, but the Park Ranger told us they had been “deported,” but some he said, still find their way back home.