Shilshole Blog

Canadian customs workers will begin a work “slowdown” Friday…

Travelers and commercial traffic entering Canada should expect long lineups and lengthy delays at border crossings and airports starting Friday, August 6 as nearly 9,000 Canada Border Services Agency employees begin job action across the country.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/cbsa-work-to-rule-strike-1.6129496

As a first step, starting August 9, 2021, Canada plans to begin allowing entry to American citizens and permanent residents, who are currently residing in the United States, and have been fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to entering Canada for non-essential travel. This preliminary step allows for the Government of Canada to fully operationalize the adjusted border measures ahead of September 7, 2021, and recognizes the many close ties between Canadians and Americans.

Canada Border Services Agency News Release

Port Ludlow is a easy 3-4 hour trip (sailboat speed) from Shilshole.  Catch the outgoing tide north and cross the traffic lanes fairly perpendicular (as you should always do) to run up the Kitsap side.  Round Pt. No Point and head to Foulweather Bluff where you should arrive at slack water to avoid the major tide rips that occur near the bluff and buoy.  From there, its a 3.5 mile trip across the Hood Canal entrance to Pt Ludlow (stay clear of the Tala Point as it is shallow, rock strewn and full of kelp).  The harbor is large with easy anchorage in 25-35 ft of mud bottom.  (avoid the cable crossing area).  There is a dinghy dock at the marina for you to go and explore.  See more here…

Port Ludlow trail map

Puget Sound cruising is commonly divided into South-Sound (south of the Tacoma Narrows), Mid-Sound (Gig Harbor/Tacoma to Kingston/Edmonds) and North Sound (up to Port Townsend or Oak Harbor). There are great cruising, anchoring, crabbing and fishing areas in all three.

If you have some thoughts, experiences or suggestions for those looking to venture out, especially those new to boating, please share with us on this blog. For example…

SouthSound

All Washington State boat registration tags are due June 30th.   During the first week of July, the Department of Licensing (DOL) will be closed so they can upgrade its driver, vehicle, and vessel licensing system. Most online and in-person services will be unavailable during the update.  Get more details here….

Renew your boat registration by June 30 or risk being stranded in early July