We had a great turnout at Saturday’s planning trip to Desolation Sound. The group reviewed dates to rendezvous at various locations and discussed procedures for getting into and returning from Canada.

Here’s a summary of what was discussed.

• Several people will be cruising around the San Juan Islands before heading north. I encourage people to post on the HAPS Facebook page where they’re planning to be for others to join them. The Giles will be in Anacortes for their annual boat detailing and will then head to Blind Bay on July 5th if you want to meet up then.

• The HAPS flotilla is planning to rendezvous at Reed Harbor on Stuart Island on July 15. From there, we will head to Bedwell Harbor on S. Pender Island to go through Canada Customs. You can contact CBSA at 1-888-226-7277 once docked at Bedwell to report your arrival. People with NEXUS passes should follow the procedures for their pass.

• Boats will wind their way north through the Gulf Islands, with some people anchoring at Ganges to re-provision. For those not interested in indulging in the bustling activities of Ganges, there are plenty of other quiet bays to anchor and seek shelter.

• The next rendezvous point will be Nanaimo on July 22. From there, we will determine the best route and timing to cross the Strait of Georgia. A suggested alternate crossing point is at Hornby Island.

• Once across the strait, there are numerous coves and anchorages to select from as we continue north to Desolation Sound.

Recommendations

• Create a group calling list of HAPS member MMSI numbers on your VHF. Doug Miller has offered to show people how to use group calling.

• People traveling with pets should have their inoculations record with them.

• Returning to the U.S., boats should display their U.S. Border Patrol DETOPS decal.

• Recommend using the CBP ROAM app on your smart phone to report re-entry to the U.S.