It’s been a couple years since we had to get back to the States from Canada. Our NEXUS cards had made it easy in the past but with COVID, Customs and Border Protection is not using them. Did we need to get tested for COVID again? We could find nothing new online so planned to call Customs and Border Protection (CBP) after crossing the border in the middle of the Juan de Fuca Strait.
One of Pat’s goals for this trip was to take Arcturos to Port Angeles for an estimate on some repairs and improvements this winter. The company closes at 3:30 PM. The trip could take 8 or more hours. We were up at 5 AM, pitch black but for anchor lights, no moon, oh the stars! Navigation screens dimmed, radar on, lights off, Mary Jo watching outside in earshot of Pat, search light at the ready to point at anything concerning, we crept out of Tod Inlet at 5:45 and into a beautiful, calm, dawning day. Current with us the whole way until reaching the Strait.
A few big BC ferries leaving Schwartz Bay 
One tight pass on the way out of Schwartz Bay.
A fast current with us, these rocks were a bit too close for comfort 
Finally approaching the Sydney Channel, still getting 8-9 knots, fast for a boat whose happy place is 7.
Approaching Trial Island we hit 12.6 knots, turbulent but no other traffic and plenty of room. This is pretty much what the Straits looked like the whole way across! Bailey was sleeping without any drugs! Well part of the time anyway.
In the middle of the Strait, time to call CBP and time for Pat to call the boat repair company, “Platypus”. Officer Smith asked me to download the ROAM app, complete and send it. After some bumbling around, several dropped phone calls and a video call they finally agreed to take us back into the US. Whew!
We were in the marina before noon! Platypus was ready for Pat’s call. Two interviews and boat tours later, mission accomplished! I was able to explore the Port Angeles’ waterfront “trail” starting with 4 blocks through the Marine industrial complex on busy Marine Drive. But then the route diverts from the road and becomes more pleasant and interesting.
The Coast Guard has a huge base here, and takes up much of the spit which extends for miles across from Port Angeles The waterfront trail runs out along this spit adjacent to the road to the base. Too far to go this trip but someday?
Interesting public art, wind turbines in the distance were quiet this day.
A timely name: “Masks”
With some refurbishing, and COVID ending, this place could be bustling. Hoping that happens soon! 
The “Ball” is on a ship, mobile radar? The red ship is the Victoria ferry . Sadly sitting idle.
Even Port Angeles had a nice sunset for us.
Holeinthewater 