The June Waggoner Flotilla is well-underway with reports coming in from Ashley Ripley, co-captain and co-flotilla leader, you can read all their adventures HERE. https://waggonerguide.com/2025-waggoner-guided-flotilla-group-ii/. The following is taken from one of their many interesting reports:
Today marked our longest run yet. Fortunately, the weather was on our side, and the route was a straight shot.
Whirl Wind slipped away before the rest of the fleet, giving us time to get anchored, stern tied, and ready to welcome the others. With our 6:30 a.m. departure, we were lucky enough to watch the sun finish its climb—spilling golden light across the sky and anchorage, brushing away any lingering sleep with its warmth.
The ride was easy. The surface chop was a little more than expected, but nothing we couldn’t handle.
Arriving in Prideaux Haven inside Desolation Marina Park, we were pleasantly—and somewhat unexpectedly—surprised to find the anchorage mostly empty. It gave us the rare opportunity to strategically choose our spots.
Have you ever seen a marching band’s first practice? All lined up, trying to move and play as one? At first, it’s a little off—notes missed, steps out of time, nerves fraying at the edges. The added pressure of coordinating steps to sound never goes quite smoothly the first couple times. Anchoring with a stern tie can feel just like that.
There’s a lot going on: dropping the hook, setting the anchor, being in position to deploy the dinghy, running the stern line, keeping the boat from swinging out of reach—all within 300 feet of line. It’s a dance with many moving parts. But then it comes together.
Usually by the end of that first practice, the band finds its rhythm. It may not be perfect—some sections may have to play again—but slowly, it becomes something beautiful.
Here, each length of chain and floating line holds us in place. Suspended in time, we resist the tides. The boats sway gently under the breath of the wind and the tug of current, but we hold steady. Rest, Calm, Peace; we find all of it here, in this wide, quiet bay.
We just have time to squeeze in a hike to the lake—nearly as far as the jumping rock. On a warm, beautiful day like this, I’m sure many of us would’ve taken the leap and ended up in the cool refreshing water. But it’s late now. Our bellies rumble. The adrenaline’s worn off, leaving a gnawing hunger behind.
Back we go to our floating homes. To eat. To prepare for tomorrow. Kyle and I make our rounds, boat to boat, offering light—sometimes literally, sometimes just a sense of presence. Many of us have found our own gremlins here tonight. They try to steal our peace. But together, we overcome. Together, we plan.
Written by Ashley Ripley
Photos: Ashley Ripley
