Commencing a GPS approach from a fix other than the FAF

Hi Folks-

Please forgive what is probably a simple question regarding GPS
approaches. I am new the the /G world. I was out flying my 182P today
to do some practice approaches. The airplane is equipped with a GNS480
and I have a Garmin 296 on the yolk. I was buzzing around NW of the
Salinas airport on vectors and was told to expect the GPS13 approach as
I requested. So far, so good. Fight plan entered into the 480 and the
296, approach loaded on both.

Here's the approach:
http://www.naco.faa.gov/d-tpp/0701/00363G13.PDF

NorCal cleared me direct EWTOF at 3200, cleared for the approach. When
looking at the approach on both the 480 and the 296, it seemed to
commence at UBBEP rather than EWTOF. No way for me to go direct EWTOF
then on to the rest of the procedure. So, I fiddled around a bit and
was unable to come up with a graceful solution. Selecting Direct To, I
was hoping to easily find EWTOF - no joy. I had to dig up EWTOF from
the nearest list, and then the rest of the approach "disappeared." I
ended up arming VTF on the 480, then used the 296 to navigate direct to
EWTOF. By then, the VTF mode on the 480 picked me up properly and I
was in good shape. Ugly, but it worked (fortunately, it was clear and a
million). And how about that synthetic glidescope! Very cool!

So, at first I figured that there was a problem with the database
versus my Jepp chart. However, the problem repeated itself on the
GPS31 approach to KRHV:
http://www.naco.faa.gov/d-tpp/0701/05591R31R.PDF
I was cleared direct ECYON, then for the approach. Both Garmins
"wanted" me to head for OZNUM.

What is the best way to handle this situation? Clearly I am doing
something wrong, because this has to easier than I made it! Is it as
simple as amending the current flight plan and inserting a waypoint
before the destination? That is, in the first case, inserting EWTOF
before KSNS on the flight plan and then choosing Direct To? I would
think that EWTOF should be part of the procedure as it is charted on
the approach plate. It sucks to have to enter it in by hand to the
flight plan. Do all of the GPS approaches in the 480/296 database
commence only with the FAF?

Thanks for your insight.

Cheers,
--Chris Q.