We've been back home over a month now. Doug's back improved after a few nights in a real bed and a few soaks in the hot tub. If it hadn't been for the laptop display issues, which required sending it back to the vendor, we might have gone out again for a few days. We sure wanted to. Gina, our house sitter, and her daughter stayed with us through the end of the month. Our daughter graduated from USMC basic training, we flew to Parris Island, SC for the graduation ceremony. Doug got back in to his client work, none of the customers were disappointed in the support they received while we were on the water. A good tiding for the next trip.
The trip succeeded in the sailing and live aboard lessons we were wanting. We definitely want to do it again. "Kitty Cat" has probably taught us about all she can. Cindy's been shopping for the next boat, something a little larger and more comfortable, with a real mattress. Maybe not next year, but soon.
There are a few more articles we've been wanting to publish, so stay tuned.
And to all of you who followed our voyage, thought good thoughts and maybe said a prayer or two for our safety, we thank you.
God Bless,
Doug, Cindy, and Squishy.
"Jesus said 'Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.'
So they went away in a boat to a solitary place."
Mark 6:31b-32
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
September 9
Sorry for the long delay in closing this out.
Doug had another rough night. But, we get him moving, we work on scrubbing down the boat to get any salt residue off. We got a little too rambunctious with the sluicing, and ended up drenching portions down below. Squishy is really not impressed, and things are not looking too good for it to dry out by bed time. So, we make the decision to head for the home slip, and make arrangements to get home from there.
We were able to sail the last stretch home, a nice ending. Doug hadn't forgotten how to park in our narrow slip at St. Helens (we have about 6" on each side). Our niece will bring our car up after school is out, so we have a few hours to prepare. We do the sweaty work of getting stuff ready to go off the boat, get showers, and pack what looks like way to much stuff up to the parking lot. Jaclyn arrives, all our gear does fit. We also take home the tiller, the stairs, and the bilge cover, they need some serious sanding and varnish. A swing through Burgerville for dinner and fresh blackberry milkshakes, then on home. The great adventure has come to an end. For this year.
There's a little more to follow, so stay tuned.
Doug had another rough night. But, we get him moving, we work on scrubbing down the boat to get any salt residue off. We got a little too rambunctious with the sluicing, and ended up drenching portions down below. Squishy is really not impressed, and things are not looking too good for it to dry out by bed time. So, we make the decision to head for the home slip, and make arrangements to get home from there.
We were able to sail the last stretch home, a nice ending. Doug hadn't forgotten how to park in our narrow slip at St. Helens (we have about 6" on each side). Our niece will bring our car up after school is out, so we have a few hours to prepare. We do the sweaty work of getting stuff ready to go off the boat, get showers, and pack what looks like way to much stuff up to the parking lot. Jaclyn arrives, all our gear does fit. We also take home the tiller, the stairs, and the bilge cover, they need some serious sanding and varnish. A swing through Burgerville for dinner and fresh blackberry milkshakes, then on home. The great adventure has come to an end. For this year.
There's a little more to follow, so stay tuned.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
September 8
Doug didn't sleep well, getting spasms in his back. In the past doing stomach muscle exercises has corrected this. On the boat, there are constant stomach muscle exercises. After two months one wouldn't think it's the settee cushions we've been using for mattresses.
We wait until the tide change, then head on up to Rainier. Not a normal stop for us, but we need, of all things, cat food. And ice. We tie up, I take the hike. What used to be the grocery store is now a scratch and dent food store (at least they had cat food) about a mile north of the dock. Block ice is availabe at the filling station across the street. The nearest real grocery store, according to the pump jockey, would be in Longview. Hike back to the boat. There seems to some kind of fishing event going on, we've seen lots of boats anchored off the Washington side of the river fishing. Unfortunately, several of these recreational fishermen motor into Rainier at high speed, setting up wakes that made things very bouncy for Cindy and Squishy. Rather inconsiderate. We get under way, and are able to sail a good portion of the way to Martin Island. Several times we hear horn 5 blasts from freighters, which usually means “get out of my way”. We're pretty sure this was directed at the boats anchored in the shipping channel to fish.
We pull into Martin Island, drop hook, intent on spending a few days. Horses here now, in addition to cows. No one else in the pond, quiet except for the noise from I5. We scrub down and sluice down the decks. Unfortunatly, we sluice down the inside of the cabin, too, so have to get that dried out. It's cooled off a little, Doug saves swimming for tomorrow. A sailboat comes in, then goes out again. Odd. An inflatable rows in, lets the dog on shore for it's business, then rows out again. Also odd. At high tide, the first sailboat comes back in, along with another, larger sailboat, with the inflatable in tow. It takes the bigger boat some time to sound out the pond, then anchor and the little sailboat rafts up to them. The odd becomes clear now. The entrance to the pond in Martin Island is shallow, and big boat's owner is timid. They anchored out in the channel until high tide before coming in. The dog had to go, and there's really no landings outside of the pond (unless you know about the creek).
We move Doug to the quarter berth for the night, hoping more space might help with his back.
We wait until the tide change, then head on up to Rainier. Not a normal stop for us, but we need, of all things, cat food. And ice. We tie up, I take the hike. What used to be the grocery store is now a scratch and dent food store (at least they had cat food) about a mile north of the dock. Block ice is availabe at the filling station across the street. The nearest real grocery store, according to the pump jockey, would be in Longview. Hike back to the boat. There seems to some kind of fishing event going on, we've seen lots of boats anchored off the Washington side of the river fishing. Unfortunately, several of these recreational fishermen motor into Rainier at high speed, setting up wakes that made things very bouncy for Cindy and Squishy. Rather inconsiderate. We get under way, and are able to sail a good portion of the way to Martin Island. Several times we hear horn 5 blasts from freighters, which usually means “get out of my way”. We're pretty sure this was directed at the boats anchored in the shipping channel to fish.
We pull into Martin Island, drop hook, intent on spending a few days. Horses here now, in addition to cows. No one else in the pond, quiet except for the noise from I5. We scrub down and sluice down the decks. Unfortunatly, we sluice down the inside of the cabin, too, so have to get that dried out. It's cooled off a little, Doug saves swimming for tomorrow. A sailboat comes in, then goes out again. Odd. An inflatable rows in, lets the dog on shore for it's business, then rows out again. Also odd. At high tide, the first sailboat comes back in, along with another, larger sailboat, with the inflatable in tow. It takes the bigger boat some time to sound out the pond, then anchor and the little sailboat rafts up to them. The odd becomes clear now. The entrance to the pond in Martin Island is shallow, and big boat's owner is timid. They anchored out in the channel until high tide before coming in. The dog had to go, and there's really no landings outside of the pond (unless you know about the creek).
We move Doug to the quarter berth for the night, hoping more space might help with his back.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Back home, almost
Business issues, as well as back problems for Doug, sent us back to our slip in St Helens, and then on home. We still have after-cruise cleanup to finish on the boat, so we will be going back sometime this weekend.
Monday, September 7, 2009
September 7
A mellow day. The forecasted morning showers were very early morning showers. Mochas for breakfast (I broke my French Press a few days back), spend the morning getting the blog updated and dealing with other on-line stuff. We top off the water tank, I hose down the main anchor rode. Lots of dirt, we'll probably want to take it home after the trip and run it through the clothes washer. When we do get under way, a bunch of power boats were coming in. We hover (interesting in a sailboat the twists easily with the wind), then take off. The tide is out and rising, favorable for going up river, we take the "short cut" east through Cathlamet Channel. It's got shallow spots, our old sailing friend Ralph has provided detailed instructions for getting through, we have no problem. Back in the main river we are able to unfurl the headsail with wind from the west, this lasts for about half an hour when the wind suddenly shifts to from the northeast and becomes variable, like on, off, on, off. We work with this for a bit, then there is a freighter approaching from behind, so we fire up the motor, furl in the headsail, and motor the rest of the way to Walker Island. Set hook, salads for dinner, dishes, conversation, blog, sleep.
September 6
The inclement weather has pushed out to today, with strong winds forecasted for tonight. I’d left the auxiliary anchor rode in the cockpit, it got well rinsed with rain. One boat battery is down, our boat water is low, cell phone has been marginal, we need to get month end finances up to date (I overwrote the wrong file and we had to redo some stuff), I have some clients wanting attention over the Labor Day weekend, and we are wanting showers. We catch a break in the rain and motor over to Elochoman Slough Marina. It’s not a place we’d been to before; the entrance is tricky when you need 5 feet under you, even at high tide. Thanks to Uncle Ralph’s Guide, we get in with no problems. We get a slip with power away from the yacht clubs We get batteries charging, get showers, and walk to the town for a late lunch. Well, Cathlamet, WA doesn’t have much to offer. We get lunch (kind of heavy), then Cindy has the idea that hey, we’re in port, we could get a bag of salad fixings and Doug’s honey mustard dressing (on board, unused this trip), and have a perfectly reasonable dinner for two for $5. Duh. We should have thought of that several times over the past two months. We go to the local IGA, get salad, cucumber, a tomato, drinking water and cat food, so we’re good to go for the evening.
Back at the boat, we crack out the computers and get on business. Several rain showers blow over. One window is showing some leakage. I get the main anchor rode onto the boat deck to rinse out the salt in the rain. We look at the weather and tide tables, not sure we want to be here another night. Looks like warm weather later in the week, I’d like to be in Martin Island so I can go for a swim and scrape off any salt water growth off the bottom that needs it (I know the outboard does).
Back at the boat, we crack out the computers and get on business. Several rain showers blow over. One window is showing some leakage. I get the main anchor rode onto the boat deck to rinse out the salt in the rain. We look at the weather and tide tables, not sure we want to be here another night. Looks like warm weather later in the week, I’d like to be in Martin Island so I can go for a swim and scrape off any salt water growth off the bottom that needs it (I know the outboard does).
September 5
We got some rain over night, but not the “rain all morning” that was forecasted. Some wind, again, not bad. Looks like the predictions pushed out. We stay put, catching up on reading, and plotting the return up river. We're actually pleased with having “bad” weather over the Labor Day weekend, it tends to keep loud drunken idiot boaters off the river.
September 4
We motor out with the tide to go up river. No wind. A couple of large ships pass us on the way up river. Some times it’s a bummer to only be able to make 5.5 kts. We get to Clifton channel, of Tenasillahe Island, and drop hook. Doug has gotten a few business calls on the way up, and we discover the cell phone signal is a little dodgy. We move a couple hundred yards closer to Clatskanie, and seem to get a better signal. Doug finishes up work, we play a game of Aggravation until bed time. Came down to who rolled a 1 first.
September 3
Chance of rain increasing until 80% on Saturday. High winds forecasted for tomorrow night as a prelude to the storm. Mott Island is exposed to the winds, and while we’ve been through worse without a problem, we really don’t want to. The forecast up river is a bit calmer, and there are more sheltered anchorages. We decide to head up river tomorrow, to do that we need block ice and more cat food (Squishy’s taken to canned cat food ever since Doug opened a can for crabbing. She stopped eating the dry food, and we were concerned about her weight loss). Safeway doesn’t carry block any more, and we don’t wish to be subjected to the sea lions again. So we motor back to West Basin, tie up temporarily, I get block ice, more cat food, and some salmon steaks for dinner. We’re able to sail all the way back to Mott island for the night. A calm evening.
September 2
We get stuff stowed, fill up the main fuel tank, and sail with the tide. Right outside the breakwater we're able to unfurl the headsail and coast up to East Basin. Remember the Sea Lions from the beginning of the trip? There's more of them now, covering every part of the pier. They are big, they are loud, they are smelly. We pull in to the closest slip to the ramp, chasing three of them back into the water. Cindy stays with Squishy, and defends the pier from further invasions. I hike to Safeway to provision, we need ice. Unfortunately, this Safeway no longer carries block ice, so I have to get “party” ice, which doesn't keep as long. Back to the boat, we cast off and get out of there. Just past the breakwater we unfurl the headsail again, and cruise on up to the entrance to Tongue Point. I chuckle at the cute little wind waves. We then motor to our anchorage off of Mott Island. There are many “bowpicker” boats in here tonight, most anchored, but some gill-netting for salmon. We anchor and have dinner. I play guitar and we work out plans for the rest of the trip. We're not anxious to be home just yet.
September 1
We sleep 11 hours, then Mocha's for breakfast, and get going on the cleanup. Batteries charging, laundry going, get caught up on banking and business end of month. We wash a month's worth of salt off of everything. It's obvious we're not going to be done with all we have to do today, so we choose to spend another night. Slip fees here are about half what they are in Washington. Our deep locker has mold growing in it, so we haul everything out (including the boat batteries) and get it washed down and dried out. Haul off recycling (haven't been able to get rid of anything but paper since Friday Harbor). I walk up to the fish market for fresh albacore tuna for dinner (honey ginger glazed, with rice). I've resigned myself to that being the best way to fish on this boat. We get showers, they're free here.
We met another couple, on a bigger boat, who chose to go 60 miles off shore because they heard of better conditions. They were hit with 30kt winds and 20” seas, their wind vane steering broke, she was sea sick, so he ended up hand steering the whole trip. At one point he was making 8kts under staysail and reefed main. Put a tear in his main sail. Their cat was also not impressed. We were glad we'd chosen to stay closer in.
We met another couple, on a bigger boat, who chose to go 60 miles off shore because they heard of better conditions. They were hit with 30kt winds and 20” seas, their wind vane steering broke, she was sea sick, so he ended up hand steering the whole trip. At one point he was making 8kts under staysail and reefed main. Put a tear in his main sail. Their cat was also not impressed. We were glad we'd chosen to stay closer in.
August 30-31
Sorry to leave you all hanging with us about to head down the coast.
It looks good again, so we try it again. Still some fog but much better and we keep going. Weather is predicted 5-10 knots from the North, perfect. Unfortunately, prediction did not match reality very well. We motor out as yesterday, still foggy in the straight and around Cape Flattery, but passable. Visibility improves after that. The ocean is a bit rougher than forecasted, with 6 foot seas from the northwest. Our boat tends to wallow in following seas without the sails up for stability. The promised north winds are not there. We set the auto pilot and start the watch rotation. Doug goes below to try to sleep. Eventually we give up on staying on the off-watch bunk, and put cushions on the cabin floor. Squishy is not impressed with this, either. At one point Cindy seas foam in the water, we must be passing some rocks that are churning in the waves. Yes, Destruction Island.
The wind starts to build about 6:30pm. We hoist the main, motor sail for a bit, then are able to turn off the engine and sail downwind until midnight. Then the wind quits. We keep the mainsail up and motor. About 2:00am the wind starts up from the west (beam reach), then clocks around to the northwest. We still have the full main up, making 5+ knots. We pass several fishing boats, one of which seems to be swerving back and forth in front of us. We alter course a few times, finally head well out to sea of him. Turns out he's got a huge searchlight on the front of his boat that he's been turning, probably trying to locate his crab floats. Ocean swells are coming from the west, interesting to look and see white foam off your beam and just above your head. About 4:30 we decide it's a bit much for us, so we drop sail and motor until daylight. Normally we would have put a reef in the mainsail, but that's not an easy job on this boat, even without the bouncy seas. We're now off of Gray's Harbor, but we've gotten to sail enough we don't need to refuel, and altering coarse would have been a rougher ride than we were already on. The weather forecast also doesn't indicate any improvement for tomorrow. We keep going.
At daylight we unfurl the headsail part way and kill the motor, and make great progress for another 5 hours. The wind dies down again (the seas don't) and we motor the rest of the way in. The wind did build back up as we rounded Cape Disappointment into the Columbia River, we could have sailed in the rest of the way (it probably would have been a smoother ride), but we were tired and chose to motor. The coast guard reported conditions that were better than we were getting on the ocean, so even though we were a little early for optimal crossing (slack tide before the flood), we forged on. About this time we get a phone call from Cindy's mom (who really didn't want to know where we were until after the dangerous part was over). What's the first thing she asks? “Where are you?” In the Pacific ocean for another hour, mom. We make plans to meet up with them for dinner in Astoria.
We had made better time than our estimates getting down the coast. We also arrived with 8 gallons of fuel in reserve. We tie up, get showers, and have an enjoyable dinner with Cindy's folks, her sister, and our niece. Then back to the boat to turn in. The cat is appreciating the boat being relatively level for a change.
It looks good again, so we try it again. Still some fog but much better and we keep going. Weather is predicted 5-10 knots from the North, perfect. Unfortunately, prediction did not match reality very well. We motor out as yesterday, still foggy in the straight and around Cape Flattery, but passable. Visibility improves after that. The ocean is a bit rougher than forecasted, with 6 foot seas from the northwest. Our boat tends to wallow in following seas without the sails up for stability. The promised north winds are not there. We set the auto pilot and start the watch rotation. Doug goes below to try to sleep. Eventually we give up on staying on the off-watch bunk, and put cushions on the cabin floor. Squishy is not impressed with this, either. At one point Cindy seas foam in the water, we must be passing some rocks that are churning in the waves. Yes, Destruction Island.
The wind starts to build about 6:30pm. We hoist the main, motor sail for a bit, then are able to turn off the engine and sail downwind until midnight. Then the wind quits. We keep the mainsail up and motor. About 2:00am the wind starts up from the west (beam reach), then clocks around to the northwest. We still have the full main up, making 5+ knots. We pass several fishing boats, one of which seems to be swerving back and forth in front of us. We alter course a few times, finally head well out to sea of him. Turns out he's got a huge searchlight on the front of his boat that he's been turning, probably trying to locate his crab floats. Ocean swells are coming from the west, interesting to look and see white foam off your beam and just above your head. About 4:30 we decide it's a bit much for us, so we drop sail and motor until daylight. Normally we would have put a reef in the mainsail, but that's not an easy job on this boat, even without the bouncy seas. We're now off of Gray's Harbor, but we've gotten to sail enough we don't need to refuel, and altering coarse would have been a rougher ride than we were already on. The weather forecast also doesn't indicate any improvement for tomorrow. We keep going.
At daylight we unfurl the headsail part way and kill the motor, and make great progress for another 5 hours. The wind dies down again (the seas don't) and we motor the rest of the way in. The wind did build back up as we rounded Cape Disappointment into the Columbia River, we could have sailed in the rest of the way (it probably would have been a smoother ride), but we were tired and chose to motor. The coast guard reported conditions that were better than we were getting on the ocean, so even though we were a little early for optimal crossing (slack tide before the flood), we forged on. About this time we get a phone call from Cindy's mom (who really didn't want to know where we were until after the dangerous part was over). What's the first thing she asks? “Where are you?” In the Pacific ocean for another hour, mom. We make plans to meet up with them for dinner in Astoria.
We had made better time than our estimates getting down the coast. We also arrived with 8 gallons of fuel in reserve. We tie up, get showers, and have an enjoyable dinner with Cindy's folks, her sister, and our niece. Then back to the boat to turn in. The cat is appreciating the boat being relatively level for a change.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
August 29
Weather is questionable but we are anxious to get going and the forecast says things will improve. We stow the rest of the gear for ocean travel and hoist the dinghy to the foredeck. It was a bit of a dance getting the anchor up around the dink but then we motor out with a couple of miles of visibility. We discover the sideways motion of the boat, versus stern to bow rock, means we can't really see over the transom of the dink. Deflating wouldn't help nor be any use for an emergency evacuation if needed so we put her back in the water to tow.
Behind us the visibility is still good but ahead of us it is deteriorating. At Tattoosh Light it's less than 100 yards and winds from the South, (on the nose again). We listen to the weather again, it's changed, and decide tomorrow might be a better day and turn around. Good news, we unfurled the headsail and cruised back to Neah Bay.
I rowed to shore and enjoyed watching some native dancing and the start of the 8 man canoe races. Then got traditional salmon dinners to take back to the boat. Tomorrow we will try heading down the coast again.
Behind us the visibility is still good but ahead of us it is deteriorating. At Tattoosh Light it's less than 100 yards and winds from the South, (on the nose again). We listen to the weather again, it's changed, and decide tomorrow might be a better day and turn around. Good news, we unfurled the headsail and cruised back to Neah Bay.
I rowed to shore and enjoyed watching some native dancing and the start of the 8 man canoe races. Then got traditional salmon dinners to take back to the boat. Tomorrow we will try heading down the coast again.
August 27-28
Weather looks favorable for Saturday so we will be here waiting. We organized charts for the trip back down the coast. Restowed the boat from live aboard to ocean safety. I rowed to shore and walked to the Makah Museum for an enjoyable few hours. The hike to Cape Flattery is only ¾ of a mile, but that's from the trail head which is seven miles away. Scrap that. Back at the boat we pull anchor and go get fuel then tie up to get a few groceries and another Chanterelle Mushroom wood fired pizza. Yummy! Then back to the bay for the night.
We organize with the expectation of going South, including detailed timelines. Bottom line, if we can't sail at least part of the way we have to stop at Grays Harbor for fuel. Makah Days have started with youth canoe races around and through the anchorage which were fun to watch from the dryness of the boat. Fireworks at 10. Squishy was not amused.
We organize with the expectation of going South, including detailed timelines. Bottom line, if we can't sail at least part of the way we have to stop at Grays Harbor for fuel. Makah Days have started with youth canoe races around and through the anchorage which were fun to watch from the dryness of the boat. Fireworks at 10. Squishy was not amused.
August 26
Forecast still says variable winds to 10 knots from the East and not unfavorable currents,yes, that is the best you get heading West in the Straight, most of the way to Neah Bay. It's a 50 mile slog with not much in the way of places to “park” in between. We shower, get breakfast and head out. By 1:00PM the winds have picked up to where it might be worth raising the headsail, we gain about 1/2 knot and the ride smooths out. The waves in the Straight are interesting. We get long rollers from the West and occasional following waves from the East. One of them poops the dinghy. We get many gallons of water in it. It's now dragging us so we put the engine in neutral (still making 3 knots from the headsail) and I go pump out the dink. We snug the dink to the side of the boat so it is less likely to get pooped again. Another lesson. It's a long day already. The wind dies out, we roll in the headsail. The wind picks up, we roll it back out again. I make some adjustments to the autopilot to make it more efficient but didn't work so well. We get into Neah Bay, just as the wind picks up...only for a few hours. There's a Coast Guard buoy tender anchored out and a dozen other boats, appearing to be waiting for the same advertised weather window down the coast. (Now you know why we couldn't post until back in Astoria, don't want the mom's to worry about us.)
We saw several canoes paddling (very fast) in the bay,. One with 8 paddlers. Interesting. Since it looks like we might be here a few days, I check on-line for activities. The Makah Nation has a museum with many artifacts from the Ozette archaeological site on Cape Alava . My boy scout troop did several hikes out to Cape Alava and on one of them we got a tour of the Ozette dig, a native village that had been covered by a mud slide about 500 years ago and later uncovered by ocean erosion. There is a hike out to Cape Flattery and the Makah Days start on Friday. We'll see how long we stay. Just depends on the weather.
We saw several canoes paddling (very fast) in the bay,. One with 8 paddlers. Interesting. Since it looks like we might be here a few days, I check on-line for activities. The Makah Nation has a museum with many artifacts from the Ozette archaeological site on Cape Alava . My boy scout troop did several hikes out to Cape Alava and on one of them we got a tour of the Ozette dig, a native village that had been covered by a mud slide about 500 years ago and later uncovered by ocean erosion. There is a hike out to Cape Flattery and the Makah Days start on Friday. We'll see how long we stay. Just depends on the weather.
August 25
Clear morning, no fog. Forecast calls for wind from the west with favorable currents to cross the Straight so we set off. Past Cattle Point we have some wind so we sail, making 2-3 knots for about ½ hour. We motor with sails up until the wind shifts, now from the SW. Wind waves have built so it's a little choppy. We got into Port Angeles just before the marina office closes, get signed in and fuel. On leaving the fuel dock the shear pin on the outboard failed again. Really strange because we haven't hit anything except seaweed. There is enough wind to push the boat so we guide it over to the guest tie up. The repair only took 10 minutes this time but we did use our last shear pin. The “local” Honda shop is 4 miles away and closed. Sunset hardware is close but closes in 10 minutes. I run down there (in deck shoes and salt crusted trousers). They have stainless steel stock of the right diameter and a hack saw to cut it with. Back at the boat, I make dinner while Cindy cuts a couple of spare pins. All this because we want to sail the Straight tomorrow and need to leave at 8AM or we won't have the right winds and currents and we won't go with out spare parts....
August 24
A beautiful but cold morning, like fall has arrived already. We get the cocoa water started and head out to catch favorable currents. No wind, and low clouds and fog after we get out of the harbor. We head south down the east shore of San Juan Island (or past the west shores of Orcas, Shaw, and Lopez islands, your choice), and drop anchor in Griffin Bay to wait out the fog and have lunch. It doesn't clear very fast, so we decide to stay the night. The weather eventually did improve to sunny, but the clouds and fog over the south end of San Juan Channel never lifted. Seals slap in the water at each other, still not close enough to get a good picture, but fun to watch and hear. I row over to shore to the state park, am able to drift in to a pair of red billed black oyster catchers. A nice hike on the beach with tide pools, along a gravel road (couple of handfuls of blackberries), up a grassy hill with views of the (still) cloud covered straights of Juan de Fuca, down through a lush forest of hemlock and cedar, and through a salt marsh back to the dinghy. On the row back to the boat a large bird flies over to check me out, too late I realize it's a bald eagle and I can't get the camera out in time. Beautiful bird. We spend the rest of the afternoon catching up on things, Squishy joins us in the cockpit several times. The seals are okay, but she doesn't like the seagulls.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
August 23
A lazy morning. I hike back up the hill for coffees and cinnamon rolls. We tidy up, say goodbye to David and Linda, then head for Stuart Island. We try to sail, there just isn't enough wind. We slow down and try trolling for Salmon, nothing there. A few seals come by to check us out. We pull in to Prevost Harbor, again, more crowded than we remember. Cell phone signal is enough to get voicemail, but that's about it. I go for a row looking for a better signal, nothing better here or across the isthmus at Reed Harbor (where Andy caught a seagull last trip ;-). We stay for the night, but will need to get going early because Monday is usually a heavy business day, and we really need to be in cell phone range. Beautiful sunset.
August 22
Breakfast of shrimp omelets (well, scrambled omelets). The shrimp looked much bigger in the water. Showers, then Cindy gets started on the mast, and I go up the hill to the store for ice, anticipating a quick fix then out of there. You can tell when the ferry's in, a flood of people are walking up Spring street as I'm walking down with 40 lbs of ice. Cindy discovers that the “stainless steel” hose clamps were not stainless enough. So, back up the hill to get the right stuff at West Marine. Back to the boat, get the mast clamped, then loosen the port shrouds to get everything back on the step plate. Re-tune the rigging. Then we have to get the turning block off the side of the mast and back through the deck, where it won't put that stress on the mast any more. Oops, we don't have the right tools. Back up the hill to that hardware store, they don't have the right stuff either (we need a really long drill bit and a drill that will get really close to the mast). They recommend the building supply store, a call over there confirms they have what we need, so another mile later we have the right tools. Back to the boat, and pay for another night's stay. As we get started on this repair, we are hailed by a guy on a sailboat three slips down, asking if we needed any tools. Why yes, and electric drill would make much faster work of this. He had one, and also some ideas on some other stuff we'd been working with. That chore went much more quickly. After dinner I play guitar for a while, and we invite David (they guy with the drill) and his wife Linda over for some social time. They are from Canada, she works for their equivalent of the IRS (a bean counter, like Cindy), and he does social work (like Doug and church youth). We stay up way too late, but it was a really good time sharing sea stories and boat repair and even politics and religion.
August 21
We motor from East Sound to Friday Harbor. I go up the hill, get a haircut (it had been 2 months and was looking pretty shaggy), get stainless steel hose clamps at the hardware store, and groceries. Drop those off at the boat and get and early dinner with Cindy. I re-enforce the oarlocks on the dinghy with a pair of 4 inch molly bolts, it's now better than new. An acoustic trio is playing in the park at the top of the dock, very nice. Cindy and Squishy turn in for the night, I hand net some shrimp for breakfast tomorrow. Fun, but took a while to get enough because shrimp are faster than one might expect.
Monday, August 24, 2009
August 20
We've had some problems with our email. I've made some adjustments, if you have sent us something we haven't responded to, please resend.
We motored over to Eastsound (the town) in East Sound (the bay) on Orcas Island. We tried to sail up, we've done this in past trips, but there just wasn't any wind. We set the anchor further out than 6 years ago (when we got up at 0200 to the tune of the 10ft depth alarm at low tide and reset the anchor in 15kt winds in the pitch black). Of course, as soon as we get set, the wind begins to pick up. I have things to do in town, so I head to shore in the dingy. Item 1, haircut. Of the 1 barber shop and 3 “salons” in town, none can take me today. Item 2, pet store. Best one in the islands, still no brushing mitt or scratching rug. I guess it doesn't matter much, we (including the cat) have gotten used to the way things are over the past five weeks. Item 3, Business. I find a place with internet access and power, order a light lunch to justify my presence, and get started. Get a call from Cindy, the boat is getting slapped silly between the wind (which has picked up more) and the waves. I finish up, dash to the store (item 4), then back to the dingy to row back to the boat. Against the wind the right oarlock breaks again, but is still functional, just at about half strength. Lop-sided, but I do make it back to the boat. Cindy had already let out more anchor rode to prevent dragging, so we are not in danger there. The weather forecast indicates it's supposed to lighten up, so we decide to stay. To keep the boat from swinging sideways (and getting smacked by wind waves) I rig a riding sail from a tarp and some duct tape to keep us better pointed in to the wind. It's not pretty but it works pretty well. In setting this up I discover that the turning block that I had mounted at the base of the mast has caused a split in the mast that will have to be corrected before we can hoist the main sail. Sigh. Back to a marina again tomorrow.
We motored over to Eastsound (the town) in East Sound (the bay) on Orcas Island. We tried to sail up, we've done this in past trips, but there just wasn't any wind. We set the anchor further out than 6 years ago (when we got up at 0200 to the tune of the 10ft depth alarm at low tide and reset the anchor in 15kt winds in the pitch black). Of course, as soon as we get set, the wind begins to pick up. I have things to do in town, so I head to shore in the dingy. Item 1, haircut. Of the 1 barber shop and 3 “salons” in town, none can take me today. Item 2, pet store. Best one in the islands, still no brushing mitt or scratching rug. I guess it doesn't matter much, we (including the cat) have gotten used to the way things are over the past five weeks. Item 3, Business. I find a place with internet access and power, order a light lunch to justify my presence, and get started. Get a call from Cindy, the boat is getting slapped silly between the wind (which has picked up more) and the waves. I finish up, dash to the store (item 4), then back to the dingy to row back to the boat. Against the wind the right oarlock breaks again, but is still functional, just at about half strength. Lop-sided, but I do make it back to the boat. Cindy had already let out more anchor rode to prevent dragging, so we are not in danger there. The weather forecast indicates it's supposed to lighten up, so we decide to stay. To keep the boat from swinging sideways (and getting smacked by wind waves) I rig a riding sail from a tarp and some duct tape to keep us better pointed in to the wind. It's not pretty but it works pretty well. In setting this up I discover that the turning block that I had mounted at the base of the mast has caused a split in the mast that will have to be corrected before we can hoist the main sail. Sigh. Back to a marina again tomorrow.
August 19
It was a shame to leave Ewing Cove, but our ice was getting low and we both wanted showers. The computer usage seemed to have been the big drain on our boat batteries. Since we have scaled back (hence the long gaps between blog updates) we have been able to keep the batteries topped up between motoring (2A), and the solar charger (0.3A), against the anchor light (0.8A x9hrs) and other boat instruments.
We had favorable current around the north and west sides of Orcas Island, past my old YMCA summer camp, Camp Orkila (only took 20 more years for Jesus to really sink in). We pull in to Deer Harbor (crowded, also a sea plane base), get fuel, ice, water, showers, and get out of there. We motor around to West Sound, to discover that the store the guide book says is there isn't any more. Rather than head up to Eastsound for provisions, we anchor here and make do with what we have until tomorrow. We both got a little sun this afternoon, so we spent time below getting caught up on email and this blog entry. Later, I try a little fishing (no), a little crabbing (crab ring gets stuck under the anchor road and gets to stay their until tomorrow), and finally I row over to a nearby public island for a little hike.
We had favorable current around the north and west sides of Orcas Island, past my old YMCA summer camp, Camp Orkila (only took 20 more years for Jesus to really sink in). We pull in to Deer Harbor (crowded, also a sea plane base), get fuel, ice, water, showers, and get out of there. We motor around to West Sound, to discover that the store the guide book says is there isn't any more. Rather than head up to Eastsound for provisions, we anchor here and make do with what we have until tomorrow. We both got a little sun this afternoon, so we spent time below getting caught up on email and this blog entry. Later, I try a little fishing (no), a little crabbing (crab ring gets stuck under the anchor road and gets to stay their until tomorrow), and finally I row over to a nearby public island for a little hike.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
August 18
We decide to try for a quieter anchorage. Greg B's dad was right, Desolation Sound and its island are the new place to be (further north and less frequented. Maybe next year with some additional communication prep for Canada). We motored up to Patos Island (Patos means "duck" in Spanish) and just miss getting a mooring. The guide advises not trying to anchor, so we head back to Ewing Cove on Sucia Island 48 45.8N 122 52.89W We passed many harbor seals sunning on the rocks (so much nicer than sea lions on the docks) coming in and occasionally saw porpoises. Cindy and Squishy will enjoy the quiet. I row in to hike and explore the island, which is all a state park. God is good. We are glad we did not get a place at Shallow Bay as a narrow strip of land connects the bays and it was hosting a party that all of Shallow got to hear. We were far enough out we didn't. It was a warm day, definitely summer. Doug got an enjoyable 6 mile hike and probably a good mile of rowing in. We made a pot of chili for dinner (not a day for crabbing, fishing still not working for Doug), enjoyed hearing the seals bark (Squishy, not so much), owls hooting back and forth, and a Schooner coming in to anchor.
August 17
We head for the northern islands. They are smaller and house fewer boats so thinking midweek is best. We're able to sail up San Juan Channel for a while then the light winds shifted to right on the nose so we gave up and motored. The granite cliffs of Waldron Island blocked the cell signal from Orcas Island so we had to continue on around to Sucia. There are lots of places to anchor around Sucia. Our first choice was Shallow Bay and was full, mostly power boats, so we continued on around to Fox Cove. The one remaining mooring ball was under water and out of commission so we anchored out off the passage between Sucia and Little Sucia. There is current so I (Doug) rowed out our stern anchor. In doing so one of the oarlocks on the inflatable dinghy broke. Doesn't anything stay working? After getting the anchor set so we don't swing in to shore too far, and having dinner, I rowed over to the little island to deflate the dink and try to fix the oarlock. It will work, as long as I don't try to tow the sailboat against the current anymore. Small power boats tended to zoom through the cove most the evening, and between the wind and the current it was a very rocky night.
August 15 and 16
with full batteries we checked out and learned their pump out was broken so a brief trip back to Friday Harbor was necessary. Then on to Shaw Island, Parks Bay, 48 33.6N 122 58.7W It is a private bay, UW research site with protected anchorage, no fishing allowed. Only crabbing and then only Wednesday thru Saturday. No shore access means no dogs on boats, Squishy loved that. Beautiful and reasonably quiet even with 20 boats there.
For our last trip we bought a Gunkholing guide book, written in 2000. It stated it could hold 14 but they had never seen more that 6. Things are a changing. Including the weather. Perfect by my narrow expectations and expected to last thru the week between 70 & 80 degrees. Gotta love it and so pleasant we stayed for Sunday. Doug pulled out his guitar and we had our own little church service.
For our last trip we bought a Gunkholing guide book, written in 2000. It stated it could hold 14 but they had never seen more that 6. Things are a changing. Including the weather. Perfect by my narrow expectations and expected to last thru the week between 70 & 80 degrees. Gotta love it and so pleasant we stayed for Sunday. Doug pulled out his guitar and we had our own little church service.
August 14
Fisherman's Bay (still). Doug checked the batteries again and we motored to the dock for the night to recharge again. We discussed more options and extremes to avoid power drains, obviously giving favor to Doug's business needs and navigational/safety tools. My emails and web posting will stay in the picture but all web searches except business is gone. Other wise a pretty uneventful day. We got showers, some supplies at the marina store, and Doug walked to Lopez Village (about a mile away) to explore and buy some groceries, and enjoyed eating blackberries from the side of the road.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
August 12-13
August 12, 13. Checkout time came and we had to leave before the boat batteries were completely charged up. We thought no big deal we'll anchor out and if we need more parts can row back. The anchor area was very bumpy and congested, with lots of traffic in and out, not conducive to working in the lockers, hanging upside down, etc. so we decided to go to Fisherman's Bay just across the San Juan Channel and back to Lopez Island on the west. We had tools and mess everywhere so motored in perfectly good wind. Nearly killed us but kept the boat flat so we didn't have to spend ½ hour putting everything away to take it all back out or watch it fly across the cabin. 48 30.673'N 122 55.247' W we got every thing done yesterday in another beautiful day of summer. Stayed parked for a second night. It's mellowing us all and and we're learning to ignore the sea planes that roar past us 10-12 times a day. A cool start to today so Doug created his own warmth by rowing to land to post letters . He was going to get some breakfast and let me sleep but $10 for a bowl of cereal and no decaf coffee so he got himself an ice cream, and came back and caught some crabs. Yummy lunch!
The rains are back in earnest and we are holed up with fresh batteries and ability to keep them charged so I took the time to type this and he and Squishy are napping. The Islands in general have definitely become much more commercial and chaotic. This is quite busy with boats buzzing through frequently. Certainly not a first choice for a weekend. We will find a quiet place with cell range tomorrow.
On the personal notes, it's been a very good week for contact with our kids. Andy sent email. He is living with his birth mom and working for her doing janitorial while he tries to get a “real” job. He will try to start school in the fall but not sure of details there, waiting lists, money, course work, etc.
Jessa sent a letter which Gina read to me. She is happy she decided to joint the marines and I quote “It's actually kind of fun.” She has been at boot camp 2 weeks now. It was a sweet letter that has opened that door again. Praise God!
Love to all,
Cindy, Doug & Squishy
The rains are back in earnest and we are holed up with fresh batteries and ability to keep them charged so I took the time to type this and he and Squishy are napping. The Islands in general have definitely become much more commercial and chaotic. This is quite busy with boats buzzing through frequently. Certainly not a first choice for a weekend. We will find a quiet place with cell range tomorrow.
On the personal notes, it's been a very good week for contact with our kids. Andy sent email. He is living with his birth mom and working for her doing janitorial while he tries to get a “real” job. He will try to start school in the fall but not sure of details there, waiting lists, money, course work, etc.
Jessa sent a letter which Gina read to me. She is happy she decided to joint the marines and I quote “It's actually kind of fun.” She has been at boot camp 2 weeks now. It was a sweet letter that has opened that door again. Praise God!
Love to all,
Cindy, Doug & Squishy
August 11
August 11. We motor out into the clear but as we rounded a corner it was pea soup so we found a place off to the west side to anchor and wait out the fog. Sailed off of anchor into our first beautiful day of summer and went to Friday Harbor.
One of two tourist meccas of the Islands and we try to avoid them. Sometimes the benefits outweigh the chaos or at least force the hand. San Juan County fair started the 12th so we wanted in and out. Showers, provisions, recharge all batteries, investigate why our batteries and charging system weren't keeping up with recharging batteries and research cell signals on the Islands (Hauling a deep cycle marine battery up Spring street for testing is not exactly our idea of fun, but it was good exercise). We don't remember this much difficulty the last trip. I think that implies only the best memories stayed with us. Naturally the local Ace, Car Quest, Radio Shack, and West Marine, the grocery store, and a very nice restaurant were glad to see us. Oops didn't write down coordinates so here's the marina entrance with promise we did not park in the middle. 48 32.48' N, 123 00.78'W
One of two tourist meccas of the Islands and we try to avoid them. Sometimes the benefits outweigh the chaos or at least force the hand. San Juan County fair started the 12th so we wanted in and out. Showers, provisions, recharge all batteries, investigate why our batteries and charging system weren't keeping up with recharging batteries and research cell signals on the Islands (Hauling a deep cycle marine battery up Spring street for testing is not exactly our idea of fun, but it was good exercise). We don't remember this much difficulty the last trip. I think that implies only the best memories stayed with us. Naturally the local Ace, Car Quest, Radio Shack, and West Marine, the grocery store, and a very nice restaurant were glad to see us. Oops didn't write down coordinates so here's the marina entrance with promise we did not park in the middle. 48 32.48' N, 123 00.78'W
August 10
August 10th We motor out and around to Hunter Bay, in the interior of Lopez Sound, at 48 27.64' N, 122 51.42'W on the west side. Really enjoyed it to. It was raining, Doug rowed out to the rocks to try fishing, but ended up just wet. Next set of phone batteries dead by morning, and the anchor light seems to be running the batteries down faster than they should. Boats with inboard motors can keep up with the house battery drain, but our little outboard only charges at 65 watts, so we had to go find power.
August 8-9
August 8-9 Doug finished the client update and we moved the boat south of town to escape the boat traffic. We had a peaceful night. Next morning we decided to head across the Straight of Juan de Fuca to the San Juan Islands (about 25 miles). We had some wind so got to motor for a while. Visibility was not the best, we had to be very watchful for other traffic. The excitement but not necessarily fun time came when a very off course little brown bat started buzzing us off. It tried to hang on to the sail canvas but every time it fell off it buzzed us. Hard to focus on sail trim when its flying through. Finally we started the motor to out run it. Like a bad omen, that killed the wind, so we motored the rest of the way.
We made it to the San Juan Islands Sunday before the three days of rains were to come. Aleck Bay on the South end of Lopez Island (48 25.61' N, 122 51.57' W) is a very quiet little anchorage. Even Squishy felt comfortable and came to hang out in the cockpit with me, of course before the rains started. Wow! This is what I remember appreciating. Peaceful, relaxing, and beautiful. Only known problem was cell coverage was questionable. Doug went out rowing the bay looking for better signal to move to. Didn't find any but we decided to stay for the night knowing Monday morning we would have to move for business. Phones appeared to roam all night and wore down one set of batteries. I think we got all three days worth of rain overnight. Washed all the salt water off the boat. Squishy is getting used to the rain on fiberglass just above her head.
We made it to the San Juan Islands Sunday before the three days of rains were to come. Aleck Bay on the South end of Lopez Island (48 25.61' N, 122 51.57' W) is a very quiet little anchorage. Even Squishy felt comfortable and came to hang out in the cockpit with me, of course before the rains started. Wow! This is what I remember appreciating. Peaceful, relaxing, and beautiful. Only known problem was cell coverage was questionable. Doug went out rowing the bay looking for better signal to move to. Didn't find any but we decided to stay for the night knowing Monday morning we would have to move for business. Phones appeared to roam all night and wore down one set of batteries. I think we got all three days worth of rain overnight. Washed all the salt water off the boat. Squishy is getting used to the rain on fiberglass just above her head.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
August 7-8
August 7-8. Port Townsend Marina. Hi to all. Sorry it has been so long between posts. Doug has one outlined but work keeps interfering, hard to fight with that. His job gives us this opportunity, but also sets its limits on us.
Are we having fun yet? Believe it or not, Yes! But it’s very weird. We thought the head (marine toilet) rebuild would take a few hours yesterday but did it wrong first and had to sit on hold for customer support, (think Verizon). They talked us through that. We corrected and did it right. Then had to call them back to hold some more because the operating handle was soooo stiff we thought it had to be wrong and were afraid of breaking it. An extra day later, they are east coast and marina’s have checkout times like hotels, all’s good just push the little lever harder. Laundry is clean, bodies are clean, Worst (West) Marine is richer and we are not! But we are gone as we motor out of clean, noisy, moorage to a quiet anchorage where we each could get some work done.
Wrong again. We spent much time looking for the elusive curser that went into hiding with each bob of he boat or the typo created by her bobs. We had small motor vessels weaving in and out of anchored boat at full speed. Sailboats bounce and rock LOTS when wake is created. It that wasn’t enough other sailboats were “racing” around anchored sailboats to practice racing skills and boat trim. Where’s my privacy bubble? Not to mention the evil kitty eyes glaring at me because of course, we all know it is all my fault.
Doug’s 3-hour estimate for a software update at a client site turned in to 6 1/2 so far and has no ending in view, but in an available window we ran away deeper into the bay for some peace and quiet. Forecast sounds like we made a good choice as we may be here a few days, lots of potential for rain. It’s only 7 but Squishy and I will soon go to bed and be up when the sun gets to us.
Doug will post this after his work is done. We're now peacefully anchored at 48 06.092 N 122 46.78 W.
The Straight of Juan de Fuca is the path to the San Juan Islands. It is known for major but variable currents so we choose our direction and timing carefully based on Washburn Tables, statistics that tell us how much current, where and in which direction each hour of the clock. We are really praying that the atmosphere there is as positive as we remember it. We have had enough smelly fishing ports and noisy working ports to last a few months.
We have finally figured out the equation to conducting business without entering moorages so often. Anchoring out is where we find the peace, beauty, and pleasure without the chaos. Now all we need to do is pull in to shower and provision and be gone.
Trivia facts:
Did you know that a basic SS hose clamp is $1.39 in local hardware stores and $1.99 at Worst Marine?
Worst Marine is at the docks and hardware stores are ½ mile either direction. We walked lots.
At home our boat fits in, if not looks great because it gets used. (Seaweed and algae cling to those around us in the docks.) Here it looks dilapidated, old and uncared for. We make repairs as needed for functionality and safety, not appearance. Here lots of racers pay for all repairs to be done, including cosmetics, and hoist their boats out and pressure wash, paint, sand, or some combination thereof for speed every year. We slapped on 6 coats of bottom paint, with the bottom 2 layers being a different color to tell us when we had to repaint, 6 years ago in our drive way. We are changing color now and will have to pull and redo this year after we get back from the salt water. We’re cheap sorts but that’s what allows us to have a boat to play in.
Love and good night to all.
Cindy, Doug and Squishy!
Are we having fun yet? Believe it or not, Yes! But it’s very weird. We thought the head (marine toilet) rebuild would take a few hours yesterday but did it wrong first and had to sit on hold for customer support, (think Verizon). They talked us through that. We corrected and did it right. Then had to call them back to hold some more because the operating handle was soooo stiff we thought it had to be wrong and were afraid of breaking it. An extra day later, they are east coast and marina’s have checkout times like hotels, all’s good just push the little lever harder. Laundry is clean, bodies are clean, Worst (West) Marine is richer and we are not! But we are gone as we motor out of clean, noisy, moorage to a quiet anchorage where we each could get some work done.
Wrong again. We spent much time looking for the elusive curser that went into hiding with each bob of he boat or the typo created by her bobs. We had small motor vessels weaving in and out of anchored boat at full speed. Sailboats bounce and rock LOTS when wake is created. It that wasn’t enough other sailboats were “racing” around anchored sailboats to practice racing skills and boat trim. Where’s my privacy bubble? Not to mention the evil kitty eyes glaring at me because of course, we all know it is all my fault.
Doug’s 3-hour estimate for a software update at a client site turned in to 6 1/2 so far and has no ending in view, but in an available window we ran away deeper into the bay for some peace and quiet. Forecast sounds like we made a good choice as we may be here a few days, lots of potential for rain. It’s only 7 but Squishy and I will soon go to bed and be up when the sun gets to us.
Doug will post this after his work is done. We're now peacefully anchored at 48 06.092 N 122 46.78 W.
The Straight of Juan de Fuca is the path to the San Juan Islands. It is known for major but variable currents so we choose our direction and timing carefully based on Washburn Tables, statistics that tell us how much current, where and in which direction each hour of the clock. We are really praying that the atmosphere there is as positive as we remember it. We have had enough smelly fishing ports and noisy working ports to last a few months.
We have finally figured out the equation to conducting business without entering moorages so often. Anchoring out is where we find the peace, beauty, and pleasure without the chaos. Now all we need to do is pull in to shower and provision and be gone.
Trivia facts:
Did you know that a basic SS hose clamp is $1.39 in local hardware stores and $1.99 at Worst Marine?
Worst Marine is at the docks and hardware stores are ½ mile either direction. We walked lots.
At home our boat fits in, if not looks great because it gets used. (Seaweed and algae cling to those around us in the docks.) Here it looks dilapidated, old and uncared for. We make repairs as needed for functionality and safety, not appearance. Here lots of racers pay for all repairs to be done, including cosmetics, and hoist their boats out and pressure wash, paint, sand, or some combination thereof for speed every year. We slapped on 6 coats of bottom paint, with the bottom 2 layers being a different color to tell us when we had to repaint, 6 years ago in our drive way. We are changing color now and will have to pull and redo this year after we get back from the salt water. We’re cheap sorts but that’s what allows us to have a boat to play in.
Love and good night to all.
Cindy, Doug and Squishy!
August 7
Port Townsend, WA. Laundry and Showers. A cool little marine exchange store to get a spare fuel hose, map dividers, and a third hand dingy pump. Too bad the little outboard has a seized piston, would have been great for the dingy. West Marine for the head rebuild kit and some other parts. "123 Thai" has really good take away (you have to try their "fresh roll" with peanut sauce). The taco stand, not so good. We were able to get a crab "catcher" at the hardware store, not quite what Doug was after but it will allow us to revert the fish net back into a "cat scoop" in case Squishy goes overboard. So far, she's showing very little interest in going outside. And we can get everything recycled (except cardboard). It's noisy here, boats in and out and a guy across the way's been hammering on his boat all day. It takes us most of the day to get the head repaired. Doug has a software upgrade to do for a client tomorrow afternoon, we plan on anchoring out to do that.
The dingy had managed to take on many gallons of water. Still investigating where that came from, it might have been a wave that pooped the dink and sent the crab trap overboard, too. The (not) new dingy pump made short work of that, and I re-inflate the keel. Rides better now, but still checking in case of a leak.
The dingy had managed to take on many gallons of water. Still investigating where that came from, it might have been a wave that pooped the dink and sent the crab trap overboard, too. The (not) new dingy pump made short work of that, and I re-inflate the keel. Rides better now, but still checking in case of a leak.
August 6
Dungeness Bay. 48 08.745N, 123 05.487W.
Porpoises and Harbor Seals greet us. The seals are fascinating, splashing around to get other's attention. But not getting close enough for good pictures :-(.
Kind of a rolly night, with winds pushing the boat one way and waves the other. We'll have to start setting a stern anchor out. Great name for a place to be without a crab trap :-(. So Doug improvises one out of our fish net, a couple of lead weights, a rubber band, and a can of cat food (see picture). And it works! We catch 4, one of which is legal to keep. We have that one for lunch. Then we hoist the hook and motor over to Port Townsend for parts and more repair. The dingy seems to be riding funny, low in the stern no matter how far back we position it. Need to check in to.
Porpoises and Harbor Seals greet us. The seals are fascinating, splashing around to get other's attention. But not getting close enough for good pictures :-(.
Kind of a rolly night, with winds pushing the boat one way and waves the other. We'll have to start setting a stern anchor out. Great name for a place to be without a crab trap :-(. So Doug improvises one out of our fish net, a couple of lead weights, a rubber band, and a can of cat food (see picture). And it works! We catch 4, one of which is legal to keep. We have that one for lunch. Then we hoist the hook and motor over to Port Townsend for parts and more repair. The dingy seems to be riding funny, low in the stern no matter how far back we position it. Need to check in to.
August 3-5
Still no wind, but favorable current. We motor from Neah Bay to Port Angeles, about 10 hours. Doug still having to do some work along the way, and catch up on sleep also, so Cindy got to do most of the driving. The cell phone reception (what Doug requires to connect with customers) has been great. Somewhere along the way the crab trap flipped out of the dingy, so we'll have to do something about that, or waste the cost of Washington fishing licenses. Doug figures if we get 9 crabs it will pay for itself (discounting the entertainment value). We sail into the Port Angeles city pier, but there are no facilities there, and with our macerator pump not working off the coast, and no working pumpout at Neah Bay (hasn't worked for 3 years), we really needed our holding tank pumped, so really needed to get over the Port Angeles Boat Haven. While at the city pier met Max and Sherry (from Reedsport, OR). Max said he might have a spare pump on board, and would be in to the Haven tomorrow. We head over, are able to pump out and get a place to tie up for the night.
Next morning we get (hot) showers, get to the hardware store for replacement hoses, and Max shows up and amazingly does have a replacement macerator pump. I offer him $200 for it, he says "naw, just send me a replacement when they come on sale, I've got two on board." Got to love sailors. Plug it in, fits almost perfectly. Put in new (clear) hoses so we can verify functionality. Bid goodbye, motor back over to the city pier to provision at Safeways and spend the night. The City pier is a little bouncy with waves, and a lot of people are on it late crabbing. Squishy is not pleased. Next morning I hike to Swains's general store. They have everything, just out of stock on crab rings. I was able to get some more hose for the ice box and head (toilet). It's functional, but acting less than normal. We call ahead to West Marine in Port Townsend, they have the rebuild kit in stock, so we'll be stopping there soon.
Early afternoon we motor over to Dungeness bay and set anchor for the night.
Next morning we get (hot) showers, get to the hardware store for replacement hoses, and Max shows up and amazingly does have a replacement macerator pump. I offer him $200 for it, he says "naw, just send me a replacement when they come on sale, I've got two on board." Got to love sailors. Plug it in, fits almost perfectly. Put in new (clear) hoses so we can verify functionality. Bid goodbye, motor back over to the city pier to provision at Safeways and spend the night. The City pier is a little bouncy with waves, and a lot of people are on it late crabbing. Squishy is not pleased. Next morning I hike to Swains's general store. They have everything, just out of stock on crab rings. I was able to get some more hose for the ice box and head (toilet). It's functional, but acting less than normal. We call ahead to West Marine in Port Townsend, they have the rebuild kit in stock, so we'll be stopping there soon.
Early afternoon we motor over to Dungeness bay and set anchor for the night.
August 2
We get showers, we get provisions (ice and water), we get a chantrel mushroom pizza for lunch in town (yum), then we try to get out of there to anchor way from the fish and diesel smell. We have the outboard shear pin issue (see below), but when we get out have a peaceful night in the bay. Except for an emergency customer call which kept Doug up most of the night, and on into the next day. Sigh.
Days 18-19
July 31-August 1, Grays Harbor to Neah Bay via La Push.
Sorry posts might be out of order, this post is before the outoboard issue.
The weather report is really favorable, even advertising wind from the south. We finished getting the cabinet glued back together and installed, trucked the garbage out (why doesn't this place have recycling for anything other than cardboard?) And get under way. Uneventful crossing of the Grays harbor bar, we turn the corner and head north.
No wind. Nada. We motor. The ocean is calm with a gentle roll. There always seems to be a line of crab traps the direction we're going, we try to get outside of them so they don't get tangled in our propeller. Cloudy, so no stars. Drizzle. I was concerned about fuel, and had decided to go in to La Push for that. At full speed we would have been there well before fuel dock hours, so we slowed down and time our entrance after sunrise. We get in, but the only life in the marina is fishing boats going out for the weekend tuna fishing tournament. I find a phone number and get hold of the fuel dock guy, he'll be down in 5 minutes. An hour later we've got our fuel and we're out of there. A porpoise leads us out of the bay, and we continue on north. Again, the wind is not existent, so we motor all the way to Neah bay, arriving at 4:30pm. On arrival we discover that we had plenty of fuel for the trip, and had wasted 5 hours with the stop in La Push. Another lesson learned.
Sorry posts might be out of order, this post is before the outoboard issue.
The weather report is really favorable, even advertising wind from the south. We finished getting the cabinet glued back together and installed, trucked the garbage out (why doesn't this place have recycling for anything other than cardboard?) And get under way. Uneventful crossing of the Grays harbor bar, we turn the corner and head north.
No wind. Nada. We motor. The ocean is calm with a gentle roll. There always seems to be a line of crab traps the direction we're going, we try to get outside of them so they don't get tangled in our propeller. Cloudy, so no stars. Drizzle. I was concerned about fuel, and had decided to go in to La Push for that. At full speed we would have been there well before fuel dock hours, so we slowed down and time our entrance after sunrise. We get in, but the only life in the marina is fishing boats going out for the weekend tuna fishing tournament. I find a phone number and get hold of the fuel dock guy, he'll be down in 5 minutes. An hour later we've got our fuel and we're out of there. A porpoise leads us out of the bay, and we continue on north. Again, the wind is not existent, so we motor all the way to Neah bay, arriving at 4:30pm. On arrival we discover that we had plenty of fuel for the trip, and had wasted 5 hours with the stop in La Push. Another lesson learned.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Days 14-17
July 28-30, Newport, Grays Harbor, Washington.
The sail up the coast was fantastic, we actually did sail until about 1:00am when the wind died, then it started up again about 0400 with us making pretty good progress to windward. Sailing at night, by the compass, the wind in the sails, and a bazillion stars is quite the experience. I've posted our track up the coast. We did end up motoring the last 4 hours in to Grays Harbor (that would be the straight line north). Spent the next several days provisioning, repairs (one of our drawer sets broke because of all the heavy stuff we had loaded in the space behind it), trying to get Doug healthy (still has that cough), and doing some work.
Westport is a fishing town. Several charter companies, many commercial boats. Lots of traffic going in and out. Amenities for cruisers are few. The grocery store is a couple of miles from the port, but there is bus service. A few places to eat, mostly fish and chips. Fishermen drink coffee, not mochas. The "showers" are in an RV park a couple blocks away, coin operated, but no hot water! There is a good marine parts store about a mile away.
On our way out of Astoria we heard several reports over the radio of boats going aground, and at Grays Harbor we met one of them. Check out this link: http://web.me.com/nancyayres/Geist_Blog/Blog/Blog.html (even honest enough to post pictures). Great group of guys, got some needed advice on sail trim. They're on their way to Alaska.
The sail up the coast was fantastic, we actually did sail until about 1:00am when the wind died, then it started up again about 0400 with us making pretty good progress to windward. Sailing at night, by the compass, the wind in the sails, and a bazillion stars is quite the experience. I've posted our track up the coast. We did end up motoring the last 4 hours in to Grays Harbor (that would be the straight line north). Spent the next several days provisioning, repairs (one of our drawer sets broke because of all the heavy stuff we had loaded in the space behind it), trying to get Doug healthy (still has that cough), and doing some work.
Westport is a fishing town. Several charter companies, many commercial boats. Lots of traffic going in and out. Amenities for cruisers are few. The grocery store is a couple of miles from the port, but there is bus service. A few places to eat, mostly fish and chips. Fishermen drink coffee, not mochas. The "showers" are in an RV park a couple blocks away, coin operated, but no hot water! There is a good marine parts store about a mile away.
On our way out of Astoria we heard several reports over the radio of boats going aground, and at Grays Harbor we met one of them. Check out this link: http://web.me.com/nancyayres/Geist_Blog/Blog/Blog.html (even honest enough to post pictures). Great group of guys, got some needed advice on sail trim. They're on their way to Alaska.
Sailing Axioms
“Sailing: long periods of boredom, punctuated by periods of terror.”
As we were pulling out of our slip at Makah Marina, Neah bay, WA, the engine suddenly raced, then quit. The wind pushed us towards the fish cleaning dock, we were able to hale some hands to fend us off. I was able to get the engine restarted, and discovered that if I didn't rev the motor up to much I could get steerage way back in to a slip.
“B O A T = Break Out Another Thou$and”
My first thought is that we stripped the transmission of the outboard. Time to buy a new motor. I climb into the dingy and hoist business end of the motor out of the water, while Cindy gets out the engine manual and starts reading. Key word: shear pin. Lord, please let it be a shear pin. (a shear pin is designed to break if the propeller jams, saving the engine and transmission from damage. They are relatively easy to replace).
“Cruising: repairing your boat in strange and exotic places”
I take apart the propeller assembly, being very careful not to “kerplink” anything. Yep, shear pin in three pieces. Praise you Lord Jesus! Then, I think, I'm in a marina on an Indian reservation in NW Washington, who's going to have a shear pin for a 27 year old Honda outboard (which are hard to get parts for anyway)?
Answer: There are two sets of replacements strapped to the side of the engine. I get one set installed without kerplinking, and we're once again on our way. I vow to stop saying negative things about my trusty motor. We motor out into the bay to set anchor, away from the noise and smell.
As we were pulling out of our slip at Makah Marina, Neah bay, WA, the engine suddenly raced, then quit. The wind pushed us towards the fish cleaning dock, we were able to hale some hands to fend us off. I was able to get the engine restarted, and discovered that if I didn't rev the motor up to much I could get steerage way back in to a slip.
“B O A T = Break Out Another Thou$and”
My first thought is that we stripped the transmission of the outboard. Time to buy a new motor. I climb into the dingy and hoist business end of the motor out of the water, while Cindy gets out the engine manual and starts reading. Key word: shear pin. Lord, please let it be a shear pin. (a shear pin is designed to break if the propeller jams, saving the engine and transmission from damage. They are relatively easy to replace).
“Cruising: repairing your boat in strange and exotic places”
I take apart the propeller assembly, being very careful not to “kerplink” anything. Yep, shear pin in three pieces. Praise you Lord Jesus! Then, I think, I'm in a marina on an Indian reservation in NW Washington, who's going to have a shear pin for a 27 year old Honda outboard (which are hard to get parts for anyway)?
Answer: There are two sets of replacements strapped to the side of the engine. I get one set installed without kerplinking, and we're once again on our way. I vow to stop saying negative things about my trusty motor. We motor out into the bay to set anchor, away from the noise and smell.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Where we are now
Sorry we haven't kept up on the blog, have had a variety of events keeping us away from the computer. We are currently in Port Angeles, Washington. Having some problems with the head (aka toilet) that we hope we can get parts here. Will know more tomorrow. I've updated pictures, here's where we've been:
7/31 Westport, WA 46 54.6N 124 06.7W
8/1 La Push, WA (short stop on the way north). 47 55N 124 37.9W
8/1 Makah Marina, Neah Bay, WA. 48 22.1N 124 36.7W (engine repair)
8/2 Neah Bay (anchor out, less smelly) 48 22.4N 124.36.7W
8/3 Port Angeles, WA 48 07N 123 27W, will probably be here another day.
7/31 Westport, WA 46 54.6N 124 06.7W
8/1 La Push, WA (short stop on the way north). 47 55N 124 37.9W
8/1 Makah Marina, Neah Bay, WA. 48 22.1N 124 36.7W (engine repair)
8/2 Neah Bay (anchor out, less smelly) 48 22.4N 124.36.7W
8/3 Port Angeles, WA 48 07N 123 27W, will probably be here another day.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
We're looking at a few days of rather boring posts possibly. We're tied to the docks at Westport. Me thinks the ocean air / chill set Doug back again as he is worn out and his cough is back. Fortunately, it's a much better spot than expected but still not terribly great. Lots of fishing vessels & stink. At least they don't start up too early, 7AM and later, versus 5AM at Hammond and West Basin Astoria. Squishy does NOT like them or their noise and has spent most her time hiding from us all. Lots of small holes for her to hide in on boats.
Some contrasts to last years efforts to get to Grays Harbor experiences:
Last year we got to Eastport Basin Astoria and went for provisions with out a camera. The Sea lions were between us and the up ramp...so Doug had to get close enough to get pictures with his cell phone...nearly cost him. They stood on end and hissed at us...I wanted to clobber him. Guess who was more dangerous at that point!
This year I started to steer in and he suggested a slip. I said "NO we need to be on the other side of those critters." We got there and went shopping. After we came back, he got his camera and went for a walk while I put groceries away. We were both happy. If you have ever heard them bark you will know why Squishy was mad at us for several hours!
They really are beautiful critters when they are in the water. No comment when they are between me and my boat.
Last year the bar report said all was calm with no restrictions. Seemed perfect for a first experience. We sailed over the bar and and tried to head North. Got drenched and had a blast doing it, yet quickly learned our head knowledge needed more experience to go with it. When we got back to dock after a day of play in the ocean we found a very wet interior. We knew of a few leaks but this was like a sieve! We knew we were soaked from being outside but didn’t think the inside would be as bad. We started hot water and mopping up. We were exhausted to the tune of Cup of Soup even tasted good to Doug. Then we abandoned the Grays Harbor goal and came home to rethink and plan even more than we had.
This year we patched all leaks, duct taped the dorado (breathing hole of the V-berth) closed and motored over the bar to have a perfectly dry tour all the way. I'll admit the bar report gave all the right details but still had a restriction for boats 16' and under which we never could figure out why because it was SO calm but lots of fishing boats seemed to be in trouble and a few others.
Last night I went to sleep at 8 and Doug met the folks on one of the boats that went hard aground during the fog that we pulled over for. They had moved over in a narrow channel to let another boat go past and stuck big time. He will have to send their link tomorrow.
He's been asleep since 7:30 and I'm typing in the dark. Guess I better go too.
Love to all,
Cindy, Doug & Squishy
Some contrasts to last years efforts to get to Grays Harbor experiences:
Last year we got to Eastport Basin Astoria and went for provisions with out a camera. The Sea lions were between us and the up ramp...so Doug had to get close enough to get pictures with his cell phone...nearly cost him. They stood on end and hissed at us...I wanted to clobber him. Guess who was more dangerous at that point!
This year I started to steer in and he suggested a slip. I said "NO we need to be on the other side of those critters." We got there and went shopping. After we came back, he got his camera and went for a walk while I put groceries away. We were both happy. If you have ever heard them bark you will know why Squishy was mad at us for several hours!
They really are beautiful critters when they are in the water. No comment when they are between me and my boat.
Last year the bar report said all was calm with no restrictions. Seemed perfect for a first experience. We sailed over the bar and and tried to head North. Got drenched and had a blast doing it, yet quickly learned our head knowledge needed more experience to go with it. When we got back to dock after a day of play in the ocean we found a very wet interior. We knew of a few leaks but this was like a sieve! We knew we were soaked from being outside but didn’t think the inside would be as bad. We started hot water and mopping up. We were exhausted to the tune of Cup of Soup even tasted good to Doug. Then we abandoned the Grays Harbor goal and came home to rethink and plan even more than we had.
This year we patched all leaks, duct taped the dorado (breathing hole of the V-berth) closed and motored over the bar to have a perfectly dry tour all the way. I'll admit the bar report gave all the right details but still had a restriction for boats 16' and under which we never could figure out why because it was SO calm but lots of fishing boats seemed to be in trouble and a few others.
Last night I went to sleep at 8 and Doug met the folks on one of the boats that went hard aground during the fog that we pulled over for. They had moved over in a narrow channel to let another boat go past and stuck big time. He will have to send their link tomorrow.
He's been asleep since 7:30 and I'm typing in the dark. Guess I better go too.
Love to all,
Cindy, Doug & Squishy
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Days 13 and 14
July 27-28. Hey all. Cindy's version for a change. Leading with we are praying for all of you as you endure this awful heatstroke. We would have loved to have had some of your heat last night and I'm sure you would all have gladly given it to us.
Weather changed and so did the bar report shortly after we returned to Tongue Point/Mott Island on Sunday. So the natural question was “What time tomorrow would we need to leave to be at the bar for best crossing window?” We were under way about 7 and making great time...until we got into fog. We pulled off to the side of the river and dropped anchor until we could see again. Smooth and safe travels over the bar. A great day and interesting night with lots of lessons. We'll have lots to talk about and find better ways of dealing with it before we continue but after we catch up on our sleep.
It was an awesome day and night. Gods creation all around us as far as one can see and all unharmed by human intervention. Only one other boat to be seen all night. Very small moon but sky full of stars that made up our light for the night. It was quite glorious despite being very cold, think 10 knots of wind. No we are not coming home yet, but I will be shopping for warmer layers before we do.
Like the pelican, I tried to capture the night, the forever openness, and the ocean spray in pictures. I was not very successful. Imagine trying to time action photos and guessing when to push the shutter for best action and the right bob of the boat. I take dozens of pictures basically hoping something good runs through on time. Then Doug looks for any worth posting.
Don't let the guys have all the fun. Doug has always really enjoyed steering and tuning the sails for best performance. I really am OK to sit and visit, do nothing, etc. As we had to “do something” with our night we thought we would take turns sleeping and continuing to sail. When winds got light and variable, I didn't have the experience to figure out what was necessary and make it happen quickly enough. So much for Doug's slot to sleep when I saw a really big boat, a long ways away, but still she was coming towards us, so it became important to MOVE! We moved, then it turned. Huge tug towing en even more huge barge on a very long tow chain. Still glad to be gone.
We “hove to” which overly simplified means tying the tiller and the sails such that the boat goes slowly by itself in a programmed direction and all the person on watch needs to do is look up every 20 minutes to make sure nothing is coming at us. Then go back into hiding in the protected cockpit corner under blankets. Doug finally got to sleep since I could do this on my own.
While we were getting it set up and all was quiet and clam little miss Squishy decided to come on deck for the first time. Fortunately she is easily spooked and ran back to cover before we could freak out. If she goes over at night we would never find our little monster face.
Then he woke up and began sailing in the almost dark while I crawled into the sleeping bag with those chemical hand warmers to thaw my feet. No microwave on board means no rice bags. Bummer.
We thought we would get into the area very late last night and wait for the sun to enter Grays Harbor. Wrong. We got here and came straight in about noon for food, showers, and a nap.
We'll talk it all out to learn from the experience but we both feel it was great with lots of room to improve. Love to all,
Cindy & Doug
Weather changed and so did the bar report shortly after we returned to Tongue Point/Mott Island on Sunday. So the natural question was “What time tomorrow would we need to leave to be at the bar for best crossing window?” We were under way about 7 and making great time...until we got into fog. We pulled off to the side of the river and dropped anchor until we could see again. Smooth and safe travels over the bar. A great day and interesting night with lots of lessons. We'll have lots to talk about and find better ways of dealing with it before we continue but after we catch up on our sleep.
It was an awesome day and night. Gods creation all around us as far as one can see and all unharmed by human intervention. Only one other boat to be seen all night. Very small moon but sky full of stars that made up our light for the night. It was quite glorious despite being very cold, think 10 knots of wind. No we are not coming home yet, but I will be shopping for warmer layers before we do.
Like the pelican, I tried to capture the night, the forever openness, and the ocean spray in pictures. I was not very successful. Imagine trying to time action photos and guessing when to push the shutter for best action and the right bob of the boat. I take dozens of pictures basically hoping something good runs through on time. Then Doug looks for any worth posting.
Don't let the guys have all the fun. Doug has always really enjoyed steering and tuning the sails for best performance. I really am OK to sit and visit, do nothing, etc. As we had to “do something” with our night we thought we would take turns sleeping and continuing to sail. When winds got light and variable, I didn't have the experience to figure out what was necessary and make it happen quickly enough. So much for Doug's slot to sleep when I saw a really big boat, a long ways away, but still she was coming towards us, so it became important to MOVE! We moved, then it turned. Huge tug towing en even more huge barge on a very long tow chain. Still glad to be gone.
We “hove to” which overly simplified means tying the tiller and the sails such that the boat goes slowly by itself in a programmed direction and all the person on watch needs to do is look up every 20 minutes to make sure nothing is coming at us. Then go back into hiding in the protected cockpit corner under blankets. Doug finally got to sleep since I could do this on my own.
While we were getting it set up and all was quiet and clam little miss Squishy decided to come on deck for the first time. Fortunately she is easily spooked and ran back to cover before we could freak out. If she goes over at night we would never find our little monster face.
Then he woke up and began sailing in the almost dark while I crawled into the sleeping bag with those chemical hand warmers to thaw my feet. No microwave on board means no rice bags. Bummer.
We thought we would get into the area very late last night and wait for the sun to enter Grays Harbor. Wrong. We got here and came straight in about noon for food, showers, and a nap.
We'll talk it all out to learn from the experience but we both feel it was great with lots of room to improve. Love to all,
Cindy & Doug
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Day 12
July 26. We had intended to hang at Mott Island for another day, but decided to provision and try an improved moorage. We hoisted anchor and motored (with the tide) to Astoria East basin with plans of provisioning and spending the night. Got into East Basin, greeted by a dozen Pacific Sealions. Pretty, but noisy beasts. We saw some that had been branded on their backs for identification. Squishy was not impressed. Barking dogs on the boat next door is one thing, but barking sealions right next to the boat is quite another. They chased us right out of there as soon as reasonable. We provisioned at Safeways (about 1/2 mile each way) and left. Tide had changed, wind had picked up from the west, so we sailed on the jib all the way back. The fishing boats had thinned out, we thought we could sail all the way back in. No. Lesson of the day: You can't gybe a 150 headsail (well, you can, but it takes better coordination than we had today). We should have rolled it in half way EARLY and then made the maneuver. Instead, we fired up the motor and rolled it in. Next time (September maybe?).
In other news, in 25 years Cindy has not been called for jury duty. So what happens after we leave for a (possible) three month sabbatical? You guessed it. Called for August. We've asked that for it to be delayed until December.
And, we got news today that our daughter Jessa did actually get on an airplane today for Parris Island, SC, for Marine Corps basic training. We were very pleased with her decision to join, then she began waffling. We really weren't sure of the final decision until Jose called and said she was on the plane. We are doing the happy and releived dance!
love to all,
Cindy & Doug
In other news, in 25 years Cindy has not been called for jury duty. So what happens after we leave for a (possible) three month sabbatical? You guessed it. Called for August. We've asked that for it to be delayed until December.
And, we got news today that our daughter Jessa did actually get on an airplane today for Parris Island, SC, for Marine Corps basic training. We were very pleased with her decision to join, then she began waffling. We really weren't sure of the final decision until Jose called and said she was on the plane. We are doing the happy and releived dance!
love to all,
Cindy & Doug
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Day 11
July 25. Fog and rough bar conditions keep us in port. After reviewing conditions and weather forecasts, we decide to head back for Mott island after the tide turned, and after there was enough water under the keel to get out safely (about noon). The wind was coming from about due west, so we had a good downwind run all the way to Tongue Point, with Cindy steering most of the way. We were going to try to sail all the way to our anchorage, but the wind kicked up to about 15 kts and the flood tide was carrying us past the entrance, which had a bunch of fishing boats anchored in it, so we doused sail and motored on it. The winds continued on into the evening. The next weather window for heading up the coast is looking like Tuesday. Bet you all are enjoying watching us zigzag the length and breadth of Astoria bay. We actually are ;-)
Day 10
July 24. Astoria West Basin. I went to the marine store to get cordage for the 2nd reef point on our main sail, then hiked up to the mini-mart for block ice and water. Got a call from Cindy, a yacht club was moving in to the marina for the weekend and she wanted to be out of there. Something about people who are loud, and who use their dinghies to motor over to the showers so they don't have to walk around.
Got out of there, destination Hammond. Not our favorite spot, but it's closest to the Columbia bar, and as far as we know there's no good anchorage between Mott island and the Pacific Ocean. We really feel for Captains Gray and Vancouver when they explored the river. Wind blowing from the west 5-10 kts, exactly the direction we're trying to go, so we practiced sailing to windward. In retrospect, we really weren't doing to bad when you consider we had 2-3 knots of flood tide running against us, but we were not making any headway towards our destination. There's a picture in the slide show of our GPS track, showing us zig-zagging in a net negative direction. Beautiful day though and we had a blast. Eventually we motored towards Hammond, enjoyed the aerial show of brown pelicans fishing. When they see a fish they do this half snap roll, put their wings back, and crash beak first into the water. Was hard to capture with the little camera (shutter lag), will have to try with the Nikon next time through.
Hammond basin (46 12.208N 123 57.027W) is popular with charter fishing, with lots of boats going out early (0530) in the morning on weekends. It's also not in very good repair, especially the docks. One side of our dock submerged if both of us were standing on that side, and made for a long step back in to the boat (more muscles we hadn't used in a while). The docks are also covered with sea bird poop (I got that hosed off). The Fish and Game worker saw the fishing net we carry on deck, asked if we'd been fishing. No, we actually have that net in case the cat falls overboard and we need to scoop her out. Spent the evening rigging the 2nd reef, and doing other maintenance. There are a whole lot of ropes hanging from our boom now. The depth alarm went off at low tied in the evening (less than 7 feet, we stick in the mud at 4.5).
Got out of there, destination Hammond. Not our favorite spot, but it's closest to the Columbia bar, and as far as we know there's no good anchorage between Mott island and the Pacific Ocean. We really feel for Captains Gray and Vancouver when they explored the river. Wind blowing from the west 5-10 kts, exactly the direction we're trying to go, so we practiced sailing to windward. In retrospect, we really weren't doing to bad when you consider we had 2-3 knots of flood tide running against us, but we were not making any headway towards our destination. There's a picture in the slide show of our GPS track, showing us zig-zagging in a net negative direction. Beautiful day though and we had a blast. Eventually we motored towards Hammond, enjoyed the aerial show of brown pelicans fishing. When they see a fish they do this half snap roll, put their wings back, and crash beak first into the water. Was hard to capture with the little camera (shutter lag), will have to try with the Nikon next time through.
Hammond basin (46 12.208N 123 57.027W) is popular with charter fishing, with lots of boats going out early (0530) in the morning on weekends. It's also not in very good repair, especially the docks. One side of our dock submerged if both of us were standing on that side, and made for a long step back in to the boat (more muscles we hadn't used in a while). The docks are also covered with sea bird poop (I got that hosed off). The Fish and Game worker saw the fishing net we carry on deck, asked if we'd been fishing. No, we actually have that net in case the cat falls overboard and we need to scoop her out. Spent the evening rigging the 2nd reef, and doing other maintenance. There are a whole lot of ropes hanging from our boom now. The depth alarm went off at low tied in the evening (less than 7 feet, we stick in the mud at 4.5).
Day 9
July 23. Sailed! Off the anchor today, and out into the river, where we tried to sail west (to windward) back to Astoria After a few tacks it was obvious we were not making very good progress against the tide, ended up motoring down to West Basin. Got showered, got the laundry started, and met up with our friends Sam and Jaimie Widmer, and their 7 year old Chloe. They brought us some supplies we needed, we got to enjoy their company for dinner. Thanks guys.
Days 7 and 8
July 21-22. (46 11.491 N, 123 43.840 W) A gray morning with a little fog and light winds, we decided to stay anchored, catch up on some business and reading (and the blog), and work at getting over mild cold symptoms. I still have a bit of a cough. Squishy ventured up into the cockpit to be closer to Cindy.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Day 6
July 20. Advantage of being in a marina is a shower in the morning and a mocha about a block away.
Had a late breakfast at the Pig 'n Pancake, then Doug set out to find parts to fix the ice box drain. Located some block ice. Batteries all charged up, we headed out in the afternoon back to Mott Island for a quiet anchorage. Had slightly shifty winds from astern, sailed from just out of the breakwater all the way into the anchorage. Only met one freighter coming down from Portland, rather light for a Monday. The fair lead for the roller furler isn't set quite right, we ended up with a bit of a tangle with all the line bunching up on itself. Had to manually roll it back up, need to get that adjusted. Doug's still got an annoying tickle in the back of his throat, and soar muscles from lugging ice and provisions around Astoria, and slept well. Squishy decided that sleeping on Cindy was where she wanted to be, which didn't help her sleep much.
Had a late breakfast at the Pig 'n Pancake, then Doug set out to find parts to fix the ice box drain. Located some block ice. Batteries all charged up, we headed out in the afternoon back to Mott Island for a quiet anchorage. Had slightly shifty winds from astern, sailed from just out of the breakwater all the way into the anchorage. Only met one freighter coming down from Portland, rather light for a Monday. The fair lead for the roller furler isn't set quite right, we ended up with a bit of a tangle with all the line bunching up on itself. Had to manually roll it back up, need to get that adjusted. Doug's still got an annoying tickle in the back of his throat, and soar muscles from lugging ice and provisions around Astoria, and slept well. Squishy decided that sleeping on Cindy was where she wanted to be, which didn't help her sleep much.
Day 5
July 19: Motored down to Astoria west basin (46 11.370N, 123 51.323W). Topped off fuel and pumped out the holding tank. Showers sure felt good. While we were off showering, Squishy found another place to hide, took us a little while to locate her tucked in under the quarterberth. Walked about a mile to the marine supply for new dock lines and some other supplies.
The nearest real grocery store is about 4 miles from the marina. We were able to catch the trolley and get a narrated tour of the waterfront (recommended if you get out this way). Found out that Astoria has a Farmer's Market on Sunday afternoon, we got to town a little to late to participate.
Got provisions, however no block ice, just cubes. We don't have refrigeration on board, just an ice box, and block ice lasts significantly longer. The timing was not good to catch the return trolley, so we walked back. Walking is good, especially since there isn't much room for aerobics on the boat , but hauling drinking water, ice, produce, etc. did seem like a bit much.
Back at the boat, all our old ice was melted, the ice box drain wasn't working, and a bag of frozen shrimp had sprung a leak. We hauled everything out, cleaned it all out, and put it all back. Shrimp for dinner.
Ran in to an old colleague. Laura (was) Nelson, formerly of Sequent, and her husband Al aboard their boat “Anytime”.
Cindy bought Icy-hot for the stress knot in her shoulder, and for whatever else was ailing me. We took turns doing rub downs, but the boat smelled like a high school gym locker for the evening.
The nearest real grocery store is about 4 miles from the marina. We were able to catch the trolley and get a narrated tour of the waterfront (recommended if you get out this way). Found out that Astoria has a Farmer's Market on Sunday afternoon, we got to town a little to late to participate.
Got provisions, however no block ice, just cubes. We don't have refrigeration on board, just an ice box, and block ice lasts significantly longer. The timing was not good to catch the return trolley, so we walked back. Walking is good, especially since there isn't much room for aerobics on the boat , but hauling drinking water, ice, produce, etc. did seem like a bit much.
Back at the boat, all our old ice was melted, the ice box drain wasn't working, and a bag of frozen shrimp had sprung a leak. We hauled everything out, cleaned it all out, and put it all back. Shrimp for dinner.
Ran in to an old colleague. Laura (was) Nelson, formerly of Sequent, and her husband Al aboard their boat “Anytime”.
Cindy bought Icy-hot for the stress knot in her shoulder, and for whatever else was ailing me. We took turns doing rub downs, but the boat smelled like a high school gym locker for the evening.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Day 4
Chose to just swing from the hook (anchor) today at Mott Island. It's the weekend, many fishing boats zipping past starting at 0500 from the boat ramp near by. Doing some reading, unpacked the sea anchor, plotting our trip up the coast. Oh, and then there were the work calls that came in.
Also, our friend Steve Bihler's been tracking our positions, and made his link available (see upper right hand corner). Thanks Steve! Also got flikr set up for a slide show, will get some more pictures uploaded later.
Cindy here. It's been a great day of swinging, mostly calmly. All have taken many naps. Sguishy never really stopped except to glare at us when boats whizzed by. Doug and I are trying to not get sick. After so much stress building up until and to this wonderful get a way we always have the collapse that usually ends up with mild illness. Love to all.
Also, our friend Steve Bihler's been tracking our positions, and made his link available (see upper right hand corner). Thanks Steve! Also got flikr set up for a slide show, will get some more pictures uploaded later.
Cindy here. It's been a great day of swinging, mostly calmly. All have taken many naps. Sguishy never really stopped except to glare at us when boats whizzed by. Doug and I are trying to not get sick. After so much stress building up until and to this wonderful get a way we always have the collapse that usually ends up with mild illness. Love to all.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Days 2 and 3
July 16. Slept in until 7:30!. Motored out, said “Hi” again to the fuzzy Osprey chicks and two deer walking on the Washington shore below I-5, and motored down to Kalama to pump out the holding tank. Delayed there because the pump wasn't pumping. Got that working, then just went down to Walker Island for the night, total of 3.5 hours moving. We've been having issues getting in to the “vacation” frame of mind, fixed this how? By re-stowing the gear on board so there's a little more room. Also printed off missing charts of the Washington coast. I went for a row in the dingy, called my sisters to wish them happy birthday. On the way back discovered we had a sentinel watching over us. A Bald Eagle was perched in a fir tree above our boat. I tried to get a picture, but the light was fading and he was in the shade, will try to attach. Pretty cool though.
For Sam: N46 08.648, W123 02.224
July 17. Motored (mostly) to Mott Island, just east of Astoria (N46 11.798, W123 44.676). Trying to get in the mode of “It's the journey, not the destination.” We've been focused on getting up to Gray's Harbor for the last couple years (which involves and overnight on the ocean, exciting!). Decided this evening that we would take a couple of days around Astoria and work on our sailing skills in some real winds (15+mph) with some real space to exercise in, and real waves to contend with, while we can easily bug out to a safe port if wanted. Also, need to get some groceries, there's a good boat store here for some other supplies, get showers, and not be in a rush. Beautiful sunset over Tongue Point tonight.
For Sam: N46 08.648, W123 02.224
July 17. Motored (mostly) to Mott Island, just east of Astoria (N46 11.798, W123 44.676). Trying to get in the mode of “It's the journey, not the destination.” We've been focused on getting up to Gray's Harbor for the last couple years (which involves and overnight on the ocean, exciting!). Decided this evening that we would take a couple of days around Astoria and work on our sailing skills in some real winds (15+mph) with some real space to exercise in, and real waves to contend with, while we can easily bug out to a safe port if wanted. Also, need to get some groceries, there's a good boat store here for some other supplies, get showers, and not be in a rush. Beautiful sunset over Tongue Point tonight.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Day 1
It's 8:00pm, we're swinging gently on the anchor in the log pond at Martin Island, about 6 miles down river of our moorage. Cindy and Squishy are asleep already, but I will have to move Squishy so my feet have a place to be. I'm finishing up some work for the morning, it's 80 degrees and too hot for me to sleep.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Introduction
July 15, 2009. We got away to the boat today. Later than we had hoped, had to wait for some supplies to come in, Doug had a Dr's appt, and had to stop at the vet's on the way to get Squishy's (the cat) vaccinations up to date. Spent most of the afternoon putting supplies away. Finally got out of the slip at 3:30pm, filled up the fuel tanks at St. Helens marina, and slogged down the Columbia to Martin Island (there is an old log pond in the middle, a great anchorage). The wind was on our nose, so we motored. Squishy was not impressed with the wind chop, tried to burrow into the point of the v-berth (the bounciest part of the boat). We were greeted at the entrance to Martin Island with Osprey parents and a fuzzy chick. We got anchored at 5:00pm. Squishy has been adventuresome, much more so than the last trip 5 years ago with our three teenagers on board. She is currently on the cushion next to the oven, waiting for Cindy to get the extraneous stuff organized in the v-berth. Dinner of last night's shrimp, cheese, and crackers. I've still got a little work to do tonight, but we are all ready for a peaceful night's sleep.
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