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