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.