Happy birthday Dad!!

Hope you had a great day

Junkys

This place deserves a post of its own. It is a marine store...with everything created for the marine industry from the last 50 years or so. It is a treasure trove. We found amazing odds and ends in here. And the best part...was the attic. Upstairs, Virgil has a collection of incredible antiques, several old cars, and an incredible inventory. You need a flashlight, because there are no lights, but John was even able to find his much-loved salmon plug "131". In fact he found several boxes of these. This is him looking for the plug.

But the most amazing find in the attic was the Delorian. I don't know much about these things, but I guess it is a big deal. I think Marty and Doc would have been impressed.

A New Map of Our Position

Amy has created a Google map of our position reports. You can click to it, with the link on the right hand side. There is also a link to our SPOT location - this one is similar, it will be updated sooner, but only shows the last 7 days.

Our First Night Sail!

After spending a day in Schooner Cove to install a secondary mast track for our storm sail, we started heading south again on Thursday. Upon arrival in Victoria at Oak Bay, Pat and Noah popped by to join us for dinner, and supply us with a few critical lures for our tuna fishing adventures. And, Jo came down to the boat to send us off.

Following a restful night, on Friday we took off again, but this time for the USA border. We arrived in Port Angeles to check in with customs and were issued a one-year cruising permit. We then headed out the Juan de Fuca Straight, towards open ocean. We stopped for the night in a small bay where the constant rolling ensured a terrible sleep. Saturday, we continued to Neah Bay - the last point of shelter before heading around the corner to the outside, unprotected waters. Neah Bay is a small first nations community with few services, but we were able to buy a few extra groceries, and finish the preparations for heading offshore.

On Sunday morning, we started up ol' Perk (our engine), and spent most of the day motoring away from land. We've chosen to take the express route (a few stops along the way) as opposed to the bluewater route (no stops between here and San fran). This makes it easier for us to run into port if we have any trouble, or if the weather changes. Here is Cape Flattery - the last point of land, before heading out towards the open ocean:

Our first overnight was fabulous. We set the sails just before dinner, and sailed all through the night. We took turns being on watch for 3-4 hour periods. During my watch, the sky was clear, and the stars were stunning. And surprisingly, it wasn't nearly as freaky as I had imagined. In fact, after about 15 minutes, I was able to relax, and enjoy the ride.

By morning, we were just outside Grays Harbour, so we decided to duck in, get some internet tasks done, and get a full nights rest before pushing on. We've finally found wi-fi (which has been much more difficult than I expected). Although I'm sitting in the Mermaid Cafe, and I suspect they want their table back for new customers. And...the lovely staff at the marina drove me into town so i could dropoff a couple packages at the post office. Is that great or what?? And moorage is only $12. A far cry for the almost $50 we paid at Schooner Cove.

I even had a chance to do some sewing - sail ties, winch covers, and John's jeans.

Be sure to click on the link at the top right of the page to see our current position.

A Layover Day in Schooner Cover

Today we had a day in Schooner Cove. We had arranged for the rigging company to come and install a second mast track for us. Because our mail sail is somewhat tempermental, we thought it best to have a redundant system installed both for the storm sail, and for an emergency back up. It looks and works great.

We're Away!!

We left Campbell River today. On time. Amazing!! Although to be fair...it was a late night, and both the boat and house were not as neatly put away as I had hoped, but it feels good to get away. And it is only because of all the help we've received from friends and family who came out to help us pack, haul, paint, eat, clean, laugh, and store!! You are all the best!!

After 10 hours of motoring under sunny skies and with calm winds, we're now nestled in for a couple days at Schooner Cove Marina, near Nanoose. We'll spend tomorrow here, unpacking boxes, stowing supplies, and having some work done on the boat, and leave again on Thursday morning.

Whew...

T minus 2

2 days until our estimated departure. We pack, we paint...we are blessed to have awesome friends and family.

Bon Voyage

Today, the families threw us a great send-off party at the beach. I was surprised, thrilled, and humbled at all the people that took time out of a summer Saturday to come out and say good-bye! Thank you all so much. We love you all...and are looking forward to seeing you as you join us in far away ports!

Look Ma...No Hands!!

We've finally had a chance to test out our newly installed Monitor wind vane. We sailed...or rather, the vane sailed... almost the entire way from our house to Rebecca Spit. As you can see in the picture, the vane is tilted by the wind, which in turn, moves the pendulum in the water. This pendulum pulls on the lines, which are led back to the wheel. MAGIC!

Now we just have to come up with a name for it. I suggested Hans ...remember Hans and Franz....here to pump you up!! Hans is also the name of the inventor.

Retirement is Pending...

Well...I've bit the bullit. I submitted my notice with both of my key clients/employers. And it was really brought home as we sat in interviews last week. Now the countdown is emminent...Four more weeks of work!!