Sailing Trip 2005

Lungta

Sunday, July 24, 2005

            So….this is what it looks like to live life without agenda or schedule!  Sunday afternoon and we’re still at dock.  Yesterday, thanks to son, Todd and good friend Rod, we had new spreaders installed on the main mast, promising a trip safe from that rotten one breaking and………  Dan & David (Dan’s father) continue to work on anchor securing systems and installing new 50 amp end on pilothouse.  Choppy seas are forecast for early in the week, so we changed David’s flight back to Atlanta out of PDX instead of SEATAC and will not attempt the ocean portion of our trip until after he leaves.  Hope to have a leisurely trip down the Columbia River to Astoria.  Eve will pick up David there Thursday evening and we’ll head up the coast Friday or Saturday.

 Tuesday, July 26, 2005

            We’re anchored off Tomahawk Bay Marina.  When we attempted a turn around as we were leaving yesterday, it seems we broke our rudder.  Phooey!  It’s 7:45 AM and Daniel is off to Home Depot to buy air hose to dive to remove rudder.  We have Vessel Assist scheduled to tow us to Schooner Creek Boat Yard for aid in the repair.  Myriad thoughts swirl in my mind – often frenzied, sometimes calm.  Evan says, “Look, we’ve barely started our vacation and already we are having an adventure!”  Time, energy and $$ promised.  Yet, we are safe and happy, thankful this happened in calm water close to a boat yard.  The weather is sunny and warm.  We had a peaceful night at anchor- just another day to live in the moment.  Teakettle is heating on the back stove and we’re alone in the middle of this beautiful river.  Only my anxiety blurs this lovely scene.  I am so resistant to breathing lessons, yet continue to ask.  Yearning to live in peace realizing only releasing fear the answer – trusting Basic Goodness.  What if my anticipation wasn’t for the next mishap but for opportunity to see the synchronicity and caring service of the Universe and the diverse expressions of humanity?  My life is full of wonder and magic when I look.

             9:00 AM – Just discovered that rudder DIDN”T fail!!! Yahoo!!!  A small ‘key’ in the rudderpost designed to be the first thing to fail under pressure, did its job!  So, no need for tow or expensive repair!  Dan has necessary tools and materials on board for repair.  We will work here at anchor and with luck, head down the river this afternoon.  We still have time for a leisurely trip and opportunity to catch window of calm seas on the ocean.  We continue to breathe and are very thankful for the abundance that is ours.

 Wednesday, July 27, 2005

            Awoke to serene setting – tucked in behind a small island east of Wallace Island with about half of our down river trip behind us.  We sat quietly at anchor last evening supping on steak & salad and sipping wine.  Our thoughts are much different than Monday night.  We are happy and contented to have had a simple solution to the rudder problem.  We sailed a bit late in the day with just enough wind for a mini sailing lesson for the kids and joy for Dan & David who have been longing to raise the sails.  Hopefully, the next two days will provide more opportunities to sail.  I’m ready for a cup of tea and open to the possibilities of the day.  We have until Thursday afternoon to get to Astoria and really only 5-6 hours of travel time ahead.  We’ll see.

Sailing Lessons	Sailing

Thursday, July 28, 2005

            Anchored last evening off the channel about 18 miles east of Astoria.  It was a windy & rocky night as we’re in open water.  Will head down river again around 9:30 AM when the tide changes.  We’re sitting in the pilothouse enjoying our morning tea & coffee.  Clouds rolled in during the night and the air is feeling decidedly ‘ocean-like’.  The forecast promises some clearing later.

            11:00 AM – Anchored off Rice Island just west of Astoria to explore and look for seagull wings.         

Hunting Seagull Wings on Rice Island on the Columbia River	Final Preparations Complete in Astoria

            2:00 PM – Safely docked in East Basin Marina – Port of Astoria awaiting Eve’s arrival.

Friday, July 29, 2005

            Saw David & Eve off early before checking ocean report.  We’ve decided to stay at dock one more day finishing preparations for sailing on the ocean: still a few things to fasten down and the dingy to get on deck.  It’s a clear sunny day with a brisk wind keeping the temperature just below 70.  We’re feeling a bit anxious about the ocean voyage although the forecast promises almost perfect seas and wind.  As usual time will tell.

            8:55 PM – It’s a beautiful night – the wind is calm as the sun sets.  We are listening to Harry Potter #5 in anticipation of beginning #6 on our trip up north.  We are happy and all is well.

Sunset in Astoria

  Saturday, July 30, 2005

            It’s a misty morning – calm.  We’re heading to West Basin to fuel up and then to head out over the bar.  Hope we’re prepared.                

             5:10 PM – Ocean is glass!! – Gentle swells, but no wind ripples.  We’re listening to Harry Potter over the drone of the engine as the kids doze and Daniel sunbaths on the galley trunk.  If we continue traveling this way and conditions don’t change, we will be heading into the Strait of Juan de Fuca around noon tomorrow.  Daniel wishes to sail which, of course, requires change in wind which will probably result in change in the size of the seas.  We’ll see.  Snacking & eating lightly.  Temperature outside about 69 degrees and 82 in.  We’re thankfully comfortable.                                                                                                                                                                    

First Morning on the Pacific Ocean

            7:10 PM – Whale sighting off starboard!!!!  He gave us a lovely show heading south – breeching once and surfacing several times.  Amazing!

Sunday, July 31, 2005

            1:00 AM – Our radar has started acting up, blinking on and off and blowing fuses.  The starboard jib sheet (that’s a line to you ‘landlubbers’) broke, as did one of the lines on the main sail.  The seas are gentle, so we safely furled the jib and lowered the main.  Not attempting to use the radar, but are keeping a closer watch for lights of passing vessels through the night.  We are experiencing bigger seas, 5’+ with 1-2’ wind waves.  Our bearing is taking us beam to the waves so we’re rolling some.  The kids are sleeping comfortably tucked into their lee cloths.  Dan & I are switching watches as our eyes become too heavy to keep open.  We’re feeling some anxiety, but mostly peace that all is well as we travel toward the strait.   (The radar stayed out for the remainder of the trip, though we tried to get it repaired in Nanaimo.  There were several times that we really missed it, particularly when we were traveling in fog.  The problem, which our friend Rod found upon our return to Portland, was... a loose ground wire in the antenna dome. - DF)  

Evan	Taylor	Captain Dan

            8:45 AM – Seas seem to be calming a bit with about 2 hours to the turn.  We’re thinking of heading to Port Townsend to fix sails - about 13 hours away.  But will find a place to tuck in for the night before heading there tomorrow.

            11:00 AM – Heading to Victoria BC instead of Port Townsend for repairs.

            6:10 PM – Entering Victoria Harbour                  

Victoria BC Harbour

  Monday, August 1, 2005

            8:30 AM - Sitting safely at dock in Victoria Harbor – a bustling harbor full of quite a variety of watercraft.  The docks are chock full of yachts – sailing & motor – small & large.  Kayaks, canoes & dingys putzing about – seaplanes & water taxis – touring boats and whale watchers.  Busy place.

We checked into customs last evening and explored on foot once we settled.  The city is celebrating BC Day.  Last evening there was a huge concert in front of the Empress Hotel.  We could hear it as we sat having dinner on our back deck and when it got dark, we enjoyed an exciting fireworks display directly above our heads.  We were sure they were celebrating us! J

            There is a light breeze today – wispy clouds promising to burn off.  We hauled Taylor up both masts – to tie a new sheet to the jib and to rerun the line for the main sail.  Then we hauled Evan up to reroute another line.  They both loved it and are becoming great crewmembers.                                        

Hauling Taylor	Hauling Evan

            9:30 PM – We’re anchored quietly in Reid Harbor on Stuart Island.  It’s a sheltered little place we’re sharing with a few dozen other vessels.  The water is flat & reflective.  We watched 2 seals playing happily together, nuzzling one another & flipping about.  Except for Taylor’s nonsensical song about “The Hole in the Bottom of the Sea” (thanks a lot Eve) all is still.  No wind and the promise of a quiet night at anchor.  It is taking a lot to wind us down.  Life to this point has felt full and pressured.  The sun is setting as anchor lights blink on in this sweet harbor.  A few voices echo across the water as families settle for the night.  All is well and I am thankful for the abundance.     

Kids Kayaking in Reid Harbor	Reid Harbor Seals

 Tuesday, August 2, 2005

            Still water this morning in Reid Harbor – skies are clear and the sun warms my back as I sit in the pilothouse beginning my day.  We all got a quiet night’s sleep – the kids are still slumbering below at 7:45 AM – Dan’s showering.  We smile at one another joking about ‘always being home’ yet awaking in new surroundings.  We are planning a hike on the island after breakfast before heading north toward Nanaimo later.  The kids want to drop the crab pots so we want to find a spot for that.  The day is already a warm 67 degrees as 'Barbara-blue' dragon flies dance above the water.  There’s a light breeze now – maybe we’ll find wind for sailing later.

Lungta at Anchor in Reid Harbor, Stuart Island WA	Taylor Baking Underway

            11:00 AM - We’re heading north through Swanson Channel & Trincomali Channel heading toward Galiano Island.  No wind so we’re motoring.  The batteries are charging, water heating and Taylor is baking a cake & cleaning the kitchen.  Weird!

 Wednesday, August 3, 2005

            8:00 AM – We’re sitting idly in sleepy Montague Bay on Galiano Island.  Clear sky, 65 degrees – as Daniel quietly plays his flute and I sip my morning tea.  Lots of vessels anchored here – would be worrisome if the wind picked up.  But the night was still and we had gentle sleep.  We dropped a couple crab pots and caught 1 keeper crab so far and 1 good-sized sun starfish.  Fun for the kids.  We had a long explore around the bay yesterday afternoon and spend a quiet evening aboard.  The kids took out the keyboard and Taylor plunked away while Evan accompanied her with vocals.  Nice!  We’re finally relaxing.  Heading to Nanaimo.

Taylor's Sun Starfish	Evan's First Crab

Taylor Playing Keyboard

 Thursday, August 4, 2005

            Awoke at dock in Nanaimo Harbor behind a 120’ super yacht.  We still like our vessel better.  No place locally to check radar, but decided to stay another night to explore the area.  Meandered around town until 2:30 and back to the boat to head across the harbor to anchor.  The kids are off kayaking exploring Newcastle Island.  Dan is visiting a neighbor boat and I’m sitting in the shade reading.  We’re anchored quite close to our neighbors, but with little wind, it shouldn’t be a problem. Friday, August 5, 2005

            Beautiful clear morning anchored in Nanaimo Bay.  Sounds of the city waking up drift around us:  dingy motors, sea planes, ferry engines, neighbor voices and a howling dog on an anchored tug-like vessel mourning the departure of its owner.  Looking to the west is cityscape – condos, traffic, and high-rise buildings.  To the east, water dotted with anchored vessels and beyond, pristine islands and open water.  We’re desiring to head away from the populated and toward….?  Well, we’ll head a bit further north to see what we find.     

Nanaimo Looking West	Nanaimo Looking East

            I’m finding myself happy to do ‘just nothing’, while Daniel still desires to explore something, head somewhere.  We’re learning to find synchronicity.

            3:00 PM – We’re motoring toward Hornby Island, a northern Gulf Island.  Patty’s friend (another Barbara) recommended we check it out.  We plan to visit Lasqueti Island east of there anyway; we will stop there first.

            There is very little wind and what there is, we’re heading directly into.  Hopefully we’ll get to do some sailing as we head back south.  It’s beautiful up here – we’re not seeing many boats.  Skies remain clear with a few billowing clouds over the land up ahead.  74.3 degrees outside and the water temperature almost 67 degrees – quite surprising.  We hope to swim when we get settled in Tribune Bay.  Daniel is showering and the kids are reading and listening to music in their rooms while I’m on watch.  1 hour & 15 minutes to Hornby at this tack and speed.  Electronics are amazing!

  Saturday, August 6, 2005

            Bouncy night – the wind picked up about dusk and kept us rocking through the night, disconcerting for me – didn’t sleep very well.  The beach of Tribune Bay is a very popular one.  The ranger says there are 800 year round residents and as many as 3000 in the summer.  Although this year hasn’t seen quite that many since the summer season only began a couple weeks ago.  The water is quite clear with the white sand bottom visible very deep.  ‘They’ say that this is the best sandy beach in the Gulf Islands.  It’s beautiful and the kids are enjoying playing in warmer water.

Clear Tribune Bay Water	Happy Girl Enjoying the Warm Water

'Barbara' Moon Over Hornby Island

Sunday, August 7, 2005

            Lazily bobbing this morning in Tribune Bay after a calmer night and more restful sleep.  It’s 10:00 AM and we’ve had our first late morning.  I just put the teakettle on.  No warm water for showers this morning as we’ve gone too long without running our generator.  Will have a sponge bath once the tea kettle boils.  Spent a lovely day yesterday exploring the small community of Hornby - one co-op grocery and several crafty shops huddled together.  Went for a long walk through the woods to find the Farmer’s Market, which happens twice a week, Saturday and Wednesday, throughout the summer.  It’s located across the street from the one school on the island – looks like about 3 small buildings.  Would love to know more about it.  Spent the rest of the afternoon on the beach, relaxing and people watching.  There was a sand sculpture contest with about 6-8 entries.  We watched the ‘artists’ throughout the afternoon and a lovely sand dragon got our vote.  The kids want to stay another day before heading to Lasqueti so will stay tonight.  Have had a lovely afternoon on the beach, some decent fish & chips in town and watched the tide come in before heading back to Lungta. 

Hornby Island Sand Sculpture Winner	Kids Lounging

Kids Enjoying Each Other?

Monday, August 8, 2005

             We’re still bobbing gently at anchor in Tribune Bay.  The family has decided to stay another day, so the small generator is running to recharge batteries and are putzing the morning away.  It’s beautiful here – lovely long white beach – sea is about 66 degrees and swimable.  Lots of families enjoying one another and the surroundings.  A gentle breeze most days keeps us from feeling too hot.  Since it’s quite off the ‘beaten path’ and the setting & accommodations rustic, it seems to attract a peaceful crowd.  In addition to families, a lot of older teens and college age groups gathering to camp and play in the sun.  Seems to be a lot of bicyclists.  We’ve been told there is an influx of retired folks and have seen evidence of that.  Dan thinks marijuana growing may do a lot to support the island and has seen evidence of that as well.  All in all a gentle energy here.   

Tribune Bay, Hornby Island	Tribune Bay, Hornby Island

Tuesday, August 9, 2005

            Another beautiful morning in Tribune Bay.  Our last, I think, as we’re planning to head to Lasqueti later this morning.  Had our first crab for dinner last evening.  Only caught 2, so we each had a bit of crab on our salad along with a bowl of canned clam chowder – perfect!  We’re reluctant to leave this place.  It’s been so relaxing.

            11:15 AM – Pulling up anchor.

  Wednesday, August 10, 2005

            There’s a seal playing off our starboard bow in this quiet bay.  We're in False Bay, on the island of Lasqueti.  A few clouds overhead are the first we’ve seen in many days.  We watched a very large eagle feeding on shore yesterday.  Daniel & Evan found a whole bucket of clams in the mud flats and we’ve caught 4 crabs so far.  We’ll have a seafood feast tonight!  

Lasqueti Bed & Breakfast	Indicative of the spirit of the community- DF
Lasqueti Bakery (Good Cinnamon Buns!)	False Bay, Lasqueti Island

We met an elder seasoned sailor, Dan Van Heest, who travels these waters often.  He suggests we head for Thormanby Island east across Malaspina Strait to find more lovely white beaches.  The kids enjoyed Hornby Island beaches so much – they’re missing that.  Lasqueti is rocky and craggy – a very different experience.  The community here is very ‘back to the earth’ and seem resistant to outsiders.  The store is about the size of our 7-11’s and neither it nor the restaurant gives a fair exchange for American money and they don’t accept ‘plastic’.  The passenger ferry runs Wednesday thru Monday in the summer and the town seems to shut down for Tuesday -  must be their Sunday.  Think we’ll head to the dock and take a walk up the main street about a kilometer. 

Lasqueti Sunset

            The night was very quiet and still – no wind at all to cool our evening or slumber.  We went to Dan Van Heest’s boat, where there is internet access via cell phone, to check wind and weather for the next few days.  Looks like much of the same that we’ve had – ho hum J - more clear skies & sunshine.  Maybe the wind will be right to sail a bit as we head to Buccaneer Bay later today.

  Thursday, August 11, 2005

            We’re sitting very still anchored in Buccaneer Bay on Thormanby Island.  It was quite windy last evening, but settled nicely for the night.  Our only disturbance was a nighttime invasion of mosquitoes – we had neglected to turn on Mom’s Bite Shield (basically a tiny battery operated fan blowing citronella scent around).  But when we did, it seemed to work nicely.  We all have a few bites – to be expected when sleeping off wilderness islands.

Thormanby Island Sunset

            We met a nice family aboard a 62’ ferro-cement (like us) boat anchored nearby – John, Lucy, Charlotte & Kingsley.  They live aboard in Ladysmith on Vancouver Island, south of Nanaimo and are playing and sailing for a few days.  (As they pulled in,  John immediately offered to exchange tours of our vessels.  He seemed to have an infectious enthusiasm for life that felt like  a breath of fresh air, - DF)  .

The skies are completely overcast, but we’re hoping for a sunny afternoon to play on the lovely white sand beaches here – we’ll see!  Waves from the wake of  other vessels passing down the channel are gently rocking us – a light breeze now rippling the mirrored water in places – peaceful morning.   

Exploring Tide Pools on Thormanby	Buccaneer Bay, Thormanby Island
Taylor Leaping into Buccaneer Bay	Kids playing  on Thormanby Island

Friday, August 12, 20054

            We had a delightful day hanging in Buccaneer Bay.  The sky’s cleared as we toured Melody Dawn – a labor of love in progress – and spent the afternoon sunning on the beach and getting acquainted with new friends.  Had the Watson-Willms family over for supper and a majestic evening of shooting star watching.  We’re feeling a lovely connection.  The kids enjoyed their time and we shared wonderful conversations as adults.  We’ve decided to travel south together for the day – heading to Ladysmith Harbor.  Winds are forecasted to be in a good sailing direction.  Calm morning – we’re boiling our crabs and getting ready to take off.

Kids (two)	Jellyfish (hundreds of thousands!)

            3:30 PM – Have had a nice sail southwest down & across the Strait of Georgia.  We finally had all five sails up.  But now the wind has died and we’re motoring again to catch a favorable tide through Gabriola Pass into Pylade Channel toward Ladysmith Harbor.  We’ve left Melody Dawn behind as they’re trailing their dingy that slows them down.  We will meet up again later today. (The sea water around us became incredibly flat that afternoon and while waiting for  Melody Dawn with all sails up, we had the odd experience of being completely and totally becalmed.  The water around us remained very clear and we saw thousands of delicate white jelly fish swimming around us.  (See Above)  These jelly fish were everywhere for the rest of the trip until we entered the straight of Juan De Fuca,  John told us that the white jelly fish are completely safe and Taylor later picked one up and played with it in her hands with no apparent ill effects. - DF)

Saturday, August 13, 2005

            We’re anchored lazily in Ladysmith Harbor after stopping at the guest dock last evening for water.  Melody Dawn is anchored nearby and we shared a nice dinner meal once again.  They had some engine trouble so will work on that today while we head back to the visitor’s dock to hook up to power for a few hours to recharge, heat water & bake brownies.  While there, we plan to head into town for supplies and a walk-about.

Ladysmith Harbour	New Friends

Sunday, August 14, 2005

            We spent another lovely afternoon and evening with our new friends.  Toured Ladysmith – a quaint sweet town – got groceries, ingredients for ice cream and a wine making kit.  It seems that there is a high tax on alcohol in Canada, so even wine is quite expensive, so home made wine is quite common.  John, who was a professional winemaker for 10 years, introduced us to his homemade wine (which was quite nice, by the way) and assured us we could create the same.  So we’ll try our hand at it when we get home.

Mini Crab	Ladysmith Sunset

            The dads and kids made fresh blackberry ice cream at dock while the moms went to the Laundromat.  We left the dock, anchored again and spent the evening munching popcorn and visiting.  All the kids fell asleep in the pilothouse, so we shooed Evan & Taylor to bed, covered Charlotte & Kingsley and had a sleep over.

            John & Lucy came over for a pancake, fruit & blackberry ice-cream breakfast this morning.  We are all a bit sad to say good-bye, but are happy to have made a good connection with kindred spirits.  We will keep in touch and surely meet again.

Farewell to John, Lucy, Charlotte & Kinglsey

            We’re heading toward Orcas Island in the San Juans – about 50 miles away.  We plan to anchor close for the night and send Evan on a ferry to meet his mom in Anachortes tomorrow.  The weather continues to be sunny and warm.  We are motoring at the moment to recharge batteries & heat water – one of the drawbacks to having so many energy draining appliances.  We have definitely decided we must find some alternative sources for generating power as we like the systems we have – looking to wind & solar.  We are hoping to find some wind later to push us in the right direction.  We just passed a harbor seal popping her head up to watch us pass by.  Water is flat – no wind here.       

Monday, August 15, 2005

            8:30 AM – We’re hanging in Deer Harbor on Orcas Island about 3 miles from the ferry dock.  Since the seas are calm, Dan will take Evan by dingy to catch the noon ferry to connect with Holly in Anachortes WA at 1:15.  We plan to stay anchored here tonight, but head to the Resort at Deer Harbor to stay in a suite there for the night – a gift from an acquaintance of Dan’s who wasn’t going to use the night’s stay.  We haven’t been ashore yet and plan to meander the streets, have dinner out and explore this little town.  There are lots of boats here as Orcas Island is a popular island for vacationers and close to Washington state.  It’s the most ‘resorty’ of any of our other stops this trip.  

Deer Harbor, Orcas Island WA

            3:00 PM – Got Evan off and have visited Deer Harbor.  We’ve discovered that there is not much to experience here.  The restaurant at the Resort says ‘closed for the season’ (thought this WAS the season) and only one other within walking distance.  Guess most of the activity happens at the bigger harbors on the other side of the island.  The accommodations at the Resort are nice, but not nice enough to entice us to leave our lovely space and comfortable beds.  So we asked the manager to pass our paid-for room on.  She was quite pleased at the prospect of being the bearer of ‘blessing’ and we trust someone will enjoy!  We’re heading southwest toward Cadboro Bay on Vancouver Island just east of Victoria.  We will stop for the night, check our engine, put the dingy on board and get ready for the trek up the Strait of Juan de Fuca and home.  If all goes as planned (which it only sometimes does J) we should be back on the Columbia sometime Wednesday for a leisurely meander home.  Taylor is happily watching a movie below.  There is no wind for sailing at the moment, but this is still a lovely way to travel even with the engine noise.

Cadboro Bay Sunset

Tuesday, August 16, 2005

            Anchored last evening in Cadboro Bay and did get the dingy on board after a little explore of the beach and little town nearby.  We’re battening everything  down in anticipation of traveling in ‘more expressive’ water.  We will head to Port Angeles in the morning for fuel and then home.  Swells rolling off the Strait rocked us at anchor through night accompanied by the gentle drumming of a loose halyard – Nice!

Daniel Admiring Cadboro Bay	Hungry Seagulls

Taylor's Seal Friend

Wednesday, August 17, 2005

            We finally arrived at Port Angeles fuel dock just before 5:00 PM last evening – several hours later than expected – but in time to add 150 gallons of diesel to our port tank for the trip home.  We had a problem with generator belts on the trip across the Strait, so had to shut the engine down for a couple hours.  We were able to sail, but in the wrong direction J.  However, since we were traveling against a very strong current anyway, our progress was only minimal.  Daniel was able to remove the belts, but we are now traveling without a way to recharge while away from electricity until we do some repair at home.   Our batteries are almost full, but we will try to use as little energy as possible until Astoria.  We can dock there and hook up to power for recharging, heating water and filling water tanks.

            After fueling, we anchored for the night out in Port Angeles Harbor in a bit of wind as there is little protection there.  Wind died down some by the time we headed for bed at 9:00 and became still by about 1 AM.  Heard what I thought was a small boat engine around 2 AM and then realized it was the sound of rain – still drizzling at 6:30 AM.  We’re now traveling with a very strong current down the Strait of Juan de Fuca doing 8.8 knots.  We should have favorable current for another 3.5 to 4 hours.

Sunset on the Strait of Juan de Fuca	Morning heading out the Strait of Juan de Fuca

               Feeling some anxiety about this next leg – especially without generating power to support systems.  Oh well – once again it’s a breathing lesson and a time to trust.  I’m learning, as always, to look for and see Basic Goodness in all situations.  And to welcome and appreciate the abundance.

  Thursday, August 18, 2005

            We’ve been traveling a little over 25 hours and are just a few minutes away from turning east to head for the first buoy at the mouth of the Columbia River.  We’ve made very good time even traveling through fog most of the way down the coast and through the night without radar.  We’re using the autopilot consistently, but turned off the depth sounder and are only using the GPS and computer to check charts and our position every couple hours – trying to conserve batteries.  We are keeping very close watch – Daniel has been awake most of the time allowing me to take only a couple 2 hour watches alone so he could get some rest.  It’s interesting for me to watch my thoughts.  As always, there is much opportunity for worry and anxiety, but I am continually reminded how cared for we always are.  The trip down the coast isn’t comfortable with swells always on our beam (side) pitching and rocking us sideways.  However, we’ve never been in danger.  Lungta has carried us safely and well – this is our 9^th trip up or down the coast of Washington.  Taylor is sleeping peacefully – trusting – and only slightly disappointed that we can’t use the CD player to listen to Harry Potter.  The kids continually remind us to ‘relax and enjoy’ and are amazing gifts!  Looks like we’re heading into fog, as we get closer to land so I’d better get back to ‘watching’.  

Taylor on Fog Watch (If you look really closely, she's snuggled in a blanket way up front)

            10:00 AM – We’re through the fog, over the Columbia River bar and safely at dock in Astoria recharging and heating water – once again thankful for the abundance that is ours.

  Friday, August 19, 2005

            We were awakened this morning by a sea lion concert after a welcome restful night’s sleep – boat & body batteries recharged!  We counted over 50 sea lions barking at each other competing for space on the docks.  It’s fun for us to see, but a nuisance for the fishing community.  We spent yesterday afternoon and evening relaxing.  We walked to Safeway for groceries, had a nice steak dinner and watched Fiddler on the Roof as we wound down from our ocean passage.  We’re now on our way up the river traveling with the incoming tide at 7.9 knots.  Taylor & I are continuing our Cribbage match while we motor along looking for wind so we can sail a bit – none yet.    

Sea Lion Choir

            6:30 PM  - We docked at Sand Island Marine Park across from St. Helens (with assistance from some willing dock angels) in the wind and funny current at the mouth of the Multnomah Channel.  Nice park & docks with no fees for tying up here – sweet!

Saturday, August 20, 2005

            We spent a rocky, noisy night at dock.  The wind whined through our rigging (and our neighbor’s), dock lines moaned & creaked and water sloshed and slopped against our stern – very glad we weren’t at anchor.  The wind began to settle around 3:00 AM and was still for a few early morning hours.  7:30 AM saw overcast skies and wind picking up again.  At 10:00 AM the sky is clear blue, 61 degrees and windy.  The dock here at Sand Island Marine Park is lined with Hunter sailboats – about 16 or so.  It’s like a RV rally on the water.  Groups of sail boaters are chatting on the docks and meandering up and down admiring the other vessels – lots of conversation and curiosity about Lungta and her sail design.  We’re a ‘unique’.  We’re going to stay at dock another hour or so and then head up river to find a spot to anchor and lay on the beach for awhile before heading back to our home dock.

Sand Island Marine Park, St Helens OR

            9:00 PM – We’re sitting on our back deck enjoying the cool night breeze and listening to soft music & crickets.  We’re at our dock in Tomahawk Bay – our sailing trip at an end.  Melancholy feelings dance in my head.  We had a wonderful month, saw beautiful places and met lovely new friends.  Many days we basked in the feeling of ‘rightness’ – experienced the lovely balance of environment and dreams manifesting; adventure and freedom.  We have some great memories and are looking forward with anticipation to our next sailing adventure!  

Lungta at Home Dock - Tomahawk Bay Marina