Day 3

Last day on board for dad
            This morning (Monday, May 30, sorry about any possible confusion with the other posts) I woke up as no sailor ever wants to wake up: Wet. As soon as I realized that I was sleeping in a puddle of salt water on the cabin sole, there was a brief moment of panic before we realized that the problem was that someone had simply forgotten to close the seacocks on the head, and with the rolling from wakes throughout the night, the bowl had slowly filled then overflowed. Luckily nothing was damaged, and the only harm done was a wet sleeping bag which dried in the sun on the way to Blaire.
            After dealing with the water, we got ready to go, and while we were eating some oatmeal for breakfast, a Doe walked out onto the beach on Doe Island, which distracted us from the cold morning dew and wet sleeping bag on deck.
            When we got underway, there was a good 10 knot breeze from the south-southeast, pushing us up the last bit of Rosario strait at a good 4 knots until it started to die off as we drew farther north, until in order for dad to make his flight home, the stink machine had to be started and we ran on under power until Birch point just a few miles south of Blaire. The last five miles into Blaire harbor we had a nice breeze building to around ten knots at its peak before we had to drop the sails.

            So far Blaine seems like a pretty neat place, with extensive marina facilities for both recreational and commercial boats, and a sweet little town. After dad left, we walked around trying to find internet connection and on the way found an ice cream shop where you could get a giant cone for only four bucks. As this is the last stop before jumping the border and continuing north through less populated areas, we will be topping everything up and re-provisioning for a week’s worth of sailing to Sointula.

Comments

  1. BrianMay 31, 2016 at 11:23 AM

    Richard, I love that you refer to the engine as a stink machine!!!! That is great. Man I wish I could be there with you experiencing what you are. I have always loved the ocean, but I have never had the opportunity to learn to sail. One day I would LOVE to be able to work under you as part of the crew on a short voyage. What an amazing adventure. Sail safe, enjoy the salt air, and I hope a study tail wind follows you all the way.

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