July 24, 05
The day prior to departure. It was a very busy day closing up the condo and taking the last few items required for our passage. (Thank goodness Hans had offered to take us to the marina, and that he has a half ton). Our trip out to Pedder Bay was the first of many exciting moments of that most eventful day. After a quick stop at the local Timmy’s for three Ice Caps followed by a second quick stop in which most of one of the unconsumed Ice Caps was fairly evenly distributed throughout the cab of the truck and contents including those sitting within. An effective hair gel for my two male companions, riding shot gun in the back seat definitely had an advantage.
Pete and Jane Hammond have offered to plant sit both the inside and outside plants so there were a couple of “largish” plants to leave at Glen Rosa while we are gone. When they arrived with a unique pruning which can only be achieved in the back of a pick up truck where there heads hang out the tail gate (and Jane is worried that they won’t survive her care, ha!).
Unloading the rest of the truck of its contents into an already overstuffed Blue was the next challenge. The makeshift homes were quickly found to be inappropriate as they would leap out or be repelled by their surroundings as Blue, I would like to say bobbed, but can’t, as two days later rolled and was tossed to and fro would be more accurate.
The Lamb BBQ hosted by the residents of Pedder Bay Marina and RV park for Jens, Alice and Stephen was much fun. We were honored to be included in the celebration and a number of family and friends showed up and presented us with warm wishes, advice, gifts and envied grievances. One of the high points of the BBQ was when after a stressful wait for mom our beautiful grandbaby and her mommy arrived to spend time with us. There was sad goodbyes and a warm hello as Brendan arrived with Milo. Milo seemed uncomfortable on Blue and was anxious and spooked by the wild extension cord lying in wait on the dock. Thanks, to Brendan’s sense of humour and teasing of the impending cavity search at our first destination in the United States did it occur to us that Dick’s passport had been safely stowed in the glove box of the Honda. The Honda that had been lovingly covered and put into storage 12 hrs. earlier. So, a rapid drive back to the condo, and after a few contortions the retrieval was a success and the round trip back to Pedder Bay was executed. Brendan probably didn’t get home till after midnight. Thanks Brendan!
July 25, 05
An early up. Sunshine, light winds and a gang of well
wishers on the dock waved Veleda, Blue and crews a goodbye. As we set off to Port Angeles you could see Peter playing his bagpipes in full costume the request tune “Scotland the Brave”.
We were escorted by a number of power and a sailboat out of the bay and into the “Straits of Juan de Fuca”. I think they just wanted to make sure we actually kept going and didn’t double back to the security of our slips.
Light winds provided a brief and enjoyable sail. As we passed the mid channel marker the American courtesy flag was raised. We entered Port Angeles and were checked into Immigration and Customs. After all the hype surrounding the security of entering the States we were anxious and found this truly be a non event. Papers were passed back and forth, money exchanged hands (unfortunately only in one direction) and the deed was done.
PA is a very pretty town, typically small town, friendly, helpful locals, and oh Yeah! Pretty much of everything is closed on Monday.
July 26, 05
Off to Neah Bay at a casual pace, about 49 nautical miles from PA. Thanks to the tide with us we were able to count on an extra 2 kts. As there was little to no wind the entire way the pace would have been a lot slower without the benefit of the tide/current.
We had freighters coming on one side of us and going on the other as we stayed in the “no traffic zone”. I was surprised by how little effect their wake had on us. It was absorbed by the rhythm of the ocean.
When we arrived at Neah Bay Veleda and Blue rafted up together, popped the corks of a couple bottles of champagne to officially acknowledge our passage.
Neah Bay is part of the Makah Indian Reservation and we were anchored with hearing distance of a Pow Wow.
We made it an early night as we were preparing for our first over night sail and wanted to make sure we got as much rest as possible for our sail to Grays Harbour. Despite the fact that the wind howled most of the night we all had a reasonable sleep as Dick and Jens had set the anchor alarms on both boats was there was little chance that we would drift or be dragged around and not hear at least one of the alarms.
July 27, 05
We woke to what I believe was a sunrise ceremony. Neah Bay was totally fogged in, and hearing the singing and beating of dreams somewhere in the fog was surreal.
We prepared for our first over nighter, or what we thought was prepared for the next 24 hrs., a hearty breakfast, lunch and dinner readily available to grab out of the fridge and fill our bodies (Ha!)
.
We navigated out of the channel through breaking fog and jockeyed for position with the pleasure fishing boats. The swells were amazing, at first terrifying then as I became more comfortable with the rhythm I could relax at my shift at the helm. The fog persisted through most of the morning, it did break to let the sunshine through for most of the afternoon. The wind picked up and we were finally sailing. Trading off on our 2 hour shifts was working well until we ran into, or more accurately, a squall ran into us! This was not part of our fair weather sailing plans. We reefed in, then at about 7:30 p.m. we heaved to. Heaved to, is as best I can describe, when you put the vessel in the trough of the swell, tying the tiller steady to course and keeping the sail in a small scooping (like a sugar scoop) shape.
We had lost visual and radio contact with Veleda that caused great concern. We were able to contact the PA coast guard to report our position and situation assuring them, or maybe that was assuring ourselves, we were in no immediate danger.
I got religion that night or at least I spoke loudly and often to the big guy, greater power, creator, and or any other spirit that might be listening. It was the longest night of my entire life. A night I will never forget. We learned a lot about what Blue could handle and what we were capable of handling. There we no contest Blue wins! However, if there were ever another situation we would be much more prepared, like the food in the fridge, well you can’t open the fridge door without expecting absolutely everything to come flying out, so pack the thermos bag with everything ready to eat, no assembly required, straws to put in the drink container because your not going to get any thing on the inside of you without one, plenty on the outside but nothing inside. And, man do you ever get thirsty! water, water everywhere and not a chance of getting a drop in you. Oh yeah! And getting sea sick, and using the toilet, this is the only time the playing field is even.
You’ll notice I’m not mentioning what the seas looked like, I can’t describe the image.
July 28, 05
I thought daylight would never come and at 5:30 ish it was light enough to set a course to Grays Harbour. We had drifted off course by about 20 miles, which was a little discouraging as it meant we had nine hours travel to get to our next destination which should have been only 2 or 3 had we not drifted.
Dick got Blue by the rudder and manhandled her keeping her ass to the waves as I glued myself to the GPS and gave him our position . I imagine this could have looked peculiar (if there was anyone around to see) as Dick faced out the stern and me facing forward like we were annoyed with one another. Dick wrestled with the “loose” tiller for about 3 hours before we were able to enlist the service of “Norman” (the autopilot). The seas were still just too angry for Norman or me to push Blue in the direction of Grays Harbour.
Once we were able to get Norman on the job Dick could go for a much needed rest while I keep watch on the radar, Norman and the weather.
Dick re-emerged and we tried to have a little something to eat. Then it was my turn to grab a nap, even though the adrenaline was still surging through my whole body thanks to exhaustion I was able to nap.
We were still exhausted as we approached the “bar”. I was steering, Dick navigating, the seas almost easy now, good thing as I could not have steered with the conditions of 10 hrs. earlier. We worked hard and with only a few tense words we made it over the bar without incident. As we fueled up the sun came out, we found our friends, a slip, a little dinner, and some much needed sleep and rest.
July 29, 05
Fog, Today we spent most of the day stowing the things that had leaped out from their temporary homes during the 45 kts. storm.
They will stay put now as they have been stowed in their new permanent homes adorned with new “buttons” (hardware that holds things down/in/together).
Dick did a job jar of repairs and I cleaned Blue up inside and out, and got some provisions from the friendly community of Grays Harbour. Grays Harbour has to be the most hospitable place I have in memory. Without prompting a man on the street asked if we were looking for the showers. I’m sure it was the towels we were sporting at 8:00 a.m., not our scent that led to his question. The shuttle bus driver after dropping me off at the grocery store where I was able to find a good selection of food and reasonable prices (took me right to the float we were moored at not just the assigned stop). He also offered suggestions as to which float had the best/freshest seafood. The owner of the RV park who offered the use of their wireless remote, regardless of the fact we are not guests of the park. It just went on and on, the folk are just as helpful as can be!
My body has bruises in spots that I didn’t even know that I had spots.
There was lots of sunshine today and when you were out of the wind very warm.
July 30, 05
Awaking to a heavy fog we continue to prepare Blue for our next leg of our passage under sunny skies. Veleda is ready to go but we’re still behind by about 9 hrs. and 5 days.
After finishing up our chores including the repair to the “loose” tiller head, the pin that holds the tiller head had sheared off (explaining why we drifted so far off course in the storm) was replace with a pin 50% beefier. Sent replies to some emails messages, tied down the anchors and installed a inner forestay should we ever need to hoist the storm sail. We did a little touring of the town.
It was another sunny and warm day
I feel ready to go with all the new “button” keeping everything right where it belongs.
July 31, 05
We awoke once again to heavy fog. We motor sailed for 10 hrs. to the infamous Columbia River bar. I was very surprised when Dick announced that we had crossed the “bar”. My anxiety at what I had expected was way out of proportion. It was even less intense than the Grays Harbour bar. That said I’m aware the we had timed it well and the weather and the sea conditions we in our favour. It had been another sunny and warm day until we started to navigate down the narrow channel to Ilwaco when the fog rolled in the rain started and all the channel markers were totally obliterated. Navigation by radar was totally impossible with the land mass and obstructions in the water. So, Dick navigated using an amazing software program called Cmap. Ah the wonders of modern technology.
We pulled into our slip at about 8:30 p.m. grabbed a bite to eat and fell asleep before our heads hit our pillows.
August 1, 05
I’m becoming accustomed to waking to fog and having it lift and bring the sunshine to me. We walked into the town of Ilwaco, not nearly as hospitable as Grays Harbour. It’s a very small town something just over 1,000 residents and I’m not sure if they have a large influx of people in the summer months. It appears that Veleda and Blue are the only transient vessels here. Fishing and fish processing are the only visible business and of course the supporting businesses, shipyard, marine and fishing supplies, etc.
We have fewer and fewer chores each time we stop enabling us to do some of the more enjoyable things we’ve wanted to do for a while.
The day prior to departure. It was a very busy day closing up the condo and taking the last few items required for our passage. (Thank goodness Hans had offered to take us to the marina, and that he has a half ton). Our trip out to Pedder Bay was the first of many exciting moments of that most eventful day. After a quick stop at the local Timmy’s for three Ice Caps followed by a second quick stop in which most of one of the unconsumed Ice Caps was fairly evenly distributed throughout the cab of the truck and contents including those sitting within. An effective hair gel for my two male companions, riding shot gun in the back seat definitely had an advantage.
Pete and Jane Hammond have offered to plant sit both the inside and outside plants so there were a couple of “largish” plants to leave at Glen Rosa while we are gone. When they arrived with a unique pruning which can only be achieved in the back of a pick up truck where there heads hang out the tail gate (and Jane is worried that they won’t survive her care, ha!).
Unloading the rest of the truck of its contents into an already overstuffed Blue was the next challenge. The makeshift homes were quickly found to be inappropriate as they would leap out or be repelled by their surroundings as Blue, I would like to say bobbed, but can’t, as two days later rolled and was tossed to and fro would be more accurate.
The Lamb BBQ hosted by the residents of Pedder Bay Marina and RV park for Jens, Alice and Stephen was much fun. We were honored to be included in the celebration and a number of family and friends showed up and presented us with warm wishes, advice, gifts and envied grievances. One of the high points of the BBQ was when after a stressful wait for mom our beautiful grandbaby and her mommy arrived to spend time with us. There was sad goodbyes and a warm hello as Brendan arrived with Milo. Milo seemed uncomfortable on Blue and was anxious and spooked by the wild extension cord lying in wait on the dock. Thanks, to Brendan’s sense of humour and teasing of the impending cavity search at our first destination in the United States did it occur to us that Dick’s passport had been safely stowed in the glove box of the Honda. The Honda that had been lovingly covered and put into storage 12 hrs. earlier. So, a rapid drive back to the condo, and after a few contortions the retrieval was a success and the round trip back to Pedder Bay was executed. Brendan probably didn’t get home till after midnight. Thanks Brendan!
July 25, 05
An early up. Sunshine, light winds and a gang of well
wishers on the dock waved Veleda, Blue and crews a goodbye. As we set off to Port Angeles you could see Peter playing his bagpipes in full costume the request tune “Scotland the Brave”.We were escorted by a number of power and a sailboat out of the bay and into the “Straits of Juan de Fuca”. I think they just wanted to make sure we actually kept going and didn’t double back to the security of our slips.
Light winds provided a brief and enjoyable sail. As we passed the mid channel marker the American courtesy flag was raised. We entered Port Angeles and were checked into Immigration and Customs. After all the hype surrounding the security of entering the States we were anxious and found this truly be a non event. Papers were passed back and forth, money exchanged hands (unfortunately only in one direction) and the deed was done.
PA is a very pretty town, typically small town, friendly, helpful locals, and oh Yeah! Pretty much of everything is closed on Monday.
July 26, 05
Off to Neah Bay at a casual pace, about 49 nautical miles from PA. Thanks to the tide with us we were able to count on an extra 2 kts. As there was little to no wind the entire way the pace would have been a lot slower without the benefit of the tide/current.
We had freighters coming on one side of us and going on the other as we stayed in the “no traffic zone”. I was surprised by how little effect their wake had on us. It was absorbed by the rhythm of the ocean.
When we arrived at Neah Bay Veleda and Blue rafted up together, popped the corks of a couple bottles of champagne to officially acknowledge our passage.
Neah Bay is part of the Makah Indian Reservation and we were anchored with hearing distance of a Pow Wow.
We made it an early night as we were preparing for our first over night sail and wanted to make sure we got as much rest as possible for our sail to Grays Harbour. Despite the fact that the wind howled most of the night we all had a reasonable sleep as Dick and Jens had set the anchor alarms on both boats was there was little chance that we would drift or be dragged around and not hear at least one of the alarms.
July 27, 05
We woke to what I believe was a sunrise ceremony. Neah Bay was totally fogged in, and hearing the singing and beating of dreams somewhere in the fog was surreal.
We prepared for our first over nighter, or what we thought was prepared for the next 24 hrs., a hearty breakfast, lunch and dinner readily available to grab out of the fridge and fill our bodies (Ha!)
.We navigated out of the channel through breaking fog and jockeyed for position with the pleasure fishing boats. The swells were amazing, at first terrifying then as I became more comfortable with the rhythm I could relax at my shift at the helm. The fog persisted through most of the morning, it did break to let the sunshine through for most of the afternoon. The wind picked up and we were finally sailing. Trading off on our 2 hour shifts was working well until we ran into, or more accurately, a squall ran into us! This was not part of our fair weather sailing plans. We reefed in, then at about 7:30 p.m. we heaved to. Heaved to, is as best I can describe, when you put the vessel in the trough of the swell, tying the tiller steady to course and keeping the sail in a small scooping (like a sugar scoop) shape.
We had lost visual and radio contact with Veleda that caused great concern. We were able to contact the PA coast guard to report our position and situation assuring them, or maybe that was assuring ourselves, we were in no immediate danger.
I got religion that night or at least I spoke loudly and often to the big guy, greater power, creator, and or any other spirit that might be listening. It was the longest night of my entire life. A night I will never forget. We learned a lot about what Blue could handle and what we were capable of handling. There we no contest Blue wins! However, if there were ever another situation we would be much more prepared, like the food in the fridge, well you can’t open the fridge door without expecting absolutely everything to come flying out, so pack the thermos bag with everything ready to eat, no assembly required, straws to put in the drink container because your not going to get any thing on the inside of you without one, plenty on the outside but nothing inside. And, man do you ever get thirsty! water, water everywhere and not a chance of getting a drop in you. Oh yeah! And getting sea sick, and using the toilet, this is the only time the playing field is even.
You’ll notice I’m not mentioning what the seas looked like, I can’t describe the image.
July 28, 05
I thought daylight would never come and at 5:30 ish it was light enough to set a course to Grays Harbour. We had drifted off course by about 20 miles, which was a little discouraging as it meant we had nine hours travel to get to our next destination which should have been only 2 or 3 had we not drifted.
Dick got Blue by the rudder and manhandled her keeping her ass to the waves as I glued myself to the GPS and gave him our position . I imagine this could have looked peculiar (if there was anyone around to see) as Dick faced out the stern and me facing forward like we were annoyed with one another. Dick wrestled with the “loose” tiller for about 3 hours before we were able to enlist the service of “Norman” (the autopilot). The seas were still just too angry for Norman or me to push Blue in the direction of Grays Harbour.
Once we were able to get Norman on the job Dick could go for a much needed rest while I keep watch on the radar, Norman and the weather.
Dick re-emerged and we tried to have a little something to eat. Then it was my turn to grab a nap, even though the adrenaline was still surging through my whole body thanks to exhaustion I was able to nap.
We were still exhausted as we approached the “bar”. I was steering, Dick navigating, the seas almost easy now, good thing as I could not have steered with the conditions of 10 hrs. earlier. We worked hard and with only a few tense words we made it over the bar without incident. As we fueled up the sun came out, we found our friends, a slip, a little dinner, and some much needed sleep and rest.
July 29, 05
Fog, Today we spent most of the day stowing the things that had leaped out from their temporary homes during the 45 kts. storm.
They will stay put now as they have been stowed in their new permanent homes adorned with new “buttons” (hardware that holds things down/in/together).
Dick did a job jar of repairs and I cleaned Blue up inside and out, and got some provisions from the friendly community of Grays Harbour. Grays Harbour has to be the most hospitable place I have in memory. Without prompting a man on the street asked if we were looking for the showers. I’m sure it was the towels we were sporting at 8:00 a.m., not our scent that led to his question. The shuttle bus driver after dropping me off at the grocery store where I was able to find a good selection of food and reasonable prices (took me right to the float we were moored at not just the assigned stop). He also offered suggestions as to which float had the best/freshest seafood. The owner of the RV park who offered the use of their wireless remote, regardless of the fact we are not guests of the park. It just went on and on, the folk are just as helpful as can be!
My body has bruises in spots that I didn’t even know that I had spots.There was lots of sunshine today and when you were out of the wind very warm.
July 30, 05
Awaking to a heavy fog we continue to prepare Blue for our next leg of our passage under sunny skies. Veleda is ready to go but we’re still behind by about 9 hrs. and 5 days.
After finishing up our chores including the repair to the “loose” tiller head, the pin that holds the tiller head had sheared off (explaining why we drifted so far off course in the storm) was replace with a pin 50% beefier. Sent replies to some emails messages, tied down the anchors and installed a inner forestay should we ever need to hoist the storm sail. We did a little touring of the town.
It was another sunny and warm day
I feel ready to go with all the new “button” keeping everything right where it belongs.
July 31, 05
We awoke once again to heavy fog. We motor sailed for 10 hrs. to the infamous Columbia River bar. I was very surprised when Dick announced that we had crossed the “bar”. My anxiety at what I had expected was way out of proportion. It was even less intense than the Grays Harbour bar. That said I’m aware the we had timed it well and the weather and the sea conditions we in our favour. It had been another sunny and warm day until we started to navigate down the narrow channel to Ilwaco when the fog rolled in the rain started and all the channel markers were totally obliterated. Navigation by radar was totally impossible with the land mass and obstructions in the water. So, Dick navigated using an amazing software program called Cmap. Ah the wonders of modern technology.
We pulled into our slip at about 8:30 p.m. grabbed a bite to eat and fell asleep before our heads hit our pillows.
August 1, 05
I’m becoming accustomed to waking to fog and having it lift and bring the sunshine to me. We walked into the town of Ilwaco, not nearly as hospitable as Grays Harbour. It’s a very small town something just over 1,000 residents and I’m not sure if they have a large influx of people in the summer months. It appears that Veleda and Blue are the only transient vessels here. Fishing and fish processing are the only visible business and of course the supporting businesses, shipyard, marine and fishing supplies, etc.
We have fewer and fewer chores each time we stop enabling us to do some of the more enjoyable things we’ve wanted to do for a while.
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