A no-sail weekend

We dedicated this weekend to some minor maintenance projects around the boat and tried to get Frank enough rest to finally feel better. We managed to get the TV put in, replace the anchor light, equalize the batteries, and put up a Level-O guage (so I can see how far we are really heeling!). We also hit Kate's for breakfast both days (soooo yummy!), got out on the kayaks 4 times, hit the local farmers market (via kayak!) and co-op, took Katreina to a princess party, and got to relax...like right now, with beer and wine in the cockpit as we enjoy the sunset.

Trent was tuckered after all that work!

The Au Pair is here!

Yes, it's true--the TV is here! Frank masterfully selected and installed a 12V TV/DVD combo flat panel TV. We got it put up after the kids went to bed so tomorrow morning will probably be like Christmas for them. It's still not television in the traditional sense though as we aren't sporting a dish or anything like that so we still have to go to the internet to watch "Lost." So really it's like a fancy DVD player hanging on the wall. Whatever, at least now Trent can't close the movie on his sister (that's his favorite little game when she's really into a movie--slamming the portable DVD player shut). I'll add pics soon!

Box wine, "thumbs up"

Why? The bottle doesn't break, the square box (some brands have a better shape than others) fits nicely on my counter/in my fridge, the package is relatively eco-friendly, it goes nicely with my plastic wine glasses, and 4 BOTTLES IN ONE BOX! What more could you ask for? The wine from your wedding to come in a box??? DONE! I found Powers Winery Cabernet Sauvignon in a box at the local co-op and it is just as good as I remember. Happiness!

Bliss...

I'm not sure if we could have had a more perfect weekend. Normally I downplay what a great time we're having out here, but not this time--it was AWESOME! The weather was amazing the entire weekend and we had just enough time to sample a little of the beauty of the San Juan Islands.

We got underway flawlessly Friday and made it up to Utsalady Bay for an easy anchorage and enjoyed some yummy veggie tamales. We got a VERY early start Saturday thanks to the kids, but it put us in perfect position to go through Deception Pass on the 9 a.m. slack tide. The kids didn't appreciate the beauty, but I sure did! Hit a bit of rough water in Rosario Strait, then the psycho power-boater, then a wonderful day of sailing.

Early afternoon we dropped the hook in Massacre Bay. It was time to get the kayaks wet in the San Juan Islands! We paddled over to Skull Island State Park. Despite the morbid names this is an awe-inspiring place, wrought with tidelands full of life. We beached on the SE corner and started to explore. The kids discovered starfish before we took them up to the top of the small island. There was a great view from here and a small memorial plaque to a beloved family member. Instantly Frank started crafting his next EarthCache. A couple joined us and the kids ran up to them and gave them hugs--you'd think we'd had them away from civilization for weeks! We decided to head back to the boat, hitting more tidepools along the way. The number of 12"+ starfish was just mind-numbing, and Katreina got real good at spotting them both below and above the water line. After a dinner of phad thai (did I mention I love food???) we couldn't resist--we had to get back on the water! We all piled back in for a sunset paddle.

Playing around on Skull Island State Park.

Anchored, Massacre Bay

Sunday began with yet another paddle over to Skull Island and more climbing/exploring. Katreina simply loves to climb and despite the fear I have watching her scamper up rock faces, I secretly love it, too! Frank made all the necessary notes for his Geocache and we headed back to the boat. Getting the kayaks onboard was easy with the help of a spare halyard and a winch, and by lunchtime we were back out to sea, headed for Deception Pass and the afternoon slack water. Currents were a little more than we expected in Rosario Strait and we actually missed the slack by about a half hour. Thankfully the transit was still pretty easy. Our "Plan A" moorings at the state parks just east of the pass were already taken (it was about 5 p.m. by this time), but we found great anchorage on the south shore of Hope Island State Park. A group of folks was camping on the shore, but otherwise the spot was ours. Very nice. After another great meal of chicken grilled up by our wonderful Captain, Katreina actually asked if we could paddle! I love her! But is was almost bedtime so we just played on the boat and got rocked to sleep...

Monday greeted us with more fabulous sun and occasionally enough wind to sail! As much as we wanted to play on Hope Island, we decided to save it for another trip and head home to the marina as the kids were anxious to head to a playground. We came in around 3 p.m. with about a dozen or so other boats, but were happy to find the fuel/pumpout dock open. Frank eased us into that dock and we gassed and dumped and were on our way! The kids were being surprisingly good, too! Frank made one pass at our dock, I did a jump that wasn't all that tough, and we were home. It was near perfect! We tied up quickly, chatted briefly with some neighbors, and headed off to the very busy park at the end of Marine View. We were happy. The kids were happy. And I am happy to tell the world I had an AWESOME weekend!!!!

HELLO! I'm sailing here!

Less than 10 minutes ago we, no kidding, about got run over by a power boat. We're cruising amongst the San Juan Islands under sail and I'm watching this guy continue to close us but stay at the exact same bearing (for you non-Navy, non-boat folks, that's constant bearing, decreasing range, or CBDR, or better known as someone better make a freakin' move!). Being under sail, we're the stand on vessel and it's his job to safely get around us. Well just as we're about to blast the air horn at him he slows and looks to be planning to cross our stern. Then he scoots in behind us, like RIGHT behind us, about 20 feet directly off our stern. Frank called him on bridge-to-bridge to ask WTF and I'm pretty sure the guy said, "we're good." Couldn't hear him though because as the wind shifted slightly we slowed, he came even closer, and Frank started the engine up and barked "Just avoiding a collision at sea here!" as he gunned the engine to keep the power boat from riding up our stern. Insane! Never mind my freaking kids are asleep in their AFT BUNKS! We are in a very open waterway in the islands and are the only two boats around. I'm appalled that he couldn't have cleared us a little more safely, especially with his big 'ole gas chuggers pushing his boat. A-hole. Read your nav rules and be more considerate!

On a good note, the radio works well and the engine starts up on a dime!