Monday, December 29, 2014
Swimming in December
Wish I had a picture of this. On the way in to Newport Beach, we ran through a patch of "something". That "something" wrapped around our prop shaft, slowing us down and making noise. We were able to get parked in a slip provided by the Harbor Patrol. Yesterday I took the plunge in 64 degree water, found seaweed and a palm frond wrapped around the prop shaft. I got that cut away. I then briefly inspected prop shaft (we need to replace the zincs) the hull (good shape), cleared the knot meter, then got myself out of the water and into a hot shower. I ended up with a few barks on my knuckles and knees from the barnacles, but no real harm done.
Avalon
We really liked Avalon, on Catalina Island. The ride over was uneventful, there wasn't supposed to be any wind so we never took off the sail covers. Saw a few dolphins and one humpback whale on the way over. Called in to the marina and got assigned a mooring ball. 5 nights, $64. Heck of a deal. Moorings require setting fore and aft, so you're usually pointing in to the waves. 30 feet of water, can see clear to the bottom. Beautiful orange fish. Spartan is the two black masted ship to the right of this picture.
In winter, maybe 10% of the mooring balls are occupied. It was a short row over to the dinghy dock, then a half mile walk to town. There is even a skiff that comes by twice daily to pick up your garbage and recycling. Things in town are set up for the ferry crowd from the mainland, or the cruise ships, like the one we saw on our way out. There is a small grocery store, a post office, and a hardware store that has pretty much everything you need. And on Sunday we enjoyed worshiping at a church in town.
In winter, maybe 10% of the mooring balls are occupied. It was a short row over to the dinghy dock, then a half mile walk to town. There is even a skiff that comes by twice daily to pick up your garbage and recycling. Things in town are set up for the ferry crowd from the mainland, or the cruise ships, like the one we saw on our way out. There is a small grocery store, a post office, and a hardware store that has pretty much everything you need. And on Sunday we enjoyed worshiping at a church in town.
Monday, December 22, 2014
Christmas Letter
Doug
and Cindy Monroe, s/v Spartan
Avalon Harbor, Catalina Island, California.
December 2014
1500 nautical miles under the keel since we left
Portland in April. When we're anchored out or sailing, there is no
shortage of marine wildlife to amaze us. There is nothing quite like
having a Humpback whale scratch itself on your boat's bottom. We
have had a marvelous and entertaining year.
One of our goals on our way south down the coast
was to visit with family and friends that we haven't been able to
spend time with, or enough time with, these last many years. We
believe we've achieved that goal. We've also made new friends, and
had the opportunity to join in worship at some great churches along
the way. God has given us many opportunities to be a blessing to
others, and has given us “a good measure, pressed down and shaken
together and running over, poured into your lap” Luke 6:38. We
feel truly blessed.
Among the many questions we have received is “What
do you do all day?” Well, we're not retired yet, so pretty much
everything we did on land except mow the lawn. Everything is now
slower, and a bit more complicated than before. We do get to change
the scenery now and again. Currently we are swinging from a mooring
ball at Avalon off of Catalina Island. Water is about 20’ deep and
a very clear blue! Too bad it's December, it looks so inviting for a
swim except for the temperature.
We both still have our jobs to do. Self employed
means flexibility, and yet we are still always on call. The rental
properties are a challenge, can't quite jump in the car to fix a
leaky faucet. We are actively looking to simplify. When one of the
properties changes tenants, Cindy puts it in property management.
Doug has 3 clients that have announce they are migrating off of
platforms that he supports. All are still hanging on and we are
continuing to pare back living expenses. Good thing boat life is
cheaper than land.
On land we each had desks, with everything set up
to just sit down and “take care of business”. On board,
everything gets stowed when not is use. So in the mooring while the
coffee is brewing, out come the laptops, the portable printer if we
need it, and other accoutrements of business. Internet access is
over our cell phones, thank goodness we have an unlimited data plan.
It's slower than on shore, but adequate. There's nothing quite like
drinking your coffee and reading the morning email from the cockpit
while watching the sea otters play. The otters don't help with
productivity though. They are so darn cute! But hard to photograph.
The galley (kitchen) is small, with minimal
counter space, and half of that is actually hatches that need to be
cleared off to access the refrigerator and food storage. All dishes
are washed by hand, and when not in a marina water needs to be boiled
for sterilization. Provisioning
can be interesting. For some reason, they built the ports some
distance away from the stores. In St. Helens, it's a two mile walk
to the Safeway store. In Astoria, there is a trolly that runs on
weekends. In Newport, there is a bus that runs from the marina/RV
park to the north end of town. In Charleston, our niece Keisha drove
Doug in to Coos Bay. In Bandon, it was a mile hike up the hill. In
Brookings, brother Jim and family got us to the last Fred Meyer's
we've seen. In Eureka, a two mile walk after motoring to the other
side of the bay. In Bodega Bay, our friends Scott and Susan got us
to the store (the salmon tacos across from
the marina were fantastic though). Alameda wasn't too bad, just
across two parking lots. Moro Bay was a dinghy ride across the bay
and a mile walk after that. San Pedro we were going to be there long
enough that we bought a bicycle. Store is 2 miles away, but a great
Farmer's market on Fridays, year 'round. Doug had to temper his
purchases to the size of the day pack. Avalon is pretty good, it's a
short row to the dingy dock, then a half mile walk to a scaled down
Von's. And there's an Ace Hardware!
We
enjoyed some really fresh seafood while on the Oregon coast. Crab in
Newport and Bandon, and rock fish. Well, one rock fish. Doug's not
the dedicated fisherman he was back in the Boy Scouts. We've been
too busy in California to justify a license for the last part of the
year. Doug's allergy to sodium phosphates, now more frequently used
to treat frozen meats and seafoods (check the label on that turkey
you just ate, first year we've seen it there), has gotten quite
severe. Catching our own has a whole new importance.
Music
is an MP3 player and a couple of 12v computer speakers. Doug hasn't
done much on the guitar recently. TV is a phone or tablet and
FoxNow. Except for World Cup, Doug found his way to a sports bar to
watch the games he cared about in Charleston and Bandon.
The cats are doing fine. Squishy seems to be
showing her age, she sleeps, eats, and taunts Maui. Maui had to have
surgery for a blocked ureter in San Francisco, and has recovered
fully. He finally fell in to the water last week, but was able to
get himself out, a few torn claws but otherwise none the worse for
wear. Time will tell if he's learned anything. He's a bit of a
knot-head.
Cindy
got herself a sail grade sewing machine which has already paid for
itself. New cushions in progress! The upholstery didn't look too
bad but the old foam was awful. Now much lighter, brighter and more
comfortable on these old bones than what came with the boat. Maui
will vouch for that. She has several other projects planned, but
will have to wait until the end of year finances are done.
Plans for the future? Find a moorage in Newport
Bay over Christmas, rent a car, and spend Christmas day with our
daughter Sally's family. We're replacing the engine in our boat in
Newport Beach with something newer, quieter, with more available
parts, and that doesn't hemorrhage oil. That will likely happen
first week in the New Year. Then, we'd like to get down to San
Diego, and then south to Ensenada, Mexico. After that, we'll decide
what to do next.
We wish everybody a very Merry Christmas, and
Peace and Joy in the New Year.
God Bless,
Doug, Cindy, Squishy, and Maui.
'Jesus said to the disciples ”Come with me by
yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” So they went away
by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.' Mark 6:31-32.
Friday, December 12, 2014
West coast storm
Just a quick note to let everyone know we weathered the storm just fine. We are still in San Pedro, still at the marina. It was a bumpy night, winds were consistently healing the boat over 5 degrees to port. Over an inch of rain, no window leaks that we didn't already know about. Some lightning to the north of us. The cats did pretty well. Maui wasn't happy with being locked inside all night, Squishy spent most of the night catching up on cuddles from Cindy. Looks like the San Francisco area got the brunt of the rain.
We are trying to leave San Pedro on Monday, but sea conditions might delay that. We'll be getting our noisy, leaky engine replace in Newport Beach, but we don't have a date for that yet. We might swing from a mooring ball at Catalina Island while waiting. It's kind of nice not having a schedule right now.
Doug and Cindy.
We are trying to leave San Pedro on Monday, but sea conditions might delay that. We'll be getting our noisy, leaky engine replace in Newport Beach, but we don't have a date for that yet. We might swing from a mooring ball at Catalina Island while waiting. It's kind of nice not having a schedule right now.
Doug and Cindy.
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
Actual transcript of a phone conversation between Cindy and Doug
Background: Cindy is in the Portland area taking care of some business. Doug has been on the boat in San Pedro, trying to get a 60+ list of things done, but hampered by a headcold and dislocated ribs (fixed now we hope). The store is 2 miles away. Steve and Vickie are friends of ours who have cars at the marina.
Doug: I'm going to go get some groceries.
Cindy: Are you taking Vickie's car?
Doug: No, was going to ride the bicycle.
Cindy: Dress warm, you don't want to get chilled.
Doug: Honey, I'm in shorts today.
Cindy: Shut up. I love you.
Doug: I'm going to go get some groceries.
Cindy: Are you taking Vickie's car?
Doug: No, was going to ride the bicycle.
Cindy: Dress warm, you don't want to get chilled.
Doug: Honey, I'm in shorts today.
Cindy: Shut up. I love you.
Saturday, November 22, 2014
Life in San Pedro, CA
My dear Auntie M reminded me yesterday that it's been a long time since we've posted an update. Here's what's been going on:
Doug got back from Oregon, his father's cataract surgery was very successful. His brother Jim attended the second surgery. Recovery was "textbook", Dad now has 20/20 vision in both eyes, and he turns 81 this month.
We continue to get chiropractic treatment for the automobile accident. Cindy was looking to the right when we got rear-ended, doing some damage to her neck. We're down to one treatment per week each. Appointments and insurance paperwork have taken it's tole on time. This, and desired engine work, has kept us in one place longer than we'd wish.
Maui Boy has recovered well from his surgery, is back to his normal self except for growing his fur back. He still likes to visit other people's boats, and we've decided it's less of a headache for us to let him roam than to keep him locked up or on a leash. He always comes home when he's hungry.
San Pedro has a farmer's market every Friday. Here's Doug coming back on his bicycle, and the content of the galley afterwards. Sometime's having a small kitchen is the pits.
The Mexican Navy's tall ship Cuauhtemoc was in port for a few days. I didn't get to visit, but she sure is nice to look at.
We're still making plans and working on projects. I'll get those posted soon. Promise!
Doug got back from Oregon, his father's cataract surgery was very successful. His brother Jim attended the second surgery. Recovery was "textbook", Dad now has 20/20 vision in both eyes, and he turns 81 this month.
We continue to get chiropractic treatment for the automobile accident. Cindy was looking to the right when we got rear-ended, doing some damage to her neck. We're down to one treatment per week each. Appointments and insurance paperwork have taken it's tole on time. This, and desired engine work, has kept us in one place longer than we'd wish.
Maui Boy has recovered well from his surgery, is back to his normal self except for growing his fur back. He still likes to visit other people's boats, and we've decided it's less of a headache for us to let him roam than to keep him locked up or on a leash. He always comes home when he's hungry.
San Pedro has a farmer's market every Friday. Here's Doug coming back on his bicycle, and the content of the galley afterwards. Sometime's having a small kitchen is the pits.
Monday, October 20, 2014
We arrived in San Pedro about a month ago and been spinning wheels but not accomplishing much. LOL Doug and I had a few days together, during which we tried to get organized, comfortable with the community then rented a car, visited our daughter Sally and granddaughters in Irvine, got rear-ended (we are fine) on the way to a visit with Cindy's best friend Cindy from college and then welcomed Lori and her son Chance for a few days before we ran off to a conference in Vegas and left them to enjoy the boat life n babysit our kitties. All in all very great times for all but o so busy.
They and the kitties had a great time! We were overwhelmed with info and have a ton of research to do... took them to the airport next day and Doug left 4 days later to care for his dad during cataract surgery and expanded trip for FG business. Dad is doing great and Doug comes home late tomorrow.
Hoping we can put bunches of stuff together and get back on track.... Many boat issues to handle and then decide what direction is next. Will report then....
They and the kitties had a great time! We were overwhelmed with info and have a ton of research to do... took them to the airport next day and Doug left 4 days later to care for his dad during cataract surgery and expanded trip for FG business. Dad is doing great and Doug comes home late tomorrow.
Hoping we can put bunches of stuff together and get back on track.... Many boat issues to handle and then decide what direction is next. Will report then....
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Southing Again
Maui has healed up fine, all he needs now is for his fur to grow back and to continue drinking more water. So we are on the move again. We did get a couple more opportunities to have lunch with Scott, and dinner with Scott and Susan. They often brought us fresh vegies from their garden, and I got to cook with tomatillos for the first time.
September 11th we motored from Alameda to Clipper Cove, where we set the anchor and hung out for two nights. This allowed Maui to roam the boat without fear of him jumping ship to investigate other people's boats. And time for us to unwind and rest up away from the marina. On the 13th we motored out of San Francisco bay and around the point to Half Moon Bay. Sad that in the 5 weeks we were in San Francisco bay, we never made it in to the city, and we never hoisted sail it one of the best sailing areas on the west coast. That will have to wait for the trip back north. We anchored overnight, quiet and sheltered.
The next morning we got up early and headed out for Monterey. Light winds and flat seas. A pod of pilot whales caused us to kill the engine, by then the wind had picked up and we were able to sail for the next 3.5 hours before the wind died out. We then motored the rest of the way in, and were treated to dolphins and a breaching Humpback whale (too far away for pictures but amazing to see). The anchorage was very exposed to ocean swells, but the Monterey marina is full of barking sea lions. We chose the roll over the bark. Good choice, we were entertained by dolphins and sea otters most of the next morning. We got showers on board, and Cindy got a nap to prep for the next segment.
Early afternoon we headed out for Morro Bay, about 120 nautical miles down the coast. On the way out we came upon four groups of feeding humpback whales. They were a bit further away than the pod off the Oregon coast, but I was able to get some video this time. I'll get that edited down and posted. The forecasted winds were on again/off again, we were able to sail about a 3rd of the way. One long stretch has us wing on wing (one sail out each side of the boat) going directly down wind at 7 kts. Got in to Estero bay about sunrise, were greeted by another breaching whale, several whales making passage out of the bay, dolphins, seals, sea lions, and sea otters. Then in to Morro bay about 0900, where we are anchored now. Sea otters are darn cute. We're taking care of business, and drying last night's dew off of the sails. Later on I'll take the dingy over to town to get groceries.
Where to next and when? Depends on weather. Hurricane Odile is making for some potentially rough seas for the next few days. We'll keep you posted, hopefully more frequently than we have been doing.
September 11th we motored from Alameda to Clipper Cove, where we set the anchor and hung out for two nights. This allowed Maui to roam the boat without fear of him jumping ship to investigate other people's boats. And time for us to unwind and rest up away from the marina. On the 13th we motored out of San Francisco bay and around the point to Half Moon Bay. Sad that in the 5 weeks we were in San Francisco bay, we never made it in to the city, and we never hoisted sail it one of the best sailing areas on the west coast. That will have to wait for the trip back north. We anchored overnight, quiet and sheltered.
The next morning we got up early and headed out for Monterey. Light winds and flat seas. A pod of pilot whales caused us to kill the engine, by then the wind had picked up and we were able to sail for the next 3.5 hours before the wind died out. We then motored the rest of the way in, and were treated to dolphins and a breaching Humpback whale (too far away for pictures but amazing to see). The anchorage was very exposed to ocean swells, but the Monterey marina is full of barking sea lions. We chose the roll over the bark. Good choice, we were entertained by dolphins and sea otters most of the next morning. We got showers on board, and Cindy got a nap to prep for the next segment.
Early afternoon we headed out for Morro Bay, about 120 nautical miles down the coast. On the way out we came upon four groups of feeding humpback whales. They were a bit further away than the pod off the Oregon coast, but I was able to get some video this time. I'll get that edited down and posted. The forecasted winds were on again/off again, we were able to sail about a 3rd of the way. One long stretch has us wing on wing (one sail out each side of the boat) going directly down wind at 7 kts. Got in to Estero bay about sunrise, were greeted by another breaching whale, several whales making passage out of the bay, dolphins, seals, sea lions, and sea otters. Then in to Morro bay about 0900, where we are anchored now. Sea otters are darn cute. We're taking care of business, and drying last night's dew off of the sails. Later on I'll take the dingy over to town to get groceries.
Where to next and when? Depends on weather. Hurricane Odile is making for some potentially rough seas for the next few days. We'll keep you posted, hopefully more frequently than we have been doing.
Saturday, September 6, 2014
We took Maui in for stitches to be removed and he was rather insistent that he was done having his privates messed with! Would not let them. They had not told me not to feed him for 12 hours so we came home and went back on Friday. They anesthetized him and removed them. With all the repeat caths and then surgery he has been anesthetized 6 times in last month. Was scary seeing how dopey he was and for soooo long. Just too much drug buildup in his system. He is much better today and even being good with out his collar, which we learned yesterday he should be wearing for 2 more days. Translate to we watch him like a hawk or collar him.
This being the 3rd long delay in plans means we have not made it to LA yet to see dear friend Cindy and daughter Sally and her family. We realistically won't be returning north before this winter. Have spent some time analyzing and deciding but bottom line, staying south is much safer. We had been told by many that the winds turn in favor to return in September and October. After adding our own research and experience into this we realize we heard 1/2 the story. Seas, winds and waves continue to pick up and get worse! Meaning winds and wind waves generally from the South, but mixed swells from any and all directions. We have gotten much more comfortable with our boat but still not thinking it is wise to push north.
We have also done much reflecting on our adventure which we have enjoyed but flexed A LOT over dream trip and still want to experience anchoring out and island hopping. We both hoped, expected,etc more like San Juans had been. Major differences have been
We knew our turf. Been there several times, knew the land, sea, currents, weather, types of ocean bottoms for anchoring, names and locations of stores and provisioning options, etc
Kitty Cat was already outfitted for our needs, Spartan is very much a work in progress. Major thanks to Scott for his many creations in his wood shop! At least we are warm and dry while we are fixing lots of new projects. Many more surprises keep popping up for a boat the surveyor said was ready to go. Good thing we are do-it-yourselfers or the bank would be broke.
While we did have some open ocean experience and lots of semi protected (Islands) we ahve so far been mostly open ocean or in a marina. Some concerns over our ground tackle (anchors have now been replaced but we have not had opportunity to use them yet) and many various bottom conditions -gravel, rock, shale, sand, mud, clay, seaweed... and each of varying density.
Most marinas so far had bars at the river entrance that concentrates the wind and water flow and can be quite dangerous. We knew that part. : ) Columbia River is said to be the worst. We are not sure we agree with that anymore but it is a major access with much traffic and publicity. The smaller and shallower are actually more dicey and closed or restricted more. They also channel the wind in such that anchoring inside can still be very rough. Many frequent cruisers have said this year has been one of the worst for weather and all most all say the Pacific is the worst part of their world cruise.
We are far from learning to read the weather. The San Juans is PNW and we could feel the change and often interpret it. Here all is new. Threats of hurricane effects and Santa Anna winds all of which seem to come up suddenly or at least severely when arriving. We have been warned to always be prepared to leave most any anchorage on a moments notice. And thus always listening to weather. Ummm we are the ones that don;t watch TV or listen to news or radio.... We do ALWAYS check weather before we go out and make decisions accordingly. We just didn't expect sudden and drastic changes that we would not 'recognize'. After all it is still Pacific west coat and neither of us had spent much time here.....
Feeling confident that all this adds up to us getting to where the islands near Santa Barbara and LA are approachable!
In the mean time we will be visiting Cindy and Sally and then take up residency in the San Pedro Cabrillo Marina. We have friends Steve and Vicky on SV Loch Fyne that also reside there. We will have a safe storm hole and can play as we are ready and comfortable. We will also take this opportunity to replace our leaky and aged windows. Clearly never a winter project in Oregon. : )
Love to all
This being the 3rd long delay in plans means we have not made it to LA yet to see dear friend Cindy and daughter Sally and her family. We realistically won't be returning north before this winter. Have spent some time analyzing and deciding but bottom line, staying south is much safer. We had been told by many that the winds turn in favor to return in September and October. After adding our own research and experience into this we realize we heard 1/2 the story. Seas, winds and waves continue to pick up and get worse! Meaning winds and wind waves generally from the South, but mixed swells from any and all directions. We have gotten much more comfortable with our boat but still not thinking it is wise to push north.
We have also done much reflecting on our adventure which we have enjoyed but flexed A LOT over dream trip and still want to experience anchoring out and island hopping. We both hoped, expected,etc more like San Juans had been. Major differences have been
We knew our turf. Been there several times, knew the land, sea, currents, weather, types of ocean bottoms for anchoring, names and locations of stores and provisioning options, etc
Kitty Cat was already outfitted for our needs, Spartan is very much a work in progress. Major thanks to Scott for his many creations in his wood shop! At least we are warm and dry while we are fixing lots of new projects. Many more surprises keep popping up for a boat the surveyor said was ready to go. Good thing we are do-it-yourselfers or the bank would be broke.
While we did have some open ocean experience and lots of semi protected (Islands) we ahve so far been mostly open ocean or in a marina. Some concerns over our ground tackle (anchors have now been replaced but we have not had opportunity to use them yet) and many various bottom conditions -gravel, rock, shale, sand, mud, clay, seaweed... and each of varying density.
Most marinas so far had bars at the river entrance that concentrates the wind and water flow and can be quite dangerous. We knew that part. : ) Columbia River is said to be the worst. We are not sure we agree with that anymore but it is a major access with much traffic and publicity. The smaller and shallower are actually more dicey and closed or restricted more. They also channel the wind in such that anchoring inside can still be very rough. Many frequent cruisers have said this year has been one of the worst for weather and all most all say the Pacific is the worst part of their world cruise.
We are far from learning to read the weather. The San Juans is PNW and we could feel the change and often interpret it. Here all is new. Threats of hurricane effects and Santa Anna winds all of which seem to come up suddenly or at least severely when arriving. We have been warned to always be prepared to leave most any anchorage on a moments notice. And thus always listening to weather. Ummm we are the ones that don;t watch TV or listen to news or radio.... We do ALWAYS check weather before we go out and make decisions accordingly. We just didn't expect sudden and drastic changes that we would not 'recognize'. After all it is still Pacific west coat and neither of us had spent much time here.....
Feeling confident that all this adds up to us getting to where the islands near Santa Barbara and LA are approachable!
In the mean time we will be visiting Cindy and Sally and then take up residency in the San Pedro Cabrillo Marina. We have friends Steve and Vicky on SV Loch Fyne that also reside there. We will have a safe storm hole and can play as we are ready and comfortable. We will also take this opportunity to replace our leaky and aged windows. Clearly never a winter project in Oregon. : )
Love to all
Friday, August 29, 2014
Deliveries
One thing about being in a marina is that we can have stuff shipped to us, without having to ship to friends and family to then have them deliver to us. So we've had stuff from Amazon and eBay shipped in. It's kind of like Christmas, except you already know what's in the package.
We've been having escalating reliability problems with our 3 year old Droid 3 cell phones. Verizon Wireless has discontinued their unlimited data plan, which we were grandfathered in. The new "improved" plan would cost us more and give us less. I learned that since we were past our last two year contract, that if I didn't buy a discounted phones from Verizon but got them from somewhere else, that I could activate the phones under our existing plan, get something newer and more reliable, and get 4G speed. Maybe.
Yesterday the Samsung Galaxy S4 phone arrived. It took some time, but no hassles, to get it set up on my line. Configuring the Android OS on my end was easy. Everything works, internet is more reliable, and the screen is much more readable for these eyes. Cindy's phone will arrive early next week. Same drill, different color. And we still have unlimited data.
We've been having escalating reliability problems with our 3 year old Droid 3 cell phones. Verizon Wireless has discontinued their unlimited data plan, which we were grandfathered in. The new "improved" plan would cost us more and give us less. I learned that since we were past our last two year contract, that if I didn't buy a discounted phones from Verizon but got them from somewhere else, that I could activate the phones under our existing plan, get something newer and more reliable, and get 4G speed. Maybe.
Yesterday the Samsung Galaxy S4 phone arrived. It took some time, but no hassles, to get it set up on my line. Configuring the Android OS on my end was easy. Everything works, internet is more reliable, and the screen is much more readable for these eyes. Cindy's phone will arrive early next week. Same drill, different color. And we still have unlimited data.
Status 2014-08-29, Alameda, CA
Maui continues to do well. He will get his stitches out next Thursday. Cindy made him a better collar than the "cone of shame", he can get around but can't do himself damage. We've learned we can have him out of the collar for long periods if we monitor him constantly. We don't get much done but he's less stressed.
We're at Marina Village Yacht Harbor in Alameda until at least September 5th. We've proposed a Freedom Yacht rendezvous in Clipper Cove (Treasure Island) for the 6th/7th, would love to get together with owners of similar boats to compare notes and share stories. Carliane from Kynntana came for a cup of coffee on Saturday, we had a good visit, and since she races a Freedom 38, we learned a trick about sail trim downwind.
So while we are here, we've had some great times with our friends Scott and Susan Bowdish, who live in Rohnert Park. Scott works in Alameda. They were kind enough to lend us her van for the time Maui was in the hospital in Berkeley. We've also tried to work on boat maintenance, the big challenge being leaky windows on this 30 year old boat before the rains come again.
So while we are here, we've had some great times with our friends Scott and Susan Bowdish, who live in Rohnert Park. Scott works in Alameda. They were kind enough to lend us her van for the time Maui was in the hospital in Berkeley. We've also tried to work on boat maintenance, the big challenge being leaky windows on this 30 year old boat before the rains come again.
Friday, August 22, 2014
Maui is home and doing well
Sad to say our boy blocked several more time before he could even get sent home, pulled his own catheter once, and chomped a hole in iv once. Needless to say it came down to surgery or living in the hospital. Had surgery yesterday and came home with instructions to keep him still n quiet. Yeah right!!! Has to wear the elizabethan collar/cone of shame and is not too happy bout that so we are spending the night taking turns on night watch. He is currently sleeping like an angel.
Good thing we like this marina and location as we will remain here till he can be checked and his stitches removed in 2 weeks. Clearly sailing and progress south is delayed while our boy gets healthy.
Good thing we like this marina and location as we will remain here till he can be checked and his stitches removed in 2 weeks. Clearly sailing and progress south is delayed while our boy gets healthy.
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
quite the delay between engine and Maui boy
Still in San Fran area... and a tad messed up what has been posted lately. SOOOOO engine went on hold cause Maui Boy started having issues peeing. Apparently very normal for boy kitties. fixed then not etc... on round three now and likely to be in kitty hospital 2-3 more days. Then we will continue to hang out till he proves this fix is for real! If not we all need to decide a sex change is in his best interest. Seriously, that is how they fix boy pee issues when the penis is too narrow to evacuate crystals... ICK and really against our thoughts!
Many many many huge thanks to Scott and Susan for all their friendship, local support, transport, help, and loan of a vehicle. Even after they knew we hadn't driven in 3 months, let a lone California. lol. All is well and her van is in same condition loaned in. Love you guys. : )
Also many huge thanks to our newer friends and fellow cruisers, Steve and Vickie. They are moored slightly south of us and he flew north to get their car. In the process, offered transport which we were grateful and Doug enjoy the guy time too.
Engine still spits oil but we have more wisdom now. Local repairers are all super busy. 4-6 weeks out or have back issues that can't work on ours, under the floor... However we have had much great input from professionals and as soon as we are back in motion will discover if the issues are something we can control with greater rev's (and piss off our cats) or really require overhaul...
Really enjoying our time in San Fran area, technically coastal Alameda. Moderate temps, little bit of burn off needed in AM's otherwise gorgeous! Especially cool to get to spend so much time with Scott n Susan. Not that we wouldn't love to get further south and see some another dear friend, Cindy and our daughter Sally and her family.
Needless to say a very emotional week and a half...
Love to all!
Many many many huge thanks to Scott and Susan for all their friendship, local support, transport, help, and loan of a vehicle. Even after they knew we hadn't driven in 3 months, let a lone California. lol. All is well and her van is in same condition loaned in. Love you guys. : )
Also many huge thanks to our newer friends and fellow cruisers, Steve and Vickie. They are moored slightly south of us and he flew north to get their car. In the process, offered transport which we were grateful and Doug enjoy the guy time too.
Engine still spits oil but we have more wisdom now. Local repairers are all super busy. 4-6 weeks out or have back issues that can't work on ours, under the floor... However we have had much great input from professionals and as soon as we are back in motion will discover if the issues are something we can control with greater rev's (and piss off our cats) or really require overhaul...
Really enjoying our time in San Fran area, technically coastal Alameda. Moderate temps, little bit of burn off needed in AM's otherwise gorgeous! Especially cool to get to spend so much time with Scott n Susan. Not that we wouldn't love to get further south and see some another dear friend, Cindy and our daughter Sally and her family.
Needless to say a very emotional week and a half...
Love to all!
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Doug's post spurred me to fill in the blanks. lol
So after 2 days of swinging in Bodega Bay and 3 days of intense fun with Scott n Susan then two more catching up on sleep in Bodega Bay.... we headed into SFBay to Grand Marina because of the Blue Pelican second hand/consignment shop. Lots of stuff needed both ways. Get in and do the exchanges and more visits with Scott n Susan. So good to spend so much time with them!
Stayed at Grand Marina 4 days longer than planned due to leaking antifreeze from the engine, then leaking diesel. Doug got both of them fixed but by then was fed up with the still and everlasting oil leak. Decided not to hit the ocean again till we figure it out....
Good news about Grand was mostly pleasure craft. First marina we have been at that was not well over 75% fishing vessels in fact was probably well over 50% sailing vessels. Significantly less foul language and smoking going on than any previous. YEA!!!
Most previous marinas had 'guest docs' where we were surrounded with other visitors/cruisers. This one, as it seems 1/2 of California does, nestled us in the midst of their regular tenants. Really fun n helpful neighbors, many of which were live aboards.
Among the bizarre was we could use shore bathrooms and showers but no laundry privileges. Super stupid since all claim to be 'green marinas' caring about 'grey water' not flowing into the bays... they ask us to use shore showers and laundry so soap doesn't infiltrate the bays. As well as buckets of laundry use much more water than a washer and California announced extreme water shortage for the summer several months ago. Thankfully, those helpful neighbors gave us laundry privileges too and added that the marina was being super dumb cause they make more money when more folks use their coin operated machines...
To our standard 'watch crew' (those that we report every move to and know when to call the coasties for us) sorry we have failed to report. Scott and Susan have been integrally involved in our steps since Bodega Bay to SF. They live central to all and we have been very 'in touch.' Scott works about 5 minutes from our recent docks.
Sunday night we noticed Maui was more vocal and antagonistic to all. Monday morning when he had difficulty jumping 3 feet up to get on a bench we knew we had problems. also noticed difficulty urinating, swollen and raw privates. Googled closest vet to get hours and called. We were offered emergency appointment in 20 minutes or standard in 1 1/2 hours. Took standard at half the rate, also not sure we could walk in time for first offer. Ate breakfast, coffee and dressed. Then Doug went for a hike with 15#s of Maui in his arms! Urine tests and cultures, sub q fluids, and pain meds sent home with instructions to feed wet foods. Even if it meant 'friskies, kitty junk food' per the vet and fully aware that we have to separate cats due to Squishies allergies.... AAARGH! All done and Maui is recovering nicely!!!! Back to his ornery self. : ) Very happy to report!
Been researching engine repair and /or replacement in the mean time. And did I mention we RAN away to a quiet anchorage to lighten the stress for all..... Anchored off Treasure Island with the new and old bridges beside us. Quite the contrasts. Doug will post pics later.
We definitely appreciate the local knowledge at docks but even more so the quietness of being ALONE at anchor!!!
Starting to get some return phone calls on engine status, repairs, n replacements... Not sure where that takes us....
An extra blessing is friends Steve and Vicky that we met in Newport (Oregon), as quests we were moored beside each other, emailed that Steve will be in the area to retreive their car and has additionally offered his services.
Love to all and still hoping we can get better at keeping you informed!
Doug and Cindy
So after 2 days of swinging in Bodega Bay and 3 days of intense fun with Scott n Susan then two more catching up on sleep in Bodega Bay.... we headed into SFBay to Grand Marina because of the Blue Pelican second hand/consignment shop. Lots of stuff needed both ways. Get in and do the exchanges and more visits with Scott n Susan. So good to spend so much time with them!
Stayed at Grand Marina 4 days longer than planned due to leaking antifreeze from the engine, then leaking diesel. Doug got both of them fixed but by then was fed up with the still and everlasting oil leak. Decided not to hit the ocean again till we figure it out....
Good news about Grand was mostly pleasure craft. First marina we have been at that was not well over 75% fishing vessels in fact was probably well over 50% sailing vessels. Significantly less foul language and smoking going on than any previous. YEA!!!
Most previous marinas had 'guest docs' where we were surrounded with other visitors/cruisers. This one, as it seems 1/2 of California does, nestled us in the midst of their regular tenants. Really fun n helpful neighbors, many of which were live aboards.
Among the bizarre was we could use shore bathrooms and showers but no laundry privileges. Super stupid since all claim to be 'green marinas' caring about 'grey water' not flowing into the bays... they ask us to use shore showers and laundry so soap doesn't infiltrate the bays. As well as buckets of laundry use much more water than a washer and California announced extreme water shortage for the summer several months ago. Thankfully, those helpful neighbors gave us laundry privileges too and added that the marina was being super dumb cause they make more money when more folks use their coin operated machines...
To our standard 'watch crew' (those that we report every move to and know when to call the coasties for us) sorry we have failed to report. Scott and Susan have been integrally involved in our steps since Bodega Bay to SF. They live central to all and we have been very 'in touch.' Scott works about 5 minutes from our recent docks.
Sunday night we noticed Maui was more vocal and antagonistic to all. Monday morning when he had difficulty jumping 3 feet up to get on a bench we knew we had problems. also noticed difficulty urinating, swollen and raw privates. Googled closest vet to get hours and called. We were offered emergency appointment in 20 minutes or standard in 1 1/2 hours. Took standard at half the rate, also not sure we could walk in time for first offer. Ate breakfast, coffee and dressed. Then Doug went for a hike with 15#s of Maui in his arms! Urine tests and cultures, sub q fluids, and pain meds sent home with instructions to feed wet foods. Even if it meant 'friskies, kitty junk food' per the vet and fully aware that we have to separate cats due to Squishies allergies.... AAARGH! All done and Maui is recovering nicely!!!! Back to his ornery self. : ) Very happy to report!
Been researching engine repair and /or replacement in the mean time. And did I mention we RAN away to a quiet anchorage to lighten the stress for all..... Anchored off Treasure Island with the new and old bridges beside us. Quite the contrasts. Doug will post pics later.
We definitely appreciate the local knowledge at docks but even more so the quietness of being ALONE at anchor!!!
Starting to get some return phone calls on engine status, repairs, n replacements... Not sure where that takes us....
An extra blessing is friends Steve and Vicky that we met in Newport (Oregon), as quests we were moored beside each other, emailed that Steve will be in the area to retreive their car and has additionally offered his services.
Love to all and still hoping we can get better at keeping you informed!
Doug and Cindy
Practical Navigation
We picked up a chart of the California coast from here down to San Diego. Problem: How to reference it when we never have the table cleared off to roll it out. Solution: Post it on the curved wall opposite the galley. We're anchored at the top red arrow (Clipper Cove, Treasure Island, San Francisco Bay), then next arrows are proposed next anchorages down the coast.
Sunday, August 3, 2014
We pulled into Bodega Bay Wednesday morning and tried to drop anchor. Ooops the pile of chain had fallen over on itself and wedged in tightly! I came into Vberth and pushed and pulled and freed 2 feet... went upstairs to explain to Doug. He put boat in autopilot and took remote to bow to pull up those two feet and I returned to vberth to loosen next chunk and so it went for 100 feet. lol. Very relaxing two days swinging in the bay! and catching up on sleep : )
Friday we pulled into Spud Point Marina still in Bodega to tie up and begin the party. Well not really but yes and it was great. After the marina had us move and all the hassles around that.... solved by an awesome fuel dock attendant, Reece! We then met Ken and his son Glenn who were also being told to move so after some commiserating we arranged for then to come by later and share some stories. They brought some wine and we told stories and compared favorite anchoring sites, moorages, and more. They went back to their boat/home.
Shortly after that Scott and Susan Bowdish, Doug's best friends from college, arrived and we went to dinner to begin to catch-up. They are dear friends we have seen on average of once per year or two for short periods. Last time we spent any real time together was about 25 years ago, building the stair railing at Snowcrest.... Eventually back to the boat and assessed a few projects on the list... Saturday they arrived with a van of supplies, started projects and energy for more visiting and lunch, then Doug and Susan went shopping while Scott and I attached the list.
We finished first so had a glass of wine, cleaned the kitchen and visited more till Doug and Susan came back with food and cooked for us. Good food, good friends, good memories, good time and another late night! lol
Today they came and the weather was perfect for a soft sail in the bay. First time for them and a great opportunity for us to experience with a beam reach point of sail... came back in to meet Barbara and Frank. It was a great time too. Barbara was the vet who answered on 'just answers' when I was having concerns about Maui Boy twitching.... She is from here and back visiting. Very great weekend and demonstrating we are getting old and worn out!
At least the electric winch handles worked well and are meant to keep old folks sailing longer. lol... seriously, it takes a LOT of work to get the sails up manually....
Barbara and Frank left and went to lunch n we did shortly, ironically to the same restaurant ( only 2 in walking distance) joined up and had great lunch together. Then Scott n Susan took us for a drive to the other end of the bay where we were considering anchoring at that night. Had a lovely and first of our trip, walk on the beach! Decided too tired and too much to do so would spend one more night in dock and go out after Doug repairs down customer that did not want to work on it over weekend....
VERY great time this weekend and so glad for it! Also soooo tired I may not be giving it justice. lol will sleep really well tonight!
Next week into SF Bay and do some supplying and exchanges at the resale shop.... never ending. :) Also another opportunity to meet up with Scott who works there and Susan who has graciously offered to chauffeur us all over the bay area. SF is about 12 hours away but will probably take three days with 2 overnighters out to anchor. One of the major decisions we have made is we don't 'like' sailing overnight but we really do enjoy 'anchor hopping.' Yes it takes a lot of time in and out and is slow but we enjoy it!!!! Guess what we will be doing as much as possible?
PS Grey whales last week were actually hump backs according to the identification boards here!
And from there I am heading to sleep and will correct or add later as needed. love to all!
Friday we pulled into Spud Point Marina still in Bodega to tie up and begin the party. Well not really but yes and it was great. After the marina had us move and all the hassles around that.... solved by an awesome fuel dock attendant, Reece! We then met Ken and his son Glenn who were also being told to move so after some commiserating we arranged for then to come by later and share some stories. They brought some wine and we told stories and compared favorite anchoring sites, moorages, and more. They went back to their boat/home.
Shortly after that Scott and Susan Bowdish, Doug's best friends from college, arrived and we went to dinner to begin to catch-up. They are dear friends we have seen on average of once per year or two for short periods. Last time we spent any real time together was about 25 years ago, building the stair railing at Snowcrest.... Eventually back to the boat and assessed a few projects on the list... Saturday they arrived with a van of supplies, started projects and energy for more visiting and lunch, then Doug and Susan went shopping while Scott and I attached the list.
We finished first so had a glass of wine, cleaned the kitchen and visited more till Doug and Susan came back with food and cooked for us. Good food, good friends, good memories, good time and another late night! lol
Today they came and the weather was perfect for a soft sail in the bay. First time for them and a great opportunity for us to experience with a beam reach point of sail... came back in to meet Barbara and Frank. It was a great time too. Barbara was the vet who answered on 'just answers' when I was having concerns about Maui Boy twitching.... She is from here and back visiting. Very great weekend and demonstrating we are getting old and worn out!
At least the electric winch handles worked well and are meant to keep old folks sailing longer. lol... seriously, it takes a LOT of work to get the sails up manually....
Barbara and Frank left and went to lunch n we did shortly, ironically to the same restaurant ( only 2 in walking distance) joined up and had great lunch together. Then Scott n Susan took us for a drive to the other end of the bay where we were considering anchoring at that night. Had a lovely and first of our trip, walk on the beach! Decided too tired and too much to do so would spend one more night in dock and go out after Doug repairs down customer that did not want to work on it over weekend....
VERY great time this weekend and so glad for it! Also soooo tired I may not be giving it justice. lol will sleep really well tonight!
Next week into SF Bay and do some supplying and exchanges at the resale shop.... never ending. :) Also another opportunity to meet up with Scott who works there and Susan who has graciously offered to chauffeur us all over the bay area. SF is about 12 hours away but will probably take three days with 2 overnighters out to anchor. One of the major decisions we have made is we don't 'like' sailing overnight but we really do enjoy 'anchor hopping.' Yes it takes a lot of time in and out and is slow but we enjoy it!!!! Guess what we will be doing as much as possible?
PS Grey whales last week were actually hump backs according to the identification boards here!
And from there I am heading to sleep and will correct or add later as needed. love to all!
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
On to Bodego Bay
Doug spent Friday and Saturday sleeping and drinking lots of water to flush his system. We decided he likely had something bad when we had lunch out Wednesday. Sunday he felt good and we wanted to go but decided thinking was not totally clear and a little concerned if relapse. So plan was for Monday morning, right after a few surprise customer situations, then some maintenance since the flag halyard holding the radar reflector up broke on the way in to Eureka, then stopped at city docks to walk to grocery store.... made it out at 3:00. Destined for Bodega, again.
We always check the weather before we leave and many times on the way. They update marine conditions only 4X per day unless there is a real time buoy cam in the vicinity. Forecasters still had winds backwards and a bit slower than reality through out the trip. Ended up getting to sail about 1/2 the distance with wind on the rear making up to 7.5 knots but certainly not our average. Sometimes by choice....
We had to go pretty far out around Cape Mendocino and between there and Pt Arena it dips in so most of that 100 miles we had little to no signal. We rolled with all that pretty well until we realized Doug really had to have better signal. So left turn and came towards shore.
Anyways the real surprise came during Pt Arena to Pt Reyes was supposed to have small craft warnings 3pm today to 9 tomorrow. Oops they were wrong about that too... 15-25 with gust to 30 yesterday afternoon... would be our guess. I messed up our wind meter during some of that maintenance. Oops! Anyways first we took in a reef and tried to re-seat a batten that was trying to escape. Finally decide to pull it and put in cabin to NOT trip over was safer.
Went back up to change and further reduce sails later and decided maybe not going forward to do that! Just drop it. Discovered another escaping batten which we tried to just rescue and pull but lost to the ocean while dropping the sail. So we then discussed... Remembering that Freedoms are well thought of and advertized to sail in storms under 'bare poles.' So sails are tied tight around the booms. Two masts probably 10 & 12 inch diameter became our 'bare poles.' With varied gusts and chop and skidding in and out of waves we traveled between 1.5 to 7.8 nm per hour under bare poles! No engine. That was new for us. Early morning wind died and chop was beating us up so Doug started the engine and all was loud but better.
Noisy and bouncy as all get out. Cats truly hated us! Kept telling them and myself I knew we were safe! Boat is fine and can handle this. It's just not fun at the moment. To them that might have been an eternity.
Doug and I take turns manning the boat and either sleeping or trying to. lol He drops instantly and sleeps through everything. I hear everything and analyze it all! Ready to drop until it is my turn to sleep then wide awake. GRRRR No sleep for me. I become a walking zombie. : ( We have decided my biggest job is to man the boat enough so he can get enough sleep to be really rested and truly comfortable doing most the thinking maneuvers.
Fortunately, I can handle routine watches almost in my sleep with the plethora of electronics on board and scanning the horizon regularly. Supposed to be every 20 minutes as that is how long it takes the ship speed to meet us once we can see each other. My nervous nilly concept, even before the fog says every 10 or sooner is better. lol.
We are anchored in Bodega Bay so Maui Boy can walk the deck all he wants and not the docks which lead him to other peoples boats and wayyyy to much trouble. Fortunately we totally prefer anchors to docks anyway. So does Squishy!
Learning Curves:
NOAH while is National is run by sections and each reports differently. Oregon and Washington are pretty much the same. California is NOT! In fact each zone of California is different when it comes to marine weather info. We are not only learning way more than we expected to know there but also about why forecasters are wrong so extremely and so often. Sort of has become a survival skill. This has required us to study El Nino, La Nina, and Santa Anna winds.
We also learned there is a buoy report you can call on your phone.... so for all our sailing friends 1-888-701-8992 you need to know the 5 digit buoy number. It is a computerized voice and some are easier to understand than others. Fortunately you can keep them repeating till you get it. You can also ask for details or get current weather report for that area, as long as you have cell phone coverage. Which we did not more often than not on this trip....
When listening to weather on the marine radio you have to listen really hard to understand. We prefer to get on computers, if we have wifi coverage. But they also refer to landmarks or cities.... Doug excels at geography while I do not, but even he has to really be on his toes for the details outside Oregon and Washington, his home states. I just use a map liberally. Yes a cheap, plastic, weatherproof street map.
And last but not least when Coast Guard reports conditions , vessel assist, or just about anything else on the radio... listen fast cause they talk fast. If we don't know the local landmarks we have no idea what affects us or not. Latitude and Longitude are rattled faster than we can write even if pen and paper are already in our hands. We are learning faster than we ever knew!
All is good for aging brains... Right????
Love to all
We always check the weather before we leave and many times on the way. They update marine conditions only 4X per day unless there is a real time buoy cam in the vicinity. Forecasters still had winds backwards and a bit slower than reality through out the trip. Ended up getting to sail about 1/2 the distance with wind on the rear making up to 7.5 knots but certainly not our average. Sometimes by choice....
We had to go pretty far out around Cape Mendocino and between there and Pt Arena it dips in so most of that 100 miles we had little to no signal. We rolled with all that pretty well until we realized Doug really had to have better signal. So left turn and came towards shore.
Anyways the real surprise came during Pt Arena to Pt Reyes was supposed to have small craft warnings 3pm today to 9 tomorrow. Oops they were wrong about that too... 15-25 with gust to 30 yesterday afternoon... would be our guess. I messed up our wind meter during some of that maintenance. Oops! Anyways first we took in a reef and tried to re-seat a batten that was trying to escape. Finally decide to pull it and put in cabin to NOT trip over was safer.
Went back up to change and further reduce sails later and decided maybe not going forward to do that! Just drop it. Discovered another escaping batten which we tried to just rescue and pull but lost to the ocean while dropping the sail. So we then discussed... Remembering that Freedoms are well thought of and advertized to sail in storms under 'bare poles.' So sails are tied tight around the booms. Two masts probably 10 & 12 inch diameter became our 'bare poles.' With varied gusts and chop and skidding in and out of waves we traveled between 1.5 to 7.8 nm per hour under bare poles! No engine. That was new for us. Early morning wind died and chop was beating us up so Doug started the engine and all was loud but better.
Noisy and bouncy as all get out. Cats truly hated us! Kept telling them and myself I knew we were safe! Boat is fine and can handle this. It's just not fun at the moment. To them that might have been an eternity.
Doug and I take turns manning the boat and either sleeping or trying to. lol He drops instantly and sleeps through everything. I hear everything and analyze it all! Ready to drop until it is my turn to sleep then wide awake. GRRRR No sleep for me. I become a walking zombie. : ( We have decided my biggest job is to man the boat enough so he can get enough sleep to be really rested and truly comfortable doing most the thinking maneuvers.
Fortunately, I can handle routine watches almost in my sleep with the plethora of electronics on board and scanning the horizon regularly. Supposed to be every 20 minutes as that is how long it takes the ship speed to meet us once we can see each other. My nervous nilly concept, even before the fog says every 10 or sooner is better. lol.
We are anchored in Bodega Bay so Maui Boy can walk the deck all he wants and not the docks which lead him to other peoples boats and wayyyy to much trouble. Fortunately we totally prefer anchors to docks anyway. So does Squishy!
Learning Curves:
NOAH while is National is run by sections and each reports differently. Oregon and Washington are pretty much the same. California is NOT! In fact each zone of California is different when it comes to marine weather info. We are not only learning way more than we expected to know there but also about why forecasters are wrong so extremely and so often. Sort of has become a survival skill. This has required us to study El Nino, La Nina, and Santa Anna winds.
We also learned there is a buoy report you can call on your phone.... so for all our sailing friends 1-888-701-8992 you need to know the 5 digit buoy number. It is a computerized voice and some are easier to understand than others. Fortunately you can keep them repeating till you get it. You can also ask for details or get current weather report for that area, as long as you have cell phone coverage. Which we did not more often than not on this trip....
When listening to weather on the marine radio you have to listen really hard to understand. We prefer to get on computers, if we have wifi coverage. But they also refer to landmarks or cities.... Doug excels at geography while I do not, but even he has to really be on his toes for the details outside Oregon and Washington, his home states. I just use a map liberally. Yes a cheap, plastic, weatherproof street map.
And last but not least when Coast Guard reports conditions , vessel assist, or just about anything else on the radio... listen fast cause they talk fast. If we don't know the local landmarks we have no idea what affects us or not. Latitude and Longitude are rattled faster than we can write even if pen and paper are already in our hands. We are learning faster than we ever knew!
All is good for aging brains... Right????
Love to all
Thursday, July 24, 2014
On to Eureka!
A little disjointed as I have not slept much...
We made it out of Brookings and arrived safely in Eureka. Definitely being reminded why we don't like, but need docks. Brookings had more seagull poo than dock showing through... Most marinas are either working (fishing, smelly, language, etc) that gladly receive us too and the others that we have yet to encounter but know exist are the yacht club focus. We suspect more of the keep up with the Jones' style but we will see.
In the excitement of whales I forgot to mention when we arrived at Brookings we met sailors from LA that were heading North to the San Juans and we swapped best places/anchorage to hang out or avoid... he even offered us use of his slip in his absence. Sweet!!! And on our way out we crossed paths with SV Orca and friends we got to know in Newport. Waved and texted later.
Yesterday started with a couple of business calls Doug had to handle topped by day 3 that the weather forecaster was off by 180' in predicting the wind direction and seriously low on speed. Of course one does not know this till out to sea. lol Doug admitted up front having a headache and a bit of queasy stomach but we assumed stress of wanting to LEAVE and he is prone to mild sea sickness. He is the better sailor, more experience, remembers things longer than 30 seconds etc... Wind all wrong, him ill and us being late getting out... messed up our float plan so rather than round Cape Mendocino at midnight with predicted 30 knot gusts... We turned toward Eureka.
We did see 2 sets of whales close enough to identify their tails but nothing like before! Also several seals.
City docks are walking distance to everything but totally exposed to N & NW weather, winds currently 15-20 and up to 30 tonight. Glad we went for Woodley Island, pulled in about 7am. Accessible to nothing but semi controlled winds. ; ) Once we finally get to Bodega Bay we will receive our extra anchors that were shipped based on when we thought we would get there. Marinas will receive stuff for us, friends are great when we really can not predict our timing. Thank you Scott and Susan. We really will get there eventually! And those anchors will help with comfort and safety to anchor out rather tie to docks.
Anchorages are usually quieter, private and Squishy can be allowed in the cockpit with out Maui escaping to explore neighboring (or not so close) boats.
Seas were really rocky yesterday and this morning, kind of like a baby's cradle only fast and choppy! Cats were hating us and I think we were hating ourselves for a while. Should have put it all together sooner and hid out in Crescent City! Gale warning started various times today and end tonight, then we wait for Doug to be healthy!!!! He is sleeping again/still... They kind of run together. Somewhere in there he added yesterdays lunch to his possibilities but then the fever hit him this afternoon. Prayers please for his return to health and that I NOT succumb!
Off to try to make up for sleep not gained last night!
We made it out of Brookings and arrived safely in Eureka. Definitely being reminded why we don't like, but need docks. Brookings had more seagull poo than dock showing through... Most marinas are either working (fishing, smelly, language, etc) that gladly receive us too and the others that we have yet to encounter but know exist are the yacht club focus. We suspect more of the keep up with the Jones' style but we will see.
In the excitement of whales I forgot to mention when we arrived at Brookings we met sailors from LA that were heading North to the San Juans and we swapped best places/anchorage to hang out or avoid... he even offered us use of his slip in his absence. Sweet!!! And on our way out we crossed paths with SV Orca and friends we got to know in Newport. Waved and texted later.
Yesterday started with a couple of business calls Doug had to handle topped by day 3 that the weather forecaster was off by 180' in predicting the wind direction and seriously low on speed. Of course one does not know this till out to sea. lol Doug admitted up front having a headache and a bit of queasy stomach but we assumed stress of wanting to LEAVE and he is prone to mild sea sickness. He is the better sailor, more experience, remembers things longer than 30 seconds etc... Wind all wrong, him ill and us being late getting out... messed up our float plan so rather than round Cape Mendocino at midnight with predicted 30 knot gusts... We turned toward Eureka.
We did see 2 sets of whales close enough to identify their tails but nothing like before! Also several seals.
City docks are walking distance to everything but totally exposed to N & NW weather, winds currently 15-20 and up to 30 tonight. Glad we went for Woodley Island, pulled in about 7am. Accessible to nothing but semi controlled winds. ; ) Once we finally get to Bodega Bay we will receive our extra anchors that were shipped based on when we thought we would get there. Marinas will receive stuff for us, friends are great when we really can not predict our timing. Thank you Scott and Susan. We really will get there eventually! And those anchors will help with comfort and safety to anchor out rather tie to docks.
Anchorages are usually quieter, private and Squishy can be allowed in the cockpit with out Maui escaping to explore neighboring (or not so close) boats.
Seas were really rocky yesterday and this morning, kind of like a baby's cradle only fast and choppy! Cats were hating us and I think we were hating ourselves for a while. Should have put it all together sooner and hid out in Crescent City! Gale warning started various times today and end tonight, then we wait for Doug to be healthy!!!! He is sleeping again/still... They kind of run together. Somewhere in there he added yesterdays lunch to his possibilities but then the fever hit him this afternoon. Prayers please for his return to health and that I NOT succumb!
Off to try to make up for sleep not gained last night!
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
There be Whales
This was truly amazing. We killed the engine and just bobbed in the water, not wanting the propeller to hurt any of them. The whales (Humpbacks, we have since found out) stayed with us for at least two hours, coming quite close to check out Spartan's hull. It was right at dusk, so the light wasn't great for pictures. Also, I had too much zoom on the lens, they were much closer than I ever expected. Wished I'd thought to use the video capability of the camera.
.
.
Monday, July 21, 2014
better than sailing all day : )
We left Bandon this morning and headed south. Wind was supposed to be 5-10 from the north. We raised the sails just in time for it to
change from the south. On the nose so we
cranked the ‘iron genoa’ otherwise known as the engine. We left the sails up (aka ‘San Jauning’)
because it gives the boat more stability and we found new value.
I looked out and saw another ‘San Juaner’ then said
no two at the same time… Doug said he
saw a whale no two. He was mostly right. They were humpback whales a long ways off. We killed the engine and floated. The whales were comfortable after that and we
realized we were surrounded by them and their show, at least 30 of them. It was like they were courting our boat. They circled in right often within 10 feet of
our boat, circled, rolled, sprayed and flipped their flippers, dove, etc. This began at 8:50 and they are still
going! Later we realized they had been
around us for a long time. They were the
‘noise’ on the radar.
It is dark and foggy so we can’t see anything more
so left the engine off, took down the sails and are still being rocked by
whales. We can hear them breathing or whatever
it is called. Pretty sure they are also scratching
their backs on our keel given the amount of bob with no wind waves. WOW!!!
God has made so many amazing creatures!!! Even Maui came out to watch.
We are bobbing a safe distance of 5 miles offshore
with no wind to speak of, radar and every other electronic to tell us if we
have to worry and keeping a good watch. Although
the show did disrupt our take turns routine.
Lol Doug is catching a nap then will likely write a much more technical
account and post the best of his million plus pics and videos.
Love to all!
Monday, July 7, 2014
Winds and Waves!!!
Weather has been gorgeous and every bit as blowy as expected on the coast!
We had another day sail scheduled with Keisha but the bar reports were questionable if we would get back in and my shoulder hurting so cast off and tie up sounded agonizing.... Cancelled the sail but Doug and Keisha went crabbing and then made awesome sushi rolls for dinner. Yum!!!!
The 4th was loud but gratefully short. Small bay here meant it was all very close by. Felt like the fireworks were bouncing off our hull with booms and bangs before bursting into colorful explosions. Cats were not impressed and only wanted to hide. Emotional toll on them meant they slept very well! LOL
Glad to be still in Bandon! We are tied to a dock, with the bow pointed into the wind and waves, and still being pounded. Wind between 15-20 according to weather forecast and 20-25 according to the meter. Waves only 1-2 feet tall but smacking the dock with such force that they are getting to 4feet tall and then blowing over the whole dock and looks like 3 more before hitting the water on the other side.. maybe 10 foot total width. Sticks and algae are washing up on the docs
Today is supposed to be the light weather with the next two worse before it might calm down. Don't want to have to move the boat to pump out in this weather so we are walking to shore for potties. Caught a few sprays the last time. Definitely buddy up and maybe even wear life jackets if things don't calm down! Dodging spray or slipping on algae sounds like a swim waiting to happen.
5 lines tying us to the docs, 4 new and really thick and still swaying liberally, as is the dock, pilings and all boats around us. Good thing we like the motion. Kitties are doing pretty well. Sleeping mostly.
They say this will slow on Thursday and maybe start improving over the weekend..... watching and ready to head south when things cooperate!
We noticed this morning our 'todo' list has begun shifting from obviously deferred maintenance to researching seamanship issues as related to our newer boat and newer cruising locations... That of course brings more to do's that will mostly wait till the boat quits bouncing! lol
Love to all,
We had another day sail scheduled with Keisha but the bar reports were questionable if we would get back in and my shoulder hurting so cast off and tie up sounded agonizing.... Cancelled the sail but Doug and Keisha went crabbing and then made awesome sushi rolls for dinner. Yum!!!!
The 4th was loud but gratefully short. Small bay here meant it was all very close by. Felt like the fireworks were bouncing off our hull with booms and bangs before bursting into colorful explosions. Cats were not impressed and only wanted to hide. Emotional toll on them meant they slept very well! LOL
Glad to be still in Bandon! We are tied to a dock, with the bow pointed into the wind and waves, and still being pounded. Wind between 15-20 according to weather forecast and 20-25 according to the meter. Waves only 1-2 feet tall but smacking the dock with such force that they are getting to 4feet tall and then blowing over the whole dock and looks like 3 more before hitting the water on the other side.. maybe 10 foot total width. Sticks and algae are washing up on the docs
Today is supposed to be the light weather with the next two worse before it might calm down. Don't want to have to move the boat to pump out in this weather so we are walking to shore for potties. Caught a few sprays the last time. Definitely buddy up and maybe even wear life jackets if things don't calm down! Dodging spray or slipping on algae sounds like a swim waiting to happen.
5 lines tying us to the docs, 4 new and really thick and still swaying liberally, as is the dock, pilings and all boats around us. Good thing we like the motion. Kitties are doing pretty well. Sleeping mostly.
They say this will slow on Thursday and maybe start improving over the weekend..... watching and ready to head south when things cooperate!
We noticed this morning our 'todo' list has begun shifting from obviously deferred maintenance to researching seamanship issues as related to our newer boat and newer cruising locations... That of course brings more to do's that will mostly wait till the boat quits bouncing! lol
Love to all,
Thursday, June 26, 2014
Made it to Bandon
Sunday we scheduled to take Doug's brother Jim and family for a sail They got got here after church and true to normal afternoon winds had kicked up so we were not comfortable with a full house sail. We had a nice visit instead.
Monday was calm and boring weather so we decided to motor to Bandon. Much more character n fun than Charleston and motoring into Coos Bay would have taken just as long only to have to be repeated to get out. Bandon is a great and cute city with a temperamental bar. It was 'no restrictions' when we came in but I think the CG watched us swirl. Within 10 minutes it was closed to less than 20 footers. It was a cool surfing swirl, not freaky, but then a 20 foot open boat may not have been as comfy.
Tuesday evening Doug's niece Keisha and friend Brooke came for a sail... 4:00 bar was closed to less than 20 feet. Based on the tides we suspected short term and called the CG just before they left Coos Bay. CG confirmed it was improving and should all be fine to get back in. She was due at 6, weather was perfect and we were ready to go. By 6:15 we were socked in with unforecasted fog and not going anywhere. She got here at 6:20. NO wind so we raised the sails at dock, had photo opps, n Doug cooked the wonderful salmon the neighbors had given us. If she would have been 'on time' we would have been out in pea soup and turning around real quick. All in God's plan!
No anchorages here though we have tried several only to decide to come into dock. Got smart and asked about weekly rates since this next week looks questionable and we have several business aspects that suggest we stay put. $23 /day or $135 per month! We bought the month and will leave when the timing is right. We will use the time to catch up some business, boat tasks and spoil the kitties. They like the boat if it is still (lots of extra pamper time) n tolerate if we are moving.
The marina is dated, rusty cleats make tie up interesting, and low on services. No recycling or showers and only restrooms are the public ones at the end of town (4 blocks away). Good thing the holding tank is done and working and pump out easy to get to. Really we do have all the services we need on board but sometimes like to have larger showers and definately less moisture in boat is good. Everything is walking distance and the church that we went to with Keisha in Coos Bay has a parent church here that we are looking forward to attending. Awesome worship and teaching!
We most likely will skip Brooking and head straight for Crescent City when we do get appropriate wind n seas.
Monday was calm and boring weather so we decided to motor to Bandon. Much more character n fun than Charleston and motoring into Coos Bay would have taken just as long only to have to be repeated to get out. Bandon is a great and cute city with a temperamental bar. It was 'no restrictions' when we came in but I think the CG watched us swirl. Within 10 minutes it was closed to less than 20 footers. It was a cool surfing swirl, not freaky, but then a 20 foot open boat may not have been as comfy.
Tuesday evening Doug's niece Keisha and friend Brooke came for a sail... 4:00 bar was closed to less than 20 feet. Based on the tides we suspected short term and called the CG just before they left Coos Bay. CG confirmed it was improving and should all be fine to get back in. She was due at 6, weather was perfect and we were ready to go. By 6:15 we were socked in with unforecasted fog and not going anywhere. She got here at 6:20. NO wind so we raised the sails at dock, had photo opps, n Doug cooked the wonderful salmon the neighbors had given us. If she would have been 'on time' we would have been out in pea soup and turning around real quick. All in God's plan!
No anchorages here though we have tried several only to decide to come into dock. Got smart and asked about weekly rates since this next week looks questionable and we have several business aspects that suggest we stay put. $23 /day or $135 per month! We bought the month and will leave when the timing is right. We will use the time to catch up some business, boat tasks and spoil the kitties. They like the boat if it is still (lots of extra pamper time) n tolerate if we are moving.
The marina is dated, rusty cleats make tie up interesting, and low on services. No recycling or showers and only restrooms are the public ones at the end of town (4 blocks away). Good thing the holding tank is done and working and pump out easy to get to. Really we do have all the services we need on board but sometimes like to have larger showers and definately less moisture in boat is good. Everything is walking distance and the church that we went to with Keisha in Coos Bay has a parent church here that we are looking forward to attending. Awesome worship and teaching!
We most likely will skip Brooking and head straight for Crescent City when we do get appropriate wind n seas.
Saturday, June 21, 2014
Oops got written long time ago but not posted...
Yesterday, among many other things, Doug experimented with a mast climber a friend and client gave us to get himself up the mast. Decided we definitely need to get a non stretchy rope for that so he used the winch and hauled me up the mast to lube the sail tracks. Wished I would've taken a camera with me. Today was much easier, he hauled a cell phone / wifi booster up to test it. Now his brain is working on how to get it further from all interfering signals.
In the mean time he dropped the role of wire on the cabin. Squishy runs to the VBerth to hide and Maui to the cavity behind the head/toilet. lol
Yesterday, among many other things, Doug experimented with a mast climber a friend and client gave us to get himself up the mast. Decided we definitely need to get a non stretchy rope for that so he used the winch and hauled me up the mast to lube the sail tracks. Wished I would've taken a camera with me. Today was much easier, he hauled a cell phone / wifi booster up to test it. Now his brain is working on how to get it further from all interfering signals.
In the mean time he dropped the role of wire on the cabin. Squishy runs to the VBerth to hide and Maui to the cavity behind the head/toilet. lol
We are still in Coos Bay. Were thinking of trying to leave today but it
works out for us to visit and sail with Jim and Lorella and
family tomorrow. Turned out to be a really good delay. Wanting to stop
in Bandon and that bar has been closed most of the day... due to high
winds and waves. We know we could pass it up and keep going to
Brookings if we needed to which has been totally open with no
restrictions. Ocean is fine, just some of the bars.
We did get the holding tank upgraded from less than 20 to 49 gallons and several other projects done. Feeling really good about accomplishments. We were trying to leave dock yesterday to anchor out but our gregarious Maui Boy went for a walk. We kept going out and calling and shaking his food can rattle then come back to touch base with each other and check if he came back. He found his way back home but not before he found a really greasy boat to explore. I grabbed a bucket of soapy water and a cat and began his bath. Then rinsed him really well, all in my lap. Then dried him and got my own shower. I have never seen him groom so much! He forgave me and slept right next to my head all night. Still some grease between his toes but mostly clean. Too exhausted and late to leave by then so spent another night at dock and came out this morning.
Winds and waves are heavy, waves slap the boat rather aggressively and boat is heeling at anchor. We have only ever had one set anchor shift and free us but we definitely do have an anchor alarm set. Will likely be restful sleep but certainly not quiet.
We did get the holding tank upgraded from less than 20 to 49 gallons and several other projects done. Feeling really good about accomplishments. We were trying to leave dock yesterday to anchor out but our gregarious Maui Boy went for a walk. We kept going out and calling and shaking his food can rattle then come back to touch base with each other and check if he came back. He found his way back home but not before he found a really greasy boat to explore. I grabbed a bucket of soapy water and a cat and began his bath. Then rinsed him really well, all in my lap. Then dried him and got my own shower. I have never seen him groom so much! He forgave me and slept right next to my head all night. Still some grease between his toes but mostly clean. Too exhausted and late to leave by then so spent another night at dock and came out this morning.
Winds and waves are heavy, waves slap the boat rather aggressively and boat is heeling at anchor. We have only ever had one set anchor shift and free us but we definitely do have an anchor alarm set. Will likely be restful sleep but certainly not quiet.
Thursday, June 19, 2014
Coos Bay
We left Newport on Wednesday, June 11th, as soon as the tide rose enough for us to get out of J dock (we got stuck on the way in). Our goal was Winchester Bay, about 60 miles south. We could make it in daylight if we averaged 6 kts. Past the breakwater we were able to hoist the main sail in 5 to 12 knots of wind almost directly on the stern. We were averaging about 4 kts, not enough to get to Winchester before dark without motoring, but enough to be off of Coos Bay about dawn. The weather was good, we were having fun sailing, so we decided to press on to Coos Bay under sail.
We had some problems when the wind lightened, the roll of the boat would overcome the wind pressure on the sail, causing the main sheet to slacken, then the boom would slam back out on the other side of the roll. We were able to tie a line on to the boom to hold it out in the roll, same concept as a whisker pole for a jib, and that helped considerably. We also had some issues with the radar after dark, the roll of the boat was getting false positives on the wave tops and setting off an alarm thinking there was another boat within range. We disabled the sentry, the on watch person would have to watch the radar occasionally for any real signals. This made night watches more enjoyable.
Cindy was on watch when we got off of the bay entrance, she slacked the sail and had us bobbing until daylight. We then dropped the sail, motored in, anchored out until the marina office opened. About 24 hours total, only 2 of them on the motor.
Friends Steve and Vicky from Loch Fyne, whom we'd met in Newport, set off a day later than us. Their wind was from the south, they motored the whole way and got in at 4:00am Friday.
We'd had some stuff sent ahead to Doug's brother Jim, who lives in Gold Beach. This included a new 49 gallon holding tank, which Jim delivered on Saturday. Doug's niece Keisha visited that afternoon, took Doug on some provisioning errands, then we took her out to dinner. Sunday morning we went to church with her, then we got going on the projects. Zoom ahead to today (Thursday), we have the old (way to small) holding tank and hoses out, the new tank and hoses in, the port water tank bleached, flushed, and filled, the 30 year old bilge pump replaced (it had failed en route). While we prefer to anchor out, to change the holding tank we really needed to be in port to be able to run up to the restrooms when needed. We have been fortunate to be able to dock withing reach of the holding tank pump out. Also fortunate that the port had a 2 1/8" hole saw we could borrow to finish the holding tank install.
We'll get stuff re-stowed tomorrow. We've got a leak in our dinghy that needs patching, and maybe Doug will do some fishing or crabbing. Hoping to get some time with Jim's family over the weekend, or maybe next week when we get down to Bandon.
Thursday, June 5, 2014
Fishing, Part 2.
We are still in Yaquina Bay (Newport, OR). Sometime we anchor out, some times we pull in to South Beach Marina for power and bus service for provisioning, or for a little quiet from the wind, which has been significant. Last week I took the dinghy out to the jetties and fished for a while. I caught a black rockfish, about 11". After filleting, it was about enough for one person. I took the dinghy to the bayfront and picked up some more rockfish for a compete dinner, and ran a few other errands. No pictures, the Admiral didn't like the sculpin pictures, so no more. But the time shaking the stick at the water was relaxing. The other part of the rockfish went to crab bait, worked lots better than the sculpins, and netted us a crab for omelets in the morning.
My cousin Leanne came over for the weekend. She had several crab traps and rings. The boat stayed in the marina, we took the dinghy out and caught 4 keeper crabs the first day (yummy dinner for the three of us) and three the next morning, which went home to Uncle Bob and Aunt Marietta. Doug and Leanne also got to go to Stephanie's Cafe in Nye Beach for Salmon Sandwiches, both because they are yummy, and as a tribute to our mothers. It was one of their favorite things to do together. Leanne loaned us a couple of rings for our voyage.
Sunday, May 25, 2014
Fishing, part one
I did a "little" fishing today. Was hoping to get a flounder for dinner, ended up with Sculpins. Growing up, I called them bullheads when I pulled them out of the creek to feed to Puff the cat. Using them for bait tonight, hoping to have crab omelets for breakfast in the morning.
Nutshell: We have made
it to Newport! Really needed to be out
of the river before Memorial Day ‘opens’ the boating season and the weather,
tides, winds, and readiness seemed to finally match up. Yea!
Left Astoria about 10:30 yesterday knowing ‘bridge to bridge is 100
miles. Figuring we could average about 5
mph depending on wind, waves, sails or motor…
Columbia River Bar is the worst so all is timed around it but still
knowing if we got here at night we would ‘pop cookies’ in the ocean till day
light.. Yes we have new radar and lots
of gadgets to guide us at night. Maybe
too many. Lol Any way got to Newport area about sun up and
turned into the ‘3 mile line.’ Usually
means dotted with crap traps for a mile or so before heading to the next bar. Boy that sounds bad! Very few traps, we crossed the bar into Yaquina
Bay and anchored about 9:30 this morning.
Doug and the cats took naps. I
will sleep well tonight!
Now for those who want to read the essay….
Got to sail part of the way with some real wind. Awesome!
However, that also showed us how much the masts creak and moan under
tension. We opened up the floor to see
it ‘moving.’ Not a bad thing unless you were a cat down
below listening! It will be quieter when we support it and
wedge it in before further passages. And even when not enough wind to sail by,
just having the sails up makes a smoother more comfortable ride.
And we have this fabulous warm cockpit with huge windows to
steer from using the autopilot. About
7:30 last night Doug turned it on and we discovered much noise…. (Yes we have used before and not heard
it) Amount of waves in ocean and lack of
serious winds at this point caused it to be doing much correction and thus the
noise. Surprise needs cleaned and greased! Decided
we were overtaxing it and needed to hand steer sails (outside) or motor with
auto pilot (inside). Who?
What? Forecast made it easy. Winds were to die at midnight so the sails
had to come down in daylight. Cindy rule. Most things are his decision but… he made me admiral so he could be captain so
sometimes I get to pull rank. Lol. Seriously we agreed but it’s fun to
spout.
On the way of course we discovered many things we did well
and or enjoyed, and many things
NOT! We still have many to work on. Reality has hit us that when we did this kind
of a trip to the San Juans, we had already owned the boat “Kitty Cat” for 10
years and knew her well. We had rebuilt
most the systems and thus could efficiently repeat when the higher degree of
use made it necessary again. We had
already spent many short weeks onboard with Squishy to know how she responded
and liked it…. Now we have started
again. All new to us all and with a 4 year old ‘kitten’ added to the family.
Maui likes to ride up top on the opening hatch and under the
dodger. Squishy prefers the vberth but
raising and lowering the anchor scares her so much that she just hides in the
aft berth under the cockpit, noisier in general but less extremes.
Self tacking rigging is REALLY nice! Could not understand why it was such a pain…. We removed all sheaves and turning blocks
that we could and cleaned and replaced them.
Many will have to be replaced
with new, as the years of solidified goo that prevented them from turning
caused flat spots to be worn in to them.
Ugh! Others had metals that seized them and need
more work to remove them without damage.
Won’t do until the replacements are on hand… Just in case.
Right after the decision to pull the sails we decided to
come down while still in daylight and ‘play’ with the radar. It takes about 20 minutes for a fast moving
ship to get from where you can first see it to where you are in danger! We check the horizon every 10 minutes or when
the radar goes off. Still
took most the night to figure it all out.
Kitty Cat did not have radar. Spartan bobs port to starboard, L to R, lots! And radar reads itself often. We had not yet figured out how to support
radar but knew the first overnighter
would help define. And it did!!! I can
only see the outside ocean if kneeling on dining settee , sitting on stairs, or standing on stairs with
head out side. None of those positions
can hit the ‘shut up’ button on the radar.
Good thing Doug is half deaf and never heard it…. All 50+ times. Seeing what it ‘might’ be squawking about was
far more important than shutting it up. Lol
The out to ocean rock on Spartan is definitely side, whereas
river is more front to back. We learned
of EVERY rattle and noise that further antagonizes our precious babies. All on the list to fix list.
Crabbing failed but he got enough fish to bait the crab
trap. Now he's making dinner then I will eat n sleeeeeeep. Doug
will post pics later. Love to all
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