T minus X and counting

I think at this point the variable (X) is two days – which as I am writing will be Monday July 14th.

Things are progressing nicely around here. We had a shakedown cruise around Woronofski – we saw some porpoises – they were the frisky kind and were jumping out of the water but no ride along. (Dall’s) Hope we get a farewell tour before we get further south.

I have seen very few seals once we hit Alaska – and imagine my surprise and delight when we had a baby and a mama right out our back door! Sweet.

We have 4 major things to get done before we head out: water maker, gear cooler (just waiting on a spare), radar, and haul out.

My sourdough starter is thriving, but the oven temperature has not been consistent – so haven’t had a good loaf yet! They are beautiful going in.. but have not come out unscathed.

I am going to miss the folks at Shoemaker. Our next door neighbor, Larry, is the nicest guy you can meet! We also have some neighbors from Hamilton, MT! And then to top it all off, we were invited over to dinner a few slips down on a 55′ Cape Horn Trawler. What a beautiful boat with a bathtub and washer/dryer even! We enjoyed both the wonderful taco dinner and Greg and Christine’s hospitality.

Our haul out went fantastic. We left a bit early and got a message that they bumped us half an hour. We were already on edge as we have not done this before. (with a sling) Of course, it was raining and a little spicy during the wait. I had on two vests, a jacket, a rain jacket and a life vest and was still freezing! We always run from upstairs on the flybridge – it’s easier to see debris and a better view all around. The only time we head down to the pilot house is if the rain is pelting us in the face. That’s no fun. I’ll taking rain and freezing over baking to death any day though.

Well, back to the haul out. It was finally time, they waved us in. The water was tumultuous at the entrance so it was nerve wracking, but Jim got us in safe and sound. They hauled us up. The boat was brought close to the front of the slip and then they told us to climb off. We had to climb over the pulpit and off the anchor. It was pretty sketch. Josh, from Dave’s Welding and Repair was all set to pressure wash the bottom. We thought she would come out with a beard, but she looked really good over all. (we have hired a diver to change zincs and scrub the bottom twice this past year though – shout out to James Nelson Diving) There was quite a bit of growth on the rudder – we were shocked how easily it came off with the pressure washer. We had a patch put on the area where we struck a rock (a year ago!), a few paint touch ups, and the shaft seal inspected. We’re good to go.

We stayed two days in the boat yard. We thought Wrangell was a sleepy little town. No sirree, Bob – everyone in Wrangell is in the boat yard! It is a constant buzz of activity. It was nice being so close to town – laundromat, showers, grocery stores and restaurants. Our launch went without a hitch and we are back safe and sound in Shoemaker.

It’s going to be blustery for the next couple of days. We’re buttoning up our last few items and plan on heading out on Monday. We’ll confer with the meteorological team that we hired (Chris Parker – thanks, Greg Kleven!) for our trip across Dixon Entrance. At this point, it doesn’t look like anytime soon! We’ll be staged and ready to go when we get the go ahead.) I’ll keep you posted.

Talk Soon.