June 30-July 1 ..... Journey to the San Juans
Bright and early on the last day of June, 15 days after turning over our house to the new owners, we began our departure up to the Northwest waters. We had been spending a few days with Chris’ sister and her husband, Pat’s family in Eugene as we finished getting the boat ready for the adventure. Pat’s Dad, Ed was very helpful in manufacturing the many parts and adjustments needed for the boat.
Needless to say, it didn’t go as quickly as hoped. As departure day began, last minute repairs were still required, including installing a new brake controller for the trailer (which we were unable to get done at this point) and installing and making sure the lights worked on the trailer.
Needless to say, it didn’t go as quickly as hoped. As departure day began, last minute repairs were still required, including installing a new brake controller for the trailer (which we were unable to get done at this point) and installing and making sure the lights worked on the trailer.
A few hours later than hoped, we were off to launch the boat at Skyline Marina in Anacortes, Washington.
The drive north was uneventful but filled with excitement and anticipation. We were starting a new life, one that Chris had dreamed about and Alice now shared. Late in the evening, we pulled into the rest stop in Marysville, and climbed through all the stays and shrouds, ducked under the mast tied to the top of the boat and climbed into the tiny cabin and went to sleep.
The drive north was uneventful but filled with excitement and anticipation. We were starting a new life, one that Chris had dreamed about and Alice now shared. Late in the evening, we pulled into the rest stop in Marysville, and climbed through all the stays and shrouds, ducked under the mast tied to the top of the boat and climbed into the tiny cabin and went to sleep.
The next morning we did some last minute shopping for supplies and made our way to Anacortes on Fidalgo Island of Washington where we had an appointment to launch the boat at Skyline Marina.
We launched without incident and tied up to a slip for the night. The truck was parked for long-term storage and the trailer was stored for our return on the 12th of July. Our son, Nick was getting married to Lindsay in Buffalo, New York at the end of July and we were suspending the sailing adventure for a few weeks to fly out for the wedding. Still, we would be able to get in a week or more of sailing. Another shakedown cruise. The adventure would begin in earnest when we returned from the wedding.