No Excuses - Things are GOOD.

I have no excuse for my lack of posting.

Except for this:

We are thoroughly enjoying this Summer.  We go out on the boat EVERY chance we get.

When we have "down time" we are crabbing, polishing, waxing, and equiping Ma'alahi for the future.

We just purchased a used 9hp 2 stroke Yamaha outboard to replace our existing 4hp motor.  We are actively looking for a used watermaker (with the expectation that it will need a new membrane).

Things are good.  Life is awesome.

Stay tuned...   

Prevost Harbor, Stuart Island & Roche Harbor, (SJI) - July Boat Trip, Part 2 -

On day two of our trip (Saturday) we motored from Spencer Spit (Lopez Island) to Prevost Harbor at the north end of Stuart Island.  The trip took exactly three hours and we saw porpoise and sea lions while underway.

Photo - Wikipedia

Photo - San Juan Islands Website

Our anchorage in Prevost Harbor was relatively crowded, but we were able to find a good place and set anchor without much trouble.  K lead us in an, impressive to us, one mile loop hike to Reed Harbor and back.  T carried M (28 pounds) on his shoulders. 

We had a great time in Prevost with the exception of an un-courteous "stink-potter" motor boat that ran their generator for three hours and spread nasty exhaust around the harbor.  The fumes were so bad that we had to leave the cockpit.  There was ZERO wind and the air was stagnant to begin with.  Oh well.

Lighthouse on the north end of Stuart Island

 On Sunday morning (T's 30th birthday) we headed southbound to the Seattle Yacht Club outstation on Henry Island (right across from Roche Harbor).  While underway, we saw some large shipping traffic (likely headed toward Vancouver, BC?).  Although not at all rare, this is the first time, aboard our boat, that we have encountered container ships as large as this.

To celebrate T's birthday, we dinghied over to Roche Harbor and had a casual (the only realistic low stress option with two toddlers) dinner at Roche's Lime Kiln Cafe.

Fine dining at Lime Kiln Cafe

My handsome thirty-year-old husband (kids reflecting off sunglasses)

Baby M on the dinghy ride home - the term "Lady Killer" is often used to describe his piercing eyes. 

M - 13 Months

Miss K is coming along well with her talking - she says "I talk so nice Mama" - K wishing her Daddy a Happy Birthday:

Spencer Spit State Park, Lopez Island - July Boat Trip, Part 1 -

On the weekend, starting July 6th, we were blessed with amazing weather, and headed out for a weekend of relaxation, recreation, and celebration (T's big 3-0 birthday).  

On Friday, after T got home from work, we motored to Spencer Spit State Park.  It took about two hours to get there and we anchored on the north end of the spit.

Spencer Spit State Park - Photo from Washing State Park's website.

This was our first experience anchoring aboard Ma'alahi.  We took it slow, and successfully set anchor.  We try to make each new experience we have aboard uneventful and successful.  Shortly after turning off the engine, one of our anchored neighbors drifted by us at a good 2-3 knots.  T used our air-horn to try to get the other boat's attention, unsuccessfully, and then proceeded to dinghy over and knock on their hull.  They had no idea that they had moved a good 200 yards from their original spot.  Whew!  That experience made us a little paranoid.  

Sun setting - view from Ma'alahi's cockpit.

View, through the spit, of the boats anchored on the south side of the spit.

We have been (slowly) checking items off of our cruising/general maintenance to-do list.  We were able to take advantage (FINALLY) of using our newly serviced outboard engine on our dinghy.  After the kiddos were asleep, I dinghy'd out into the channel and was able to ketch a photo of a mama seal and her pup... it is quiet moments like these (not taking into consideration the not so soothing hum of the outboard), that I feel far removed from urban civilization.  PRICELESS.

Mama seal with her seal pup.

 The next morning we took the kiddos (and Buddy Dog) to the beach, on the spit, and explored, combed, and lounged for a few hours.  M is still not walking (late bloomer) and, literally, crawled into the water! 

I can't help but wonder, in a positive way, about all of the things the kids are learning through these nature focused experiences.  T and I took turns walking up and down the spit with K.  K continues to talk-up a storm and enjoy every beach we go to.  Whenever we are out on the boat she says that we are "goin-to-the-beach, goin-to-the-beach mommy (or daddy)" - she gets so excited. 

Happy Baby M - 13 Months -

Fourth of July at the Port

Summer has arrived!  Hence, my absence.  We have been savoring every moment of this weather and lifestyle.  This (weather) is what we have worked for.  A few flawless days of weather totally makes up for the dark, cold, and wet winter days.  

Starting at the beginning, I kept the nautical theme for the kiddo's Fourth of July attire.  It was nearly impossible to get a good photo of them - this is it...

 

We observed the "Famous" Friday Harbor Fourth of July Parade (just up the street from the port) as well as Friday Harbor's fireworks show (right in front of the Port of Friday Harbor).

K, as usual, slept through the thundering and startling sounds, M, as usual, woke up.  We brought him above deck to the bow to watch the show.  He is not sure what he thought of it... but his eyes were wide and he was absorbing everything.  

Taking it all in...

The view of the fireworks from Ma'alahi's bow

The Fourth of July is, personally, my favorite holiday.  We were able to share the day with my mom, her fiance, and my in laws.  I can tell that, as the kids get older, each holiday experience is going to become more fun because we get to see them discover and witness exciting new events.

Happy belated Fourth of July!

Photo of the Week - Turning Point?

 

11AM - this morning - waiting for a "weather window" so I could make a break for my car with kids in tow.  After two hours, I gave up and trudged up the dock in the rain. 

7PM - Who would have guessed?  Mid 60's.  Beautiful.

Is this Summer?  Hopefully.

Cruising "Essentials"

Because the weather has kept us at the dock for that last MONTH... I have taken it upon myself to daydream about cruising and keep my eyes open for good deals on things that we consider "essential" for cruising.

I saw a Garage Sale sign posted on one of the Port bulletin boards last week.  Garage Sales are very common in our little community and I, as a general rule, avoid them (for obvious lifestyle reasons).  Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted "Offshore/Cruising Gear" - SCORE.

I got to the garage sale right when it opened and I am very excited with the results! 

• Charts from the northeast end of Vancouver Island - counter clockwise around the island to the Strait of Juan de Fuca.  19 CHARTS total - that is a retail value of $380 - I got them for a $1/each = $19.

Organizing the charts during nap time.

• Foul Weather Gear:  (For ME!) - I got a full GILL Foul Weather Gear set (bibs/jacket) for $30.  These set retail upwards of $400. 

There is, of course, a lot of other things that we need to get.  I have followed a lot of the advice provided by the S/V Totem Family Blog (link is to their blog posts tagged "Cruising Prep").

Purchases, such as these, make me feel like our family's cruising dream WILL become a reality. 

Summer.

After I get the kids to bed, I can take a shower (at the port showers) and dry my hair.  AND THEN take the dog for his nightly walk WHILE wearing sunglasses.  SUMMER.HAS.ARRIVED.

We have earned it!