GaiaSea

Tarani of Vancouver, WA visits Vancouver, not WA. We’re just country hicks from Cluck County, Vantucky. Vancouver, BC is like whole other country.

Early chilly start departing Blaine. But fun sailing upwind!

Then a mariner’s challenge sailing a small vessel, invisible to the big guys, past Tsawassen ferry terminal and the port for the cargo vessels and the coal (its gotta be on the way out!) terminal. We were using eyeballs, brains (hah, just kidding!), Victoria Traffic on channel 11, AIS on the chartplotter and the trusty iPad with iNavx and CHS charts running. Pretty busy place, running up the east side of Strait of Georgia. At one time we called a vessel that was being turned by tugs heading out from Deltaport attempting bridge-to-bridge communications to figure out if we could maintain our course since we were not sure which course he would assume once clear of his tugs. He never answered but Victoria Traffic advised that we were the “give way” vessel and should alter course as appropriate. Well, duh!

After that it was a nice sunny day. At least until a vessel came on the radio declaring Mayday! A 35′ trawler with an engine room fire that was uncontrolled by the fire extinguisher, crew was abandoning ship into their dinghy. The situation was well-handled by the vessel captain as well as Victoria Coast Guard radio, I thought. A CCG-generated, automated MMSI emergency alert came across theVHF that gave a position over one hour away from us, near Porlier Pass in the Gulf Islands so we did not divert to help. Although I really wanted to put my VFD retirement fire axe to work! (chop that boat up like a truckie, instead of just using it to chop firewood)  Other vessels did come to his aid but it sounded like the fire went out more or less on its own. The CCG (Côte Garde) also sent out their amazing hovercraft that we saw from a distance. I think its based at the Vancouver airport where it can travel over the mudflats better than any other type of vessel. Here’s a pic I got of that boat (?) from last year when it responded to a vessel collision near Ganges. It flies over the water!

After that it was easy sailing. Until the tug and log raft decided to turn towards us. Then stop. OK, OK, no problem. Whatever log master.

Eventually we rounded Point Grey and headed into English Bay and into False Creek.

We had obtained a (free) permit for anchorage in False Creek while en route and found a decent place. Settled in and got the sailcover on just before a downpour. This should be fun. We plan to dinghy in and wander around and explore the City tomorrow. Meanwhile enjoying the sights and sounds of urbanized humanity.

 

 

Like many people who consider retiring to their boats and cruising around there is a narrow window of opportunity.

You have to wait until your kids are old enough to be out on their own and self-sufficient.  You want to do your best to help them out through college, etc., right But, you can’t want to wait too long because our bones and joints and general health start to deteriorate and sailing can be a physically demanding activity at times. Also at some point your kids figure out how to have their own kids and that means you will probably experience a grandparent’s desire to be with them as often as possible. They are so cute and its so fun to watch them grow and develop. Also, many of us have aging parents who begin to develop health issues like Alzheimers dementia that require support. This can be a wonderful time to demonstrate and payback the love that your parents provided to you when you were growing up. You want to be there for that.

 

So, what to do, what to do? Well, you do your best, that’s what. You try to find a balance. You get out as soon as you can and don’t beat yourself up with too much guilt.

We stopped by Bellingham to visit Derek and Katie and our grandson Jeremiah one last time before we are gone for 3 months. He is changing so fast and smiles so much, he is a joy to be around. It was fun but also a little bittersweet knowing we won’t see him until he’s like 8 months old. He’ll be almost a big boy by then! Take care, little guy. Don’t grow up too fast!

 

So, yes, a wonderful visit but now its time to move on dot org. Today we left Bellingham behind on a chilly cloudy day and sailed out of Bellingham Bay, turned north up Hale Passage and up to Blaine. We had 10-15 knots of wind behind us from the south helping us along on a broad reach. Karen spent most of her time at the helm while I fiddled around with different arrangements on the preventer, the extra line that helps prevent a troublesome accidental jibe from causing damage to the rigging.

 

 

 

 

Red Sky at Night Sailor’s Delight!

Evening before our departure from PT we were invited to a shrimp oyster clam feast with the Anderson brothers. and old friend Rich Jones at their place on the Duckabush River in Brinnon. Thank you boys!  When we got home the sun was dropping below the dark rain clouds and lighting up a complete rainbow circle, it looked like a force field dome over our vessel, the good Tarani. Surely a good omen.

Farewell Port Townsend, if only for a little while!

Had a wonderful motor/sail up Rosario Strait to Anacortes. Turns out it was Trawler Fest weekend. Amazing expensive yachts. After changing fuel filters and getting settled we made it to the Brown Lantern Ale House in time for happy hummus plate. Definitely one of the best we’ve ever had. Try ’em out if you’re in this town.

Met darling daughter Dena and manfriend Andrew at the Lantern but then moved next door to Frida’s Gourmet Mexican for dinner. Incredible restaurant! Large portraits of Frida Kahlo and all sorts of tributes to her honor bedecking the atmosphere. If you’re appreciative of amazing service AND amazing food, come have a cerveza de los muertos with these good folks.

 

Saturday’s early morning departure from Anacortes was tolerable thanks to Karen’s blueberry pancakes. Nothing says lovin’ like blueberry pancakes with maple syrup!

Crew decision was to make for Canada as soon as possible to explore opportunities for escape should Donald Trump (the fascist racist reality TV clown mortherforker) ever win elected office.

When crossing Boundary Pass near Turn Point monitor and be ready to communicate on Victoria Traffic Channel, VHF 11. Closest Point of Approach with this loaded vessel outbound for Japan was less than one mile. Since our course was crossing his bow we called the vessel, provided our course and speed, and asked for approval of our plan to cross his path. (Objects in picture may actually be much bigger than they seem to appear to be, even when they appear to be humongous.)

 

Weather was a bit rough to sit on the public dock at Ganges but it was tolerable with enough fenders and lines. And it settled down after sunset. Beautiful scenes as the finishers of the round-Saltspring sail race were coming home, flying spinnakers in 20 knot wind and lit up by the setting sun. Hand-cranked margaritas and truly scrumptious (remember Truly Scrumptious?) vegan tacos capped off the evening in a nice way.

This trip’s off to a nice start.

 

Today we had beautiful weather in Port Townsend! So, no excuses but to take on Karen’s priority project which was to refresh the Cetol coating on our brightwork (the wood trim on our old classic.) 90% of the work was dusty, dirty and dull. We had to connect vacuum to sander and rig an over-the-side tarp to prevent any scrapings from getting into the water. But finally got her done.

Meanwhile, our neighbors on “Alcyone” were doing the same. Although their task was larger given the awesomeness of their vintage wooden vessel. However,once they left for the day Karen asked what flag they were flying from their stern.

For a closer look at the diagonal red over yellow flag, scroll up to see the pic in the logo section:

What does it mean, mariners? (A possible hint, this is the “O” – Oscar flag) Why are they flying it?

2nd hint: Its a trick question!

Reply with your comments. Or, answers to follow in tomorrow.

Peace Out!

A: The “O” flag when flown alone signals Man Overboard. It would not be expected from a vessel tied to a dock in a marina, that’s the tricky part. If you remember the owners were working on Alcyone’s brightwork and so they moved the man overboard float from its customary horizontal storage position near the rail. Tricky false flag.

The house is sold! After 28 years its time to say adíos Clark County! Hello Port Townsend! The excessive amounts of junk are stored away. Its time to celebrate, move onto the boat and get ready for departure. We are headed for SE Alaska within a few weeks. Stay tuned!