Log 5: Rocky Mountain RVing--Aug-Sept '00

Log 5 of Albion (and other travels)




This is another collection of selected e-mails during our RV trip through the Rocky Mountain States during the summer of 2000. These were sent via our cell phone hooked up to the computer. Again, these have not been completely edited for sentence structure or grammar, but merely relayed here for the convenience of our friends.


7/12/00 Subject: On the Road Again--Wyoming

We've been traveling now for about a week and a half, but it's time to take a bit of a break and keep in touch. Thought we'd never actually get on our way, but finally did get out of town on July 2nd. We stayed long enough to join some of our cruising friends help some other cruisers, Bub and Faye (Okoke Chak Chak), celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary...and what a great party it was! Made it all the way to Hood River the first day where we met my brother and wife for dinner and a nice catch-up visit. Then it was time to get serious and get some miles under us. We headed east to Idaho and then on to Yellowstone. Many years ago we made the trip from Portland to Yellowstone overnight...we took a little longer this time spending a couple of days in Idaho along the way. Then, three days seeing Yellowstone along with all the other hoards of tourists. Once we left Yellowstone, the pace seemed much more relaxed. We spent several days at an RV resort below Jackson Hole (Thayne). We even had time to dust off the golf clubs and play a round at the park we were staying in.... ugh!! Are we ever rusty... actually we both did manage a few good shots, but never put enough together on any one hole...so our scores will remain our secret. We went for a delightful raft trip on the Snake River. It was just us, a river guide and a family from Holland. The three little girls were so much fun...they didn't speak a word of English, but conveyed their excitement and enjoyment of the trip perfectly. Then we headed further south and east into Wyoming, dodging some thunder and lighting storms and exploring areas along the way like, Fossil Butte National Monument. We enjoyed a full day in the Flaming Gorge area of the Green River. I think we really enjoyed it much more than Yellowstone due to the lack of people and the diversity of the geologic areas. We have followed much of the Oregon Trail (going the wrong way, I guess) and have crossed the Continental Divide so many times we have lost track. Today, we spent some time seeing South Pass City where most of the pioneers passed through the Rockies on their way to the Oregon country, the California gold fields, or Utah and the great salt lake. We are still in southeastern Wyoming (Rawlins), but plan to head into Colorado probably tomorrow. There is so much there we want to see and then on to Utah and some of the national parks we got snowed out of last spring. Sure hope the gas prices hurry up and drop a little!!! Well, that's what we are up to, would love to hear from all of you to know what's happening with you. Keep in touch!
Molly

7/22/00 Subject: Colorado Springs

We are in Colorado, right now in Colorado Springs. Had planned to spend about four days here, but have already extended our stay to eight and may stay even longer. We really like it here. It is a beautiful country and lots to do and see. We spent a night in Fort Collins and had dinner with friends from Portland who Brent used to work with, then three days in the Denver area seeing Rocky Mt. National Park. We visited with some cruisers we had met in Puerto Vallarta who have an RV park near the park. Also toured the US Mint...no free samples. Couldn't pass up the Molly Brown House and also the Coors Brewery...free samples there! Here in Colorado Springs, we have been to Garden of the Gods, top of Pikes Peak via the COG Railway, Air Force Academy and had a chuck wagon dinner at Flying W Ranch. We may take in the Renaissance Festival today. Still on our list to see is Cripple Creek, some fossil beds, Seven Falls, Will Roger Memorial, Olympic Center, World Figure Skating Hall of Fame, Cave of the Winds, Manitou Cliff Dwellings, etc, etc, etc, also need to find time to kick back and relax. After we leave here, we will spend a while longer in other areas of Colorado, and then move on to Utah. Weather has been warm...although every afternoon there is a thunder and lightning storm. Had a real good one in Denver. Rained like I have never seen it rain in Oregon. We were in a Wal-Mart lot and it quickly became a lake. There were flash flood warnings everywhere. We were quite happy to be snug in the RV and did not venture out into the storm. We have had storms here every day also, but so far nothing like the one in Denver. There are updates on the TV as to where the severe conditions are, and we grab the map to determine what county we are in. We have so far managed the whole trip in Wal-Mart parking lots, or Coast to Coast parks. We are in a real nice C2C camp now just a few minutes north of Colorado. Springs. It's called Colorado Heights Campground Resort and is an undulating forested park with open areas, swimming pool and hot tub, trout pond, miniature golf, and movies every night at the clubhouse. If you're ever in the area make sure you stay here. So far everything's working great. That's about all the news from here. Keep in touch.
Molly

8/3/00 Subject: Still in Colorado--Montrose

Still in Colorado, spent over a week in Colorado Springs. Really liked it there. Lots of things to do and see... and a beautiful area. We are at least back on the west side of the Rockies now, but not yet out of the every afternoon thunder and lightning storms. Little wonder that the whole western US is mostly ablaze. We get very little rain except up in the mountains, but you can count on a good lightning show every day. It's been hot also. Can't remember a day under 90 degrees. Heading south tomorrow as the fire is finally out in Mesa Verde N.P. and it will be reopening. That was one of our must sees this trip. Not sure what we will get to see in Utah as there are lots of fires there also. Played golf today. Argh!!! Perhaps it was the altitude, but I really don't think that was the problem. Looks like there has been some good weather back in Oregon. I'm feeling the need to get back and get to the coast...there's just not a lot of water here. Spent a couple of nights along the Arkansas River at Texas Creek and that was nice. While staying there we went back into Canon City and took a train up the Royal Gorge along the Arkansas River. Later we went up to the top of the canyon and Brent took an aerial tram across the Gorge, I walked across the bridge! From here we drove up the backbone of the Rockies through Leadville (Molly Brown's stomping grounds) and down through Vale to Glenwood Springs. We made a day trip up to Aspen from there with the car and had lunch. Next day we drove the RV to Grand Junction where we were going to spend the night, but decided to go on south to Montrose. Another car day trip was up Gunnison River to visit the Black Canyon of the Gunnison N. P. (just recently named by Clinton). We also made a car trip over the hill to Silverton (an old gold mining town) and really enjoyed it.Guess that should catch your up on us. Keep in touch. Love,
Molly

8/10/00 Subject: Moab, Utah

Finally made it out of Colorado...the "must see" Mesa Verde became a "won't see" at least not this year. The park reopened briefly last Friday. We drove down to the area on Friday...only to notice a big plume of smoke over the park. We drove up to the entrance gate to check it out. The woman there assured us there was nothing to worry about as that fire was outside the park boundary and did not pose a hazard. If anything did happen, she said there would be at least a 24-hour notice to evacuate. She noted there were huge traffic jams as it was the first day they were re-opened and there were no entrance fees. That didn't appeal to us so we opted not to go into the park that day and decided to wait a few days while seeing other things in the area. Fire, it seems, knows no boundaries as that fire did indeed invade the park and they had to evacuate that afternoon. One can only imagine the frustration the firefighters must have had with the roads jammed packed with tourists. We were quite happy not to have been part of the chaos! The park is now closed again until further notice. While there in Durango, however, we decided to take the Durango to Silverton narrow gauge steam train up through the gorge and back. So we got to see Silverton again and a beautiful (albeit sooty) train ride through the San Juan Mountains. We spent the night at an Indian casino RV park and entered Utah the next day with a stop at Four Corners. I got to put my foot on the corner of four states at one time! Utah is much different than we found it last year when it was snowing. We are in Moab right now. This year, it is HOT! We spent a night in Blanding and saw Natural Bridges...no snow this year. We spent the last two days seeing Canyonlands N.P....WOW! So far, this is our favorite place. Every bit as impressive as Grand Canyon, but without the hoards of tourists. From here we will go further west to Capitol Reef, Escalante, Bryce and Zion N.P.'s. Sure have appreciated the geology courses we have taken to have just a tad bit of understanding how this all came to be. Guess we are getting ready to hit the road again. Am told I need to practice driving a bit more and learn to hook up the toad! Gotta go!
Molly

9/5/00 Subject: We're back!

We are finally back in Oregon...spent about a month in Colorado and then another month in Utah and Nevada. We are official residents of Nevada now...hopefully to save some $$$$. Saw most of the national parks we wanted to, except Mesa Verde. It was still on fire. It was probably the one we were most looking forward to seeing, but will have to wait for another trip. We really like Colorado and are looking forward to going back again. Next year, though, I think we may go to Alaska while my niece is still there. Brent has a boat delivery this next week from Bodega Bay to Astoria. He is planning to leave on Thursday AM to drive down and leave there maybe Friday evening. Then it should take three to four days to get back.
Molly

Log 4: Mexico--Season 1--'99-'00

Log 4 of Albion (and other travels)

These are the selected e-mails sent back to family and friends from our sail down the Coast of Baja California and into Mexico. It was our first trip into a third world country by boat and the anxiety ran high.

11/18/99 -- 12/13/99 Subject: Chula Vista to Cabo San Lucas

We're off! Five boats headed out for our adventure down the Baja coast into Mexico. After topping off our fuel tanks and crossing the San Diego bar, we got a call from Jasmine Isle, who left early because of their slower speed. They had engine problems and were going to have to turn back. Since there wasn't any wind, they were just rolling around and couldn't make it back in. So Albion, being the faster cruising boat, took them into tow and would catch up with the rest that night in the Coronado Islands. Jasmine Isle could not get a slip at the police dock, so we had to tow them halfway up the bay to another anchorage. It was determined then, that we would not be able to make it back out to the Coronado's that night and decided to spend another night in San Diego, and catch the rest of the boats in Ensenada the next day. In Ensenada, we all met up again and checked into Mexico. To our surprise, Kim and Chris on Jasmine Isle drove down to Ensenada with another Portland couple. We all had a great reunion and enjoyed the best fish tacos in Mexico. Since Reprise and Seadater had gotten to Ensenada early and checked in, they decided to head south. Tica and Albion had to wait until Monday to check in and then leave. Our first anchorage that night was below Punta Colnett, a very rolly anchorage. The next was after a day trip down to the Bahia San Quintin anchorage. There Molly and I anchored and were waiting for Tica. But they got a lobster pot line in their prop, and we had to go out and tow them into the anchorage. We spent the next day (Thanksgiving) anchored and relaxing and had a great dinner on Albion with Tica. We met another boat (Cyrene) that joined us for the rest of the trip down the Baja. The next anchorages were down to Punta Baja and then an overnight to Turtle Bay. We spent two days in Turtle Bay refueling, eating local foods, and meeting new friends. Then it was off to Punta Asuncion, Bahia San Hipolito, Bahia Abreojos and then another overnighter to Bahia Santa Maria. We spent two nights in Santa Maria, exploring up the lagoon and snorkeling. The next stop was just around the corner into Puerto Magdalena Bay and Man-of-War Cove. There we topped off with fuel again from the Port Captain and chartered several pongas with him to take a bunch of us cruisers up the bay to San Carlos......a real town with phones and ice cream. And we ate more local cuisine (lobsters again!) and had several boat parties with new cruisers. From Mag. Bay, it was another overnighter to the real culture change of Cabo San Lucas; para-sailers, mega-yachts, cruise ships, and big hotels. We took a buoy off the Hacienda Hotel for $10/night and had a great view of the beach and short dinghy ride into the harbor to town. We checked in here, went through immigration, and got our 10 year boat import permit. During that last leg to Cabo, our battery was loosing charge even with the engine running. We concluded, with Jan & Alan's help on Cyrene's , that it was the alternator regulator. We ordered another one from Downwind Marine in San Diego and Jasmine Isle's parents would stop on their way down and pick it up. We would just have to rent a car and drive halfway to La Paz to get it......just another adventure.

12/31/99 Subject: New Years in Cabo!!

Well, we didn't make the weather window in time to head to Mazatlan and we were comfortable here where we knew where things were.....so we decided to have a quiet dinner with friends, go back to the boat, open a bottle of Champagne, and toast the new year in watching the fireworks on the beach from our cockpit. The new alternator regulator is in and working, but the Link10 meter (that reads what is going on with the batteries) has not come up to full charge yet??? And now our engine temperature gage is reading hot??? I've checked all the logical possibilities (good water in, good water out, engine is actually not hot, so we're thinking it's just the gage (we hope). We will know when we start off to Mazatlan!!! Maybe it will be a short trip and we will be back here in Cabo for a little longer. The cruiser personnel are changing around here. That's an indication that we've been here too long (almost three weeks now). Some of the friends that we've made down the Baja coast and camped out here with, have left for other ports and new ones have come in and taken their place, but it's hard to replace "originals". Our typical day here starts with the morning Canadian/Baja SSB net at 7:00am. We listen for weather and check in ourselves...."still here in Cabo". One of the net controllers is another good friend here that we met in Mag. Bay. Then it's breakfast, do the dishes, get the dinghy in the water, and put the motor on the dinghy. By then it's so rocky and rolly because of fishing boats leaving, jet skis buzzing, and ship tenders running past, that we have to head to town to relax. We generally head to the internet cafe to check e-mail and then go to lunch. It's a nice challenge to pick a new place each time, trying something new. We may wander around town looking into shops...not buying of course, no room! We have taken little side trips like driving to Los Brillos for the new alternator regulator, bus trip to San Jose del Cabo, or a day snorkeling at Lovers Beach. But mostly we then head over to the pool at the hotel, lay around reading, swimming or taking a shower in the poolside outside shower. We may have a margarita or two, and then it's about happy hour, so we get dressed, and head for the hotel cocktail lounge where a lot of the cruisers meet just to un-wind and tell of the days activities. After a few more margaritas and chip & salsa, we all head out for dinner....again trying to fine a new place. Then it's late enough that we head back to the boat, take the motor off, lift the dinghy back on the deck, and check in to the evening "Portland" SSB net at 8:00pm. Sometimes (not very often) we get back in time to check in on another frequency at 6:45pm to see if we can reach Summer Rose back at Tomahawk Bay Marina and see how things are going. We have used that avenue to get messages back to the kids on occasion. Well, it's time to head to town.....a new cruise ship has just arrived and we have to get some things at the grocery store for the Sea of Cortez crossing, and of course get this sent! We wish you all a very Happy New Year for 2000!! We will try to keep in touch with our adventures and trials and tribulations (which aren't many), and you try to do the same. When we have access to e-mail, we love hearing from all of you.
Brent & Mollyf rom Cabo Internet Café

January 1, 2000 Subject: Mazatlan

On January 1, 2000, the first day of the new millennium, a beautiful sunrise came up over the Cabo San Lucas arches. It was also the first day of our new adventure across the Sea of Cortez to Mazatlan, 200 miles. We weighed anchor with Tica and headed East. The motor started running hot, so we slowed down, tried to find out what the matter was, but eventually shut the motor off and sailed with good wind all the way to Mazatlan arriving the next day about 5:30pm. On the way over, we were in contact with Richard and Anita on Moonshadow. They told us that our marina was about 8 miles north of the old harbor, which we were then heading for. As we arrived outside the entrance to the harbor, several dinghies full of Portland cruising friends were there to greet us and show us the way in. Upon docking, it was a welcomed reunion and party! It was like Tomahawk Bay Marina, G-Dock, all over again because 5 of us were all on the same dock again, except Albion which was right behind them all on the next dock.Mazatlan is a great city. It is easy to get around by a very inexpensive bus system, you can find almost any part you need for the boat or they can make it, there are many fine restaurants for dining, and there is a very exotic old town with the Central Market, Cathedral, theater, and many many shops. Another Portland cruising friend knew a doctor here, and every year he has a big BBQ. This year we were all invited out to his place for the pig roast and dancing. The cruisers at Marina Mazatlan also are busy arranging many parties, activities, and trips. One trip we signed up for was a bus trip to El Quelite, a small old town up in the hills behind Mazatlan. They are known for their cheese making and cock farms. While there we also took a house tour with the Mayor, had a great lunch, and watched an ancient Aztec ball game and rodeo. We stayed in Mazatlan until February 16th, then headed South another 200 miles to Puerto Vallarta. As we were making final preparations to leave, a friend of a friend (Miriam) needed a ride down coast to Chacala to help out on a Homes-for-Humanity project so we gave her a lift. Our first destination, however, was a small off shore island called Isla Isabela that is a bird sanctuary with a small scientific crew camped out on it. After an over-night trip, in company with Wes and Karen on Caprice, we anchored off the island and went ashore to explore and take pictures. After spending two days there exploring, snorkeling, and relaxing, we headed back to the mainland to anchor in Bahia Matachen. The next day we went around the corner into the San Blas estuary and anchored. We went ashore, checked in, and met Captain Norm and his wife Jan. They helped us with options for check-in since Miriam was not on our crew list when we left Mazatlan.....no problem!San Blas was one of the first shipping towns in old Mexico and the object of the poem about "The Bells of San Blas". They also have a great Jungle Trip up the estuary. It was one of the best trips we've every taken. Our 4-hour trip lasted 6 hours after the guide found out Molly and I were birders. We added many birds to our life list and the guide even caught a small Crocodile for us to take pictures. At the end of the trip, he came out to our boat. Molly gave him a Spanish Translator, since he was enamored by it during the trip, and he gave Wes and I a Crocodile tooth necklace. We also went on another trip while here to a coffee plantation. San Blas is also well known, however, for their bugs......the "No Seeums" but you can! They are horrible and the bites itch, swell, and last for weeks. Karen really got bit, and we all decided that 4 days was all we could stand. We then headed for Chacala, another small beach village where we were taking Miriam. We anchored there one night and then on to La Cruz in Banderas Bay. While underway, I discovered a leak in a return fuel line. Caprice was several miles ahead of us, but came back to stand by while we made a temporary fix.

February 29, 2000 Subject: Paradise Village Resort

Banderas Bay is a very large bay with several resort communities located around it, including Puerto Vallarta. We were heading for Paradise Village Marina and Resort in Nuevo Vallarta, about 8 miles North of Puerto Vallarta. Paradise Village is, in our opinion, one of the nicest resorts in Mexico for Cruisers. We have access to pools, showers, tennis courts, restaurants, zoo, cable TV at the dock, and a shopping mall. A great place to spend several months! Jeanette, Terry and Travis flew down to spend a week with us and enjoy the Mexican sun after leaving the cold rainy Oregon winter. We went on a tour vessel snorkel trip out of P.V. to Los Arcos and enjoyed watching the boat parade for the Banderas Bay Regatta. They brought several boat parts down from the states, including a new return fuel line. Only a few of the Portland Cruisers came down to P.V.; Moonshadow and Reprise, and of course there was Caprice who we met back in Chula Vista and became very close friends. Two of the great activities at Paradise are Tequila tasting parties on other's boats, and dock potluck parties every Wednesday night. This is great living!!! One of the most notable Tequila parties was on Caprice when about 14 of us cruisers jammed in this small rounded cockpit of their 31 foot boat. There were so many aboard, the bow was out of the water. We made an inland bus trip with Wes and Karen to the town of Tequila where they in fact make Tequila from the Blue Agave. We stopped at an ancient Aztec ruin, a lava field, and toured the Sousa Tequila plantation and distillery. Our friend, Al Mirati an ODFW co-worker, came down to visit us in Paradise. We had a great time showing him around Puerto Vallarta, then he helped us take Albion back up the coast to Mazatlan and flew home from there. We spent almost 6 weeks in Paradise Village and then hopped up the coast returning to La Cruz (had dinner with Portland cruisers Nancy & Herman from Sea Tern), to Chacala (had shrimp & lobster dinner with Monte & Barb from Reprise), to Isla Isabela, and then the over-night sail back to Mazatlan.

April 21, 2000 Subject: Back in Mazatlan

After a few more parties, introducing Al to some more of our cruising friends, he was off to Portland again. During our stay, we took another marina sponsored bus trip to Copala, another small village in the Sierra Madras' behind Mazatlan. We toured the town and all had to sample their famous banana cream pie for lunch. The rest of the time in Mazatlan was spent getting Albion ready for the hot summer storage in the marina. We contracted with another cruiser that lives in the marina and watches boats for the summer. She will wash it, make sure the bottom is cleaned, anti-cockroach stuff is fresh, check the batteries, and disconnect the power if an electrical storm comes through. We also leave extra mooring lines available for an emergency. After a week of preparation, we flew back to Phoenix and picked up our car that Tom and Sue had left for us at the airport and headed for Tucson to visit Nada and Dorsey. Then it was off to Mazatlan again, this time with the car, to bring a bunch of our stuff back to the RV.

5/11/00 Subject: On the Road Again!

Here we are, back in long pants and sweatshirts! Was warm (hot) in Arizona, but now we are in Chula Vista and it's on the cool side. We had a nice visit last night with Portland cruisers Tom and Sue, Earl and Donna, Brian and Laurie, and Fred and Kathy. Also, a couple we cruised the Baja with, Cyrene, are back here now having left their boat in LaPaz for a couple of years while they earn another cruising kitty. Have to go to the fabric place here and get some material for the RV windows and some more for the boat. Then we plan to head up the freeway and spend a few days in Thousand Oaks with Lynda and family. Looks like it is still raining in Portland. Guess we won't be able to avoid that. Driving to Mazatlan and back was no problem. The road is really good..four lanes all the way. We were even understanding most of the road signs by the time we got to Mazatlan. There are several inspection stops along the way for agriculture and drugs....we discovered that as soon as we rolled down the window and found ourselves staring at an army guy holding a semi-automatic weapon, every word of Spanish we ever knew was suddenly erased from our brain! Actually, once they determined we were gringos and couldn't communicate with them, they would wave us on through! The border crossing and customs was not a problem once we finally figured out what we needed to do and where to do it. We had to turn in our car permit and visas, and also we had the Mexican customs officer sign our list of equipment that we were taking off the boat to be returned again this fall. Nancy and Herman told us about that so we would not have a problem next fall and have to pay import tax on any of it. We had a very short visit with Nada and Dorsey as they were in a rush to head back to Portland also. We were loading the RV as they were loading the u-haul with golf cart and stuff. Will be seeing them back at the coast this summer, we hope. We don't know what our plans are yet. Have to check in with the taxman and get that done. It's good to be back in the RV...feels like home. Doing my own laundry will take some getting used to, but I will adjust! All for now,
Molly

Log 3: South to San Diego--Sept-Nov '99

Log 3 of Albion (and other travels)

These are selected e-mails sent back to family and friends on our trip from Portland to San Diego down the Oregon and California Coast. It all started with a Bon Voyage Party for us with family, friends and co-workers at Albion's home, Tomahawk Bay Marina, on the Columbia River.




Saturday, 9/11/1999; 09:00
Subject: The adventure finally begins!

Albion is finally on her way down river, ready to turn left and head south. We had a few delays along the way, but are taking advice from veteran Mexico cruisers, Ivan and Bev Murphy and Herm and Nancy Ford, and have our schedule and plans firmly carved in Jell-O! The long-term weather forecast looks favorable. It's hard to leave now with the weather so nice here in Portland. Summer may have been a long time coming, but it sure doesn't get much better than what we have now. There is beginning to be just a bit of a nip in the air in the morning...a sure sign that fall is around the corner. We are taking it as a sign that it's time to get the hell out of Dodge! The work in the boat yard took longer than expected, but we are happy that we had her hauled. She has a new bottom, new dripless packing gland, new strut bearing and the rudder is repaired and good as new, they say. It will ease our mind a bit, I'm sure. The boat went back in the water on 8/2 and we spent the following week checking things off THE LIST! Our RV is on it's way to Tucson with friends where it will be waiting for us next spring. It will be nice to have it there so close. Thanks Nada and Dorsey for all your help. Our plans (again, firmly carved in Jell-O) are to go to Astoria today, cross the bar tomorrow and on to Newport. With both of us having lived and worked there years ago, there are lots of people to see. From Newport, we will be out to sea as weather permits, but should the seas become unfriendly we plan to head for port. We would like to take our time once we get below San Francisco. We are very jealous of Tom and Sue and all the ports they have managed to stop and see. For now.... "We're glad to say we're on our way We don't wanna be back for many a day" All for now,
Molly

9/13/99 Subject: In Newport

We had a great trip down the river on Saturday. We traveled most of the way with another boat heading south, a Morgan 44, Goodnight Irene, which had been in the boat yard at the same time with us. They are heading to San Francisco. They followed right on our stern wake through Cathlamet Channel as they had never gone that way. Since the new buoys are there now, it's a piece of cake! I'm sure they would have been more impressed with the "local knowledge" in years past! We both fueled up in Cathlamet and continued on to Astoria arriving there shortly after sundown. Goodnight Irene chose to continue on across the bar, but we opted not to cross on an ebb tide in the dark, and with just two of us aboard, a good nights sleep was important. We left early in the AM with warm sunshine and a light east wind. We crossed on the waning ebb tide. It was a bit rolly, but a very comfortable crossing. We headed south and put up sails and enjoyed a good beam reach off the port side with east winds. The winds were variable, 10 to 25 knots. We reefed and unreefed again and again. Thank you very much Mr. Harken, we do love that roller furling! The warm winds off shore seemed so out of place for the Oregon Coast. We expected to find tee shirt sailing on this trip, but not in Oregon! Finally the winds all but died out and we motor sailed the rest of the day. It was warm and sunny and we traveled right along the coast enjoying the shoreline. At sundown, we were at Lincoln City and anticipating crossing the bar at Newport about 09:00 with a favorable flood tide. But what had just a moment ago been a warm light easterly breeze turned into a mean cold blow right on the nose out of the south. It quickly grew to 25 to 30 knots steady. Where it came from, we do not know, but it was most uncomfortable. Along with it came heavy fog. We plowed our way along, giving up most of our speed. The wind finally began to die down after rounding Cape Foulweather. By the time we did finally reach the Yaquina Bar, about SIX HOURS later, the wind had settled down to about 10 knots, but still from the south. The tide was still flooding, after checking with the Coast Guard we made our way across via radar, GPS, and computer because of the pea-soup fog. Its was a good thing the Coast Guard warned us about construction on the North jetty with big barges and buoys taking up the North half of the narrow entrance. We didn't see them until we were a few boat lengths away. We charted our way up to South Beach Marina by 02:10. When the Coast Guard saw our lights in the harbor, they checked to make sure it was Albion, and we thanked them for the guidance. Then we secured the boat and hit the sack! Well, I guess you can say the weather gods showed us! We had everything from a great warm weather sail (7.5 kts), to flat calm motoring, to pounding into 30 kts at night in the fog. It is still very foggy here this morning. Guess it was 95 here yesterday afternoon and then within minutes, the southerly moved in and it was cold. Will listen to weather report and plan to head south again on Tuesday, weather permitting. After last night, a day of rest is in order and some friends from Brent's office here are coming down for a looked at our boat today. All for now,
Molly

9/15/99 Subject: Winchester Bay

That's right...that's all the farther we got on Tuesday...to Winchester Bay. More about that later. We left Newport early in the AM. Without fog, we could see the barges and marker buoys and realized we really did thread the needle coming in in the fog. The seas were very calm with some fog, but visibility was okay. We were just below Florence when we heard True Companion (fellow Baja Bounders, Fred and Kathy, also from Tomahawk Bay) on the radio with Coast Guard. They were experiencing alternator problems and checking bar conditions to see what would be the best harbor to pull into. We checked their position and they were about 14 miles behind us. We radioed them and decided to slow down and let them catch us and we would both proceed to Coos Bay. We shut the engine down and sailed along at about three knots in very light air. Finally decided to fire up the engine....only it wouldn't! We checked and rechecked everything possible to no avail. Finally, we, the would be rescuers, became the rescuees! The Umpqua River entry was the closest, but we would be entering on a strong ebb. True Companion would not be comfortable towing us across the bar and neither would we. So, we resorted to the ultimate humiliation....called the Coast Guard for a tow! What a blow to Brent! But, what a job the CG does. It was an experience to see them in action. A great crew of very professional people. True Companion and Albion were finally tied up at the guest dock about 19:45 (7:45 pm for you non-mariners). The four of us had a nice dinner ashore and decided to deal with our problems in the AM. The AM, found Fred and Kathy's alternator working just fine. Go figure! But our engine still would not start. Brent replaced the solenoid...nope, that didn't do it. Fred and Brent spent most of the morning with volt meter checking and rechecking power sources and whatever they could think of. Finally gave up, went to town to seek more professional expertise. MAYBE, tomorrow afternoon, there's a guy who might be able to come take a look. .........Brent's report from here........ Well, Molly found a screw laying in the engine room and there was a screw missing in the back of the starting motor....big deal there were still three holding the back plate, but she wanted it put back anyway so we wouldn't loose it. The starting motor, by the way is almost inaccessible, at arm's reach. So I screwed it in and went on reading more in the engine manual. The next sound I heard was the ENGINE STARTING!!!!! What did you do, I asked????? She just wanted do try it after the screw was put in, just in case it had anything to do with it. I couldn't believe it!! We killed the engine and restarted it several times without a hitch. Guess the real test will be in the morning. Next time something doesn't work, I not even going to give it a try....I'll just put Molly on it! We now refer to that screw as the "Molly" screw!So we're ready to head out in the morning (Thursday) with True Companion, but the weather is very marginal...North winds 25, Seas 4' and Swells 5'. The plan is to leave on high slack at about 7:00 and slowly cruise to Coos Bay and cross at low slack about 11:00 and before the afternoon winds kick in. At least we will be getting closer to California inch-by-inch. Bye, for now.
Brent and Molly

Subject: Eureka, CA

9/16/99 Thrusday
As planned, we left over a lumpy bar on the Umpqua and headed for Charleston in Coos Bay at slow bell. The trip went well as did the bar crossing at Coos Bay at about 10:30am. We both tied to the transient dock and had to go up to the Coast Guard to get a weather report. Still marginal and we took care of a few small projects and decided we may stay another day.

9/17/99 Friday:
Wow, beautiful day...sunny and light NW winds. We finally went over to True Companion about 9:30 to discuss the day. It seemed so nice we decided to take off in about a half hour. The worst that was predicted was NW 25 kts. We had already done that....no sweat! Away we went at about 11:00 for Cape Blanco and Crescent City. The wind kept building as we got out there. We both put up our main sails to stabilize and give us a bit of a push. The wind kept building! We finally passed Blanco at 3:45pm. True Companion had to stay on more of a SW tack to keep the sails from jibing and therefore was several miles behind and over the horizon. We had been maintaining a radio check every half hour. The WIND KEPT BUILDING! We were over the 25 knots that was predicted so it couldn't get much more.......but THE WIND KEPT BUILDING!!! The seas also were nearing 20 foot and the sea was turning completely white with foam. Then on a broach, the autopilot locked up. We could not turn the wheel back to head down wave. With great difficulty, I forced the wheel around and headed south again. I thought something had fallen against the autopilot arm below deck so Molly hauled everything out of the lazarette into the cockpit. But it didn't seem anything was wrong. It had just locked up and was VERY DIFFICULT to turn. AND THE WIND WAS NOW OVER 40 KTS!!! The main was still out and would not roll in. Several times we saw the wind gusts exceed 50 Kts. To say the least it was a wild ride. The bow would drop out of sight and we roared down the swells nearly burying the bow....the knot meter reading 12 and 13 knots!! After dark, about 8:00pm, the wind finally started to get into the lower thirties and a few hours later into the mid twenties. By the time we rounded St Georges Reef off Crescent City the wind had switched around to SE 10 kts, but the left over swells were still 10 feet. Fred and Kathy, being quite a few miles behind, decided to make a run for Brookings. He got a bar report that was music to our ears...SE winds 7kts visibility one mile. But we continued on and finally got into Crescent City about 3:30am Saturday morning. And we rested!!! The autopilot problem was diagnosed and a call to Tim Olsen (the friend who put it in) resolved the problem...the arm on the rudder post had slipped and locked the bar from the autopilot motor...never mind, you had to have been down there in the lazarette! We spent the rest of Saturday cleaning up and RESTING.

9/19/99 Sunday:
We talked to Fred and Kathy and they were headed to Crescent City Sunday, so we decided to take another day off and do some small jobs and wait for them. We also both topped off our fuel tanks today.

9/20/99 Monday:
We didn't have a good cell signal in Crescent City so we didn't send this update. We left about 5:30pm. We have a few things to take care of here and plan to spend another day, then make it to Bodega Bay on Wednesday.
Brent

9/24/99 Subject: Half Moon Bay

Wednesday, 9/22
We spent a nice day in Eureka. We walked across the bridge into town, did some provision shopping and visited the Farmers Market. It was warm and sunny and we enjoyed a day of relaxation. Fred and Brent walked over to the NOAA weather office late in the afternoon and got a weather report. It looked like it should be a nice trip the next day to Bodega Bay.

Thursday, 9/23
It was foggy, but fairly good visibility as we left the marina. Just outside, however, the fog increased. We were traveling by instruments and following a fishing boat ahead. At one point we lost the fishing boat. However, another came along and took the lead and we followed it all the way out across the bar. It was a calm sea and the visibility improved somewhat. We rounded Cape Mendocino about 11:30, still with very calm seas. The weather report for the day was variable winds to 10 knots....we can do that, right? About mid-afternoon, the wind started to fill in a bit from the north. It was very light and variable. We finally decided to put up the main for a "little push." As soon as we had it rolled out, the wind started building, and kept building. It was beginning to look a lot like Cape Blanco. We've been there, done that.....so we rolled that sail right back in! Good move. Fred and Kathy opted to leave their sail up for a while, but shortly radioed that their preventer had broken but they had managed to get the main down. Then their jib caught a gust and unfurled....made for a bit of excitement. The winds and seas were not nearly what we had around Blanco, but uncomfortable, at best. We started debating whether to duck into Shelter Cove or continue on to Bodega. We decided to ride it out and get down the coast. We had a radio call from a local fisherman who had overhead the conversation between us and True Companion. The fisherman agreed that continuing on was the best choice. He was sure we were through the worst of it and it would lay down after dark. It did and we were grateful. We had a pretty comfortable ride the rest of the night. The fog lifted a bit and we had an almost full moon to light up the sea. We got into Bodega Bay about noon on Thursday. We had a beer and shared our stories with True Companion. We will probably be parting company soon, as they are planning to go into San Francisco and spend some time. We are continuing on down the coast and will spend some time in Oxnard where we have family. The trip thus far has been challenging. We've come to know our boat intimately...much more so than one does on those weekend cruises to Martin Slough and such. Those folks who say "your boat will take more than you will" know what they are talking about. We have a lot of confidence in her.

Friday, 9/24
We said goodbye to True Companion at Bodega. They are staying for a few days before moving on to San Francisco. We left the marina about 8:30am in light fog. The sea was calm all day, but gray and foggy all the way. We got to Half Moon Bay about 18:30 (6:30 pm). Was nice to have an uneventful day! Will be leaving in the am for Monterey and will be spending a few days there. Still looking for that southern California sunshine!
Molly

9/26/99 Subject: Monterey and SUN Finally SUN!!

After we got to Bodega Bay, all we wanted to do is rest. But we pressed on to Halfmoon Bay and Monterey in two shorter day trips because the weather was right (albeit foggy) and we wanted to rest somewhere where we could play tourist. We do miss the company of True Companion. It was so nice to have another boat out there with us, especially around both the capes when things got tough. Our hourly radio checks with each other were comforting. We look forward to seeing them again either further down the coast or at least when we both reach San Diego. About a mile out of Monterey, we broke out of the fog and found sunshine and warmth. People were walking around in shorts and playing on the beach. We walked up to the marina office and then over to fisherman's wharf to have dinner. We plan to spend at least all day Sunday here, maybe Monday too, before heading on down the coast. It will be a slow day today, a lazy breakfast....as soon as Molly gets up..., a shower, and a walk around town. More later on the way South.

10/3/99 Subject: Southern California

Friday, October 1st
We are at long last in Southern California! Seas are calm and the sun is shinning...yeah! We spent three days in Monterey enjoying some nice warm sunshine on shore. We met up with Jasmine Isle (another boat in our group) and caught up on their trip. They are taking their time and stopping at a lot of anchorage's along the shoreline. As soon as we left the Monterey harbor we were back in the fog again. We anchored one night in San Simeon cove. It was a bit rolly, but a comfortable night. The fog lifted just a bit as we entered the cove, but came right back down and was very foggy the next morning when we continued on to Morro Bay. We managed to find our way through the narrow opening on instruments in the thick fog (1/8 mile) and tied up at the yacht club. We met two boats (both Passport 40's) headed north (north!?!--why?) They were very friendly folks and greeted us at the dock with margaritas. We left Morro Bay, again in heavy fog and started out for our last major obstacle...Pt. Conception...it has a terrible reputation for wind and sea conditions, but once around it, the ocean is a lot more friendly...they say. We had light winds and fairly flat seas, but still heavy fog until we got around Pt. Arguello and finally the fog lifted and we could actually see the shoreline....something we have not seen since we left Oregon. The entire California coastline has been covered with fog. We had 15 to 20 knot NW winds but very little swell. We rounded Pt. Conception and anchored for the night in Cojo Anchorage. It was windy but flat seas, so a comfortable night. It seemed odd this morning not to have to navigate our way out in the fog...it was bright and sunny. Seas are calm and we are headed for Oxnard where we will spend a few days visiting with family and then on to Marina Del Rey where we have more family and friends. LATER: We entered the harbor here at Oxnard about 5 pm. We will spend several days here while we catch up with our grandchildren's dancing and soccer games. We finally found a use for that SSB radio on the boat..enjoyed talking with Art Zehner back in Portland tonight and last night we connected with Lady L at Casselman's in Scappoose.

SAT. 9/2/99
The slip we were assigned was on the fishing docks and the boat next to us had its generator going all night. So today we started exploring for another slip with some of the private moorage's here in the harbor. Now we are in a beautiful marina (Anacapa Isle Marina) with pool, Jacuzzi, weight room, showers, laundry, no sea gull crap on the docks, and a lot better attitude of the marina operators. Very accommodating as opposed to the County Harbormaster. And the price was only $1.50 more!!! We signed up for three more days. Lynda, David, Megan and Jordan came down to the boat and graciously lent us David's car while we are here. That way we can make it into Thousand Oaks and see the grandkids play soccer games and other activities. All for now...more in a few days when we have more tales to tell.
Molly

10/12/99 Subject: San Diego

For the time being, Albion is "at home" here in Chula Vista, south of San Diego. We spent several days in Oxnard. David, our son-in-law, was generous to loan us his car for the duration of our stay there. It was very handy as we ran many errands and accomplished several boat projects. We replaced our engine kill cable which had broken while we were in Crescent City. It took the two of us to kill the engine in a fashion so we would be able to start it the next time. We also replaced the sink facet in the head. We would have liked to have spent more time in Oxnard and had more family time. Since the marina here was holding a slip for us, we had to get on our way. We left Oxnard on Wednesday and spent a long day motoring to Marina Del Rey. We had an extremely calm sea, no wind, but lots of sunshine!!!! This is what we have been looking for....We pulled into Marina Del Rey late in the afternoon. We had dinner that night with our friend, Bill and Marcia's son, Christian. The next day he took us on a long walk to Venice and Santa Monica for lunch where he worked. Friday night we had a great visit with our niece and nephew (Karen & Robert) who live close by. Saturday AM we left early again and had another long motoring day to Dana Point. At Dana Point, we found no room at the inn...the county moorage's were all full and the anchoring areas were crowded also. We contacted Dana Point Yacht Club and found them very hospitable. They had a member's slip available and then insisted we come to the club for their BBQ night, everything from hamburgers to lobsters. So, who could say no? We met a very nice couple from San Diego who have sailed to Mexico twice, once on the HaHa cruise and once on their own. We really enjoyed their insights on the trip. While there, we gave the club a SIYC burgee and got one of theirs. And Molly bought a Dana Point Yacht Club pull-over for $15. They are nice and friendly and made us feel right at home. Early Sunday AM we left Dana Point and headed for our temporary home in Chula Vista. Again, it was a no wind, motor day. The further south we got the warmer it was and the water kept getting more and more blue. We had a call on the radio from Whisper when we were about an hour away and they were headed out to meet us. As we neared the approach for San Diego, we spotted Whisper and they led us in. Brian and Laurie on Exodus and Will and Joann on Tica, who had both just returned from the swap meet in Newport, were there to catch our lines. It was like a homecoming and champagne and margaritas were enjoyed by all! Today, we managed to change our slip assignment to the same dock as Will and Joann. We took it easy today, but have vowed to start on the list of boat projects tomorrow. Brent & Will drove to town looking at watermakers and solar panels, two of the projects we are considering. We expect Perpetua and Dreamweaver to be arriving probably tomorrow and I heard that Mi Casa was due in anytime also. True Companion and Jasmine Isle are both in Santa Barbara, and Sedater and Reprise are still in Channel Island Harbor at Oxnard. IMPORTANT NOTICE!! OUR CELL PHONE IS NEARLY INOPERABLE HERE IN SAN DIEGO!! We called AT&T and they said San Diego was a very poor area for their service. Calling out is a "rare" happening, but we can get messages by via our voice mail, but not talk directly to the caller. We will check voice mail occasionally, just don't expect a response right away to your call. The best way to communicate with us is probably e-mail. We will be using the marina office land line or our friend's land line on TICA and checking it most every day. Feels like we are in an isolated third world country already! Not much hope for Mexico.
Brent & Molly

11/18/99 Subject: Off to Mexico Tomorrow

Hola amigos; Finally tomorrow if the weather looks good, which it does, we will be topping off the fuel and water tanks and heading for the Coronado Islands in MEXICO!!! They are actually only a few miles away, but it will be the first night out and in another country. After anchoring there for the night, we will sail another 47 miles down coast to Ensenada, the only major city we will be stopping at in the 800 miles to Cabo San Lucas, and check into to country officially. There are five boats from our group heading out tomorrow. We have all been busy getting last minute things done to our boats and, although I could use another few days, we decided everything looks good for a go. We have done some major items to the boat while here. To name just a few, we; -installed a new head, -installed new lifelines, -aligned the engine, -straightened the shaft, -installed a new dripless packing gland (the other new one always dripped), -rebuild the keel (after it was damaged during the haulout for the packing gland installation and shaft straightening) -installed a new stereo system (tape and cd), -installed two solar panels (flexible ones), -made shade curtains for the cockpit, ....and a lot of other minor repairs, purchases and provisioning too numerous to mention. We also ran around and got all our paper work done, ie: tourist visa's, fishing licenses (required), Mexican ham license in Tijuana, and Mexican liability for the boat. And we still had time to visit with Lynda and family twice (in Thousand Oaks), and go to Disneyland on Molly's birthday. We have also entertained some friends that visited here, like Rick Kruger (from my ODFW office), Dorsey Hensley (our Tucson friend), and several other cruising friends in the neighborhood. The social climate here at Chula Vista is great. There is usually a dinner or some activity up at the Chula Vista Yacht Club almost every night. We will miss that a lot. We have made many friends here and are leaving some of our Portland group hear for another year or two before they head south. Our loose schedule from here is get down to Cabo San Lucas about the middle of December. Maybe spend Christmas there or maybe head on over to Mazatlan where some of the group is heading for Christmas and New Years. Although we may also go around the corner if the winds aren't too strong and head up to La Paz. From there we will head to Mazatlan and then down to Puerto Vallarta by Spring to meet Jeanette and family for Spring break week. Then it's back up to San Carlos where we will take the boat out of the water in May and go to Tucson where our RV is waiting. Our car is staying here in Chula Vista with friends and will eventually be driven over to Tucson by May, or if not, we will drive the RV back over here and get it. From here, we don't know how often we will have access to e-mail and phone lines. So if you don't hear from us for awhile, don't get worried, we are just enjoying the sun and cruising slow. We will check in with an update whenever possible. We also don't know at this point if our cell-phone will work or if we can get voice mail on it. These are the exciting things about going to a third world country where they don't have the conveniences that you can count on. Until we get to Cabo;
Brent & Molly

Log 2: North to Canada--June-Aug '99

Log 2 of Albion (and other travels)

These are some selected e-mails sent back to family and friends from our initial shake-down cruise to Desolation Sound before heading to Mexico. Everything wasn't completely ready yet, but it was time to go




6/14/99 Subject: Still here in PDX

We are still here in town, but have now moved onto the boat. The fella that was installing the autopilot finally got it complete last Friday. We tested it out and it didn't work. So while we were out it the river going round and round, he made a call to Raytheon back east and found out he had to switch two wires.....and it worked great!! But now I have another guy working on my anchor chalk on the pointy end of the boat. I wanted to be able to mount two anchors and the one I had only allowed one. Two would allow me to set two in a Bahamian Moor, which is setting the two each at 45 degrees forward of the boat. And I just bought a BIG anchor (capable of holding a 65' boat in high winds) and 200 feet of chain.....most boats only have 20-30 feet. This is my security blanket for those nights that it's blowing a gale in the anchorage.....I want to be able to KNOW that it will hold my boat and I won't drag up on the rocks. The anchor guy said he should have the new chalk completed in time for us to leave this coming weekend. Then we are going to beat feet (maybe fins) up to Desolation Sound (near Campbell River on Vancouver Island). It's time to take Jim & Janice Haas and our friend John Snively cruising for a week in the islands. We have given up on the idea of circumnavigating the Island. We would have to rush too much. We have to be back in town by July 30 for a wedding. This way we can relax and see some places, like Princess Louisa Inlet, that we didn't see on the last trip in our 28 footer several years ago. Here on the boat, we are madly trying to get moved in and get a few other minor things fixed for a more relaxed trip. On the motor home we had nearly a month to find our way around and put things where we wanted them....and then move them again where they belonged. We still had to buy a few more things too.....seems like every trip to West Marine is another $100 or two. Today the jobs are 1) ground the mast to the keel bolts....in case of lightening strikes, and 2) get a cracked lower shroud deck fitting from West Marine (only $93!!!) and re-install it....to keep the mast from coming down in a big blow!!! I am also going to AT&T today to get Canadian authorization on our service so I can keep in touch hopefully. I've heard it doesn't work well, but we'll see. Stay in touch!
Brent

6/20/99 Subject: On our way!!!

Hi everybody; Just a quick note to the kids and our friends that we finally got out of Portland. We wanted to get on our way Saturday, but when the guy showed up to do some final touches to the anchor chalk he had been building for a week, the anchor compartment lid did not close. He had to go back to his shop in Canby and re-fabricate another anchor shaft port into the lid. And then we had to re-tune the rigging. By the time we were done, it was about 7:30pm. So we decided to leave this morning (Sunday). While getting things in the right place, and secured away, I was finally putting the anchor chain back in the locker and finally shut the lid.....ooops, it didn't close again!!!!! Fred, the builder, was there and had to do some final fiberglass grinding to make everything fit and had to take another part off to re-fabricate again. He said he would then send it up with our friend John Snively who is joining us up in Campbell River next weekend. It seems like the project from hell!! But we finally left at about 10:30 and arrived in Astoria about 8:30pm in the drizzling rain, but no wind. The morning flood tide is about 7:00am, but we want to top off our fuel tanks before leaving....they open at 8:00, so we may be a little late for the smoothest crossing. However, the weather report for tomorrow sounds fine: West winds 5-15 knots, Wind waves 1-2 ft, and West swells of 5 ft. If we make a 9 or 10 am crossing, we should be in the Strait of Juan de Fuca 24 hours later and Victoria, BC by Tuesday night. The rest should be just CRUISIN'! Ok, it was more than just a quick note, but thought you all may want to know we ain't there no more!. More later from the Straits!
Brent

6/22/99 Subject: Victoria, BC

To all; We had a later than desired departure from Astoria Monday morning at about 8:30am after refueling. It was already ebbing on the bar by the time we got there at about 9:30. At little lumpy, but nothing breaking, so we headed out between the North Jetty and Buoy 3 across Peacock Spit and slowly came round to 328 degrees for Umatilla Reef 120 miles away. After leaving the influence of the Columbia River, the ocean got down-right nice. There was never any wind over 15 knots and seas over about 4 feet.....that's good stuff! The new autopilot just purred and all we had to do was babysit it for the next 30 hours to Victoria. We rolled out the main sail for some stability and a little push, but finally rolled it back up before dark because the wind had died. We made the turn into Juan de Fuca Strait at 0700 by entering through the "Hole-in-the-Wall" for those who know it and for those that don't, it is a small rock infested passage between Tattosh Island and Cape Flattery. Local knowledge is required to go through because of all the rocks. And conditions have to be just right. We caught a flood tide all the way to Victoria and arrived at the Customs dock at 1530 (3:30pm). Then we proceeded to the dock in front of the Empress Hotel where we backed in to an outside slip, the only one left. A shower was the first order of the day and then a nice dinner over-looking the harbor. After writing this I'm hitting the sack. Tomorrow it's on to Nanaimo, another long day, but we'll be sleeping at a dock again tomorrow and not underway like last night. The weather has been overcast, some rain, but no high winds, although there were Small Craft warnings up on the Strait of Juan de Fuca for this afternoon. We either beat the weather or it never came, we only saw winds to 15-18 knots. It's only 7:45 but I think I'm done!!!!
Brent


6/24/99 Subject: Nanaimo


We pulled into Nanaimo about 6:30 last night. Stayed at city docks. Was a long day from Victoria. But weather was ok. Overcast, but warm. Really enjoyed cruising along the islands. Now I remember what I like about this life. Heading to Comox today then on to Campbell River tomorrow. Should have a day to clean the boat and ourselves before the guests arrive. Keep in touch,
Molly

6/25/99 Subject: In Campbell River


Hi all: Finally arrived at our destination today (Friday) about 1PM. Headed out early from Comox, crossed the reef without any problems, but then encountered some stiff seas and winds from the NW. What we didn't get offshore, we got here. Fortunately, it only lasted a short time and we were back into calmer waters. Except for some adverse currents just south of Campbell River, all was a piece of cake. Tied up to a dock and are just now relaxing with a glass of wine. Looking forward to Jim and Janice's arrival tomorrow and John will arrive on Sunday. That gives us a little time to do some boat cleaning and stowing before they arrive. Not a bad trip, all in all. Some long days, but no real adverse conditions. Left Portland on Sunday and on Friday arrived in Campbell River -- right on Brent's schedule! Weather has been okay, but we're hoping it will improve. Yesterday, rain was predicted. It was our best day. Will take this Canadian rain anytime, if that's what they call it. Planning to spend the next week in Desolation Sound just cruising about. Will perhaps be out of cell range, so if you don't hear from us, don't worry. Probably be just busy having a good time! Will keep in touch as as possible!
Molly

7/2/99 Subject: Back in Campbell River

Hi all; John Snively and Jim and Janice Haas all arrived on schedule last week. We topped off the fuel tank and took off for Grace Harbor, Desolation Sound. The trip down Malaspina Inlet and into Grace Harbor was beautiful. Sighting Bald Eagles, Marbled Muralets, and Bonaparte Gulls were a very common activity during the entire trip. We anchored in Grace Harbor without a stern tie to shore. There were only three other boats in the harbor....nearly empty and very pleasant. The next morning we were awaken to the calls of Common Loons. This was a day of exploring the further reaches of Malaspina Inlet, Mink Island, and eventually into another inner-harbor of Desolation Sound Park in Prideaux Haven called Melanie Cove. Again we were only the third boat and didn't have to stern tie to keep from swinging. Shortly after arriving, we got into the dinghy and explored some of the smaller inlets and coves of Prideaux Haven. They all were pretty excited about the beauty. Next day (Tuesday) was a bummer because it rained alllll day. Nobody got wet however, because of the cockpit canvas. We just had to wipe the windows off occasionally. We went up a mountainous fjord called Hompfray Channel a little ways so they could experience the snow capped mountains coming straight down to the water and the waterfalls. Then we stuck our nose into another small cove, but the tide was too low to enter (Roscoe Bay). Then it was off to Refuge Cove for lunch and a few provisions at the store. Still raining, but we went up to Teakerne Arm to see the waterfall that falls right into the water. The water is deep there so we nosed the boat almost into the falling water. They all took pictures!!! And then it was back to Squirrel Cove for another anchor night out. Wednesday was a better day (no rain). We went to Gorge Harbor to view the pictographs in the narrow gorge entrance. John got almost as excited about the multi-colored starfish on the rocks. That evening, we checked into a marina at Hariot Bay Inn & Marina, had showers, and dinner at the Inn. It was Mexican night, and the meals were great. Jim & Janice had to make an early ferry on Thursday so they could drive all the way back to Wilsonville, so John and I got up at 6:00am and headed out while everybody else caught a few more winks. We made it back to Campbell River and their cars in two hours and they headed off. John was going down-island to visit his sister, Gloria, in Sooke. Molly & I then left the Small Boat harbor and went to the real nice marina at Discovery Harbor. The rest of the day was just a dwaddle day, reading books, re-provisioning, washing cloths, and planning the tides through some rapids on the way to Octopus Islands tomorrow. That evening (July 1) we watched the fireworks from the cockpit for the Canadian Day celebration. This morning will be a late start (about 1200) on our next leg to make an afternoon slack water at Seymour Narrows. We will top off the fuel tank (although we still have nearly 3/4 tank) get some extra oil, fill one of the water tanks, and head North up Johnstone Straight. We haven't been getting a good cell phone signal out in the islands, so I thought I would send this while still in Campbell River. And that's probably why you won't be able to reach us by phone for the next several days if you try! By for now!
Brent

7/8/99 Subject: Princess Louisa, finally!

Hi all: A funny thing happened Monday, the sun woke us up! That's right...SUN. What a beautiful day it was. Made a quick trip to the famous Lund bakery and we were off on our way to Jervis Inlet. It's was a bit of a ways to go but how nice to finally have some warm sunshine to travel in. The cockpit side windows went up and we were soaking up some rays. We passed Albion Point, and you know we had to take some pictures of that! Went to Egmont to spend the night in order to get an early start the next day for Princess Louisa. I thought Egmont was a very quaint little spot. Perhaps having sunshine helped. I'm sure, had it been rainy and miserable, I would have thought it to be the marina from hell. Except for being open to the fast moving current and the wakes of passing boats, it was a comfortable spot. We indulged in a famous Skookumchuck hamburger at the Backeddy Pub. Supposed to be the biggest burger in BC. My guess is probably in North America. We split one and still couldn't eat it all. We needed some exercise after that so we walked to the next marina to get some provisions. There wasn't much available at the store at Egmont. It was a good walk and we enjoyed seeing the area. The next day was sunny and warm again and we got an early start up the inlet to Princess Louisa. We encountered some heavy winds in the first reach out of Egmont and our speed was very slow. We were concerned that if we had these winds all the way, we would not be on schedule and miss the tide at Malibu Rapids. But after we got out of that reach, the waters were calmer and we made decent time. We arrived at the rapids right on schedule, about noon, and could not see any current as we went through. And, WOW, once inside the inlet, it is everything we had heard it to me. Beautiful. I have never seen Yosemite, but I imagine it to be something like this, if you could sail into it. High granite walls coming straight down to the water. With the heavy snowfall this winter and late spring, there is still a lot of water coming off the cliffs. Hundreds of waterfalls. Unbelievable. They should have called it the inlet of 10,000 waterfalls instead of Princess Louisa! Had heard you could count on there being a big power boat anchored right in front of the falls and there was. But also several sailboats were anchored there also. There was still plenty of room at the dock so we tied up there. Chatterbox Falls was beautiful. We could sit in the cockpit and have a beautiful view. We went for the short hike to the falls. With the warm sun today, there is plenty of runoff and the falls are running really full. We lazed around a bit and went for a dinghy ride late in the afternoon. The barometer appeared to be falling a bit, so we thought we best enjoy this day because the weather was probably going to change. And change it did! By late evening we were starting to get some sprinkles of rain, and then it poured all night. When we awoke in the am, we could barely see the surrounding cliffs. Heavy clouds hung over the top everywhere. It rained, and rained, and rained some more. We spent a real lazy day, reading, baking cookies, napping, watching movies. We were glad to have had the day before with the sunshine. Several tour boats came and went during the day. Some were open boats with everyone sitting out in the elements. Was glad I hadn't paid for one of those trips! We kept checking the barometer all day and it was rising again so we were hopeful of a better day tomorrow. The rain finally began to let up by early evening. I don't think it rained at all during the night and the morning brought some mixed clouds with blue skies and sunshine. We had planned to make the 9:05 low slack tide so had some breakfast and started out. Apparently, others had the same plan as there were four sailboats headed out about the same time. We were following another boat and wanted to video tape them going through the rapids. I think he would have preferred someone else to go first, because he really took his time getting there. As it was, we were about twenty minutes late for the tide and it had turned already. We had to power up a bit against it, but didn't have any problems. We are headed out (down) the inlet now. Planning to stay maybe at Garden Bay in Pender Harbor or someplace nearby tonight. Tomorrow, weather permitting we will go back across the straits and head for Nanaimo. Didn't make it to the Dingy Dock Pub when we were there on the way up and we hear it's a place not to miss. Think we will spend a few days in the Gulf Islands and then some in the San Juans or start heading home. Our list of boat projects before Mexico is getting longer and could use some more time in Portland, I think. Should be back in cell range today, so will hopefully get this sent today.
Molly
PS: Made it to Fisherman's Marina in Pender Harbor by 4:00....cocktail hour!!!

7/10/99 Subject: Heading South, slowly

We are back in the Gulf Islands and beginning our trip south, but taking our time. Weather has finally turned good and we have the canvas off the cockpit enjoying the sunshine. After leaving Princess Louisa, we spent a night in Pender Harbor at Fisherman's Marine Resort. A really nice spot. We had a great dinner ashore at the Sundowner Inn. Highly recommend it for anyone coming up this way. Yesterday was sunny and warm and after refueling, we headed across the straits for Nanaimo. We were hoping to do some sailing, and did for a short time, but the wind just didn't materialize. It was just another great day in Paradise. Got into Nanaimo early in the afternoon and anchored off of New Castle Island along with lots of other boats. The warm weather has hit and everyone seemed to be out enjoying it. I understand it is finally warm back in Oregon also. We spent the afternoon lazing about and made a trip to the Dingy Dock Pub at Bud and Lisa's recommendation. What a fun spot. Good food and good drinks. Great view while dining. It was a beautiful night and we enjoyed just sitting on the boat enjoying it. Hated to go to bed. But we had an early tide to make at Dodd Narrows in the morning. We got up early today and made the slack tide at Dodd Narrows about 8:30. We are now headed for brunch at Telegraph Harbor and will spend the day there. Need a catch up day to do laundry, etc. From here we will continue south through the islands and are now planning to be back in Portland sometime the week of the 18th. We seem to be back in cell range pretty much most of the time now, so will try to keep you informed of our location. Hope you are all enjoying the summer sunshine. All for now,
Molly

7/14/99 Subject: Back to the States

Howdy folks, The last update said we were heading for Telegraph Harbor on Thetis Island. They were expecting a large powerboat group in that day, but we were the next to last boat they had room for....and this was 10:00am. We were going to have brunch there, but they only had breakfast rolls and coffee. Still a nice friendly store and marina. Molly did some laundry and later we dinghyed down the bay to Thetis Island Marina and Resort for a late lunch. They also had a large powerboat group in that were all the same make and size. It looked like they had all mated and been reproducing right there in the marina. Sunday the 11th, we left about 10:00am and wasn't going very far over to Montegue Harbor Marine Park so we rolled out the sails. There wasn't much wind, but we weren't in a hurry either! However, about an hour later, we had run out of wind completely so we rolled the sails up and motored the rest of the way. We got there in the early afternoon and some boats were leaving so we picked up a mooring buoy right on the beach and didn't have to anchor. Later we toured the park and dinghyed through the boats in the harbor. There was Reprise (Monte and Barb) from Portland...one of our Baja Bounders. They were not aboard so we left our boat card on their dinghy davits so they would see that we had been by. As we were leaving, however, they showed up in their dinghy and we chatted with them for awhile. THE THING to do at Montegue Harbor on Galiano Island is catch the "Pub Bus" over to the Hummingbird Pub. We had done this in the late 80's when we were here with Jim and Janice Haas and John Snively. The bus was still the same and believe it or not, they still played the same Fats Domino tape (I found my thrill on Blueberry Hill...) on the ride over plus the driver's humor. We met some other great people on the way over too, and had dinner with them. Monday the 12th, there was a good wind so out go the sails and we had a great sail over to Ganges on Saltspring Island. We stopped there for awhile, bought some provisions, had lunch and then headed for Otter Bay Marina on North Pender Island. While we were there, the dock master ("wharfinger" up here) said he had just received a report that the Orcas were coming up the channel. They had a great observation platform and everybody headed up there to watch them go by. They were a long way off, had to use binoculars, and there were a lot of boats around them....but we saw some! Tuesday the 13th, again we tried for about an hour to sail but finally gave up when we were going less than 2 knots. We motored over to Sidney Spit Marine Park. But it was a minus tide and the bottom came up quickly. There were several larger sailboats on mooring buoys so we knew there was enough depth if we could just find a way in. After several tries...and grounding out a few...another sailboat came by that knew the way. We followed him without running aground...but just barely. We tied to a buoy, dinghyed ashore, went for a 2k scenic walk of the spit, had lunch and then decided to go to Port Sidney Marina just across the way. By the time we got there the wind was blowing quite hard (Gale warnings were up on the strait). There was another boat with a roller furling main and it was howling....he didn't put his "flute stopper" up his track. The marina is all they say it is...beautiful! We had an excellent dinner at Newport Restaurant (not the chain!!) and had a walk around town for supplies and a couple of books (we had finished the ones we had!). Back on the boat, we watched a movie and went to bed. Today, Wednesday the 14th, we are still here, but planning on crossing the Haro Strait to the San Juan Islands and check back into the States. Don't know yet where we will end up for the day. It rained a bit last night and the wind is howling out right now. The weather report is for scattered showers, but nice weather is due again by the weekend. Now that we are back in the lower Gulf Islands and the San Juans we will probably be within cell range much more of the time. So it's easier to send these updates.....or GET THEM! Thanks everybody for sending us mail. It's great to get up in the morning and see two or three e-mails from friends and family. Thanks!
Brent

7/17/99 Subject: Port Angeles

Ahoy everybody; We just got to Port Angeles this afternoon (Saturday) after a nice motor sail across the strait. Last Wednesday we headed across Haro Strait from Sidney back to Friday Harbor (USA!). The crossing at times WAS "Haro"ing. There was a strong ebb tide (heading South) and a strong northerly breeze (heading north) which makes for a few lumps (read: white capped swells) where the current really gets going. Anyway we made it to Friday Harbor checked through customs. The agent taught school in West Linn at Bolton Middle school just down the street from where we used to live and where Carrie and Lynda went to school. After check in, and having to pay Reagan's "User" fee of $25 dollars to get back in the states, we went on over to Reid Harbor on Stuart Island and grabbed a buoy. This is the last place Albion anchored when we picked her up three years ago before we headed home. Thursday, the 15th, we fought another strong adverse current up to Friday Harbor. A little more provisions, a few more books, and lunch. Then it was off to Spencer Spit Marine Park on Lopez Island where we picked up another buoy and started reading our new books....getting a lot of reading done on this trip!!We had called for reservations at Rosario Resort for the next night, but they were full. They said we were welcome to pick up a buoy at no charge, but to use the facilities (shower, laundry, pools, sauna, etc) there is a $20 fee. We did that Friday (the 16th) and put our name on the waiting list for a slip at the marina. After our showers and checking out the store, the dock director notified us that we could move into a slip. So we went back out to the boat, and headed in. All of these "strong ebb tides I've been mentioning mean LOWER than LOW tides at the end of those ebbs. The wind was still strong so I was making a wider than normal swing into the slip and a little faster....because we were going to be blown off the slip as soon as we were in the right place. Anyway, BANG!!, we stopped dead aground nearly pitching Molly off the bow. The young lady that was directing us in called for backup help, but with a little maneuvering, I finally backed off and made another approach with no problems. The dock director was over in a motor dinghy in no time and apologizing. I told him I put it aground, you guys didn't! But he insisted that there would be NO FEE for this evenings moorage. At $50/night I didn't fight too hard, but told him I wasn't going to sue anybody. I later put my wet suit on and examined the keel. It had a 3 inch round divot on the bottom of the port wing. I also swam over to look at the rock I had hit and there wasn't any. It just had shallowed out with a hard bottom. After getting the laundry caught up, we enjoyed a nice meal at the mansion and the Christopher Peacock Rosario History show. This morning (Saturday) we left early to have breakfast at Olga. But the Cafe Olga didn't open till 10:00, so we had breakfast rolls and mochas at the Olga Store. Then weighed anchor for Port Angeles. It was a fairly calm crossing with little wind. We sailed for a while, but clearly we were defeating our goal...to get any speed from the sails we had to head in the wrong direction. So, we mostly motor sailed across. So we just fueled up ready to catch the ebb down the Strait of Juan de Fuca first thing in the morning. The ebb is all day long, but we want to miss the strong afternoon westerly winds that are predicted. Next update we will be back across the bar in the Columbia. That, if everything goes fine, will be Tuesday. Cheers!
Brent

7/20/99 Subject: Up the Columbia

Hi all, -- TuesdayWe are back in Oregon and headed up the river. We left Port Angeles early Sunday AM. The forecast was possible strong winds in the strait by afternoon. We wanted to get as far along as possible before the wind came up and we had a good ebb tide to ride all the way out. The winds never materialized and we had a smooth ride all the way. The closer we got to open seas the flatter it got. The weather report, when we got to Neah Bay, was for light NW winds decreasing by evening, light westerly swell, light and variable winds on Monday. Sounded good...so away we went heading south. Rounded Tattosh about 2:45 in the afternoon. The northwesterly wind was very light and not enough to sail by, so we motored along. During the night, the wind increased and we put up a sail to stabilize the effect of the swell which was increasing and becoming a real pain hitting us broadside. With the current and wind pushing us along, we were making much too good of time and it was clear we would be getting to the Col. River bar way ahead of schedule and the favorable tide. We slowed down as much as possible and finally turned off the motor and sailed by the mainsail only. Even at that we were making five knots. Then the fog came in. Thick fog. Long and short of it is when we got to the Columbia, we had heavy swell(20'), strong NW winds (20-25 kts), thick fog (vis. 0.1 mi) and adverse current. Not the conditions we would choose to cross on. Listening to the radio, the Coast Guard was very busy. We heard a call from a 35' Bayliner, out of power and drifting towards the south jetty. He kept calling the Coast Guard asking how much longer before they got there (and the boats name was Getting There), because "that jetty is getting real close!" Finally he put out his anchor and it seemed to hold, because when the Coast Guard helicopter hovered over him, we heard the CG tell him he appeared now to be in no immediate danger and they'd be back later for him. We heard another boater calling for help from "somewhere near buoy 1," he didn't know for sure where he was and wasn't too sure about his fuel supply; could the CG please come and escort him in. Then, we heard a women call for assistance. Her last known position was "somewhere on the bar." When the Coast Guard asked her if she had a GPS aboard and could she give them a lat/long position, she did not respond. I suspect, she didn't know what that was. Clearly, the Coast Guard was too busy with these folks, and we best be making it on our own. Good electronics and Brent knowing the bar well helped. We plotted our course to the buoys. Finally were able to spot Buoy 8 when we were less than 2/10 of mile from it. At buoy 10, the fog began to lift and it was a bright sunny day. And what a beautiful day, we thought. We were happy to see land and know that we could rest in Astoria. We tied up at the marina, had showers and joined our friend Nada for a nice Italian dinner. We hadn't seen Nada since we were in Tucson this spring, so it was nice to catch up. But we made it an early evening and went to bed. Brent had had little rest off shore, so he was ready for a good night's rest! We are now headed upriver and though it will be a long day, we are hoping to make it to Portland tonight. I just talked to Linda at Columbia Crossings and our old slip, G14 is open and she guessed that we probably would be able to find our way there even in the dark! So, Albion and her crew should be feeling really at home tonight! Thanks for all the correspondence along the trip.
Molly

8/23/99 Subject: Good News/Bad News

Hi all; The Good News...... the rudder on Albion does not need to be replaced, just repaired. When we took it out of the water to have the drip-less packing gland put in last week, they found small blisters on the bottom and they recommended that the bottom paint be completely scraped off and new paint put on......ok! Then we got a call that there was serious delamination on the rudder and you better come over right away and take a look. The rudder had some cracks along the leading edge and felt punky in several places. They said they would not know for sure how bad it was until Monday (today) when their rudder man got back from vacation in Hawaii, and that if they needed to replace the rudder (build a new one) it would take a minimum of two weeks. Today's report was that the core material was just fine (and in fact the best foam material that rudders can be made from), had no moisture in it, and that they would just have to cut the delaminated areas away, rebuild those areas and wrap the rebuilt rudder with new fiberglass. The bad news is.....we are still going to be delayed about a week and a half later than our expected departure date of the middle of this week. That means that we will be trying to get out of here on or about September 5th (Labor Day weekend). We still plan to be arriving in San Diego about the first of October. We were planning to harbor hop like everybody else is.....we may just miss a few now, but still plan to have plenty of time to see some sights. Just wanted to let everybody how things were going on Albion and not to have too much fun down there in Chula Vista before we get there. The party sounds fun and we expect a great welcome from everybody upon arrival since we will probably be the last ones to get there. More later!
Brent & Molly