With a working engine, we could leave the dock for the first time in a long time. We did a quick trial run, and an overnight raft up with P-dock friends in Poulsbo. No problems. So we decided to join the Sloop Tavern Yacht Club for a Memorial Day weekend cruise to Mystery Bay. The Mystery Bay cruise included a goat farm tour (cheese tasting included), wine tasting at Marrowstone Vineyards, and a tractor parade Read more…
We took a break from posting on this blog to purchase and install a new engine. We knew there was a risk that the rebuild of our original engine would fail, and it did. After asking about the scrap value (we were offered about $9 if we hauled it to the scrap yard) we decided to donate our old M25 as a teaching engine. Hopefully, others will learn from our misfortune. We decided to order Read more…
Things have been quite busy since moving to Seattle. Erik has been working on boat projects and upgrades while we wait for the completion of our engine rebuild. In the meantime, we have enjoyed all that Seattle has to offer. I also have had the chance to pursue some really cool opportunities. Moving back to a northern climate has allowed me to join the ski patrol up at the Summit at Snoqualmie resort, which is Read more…
Without an engine we can’t leave the dock. Nevertheless, there are things to do and see in Seattle. One of the first, after a balmy summer in the Broughtons, was to get ready for the winter. Last year our diesel heater malfunctioned during the record cold snap in Anacortes, so we decided to overhaul it ahead of time. This involves removing it from under the cockpit, taking it apart, cleaning the burner chamber, replacing the Read more…
It has been a busy fall. When we returned from the Broughtons, we got ready to change the engine oil. Unfortunately, we noticed oil was dripping underneath. Using a mirror and and feeling around the bottom of the engine, we traced the leak to the almost impossible to reach rear face of the engine, where the transmission is bolted on, i.e., the rear seal. After some more poking around, we found more leaks. The rear Read more…
After the Broughtons, we made our way south and east toward home. We saw TONS of whales on the return trip. They were either Humpback or Grey whales and while they were quite a distance from our boat, it was cool to see them. We were treated to one whale breaching completely out of the water two times and returning with a splash, as well as lots of tails in the air and blow hole Read more…
After several days of travel north and west, and negotiating numerous tidal “rapids” which require careful timing, we made it to the Broughtons. This is a very remote area north of Vancouver Island where most places are only reachable by boat or float plane. It was fun passing a cruise ship returning from Alaska, knowing that we have our own private cruise vessel. Our first stop was anchoring in Boughey Bay after a long day Read more…
We left the Sunshine Coast and entered the Desolation Sound area. Desolation Sound is a major cruising destination. It is easy to understand why when we rounded the corner past Lund to see amazing snow capped peaks and beautiful scenery. We anchored in Prideaux Haven for three nights and were not disappointed. It was a nice anchorage and we were greeted by cool jellies in the water. The Desolation Sound area is unique in that Read more…
Our trip to British Columbia has commenced and we are having a great time. We began our journey with a stop at Garrison Bay in the US San Juan Islands. Shirley’s boat, S/V Morada had pulled into the anchorage when she discovered diesel fuel in the bilge. Dread! Shirley does her own engine maintenance, but decided to hire a mechanic to check over the engine before the trip. Unfortunately, the mechanic did not get the Read more…
Since returning from our time in Salem, OR, it has been back to the grind on boat projects. We wanted to use time wisely so that the boat could be in ship shape for our planned trip up the coast of British Columbia this summer. Since returning from Oregon we have: waxed the topsides and hull, varnished the exterior wood, installed new life lines, installed lazy jacks, designed and had fabricated then installed a new Read more…