Back in Blaine, Washington

Well today was the perfect summary of the worse part of this trip. A little bumpy at the dock last night, and then today I think was the worse seas I’ve been in this trip. I mean, I’ve seen some higher waves, but today was just relentless on roughness! The winds were blowing around 30kts, a little more than forecast. And it seemed like the Strait of Georgia just kept getting a little rougher as I pressed on. Enjoy the videos and see for yourself. You might want to take some Dramamine first. Other than that, this has been a great trip, and with my two favorite cruising buddies, Bill and Mike. I departed Parker Island this morning at 7am and headed for Active Pass. Managed to time it to enter at the same time the large BC ferry, Spirit of Vancouver Island, and another ferry, meet and pass in the narrow passage. I stayed as far to the starboard shore as I could, while letting them meet on their own terms. Passing Lighthouse Point then I was out into the Strait of Georgia. For the next 25 miles or so I took a beating… Finally, the last couple of miles were a bit smoother, but still choppy from the winds. Once I got settled in here at the Blaine Marina, I did my laundry and started moving some things I don’t need on the boat, into the back of my pickup. Afterwards, I went to pick up the trailer from the storage facility and then bought a few groceries for the next week. My plan is to load the boat on the trailer tomorrow morning, and then head out. I’ve never been on Washington highways 20 and 2, so will take those, and then pick up I90 in Spokane. I’ve got reservations at the Medora Campground in Medora, ND., where I’ve also got reservations to see the Medora Musical and chowdown at the Pitchfork Steak Fondue, on July 2nd. I’m planning to get home then on July 4th. I am a little home sick, so excited to get back home. And for now, happy to be getting back on land. I launched here at Blaine on April 28th, and today being June 25th, it’s been just about two full months on the water. And I had the earlier time in April on the California Delta. So yeah, I’m ready to be off the boat for a bit. I am however, planning to spend two more nights on the water at Lake Couer D’Alene in Idaho this weekend. I’ve always wanted to check that lake out, and this is the perfect opportunity.
Ok, so the statistics for this trip. I cruised a total of 1,528 statute miles here in the PNW, burning 338.7 gallons of gas, for an average 4.5mpg. The outboard ran for 279 hours.Read more