The last several weeks have been a bit of a blur. Testing systems, installing equipment, repairing this and that, much time and energy has gone into making our boat operational, safe, and self sufficient. We have had her off the dock, testing the sails, seeing how she feels in the wind and how to maneuver such a big boat smoothly and without theatrics. I’m also learning to trust the boat, understand the tides and currents, and rely on Sarah as crew.
After a busy day walking store to store we are provisioned and ready to go. A few small last minutes things tomorrow and then Saturday morning we leave the dock and marina, without any plan to return. We wont go far, the tides need to settle a bit for us to traverse the islands, but we do have our sights set on a small and protected spot not far from here. There we will anchor (another first), to spend two or three days. Then, with a quick stop for more provisions we are off west across the islands to Blind Bay. From there, who knows. Our boat is well built, strong and safe, warm and comfortable. If you were in our shoes, where would you go? How far would you go?
I’d like to leave you with the email Sarah has sent to her friends and family. Her view, her excitement, her desire to explore the unknown is infectious and lovely.
After a busy day walking store to store we are provisioned and ready to go. A few small last minutes things tomorrow and then Saturday morning we leave the dock and marina, without any plan to return. We wont go far, the tides need to settle a bit for us to traverse the islands, but we do have our sights set on a small and protected spot not far from here. There we will anchor (another first), to spend two or three days. Then, with a quick stop for more provisions we are off west across the islands to Blind Bay. From there, who knows. Our boat is well built, strong and safe, warm and comfortable. If you were in our shoes, where would you go? How far would you go?
I’d like to leave you with the email Sarah has sent to her friends and family. Her view, her excitement, her desire to explore the unknown is infectious and lovely.
Hi Friends - I wanted to take a moment to fill you in on progress and plans.
Over the last 2 weeks we have been finishing the prep and provisioning of the boat in Anacortes. Jonathan did some serious testing of the mechanical systems, engine, hydronic heater, cooling system etc. We took Odyssey out for a sail test just to get the feel of all her sails, and rigging, and we launched Penelope the zodiac and I had my first lessons starting and driving a small marine engine (we even went on a rescue mission to capture a run away dingy from another sail boat!) Everything has checked out great and so away we go!
Saturday the tides and winds are in our favor, so we will depart the marina in Anacortes and head to our first stop, saddle island a short distance from here. This will be our final shake-down before headding deeper into the San Juan Islands and ultimately up into Canada this summer. It's good to know how everything on a new boat works before you head off, so we are happy to practice and test and learn about our beautiful new home.
I'll be online in e-mail and facebook when we have internet but most of the time that will only be in a marina when we go in to restock, right now we guess that will be about weekly but truly we have no plans and no schedule.
We will sail where the wind takes us, and enjoy whatever we find there.
Thank you all for your love and support and help as we launch ourselves into this new grand adventure - See you on the water.
Much love and gratitude - Sarah & Jonathan
________________________
"Twenty years form now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the things you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. -Mark Twain"
Over the last 2 weeks we have been finishing the prep and provisioning of the boat in Anacortes. Jonathan did some serious testing of the mechanical systems, engine, hydronic heater, cooling system etc. We took Odyssey out for a sail test just to get the feel of all her sails, and rigging, and we launched Penelope the zodiac and I had my first lessons starting and driving a small marine engine (we even went on a rescue mission to capture a run away dingy from another sail boat!) Everything has checked out great and so away we go!
Saturday the tides and winds are in our favor, so we will depart the marina in Anacortes and head to our first stop, saddle island a short distance from here. This will be our final shake-down before headding deeper into the San Juan Islands and ultimately up into Canada this summer. It's good to know how everything on a new boat works before you head off, so we are happy to practice and test and learn about our beautiful new home.
I'll be online in e-mail and facebook when we have internet but most of the time that will only be in a marina when we go in to restock, right now we guess that will be about weekly but truly we have no plans and no schedule.
We will sail where the wind takes us, and enjoy whatever we find there.
Thank you all for your love and support and help as we launch ourselves into this new grand adventure - See you on the water.
Much love and gratitude - Sarah & Jonathan
________________________
"Twenty years form now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the things you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. -Mark Twain"
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