The Little Engine story continues

[jssailem]

Bling for the boat has arrived. New Furuno Radar and Plotter.


Projects are getting completed, but time is running short as I prepare for my first cruise of the year. At the end of April, thirty-some friendly boaters are heading to the San Juans for their annual Rendezvous.

I took the grandkids out for a day sail during Spring Break. It was great to have the boat out and the sails up. It was the first time out on the water in nearly two years. It felt good to shake out the cobwebs. I have the routine commissioning tasks to accomplish. I need to finish reinstalling the propane tanks and hoses. The water system needs sanitation, and I want to check the shift lever, which feels like it is sticking. I hope to install the new electronics and reinstall the AP. One week's worth of work.

 

[Ward H]

Glad to hear there's progress. Enjoy!

 

[kloudie1]

Great news, Jim

 

[kappykaplan]

Lookin' and soundin' good, John.

 

[colemj]

One week's worth of work.

Oh man, I have been burned so many times after saying that...

Good luck!

Mark

 

[Foswick]

Oh man, I have been burned so many times after saying that...

Yeah, but you have to admit, it is always true.

 

[jssailem]

SV Hadley is once again cruising.

Even though every direction I pick the wind seems to be on the bow.

Playing tag with a tug and tow.

 

[kappykaplan]

SV Hadley is once again cruising.

Whoo hoo!!!!

 

[kappykaplan]

Even though every direction I pick the wind seems to be on the bow.

 

[Tally Ho]

Glad to hear you and SV Hadley are back on the water!

You were laid up how long and you couldn’t varnish those hand holds

Cheers,

Greg

 

[Foswick]

Does that mean you're coming north?

 

[jssailem]

I’m heading to Roche tomorrow. Hadley did a Deja Vu moment reliving to 2015 first cruise.

Engine died. Exhibited same fuel starvation of 10 years ago. I had put in a new filter before leaving the dock. Port tank was in use. There was fuel in there for before the engine fiasco.

Well the wind was blowing so I raised the sails.

And was doing pretty good. Covered about 11-12 nm till the wind started to slacken.

Having passed Fairweather Bluff decided to seek shelter at Port Ludlow. Would never make Port Townsend before sundown. As it was the wind shut down about 6:30. I was going to outside the harbor. I gave the engine one more chance and it started. Found a slip open on the outside and slid in and tied up for the night.

Tomorrow I’ll try again to reach Roche Harbor. The is a Rendezvous happening.

 

[kappykaplan]

Tomorrow I’ll try again to reach Roche Harbor. The is a Rendezvous happening.

Good luck, John.

 

[Terry Cox]

Well the wind was blowing so I raised the sails.

Nice.

 

[BigEasy]

Have fun; be safe.

 

[kloudie1]

Best to ya John! Have a fine cruise.

 

[jssailem]

Follow up. The next morning, the engine fired up on command. I left Port Ludlow at 0800. I avoided the sea fog that hugged the surface on the north side of Admiralty Inlet and scooted past Point Wilson light. Once into the Juan de Fuca Strait, I plotted a route to Klin Light on San Juan Island. Visibility was 19 nm plus. The reputation of troubled waters was shattered again as the Strait was flat calm. Passed the light heading north as a group of whale watching boats and two schooners trailed under auxiliary power

With winds on the bow and a desire to reach Roche Harbor before the marina staff left, I powered through Mosquito Pass into Roche Harbor. A bit of nostalgia was experienced upon seeing the white buildings of the Hotel de Haro and the steepled church above the marina. It had been five-plus years since I had sailed into this bay. The crews of the Catalina Rendezvous greeted me to judge the docking skills of those who volunteer to join this pirate's gathering.

Once safely in your slip, if your grade is scored passing, the dock master greets you with a Welcome Margarita.

My slipmates were all ready on their third shots.

Dogs are expected to be crew for boaters nowadays.

There are some beautiful boats here.

They have finished the castle on the bluff. I want to learn more about the owner.

The Anacortes Loft manager for Ullman Sails was hunting down a cup of coffee as I walked by on the dock. I said I was heading back to my boat to brew a cup. Come along if you like a strong navy brew. I put him to work grinding the beans. Reminded me of the Jack Sparrow scene in Pirates of the Caribbean

It is a lot of fun to be back on the water cruising.

.

I hope I am turning a new chapter in the story of SV Hadley.

 

[Tally Ho]

I hope I am turning a new chapter in the story of SV Hadley.

Congratulations John!

Greg

 

[RussC]

Great to hear you're back on the water again John. looks to be a great sailing season this year.

 

[smokey73]

Just where you are supposed to be with a cup of coffee permanently glued to your hand. "Haze Grey and Underway" I am sure as a DD (target sailer) you will recognize that expression.