July 22, 1830 hrs. Position N 46.21 / W 125.43 128 miles over the previous 24 hrs. 60 miles to the Columbia River Entrance.
We are getting close! And of course when we are ready to slow the boat down because we have time to kill before our flood tide in the morning, the wind is good and we have great sailing conditions. Go figure. :) Our plan now is to get about 20 miles off and a bit north and just lay to for the night. We'll head towards the bar at daylight and try to time the morning flood tide.
We are seeing much more shipping traffic now, as we expected. As I write this I am keeping an eye on the AIS, we have two ships coming down from the north and one of them looks like it will be pretty close to us, so we'll be keeping an eye on them for the next hour. Saw a fishing boat headed out earlier today. First signs of human life in quite a while. The sun came out today and it was warmer than it has been. The wind still has a bite to it, but the sun sure felt good. We were just discussing our dinner options and were very happy to note that this will be the last night of cooking for the trip. Tomorrow night will involve a menu and a beer I'm sure. YES!!
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Saturday, July 21, 2012
July 21
July 21, 2000 hrs, Position N 46.32 / W 128.36 145 miles traveled in the previous 24 hrs. 180 miles to go to the Columbia River Entrance
We have been making great time the last couple of days. Another 145 mile day yesterday, the river entrance is coming up fast. We are now looking at timing for the flood tide / low slack and may have to slow the boat down or heave to off the coast a ways Monday morning. We are hoping to catch the morning flood tide at about 11:00 and be in to the dock around 1:00 pm.
Today we broke the monotony a bit, I finally shamed Bob into throwing a fishing line off the stern. Mid-afternoon it was fish on. Bob got to channel his hunter side and was soon covered in blood filleting it in the cockpit. What this really meant was fresh albacore tuna for dinner!!! Yum! However it was subject to my cooking, and I only cook fish on a BBQ, so it was a little dry. Flavor was still good though. It was a nice small tuna so it was perfect sized for us. That was the only real excitement for the day. Bob gave his report on the Pacific Seafarers Net and listed the cloud cover at 90%. This was the first day in about 9 days that we haven't had 100% cloud cover. What happened to that nice Hawaiian sun?!?!
We are both looking forward to getting in to Astoria on Monday. Becky wants Bob to turn around and leave for Portland on Tuesday, weather permitting. Derek, you mentioned wanting to ride up to Portland? Contact Becky and see if you can make it work. Bob says that your ticket price will be to bring your stones and sharpen some knives for him. :) (I may have volunteered you for that duty)
We have been making great time the last couple of days. Another 145 mile day yesterday, the river entrance is coming up fast. We are now looking at timing for the flood tide / low slack and may have to slow the boat down or heave to off the coast a ways Monday morning. We are hoping to catch the morning flood tide at about 11:00 and be in to the dock around 1:00 pm.
Today we broke the monotony a bit, I finally shamed Bob into throwing a fishing line off the stern. Mid-afternoon it was fish on. Bob got to channel his hunter side and was soon covered in blood filleting it in the cockpit. What this really meant was fresh albacore tuna for dinner!!! Yum! However it was subject to my cooking, and I only cook fish on a BBQ, so it was a little dry. Flavor was still good though. It was a nice small tuna so it was perfect sized for us. That was the only real excitement for the day. Bob gave his report on the Pacific Seafarers Net and listed the cloud cover at 90%. This was the first day in about 9 days that we haven't had 100% cloud cover. What happened to that nice Hawaiian sun?!?!
We are both looking forward to getting in to Astoria on Monday. Becky wants Bob to turn around and leave for Portland on Tuesday, weather permitting. Derek, you mentioned wanting to ride up to Portland? Contact Becky and see if you can make it work. Bob says that your ticket price will be to bring your stones and sharpen some knives for him. :) (I may have volunteered you for that duty)
Friday, July 20, 2012
July 20
July 20, 1700 hrs. Position N 46.36 / W 132.28 145 miles in the previous 24 hrs. 340 miles to the Columbia River Bar
The winds have been kind to us the last couple of days. Yesterday's distance was the biggest day of the trip so far. The wind was blowing right up our backside so we were wing and wing most of the night. It makes for a rolly ride but we were making great speed. This morning we switched to a reach. The seas had really built up and we had about 3 meter following seas. Eventually we dropped the main and have been sailing Jib only and still holding 6 - 7 knots. It is good to see those miles clicking off since we are pointed straight at the river. It has been another laid back day. The fog is gone which makes us happy. We've seen the sun peak out a few times, also a good thing. We've been surprised by the lack of ship traffic. We had one come up within a mile and a half behind us a couple of days ago but haven't had any show up on the AIS since. We expect that to change as we get closer to the river entrance. We crossed another time zone line, we are now in Pacific time. We are still operating on a one hour difference though. Hawaii does not use Daylight Savings time so there was a 3 hour time difference when we left there and only 2 time zones to cross. Our tide book uses standard time so Bob decided that it would be easiest to leave the difference until after we enter the river.
The winds have been kind to us the last couple of days. Yesterday's distance was the biggest day of the trip so far. The wind was blowing right up our backside so we were wing and wing most of the night. It makes for a rolly ride but we were making great speed. This morning we switched to a reach. The seas had really built up and we had about 3 meter following seas. Eventually we dropped the main and have been sailing Jib only and still holding 6 - 7 knots. It is good to see those miles clicking off since we are pointed straight at the river. It has been another laid back day. The fog is gone which makes us happy. We've seen the sun peak out a few times, also a good thing. We've been surprised by the lack of ship traffic. We had one come up within a mile and a half behind us a couple of days ago but haven't had any show up on the AIS since. We expect that to change as we get closer to the river entrance. We crossed another time zone line, we are now in Pacific time. We are still operating on a one hour difference though. Hawaii does not use Daylight Savings time so there was a 3 hour time difference when we left there and only 2 time zones to cross. Our tide book uses standard time so Bob decided that it would be easiest to leave the difference until after we enter the river.
July 19
July 19, 1930 hrs. Position N 46.26 / W 135.34 134 miles traveled yesterday. 468 miles to go to the entrance of the Columbia River.
Another day, another 134 miles down. It has been another uneventful day, cloudy and cold, lots of time spent down below. We did get up to the cockpit for a while today, always a good thing. We have changed sail configuration several times, we are currently back to wing and wing, pointing well and making good time. No complaints. The big news for today is that we have determined that Monday is our probable day of arrival. Lots of variables can change that, but right now that's what we are looking at.
Wish I had something fun or exciting to report. I don't think anyone is interested in what books I've read on this trip (many) or what tricks I have taught my new pet cockroach. I owe Bob lots of money now after a couple nights of betting on the cockroach races. I'm starting to suspect steroid use. It is official that Albert Ross (for those of you still scratching your heads, say the name together and think bird) has parted company with us. I think he decided we were nuts continuing on voluntarily into this cold weather. That's it for today, tune in tomorrow for another installment of "Have they lost their minds yet?"
Another day, another 134 miles down. It has been another uneventful day, cloudy and cold, lots of time spent down below. We did get up to the cockpit for a while today, always a good thing. We have changed sail configuration several times, we are currently back to wing and wing, pointing well and making good time. No complaints. The big news for today is that we have determined that Monday is our probable day of arrival. Lots of variables can change that, but right now that's what we are looking at.
Wish I had something fun or exciting to report. I don't think anyone is interested in what books I've read on this trip (many) or what tricks I have taught my new pet cockroach. I owe Bob lots of money now after a couple nights of betting on the cockroach races. I'm starting to suspect steroid use. It is official that Albert Ross (for those of you still scratching your heads, say the name together and think bird) has parted company with us. I think he decided we were nuts continuing on voluntarily into this cold weather. That's it for today, tune in tomorrow for another installment of "Have they lost their minds yet?"
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
July 18
July 18, 2000 hrs. Position N 46.41 / W 138.54 140 miles traveled in the previous 24 hrs.
VERY uneventful day today. We sailed beautifully all night, hitting 7+ knots many times. The wind died down some today and we were going about 5 knots. It has been very foggy for the last couple of days with very limited visibility. The fog just cleared off this evening about an hour ago. I think we lost Mr. Ross, our tail, in the fog. I haven't seen him at all today which is kind of sad, I have enjoyed watching him. Al was some of the only entertainment out here. I have had no luck at getting Bob to sing and dance for me so I guess I'll have to keep an eye out for other entertainment options.
We sailed wing and wing most of today. The wind was steadily getting lighter so Bob has fired up the engine for a bit, we hope to find a little more wind a couple hours away.
Not much else to report. We had a late dinner tonight so I'm a bit late getting this report out. It is funny how meals have become more about fuel for the body and not so much about flavor. I guess that says something about our cooking. :)
VERY uneventful day today. We sailed beautifully all night, hitting 7+ knots many times. The wind died down some today and we were going about 5 knots. It has been very foggy for the last couple of days with very limited visibility. The fog just cleared off this evening about an hour ago. I think we lost Mr. Ross, our tail, in the fog. I haven't seen him at all today which is kind of sad, I have enjoyed watching him. Al was some of the only entertainment out here. I have had no luck at getting Bob to sing and dance for me so I guess I'll have to keep an eye out for other entertainment options.
We sailed wing and wing most of today. The wind was steadily getting lighter so Bob has fired up the engine for a bit, we hope to find a little more wind a couple hours away.
Not much else to report. We had a late dinner tonight so I'm a bit late getting this report out. It is funny how meals have become more about fuel for the body and not so much about flavor. I guess that says something about our cooking. :)
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
July 17
July 17, 1900 hrs. Position N 46.22 / W 142.13 135 miles in the previous 24 hrs.
Uneventful day so far today. We have had good wind since about 1800 last night, about 10 - 15 knots. We have been sailing along nicely, right now at about 6.5 knots on a beam reach. It is very chilly out here, down right cold at night. We currently have a heavy fog, visibility is only about 200 ft. The AIS is doing it's job though. We had a ship coming up behind us, passed behind and to starboard of us about 1.5 miles away. Never saw it except on the the screen. Very handy device. I've been harassing Bob about having this nice diesel heater in here that we can't use. He has been freezing even more than me. He robbed the fuel line from the heater to go to his little diesel generator. He keeps telling me "We've been in the tropics for nine years, we didn't need a heater!" It's not too bad though, nothing an extra layer of clothes won't fix. It would be better if the fog would burn off and let the sun do it's part to help. It is getting darn cold as it gets later today. I just tried to convince Bob to turn the boat around and head back to Hawaii where it was warm. He didn't seem to like that idea.
We are scooting right along, our latitude in now a little north of the Columbia River and we are about 750 miles offshore. The miles are ticking off in a hurry now that we are pointed pretty much straight at our waypoint. We are crossing our fingers that the wind stays good for the week, if so we might make it in early next week.
Uneventful day so far today. We have had good wind since about 1800 last night, about 10 - 15 knots. We have been sailing along nicely, right now at about 6.5 knots on a beam reach. It is very chilly out here, down right cold at night. We currently have a heavy fog, visibility is only about 200 ft. The AIS is doing it's job though. We had a ship coming up behind us, passed behind and to starboard of us about 1.5 miles away. Never saw it except on the the screen. Very handy device. I've been harassing Bob about having this nice diesel heater in here that we can't use. He has been freezing even more than me. He robbed the fuel line from the heater to go to his little diesel generator. He keeps telling me "We've been in the tropics for nine years, we didn't need a heater!" It's not too bad though, nothing an extra layer of clothes won't fix. It would be better if the fog would burn off and let the sun do it's part to help. It is getting darn cold as it gets later today. I just tried to convince Bob to turn the boat around and head back to Hawaii where it was warm. He didn't seem to like that idea.
We are scooting right along, our latitude in now a little north of the Columbia River and we are about 750 miles offshore. The miles are ticking off in a hurry now that we are pointed pretty much straight at our waypoint. We are crossing our fingers that the wind stays good for the week, if so we might make it in early next week.
Monday, July 16, 2012
July 16
July 16, 1915 hrs. Position N 45.57 / W 145.28 About 130 miles traveled the last 24 hrs.
We dropped under 1000 nautical miles to go last night at about 2100. Big milestone! I got to open up my special bag of Cheetos Puffs that we brought along, my favorite! I had decided that I wouldn't open them until we got under 1000 miles. Yum! We are now at 882 miles to go and our latitude is about even with Tillamook Head. We are hoping that the winds will cooperate and we can reach in straight to the Columbia River. We had motored for 34 hours trying to get through the North Pacific High and out to the NW winds on the backside. We shut the engine off at about 1800 this evening. The winds are from the NW at about 10 knots and we are reaching at 5 - 5.5 knots. Very calm seas at the moment so it is smooth sailing and so very quiet after having the motor droning on for so long.
We have had a couple more whales nearby today, very fun to see every time. Our mysterious follower must have sensed that I was watching for him because he is being more covert today. I've seen him several times but he disappears much more quickly now. I have figured out his name, he goes by Mr. Ross, first name Albert. He is a pretty gangly fellow and pretty fun to watch. I will be sad when he decides not to follow us anymore.
It was very dark last night with no moon to speak of. The bioluminance was pretty bright last night and our prop was throwing a glowing wake for a long ways behind us. We had something pretty big swim up to check us out last night but all I could see was the green glow from where it was disturbing the surface then it swam away. We also had what I now refer to as "demon birds" around us all night. These evil little suckers surround us by night, I think attracted to our navigational lights and make a creep chirping/clicking noise. The first time I heard them it was too foggy to see them but last night I spotlighted them with a flashlight. They were everywhere. One of them must have liked the flashlight though and came straight at me, hovering about 3 ft. away and lunging towards me. Evil little demon bird, I have decided that I really don't like them.
We dropped under 1000 nautical miles to go last night at about 2100. Big milestone! I got to open up my special bag of Cheetos Puffs that we brought along, my favorite! I had decided that I wouldn't open them until we got under 1000 miles. Yum! We are now at 882 miles to go and our latitude is about even with Tillamook Head. We are hoping that the winds will cooperate and we can reach in straight to the Columbia River. We had motored for 34 hours trying to get through the North Pacific High and out to the NW winds on the backside. We shut the engine off at about 1800 this evening. The winds are from the NW at about 10 knots and we are reaching at 5 - 5.5 knots. Very calm seas at the moment so it is smooth sailing and so very quiet after having the motor droning on for so long.
We have had a couple more whales nearby today, very fun to see every time. Our mysterious follower must have sensed that I was watching for him because he is being more covert today. I've seen him several times but he disappears much more quickly now. I have figured out his name, he goes by Mr. Ross, first name Albert. He is a pretty gangly fellow and pretty fun to watch. I will be sad when he decides not to follow us anymore.
It was very dark last night with no moon to speak of. The bioluminance was pretty bright last night and our prop was throwing a glowing wake for a long ways behind us. We had something pretty big swim up to check us out last night but all I could see was the green glow from where it was disturbing the surface then it swam away. We also had what I now refer to as "demon birds" around us all night. These evil little suckers surround us by night, I think attracted to our navigational lights and make a creep chirping/clicking noise. The first time I heard them it was too foggy to see them but last night I spotlighted them with a flashlight. They were everywhere. One of them must have liked the flashlight though and came straight at me, hovering about 3 ft. away and lunging towards me. Evil little demon bird, I have decided that I really don't like them.
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