Europa's Maiden Voyage

We just spent our usual week in the San Juan Islands with family. Nick and Caleb left on the 21st and were joined by Kit that evening in Edmonds. The three of them motored to Carter Beach and met the rest of us, who arrived by car and ferry Saturday afternoon. Very nice to have a house with a dock!

It was a glorious week with lots of new adventures as we got to know San Juan Island better...after visiting Lopez for the past 25 years! It was especially nice that Jon could join us again...all the way from Boston!

Crab count was down but delicious as ever!

Nick and I left at 4:30 a.m. today to try to hit good water in Cattle Pass and the Straight. Failed miserably. The Pass wasn't  too bad but it got much worse in the Straight. Made me want to pronounce "Fuca" much differently. Quite unpleasant and I don't ever want to do that again. But probably will...

Europa Has Landed!

We took delivery of the Europa yesterday. (Thank you, Tim from RT!) It was a busy day, with orientation, moving stuff from the Pelican to the Europa, more orientation, and then getting everything situated. And then... popping the cork to toast our new boat and many pleasant experiences to come! Heading to Friday Harbor tomorrow!

I told people that I would cry when saying goodbye to the Pelican. I did. Discreetly. No witnesses. I hope she finds new owners that will have as much fun as we did!

Whale!

Almost home and spotted a large whale in Commencement Bay. Not an expert but probably a humpback. Coming completely out of the water, and then smacking it's fin on the water repeatedly. What a sight!

Home from Hope Island

We just passed Eagle Island State Park on our return trip to the Foss. It's a tiny ten-acre island between Anderson and McNeil. Looks like a good spot to stay next time we head south. Seals on the beach are an added attraction!

One question we answered for ourselves on this trip is whether or not it's worth hauling the kayak around. The answer is definately yes! We still have to figure out how we are going to carry it on the Europa but we'll come up with something. Such a nice way to experience the water.

Once again, we are wondering if this was the last overnight on the Pelican. Still waiting for our bank, so Europa delivery date still a moving target.

Have a fun and safe holiday tomorrow!

Hope Island Surprises

Beautiful hike around Hope Island, and yummy oysters on the beach! These will replace the larger ones we found in the mud in Jarrell Cove that we were going to grill.  These are perfect "on the half shell" size.

More South Sound

Who knew it's so nice here? Not us. Some photos of waters between Squaxin, Hope, and Steamboat islands.

We left Jarrell Cove this morning after a nice kayak trip into all of the nooks and crannies. Picked up a few oysters from the mud flats to throw on the grill with steaks tonight.

We are now at a buoy at Hope Island marine park. Our annual State Park mooring pass is paying off this trip!

There is a very weird hydroplaney boat giving rides. It was fun to watch the first couple times it circled but may become annoying very soon. Plus, the drone that is flying around with it. The boat goes right up onto the beach.

Other than that, another beautiful spot!

South Sound

Poor Pelican. She no longer has her own blog and she is sometimes referred to now as the "old boat." Seems a bit unfair, but it's hard not move forward quickly when decisions have been made and documents have been signed. No firm delivery date for Europa but looking like the 14th.

In the meantime, the Pelican continues to serve us well as we head south for a few days. Cruised from the Foss yesterday afternoon to Mayo Cove. This was one of our first destinations after getting this boat last fall. It's a nice protected area with expansive views. We are at a Penrose State Park buoy. We motored the dinghy in yesterday evening to get burgers at Lakebay Marina Resort. That place is funkier than ever but still a fun spot. The photo is the view from their cafe counter.

It was a bit breezy over night, and foggy and cloudy this morning, but we are expecting clearing and another beautiful day on the Sound.