More About Bremerton

We've been to the Bremerton Marina twice now, the first time was in the Pelican. Both times we tied up on the inside of the breakwater, mainly because there was no one else there. We really enjoy the view out into the harbor, and in winter there isn't too much foot traffic out that way.

We find the ferry traffic to be an added benefit...the car ferries as usual and also the Kitsap Transit Foot Ferry to Port Orchard (which is fun) and the fast passenger ferry to Seattle. They begin quite early in the morning and are still making trips after we are in bed. So, it can be a little noisy. They are especially cool to watch in the dark.

One thing isn't so great, and that's the wave action from the fast ferry. We were jolted a few times, with lines being strained and fenders doing their job for sure. It doesn't last long but it's something to consider when staying at that marina. There is plenty of other guest dock space, but like I said, we really enjoy the view.

Sea lions pass by fairly regularly, and it's a special treat when they come inside the marina. A little creepy at night when you can hear them and not see them!

We had a very nice trip back to the Foss, close to 60 degrees and lots of sunshine.

As usual, we wished we could have kept cruising...

Bremerton

The first thing we did after docking at the Bremerton Marina yesterday was head out for a walk over to Manette to have lunch at the Boat Shed. We've been before...it doesn't disappoint. It may not have reached 60 degrees but it was certainly close and we were able to sit out on the deck and enjoy the sunshine and views.

We also enjoy the city's waterfront park near the ferry terminal. The carved and polished rocks are very cool.

We spent the remainder of the afternoon chillin on the boat and playing "Miles Nautique," and I spent a bit of time...finally...identifying some waterfowl. Those in the photo are Hooded Mergansers.

The dockside plant life was quite spectacular next to the underwater lights!

That last photo is of home grown citrus fruit from Brian's California brother. The limes are yellow, and the lemons are orange. We cut into one of the limes...which was perfect for our Mexican dinner...and I believe it was the juiciest, tastiest lime ever!

Blake Island State Park

We left the Foss yesterday morning at about 9:30am, saving our second cup of coffee for the ride up Colvos Passage. The Orcas on our mugs were the only whales we saw, unfortunately.

The morning continued to clear as we headed north, turning into a beautiful day by the time we reached Blake. The Rusty Custis was there already...thanks for saving us a spot, Nicole and Brian! (For my non-boating friends: you can't really do that, it just worked out well.)

We hiked the island...quite soggy and muddy but worth it.

This is the first overnight for the Browns on their new 27 outboard - delivered in November. It's a really nice looking boat, a lot like the 29 with a similar interior design. I'm a little jealous of the additional drawers and locker in the V-berth! It's always fun to see the creative ways others use the space.

Thanks again for the happy hour snacks, Nicole!

We used the oven for the first time for a real meal...Chicken with Dirty Rice. It was tasty, as well as a really easy galley recipe.

Arose this morning to clouds and a sliver of sunrise with ghostly geese nearby. We used our new heater all night. It kept us nice and warm with the added benefit of a dry interior!

It's supposed to be 60 degrees today! We're off to Bremerton after breakfast.

Winter Blues

Gray skies, cold temps, relentless rain...and we both caught The Crud. Well, the weather forecast looks decent for this weekend...and it's a long one so we are going boating!

If the forecast holds we'll head north to Blake Island and Bremerton on Saturday morning. We're looking forward to getting back out on the water.

I'm hoping for some Orca sightings, as it seems there has been a fair amount of whale activity in the Sound lately.

Happy new year!

Not Boating

While we didn't actually get out on the water this past weekend, we did visit the Europa while we hung out on the Foss to catch a glimpse of the lighted boat parade.

Caleb says we should be IN the parade and when we said, no, we're not interested in night boating, he called us a name. Woosies. Yep, we are.

We took a walk along a nearby dock as well, admiring boats that were far more decorated than our one measly string of lights.

It looks like some pretty cold weather over the next few days, and then of course, it's Christmas. Maybe the end to boating trips in 2017!

Enjoy the season!

Eagle Harbor - a Favorite 12.10.2017

Thanks to our boating friends Brian and Nicole for joining us Saturday evening. And an extra thanks for the homegrown eggs!  They made a delicious breakfast Sunday morning as we watched the sun rise over the hill in Eagle Harbor.

We took a brisk walk through the harbor park and were greatly amused when Captain Nick figured out that the ducks were waiting patiently and then gobbling up the berries that were occasionally plopping into the water from the overhanging Madrona trees!

We often comment on the benefits of few other boats on the water in winter, however, as the image shows, there is still plenty of activity in parts of the sound. We watched an aircraft carrier head towards Bremerton, while two ferries and two pleasure boats made there ways to other ports.

We are heading to Des Moines now for fuel and a pumpout, and then back to our own home port on the Foss.

P.S. The new mattress and bedding are awesome!

Back on the water! 12.9.2017

At last!

Commencement Bay and Colvos Passage were blanketed in fog...and it was so nice when it cleared! Although not the most fun boating, we are much more comfortable in foggy weather now. Getting used to the radar helps.

Arrived in Eagle Harbor after some good wildlife sightings: many porpoise (very difficult to get those sleek things on camera!), winter waterfowl, seals, sea lions, and an eagle sitting on the tower at Blakely Rock. Very few boats. Except for those darn ferries that seem to come up on us from nowhere! (Of course the "Tacoma" boat has the ginormous mustache.)

Just put up the lights and now enjoying the heated cabin and a glass of wine before heading to the pub for dinner.