You do remember, don’t you, that I said weather makes our decisions? So, it shouldn’t surprise you – we changed our voyage plan. Of course, it seems a given, right after I tell you what we are planning, that the plan changes.

Voyage to Newport, OR

We got underway, Monday, May 6, at first light – along with half the commercial fishing fleet – and departed Humboldt Bay. The water conditions were wonderful all day. In fact, JT, was in disbelief. Why, I asked? These conditions are not impossible. This is not our first – or second – time to have nice conditions. Then I told him not to jinx us.

Point St. George

The water is flat. No wind. It remained overcast all day. But, no one complained about the conditions.

Ocean Water Design

I love watching water on days like this.

The water lays about us as if it were yards and yards of flowing watered silk.

Add a little bling, and it is even better! Satin is only better with dazzling sequins.

And then – It got dark…

I was set for the mid-watch and went below to relax and sleep about 2030. I thought that would give me plenty of rest. But rest did not come. I just couldn’t clear my mind or plug my ears well enough to find peace. And, maybe about the time I would have fallen asleep, things changed. Lying on my side, I jostled awake rolling back and forth. Huh? We weren’t supposed to have wind. I know we are rolling and I know that wind is the culprit. When the waves are big and the winds are big, I hear different sounds. There was no change in sound. But there was a change in the motion of the boat. I was all ready not liking this, and knowing my watch was coming, I liked it even less. And, after one particular roll, that caused our stateroom door to come loose and slam with the noise of a brick wall, I was done pretending I was resting or sleeping.

So, here it is. The most animated and “exciting” part of the voyage for you crazy thrill seekers, and we are in the dark – sorry, no pictures are available.There wouldn’t be much to see, but the coffee swishing in our cups, anyway. When I got topside, sure enough it’s wind. And there are wispy clouds or light fog floating across the bow. We have good visibility, though. The wisps were more like ghosts than clouds. Of course, I knew already, but the captain informed a twenty knot wind from the southwest – on our port quarter – was pushing us around and causing the rolling. The auto pilot whined and moaned correcting the bow direction. Darn wind, anyway. It still wasn’t my watch time, so I curled up in the corner of the pilot house settee, braced with a couple pillows and a blanket and rested. Captain stayed on watch for awhile into my watch.

Company on the Water

It wasn’t a bad watch. We had plenty of company. We had commercial fishing boats all around us, headed in the same direction we were. They weren’t fishing. These boats run with large halogen lights shining bright. You can see them for miles away, without radar. Seeing them on radar shows their distance from us. We were all traveling close to the same speed, and maintained the same distance. The boat ahead stayed about three and a half miles distance from us for hours. He turned off and went into Coos Bay, right about the time I finished my watch. Bruce came back up later and relieved me. He said the rest of the boats went off to the west, most likely to fishing grounds. Having the boat company offers plenty of stimulation and time flies by.

Stay the Course

Keeping the boat on course was another issue. With the wind pushing us on our after port corner, the bow was fishing back and forth, and we were setting to the northeast. It was no big deal; it just meant staying on top of the situation, and correcting the boat direction. Now, don’t get all excited. It happens. It’s why we do watch standing. We keep an eye on everything. We were never in danger, nor were we afraid. Mad at the wind, but nothing else. And, you know how the wind feels about that! Ha!

And then it was daylight…

And the wind settled down. Of course, it did. By the time I got up, there were five hours left to go to Newport. None of us got a lot of sleep that night. We all looked forward to getting into Newport and having a full night’s rest.

Newport OR, Yaquina Bay Entrance

This charter boat was loaded with school kids – all wearing life vests – out for a cruise. Amazing. Kids who live on the coast get to do ocean field trips. Lucky, kids!

Back to the fuel dock…

We went directly to the fuel pier at South Beach Marina, in Newport, upon arrival. We took on about 400 gallons at $3.6997/gallon.  Wow, is that high, but it was cheaper than the last fueling in Pillar Point. As it turned out almost everything is less expensive in Newport.

JT did the fueling honors.

We had dinner both nights in port at the Rogue Bar and Grill. The brewery and Bar and Grill are a short walk across the harbor from the boat. We all needed to stretch our legs and we were doubly rewarded with great food. They make awesome halibut and chips. I hope I got my fill for awhile. These meals come with high calories!

The batter is made with one of their beers and dill. Yuu-um!

Underway again…Grays Harbor

We were underway at 0400 this morning (yawn). Our goal was a daylight arrival. It is 1126, and the odds are against us. Speed has been slow, compared to previous days. Stand by for more details on our Northbound Voyage 2013.

[Seems I’m always saying “I’m sorry”.  Try as I might I couldn’t get this blog uploaded while underway.  And, we have been on the move since – either moving or brain dead!  We are safe and sound in Port Angeles.  I will post the last two legs of the blog in a couple days.]