Stella Maris
Well-known member
- Joined
- Nov 28, 2008
- Messages
- 1,500
- Fluid Motion Model
- C-24 C
- Non-Fluid Motion Model
- Helmsman PH38, 11' Boston Whaler, 9' Boston Whaler
- Vessel Name
- Destiny
Blake Island
It’s been week and a half since I had my ACL replaced in my left knee. While I am still slow to get about, things continue to improve. With the weather forecast calling for partly cloudy skies and decent temperatures, we decide to head out to some of our favorite haunts for a few days.
We depart Stimsons just after noon and make our way to the locks. Maureen has had to learn how to handle a number of the systems on Destiny since I am not quite as nibble just yet. This is the first time we have reversed roles departing our slip. I take the helm, while Maureen handles the lines.
Our departure goes off without a hitch as we had taken the time to talk through each other’s new roles. As we make our way to the lock, Maureen heads to the fly bridge to raise the radar arch. We must keep it in a lowered position in our covered slip.
We approach the lock with Maureen at the helm. I will handle the stern line as usual. We have a short wait and then we are given the green light to enter. Once secured inside, we are dropped down to the salt waters of Puget Sound. What a glorious day it is to be on the water. Calm seas ruffled here and there by just a whisper of a breeze. Big cotton ball clouds drift lazily overhead. The snow capped peaks of the Olympics to the west, the Cascades to the east.
I take the helm while Maureen prepares lunch. We cruise at a leisurely six and a half knots towards our destination of Blake Island. With lunch complete, Maureen continues to clean up email. After all, she is “technically working” this week.
As we approach Blake Island, Maureen and I discuss our plan for docking. She prepares all of the fenders and line while I tend to the helm. Once we enter the channel, she takes the helm and I move to the cockpit. I will secure the stern; she will handle the bow lines.
We make the turn into the marina and have a very pleasant surprise. We will be one of just three boats spending the night on Blake Island this evening. We get an entire finger pier to ourselves. Immediately we spy deer wandering about the vast lawn, raccoons scurrying about the breakwater and, an eagle keeps watch while perched high above on one of the many pine trees.
With all secure, Maureen heads out for a walk while, I head to my trusty chair to give my knee a rest.
Maureen returns after exploring a good portion of the island. We sit and enjoy a glass of wine in the salon as the sun sets over the Olympics. For dinner this evening, we will grill fresh Halibut Cheeks on grill.
On to Eagle Harbor
Since having knee surgery, I have found that I am sleeping later, not rising until 7:30 and then sometimes even 8:00. Maureen rose early as she had some early morning emails she needed to take care of.
I rise just in time to witness the sun bringing new life to Seattle as it makes its way over the Cascades for the beginning of another beautiful day. We enjoy a leisurely breakfast as this new day starts.
It is now 10:00 and time for us to make our way to Eagle Harbor. We plan to rendezvous with Marcus and Jorge at the city dock. Maureen takes the helm while I handle the lines. Once clear of the marina, Maureen and I trade positions and Maureen stows the fenders and lines. I have got say; I am growing to like this. No going out in the weather to stow lines and fenders. Just sit at the helm and guide Destiny in the right direction.
We clear the Blake Island Channel and spy Hayden Bay making her way across the shipping lanes. We call out to her on the VHF. They will enter the harbor before we do and will be able to bring us up to date on what the situation is at the city dock.
Just as we enter the channel for Eagle Harbor, Ferry Tacoma calls out to Seattle Traffic letting them know of their impending departure. We realize that we will be mid way into the harbor as they depart. I contact Ferry Tacoma on channel 13 and request a starboard-to-starboard pass. The captain agrees and thanks us for the call. We move as far to the port of the channel as is safe giving the mighty ferry the room that she needs.
As we pass, the officer on the bridge gives us a wave of thanks. They always appreciate knowing what we pleasure boaters are planning on doing.
Our arrival at Eagle Harbor is just what you hope for, uneventful. The dock is empty except for Hayden Bay. Once secure we make the short walk up to town. While Maureen shops for Yarn at Church Mouse Yarn and Tea, Marcus, Jorge, and I shop for Hot Fudge Sundaes at Mora’s Ice Cream shop, Well, I guess we really didn’t shop, we just simply ordered…
With our shopping done and Hot Fudge Sundaes consumed, it is back to the dock where we planned to grill fresh Swordfish for dinner. We had purchased the Swordfish and Halibut at Fisherman’s Terminal in Seattle prior to heading out on Friday.
Poulsbo
The morning breaks cool and clear. We all rise early so we can make the trek to one of our favorite breakfast sites in Winslow, the Madison Diner. It is just good old fashion home cooking with some of the best Cinnamon Rolls you will ever taste!
With breakfast complete, we have one last chore to take care of before heading to Poulsbo. That is to pump the head on Destiny. With my leg still recoverying, Maureen insists that she is going to do it. I have to give her credit, she did it. Reluctantly but, she did it.
With the head pumped, we bring our lines aboard. We plan to run our new watermaker so; we choose to take the long way to Poulsbo. Up through Rich Passage and down Port Orchard Reach. The three-hour cruise works out great. Our watermaker producing 15 gallons of water per hour. By the time we reach Poulsbo, we have produced 45 gallons of the most incredible water you can imagine. How have we gone so long without a watermaker?
On our way to Poulsbo, our great friends Bruce and Vicki aboard their brand new Ranger Tug 31, Moonshadow join us. This is her maiden voyage so there will certainly be a celebration once we reach Poulsbo!
We approach Poulsbo with Hayden Bay taking the lead. They head down the fairway picking out a slip that will allow all three of us to moor next to each other.
Maureen brings Destiny in for a stern in starboard tie. The way she handles Destiny puts even the most seasoned captain to shame. I love it when the men come running out and offer to give us a hand and then… realize a woman is at the helm.
With all secure, we choose to wander about town and then head to dinner at one of our favorite restaurants, Sogno Di Vino. The food is heavenly and the wine selection is incredible.
Sunday morning we awaken to a sky so blue it is hard to describe. A very light breeze is blowing out of the south just ruffling the surface of Liberty Bay. As I prepare a pot of coffee, Maureen walks into town to retrieve a Sunday Newspaper. Along the way, she stops by Sluy’s Bakery and picks me up a Maple Bar. This is a true old fashion bakery with real scratch bakers creating goodies that will entice anyone to give up on their diet.
With the coffee pot drained, my Maple Bar eaten, the paper read, Maureen and I wander the docks checking out all of the other vessels tied up in the marina. Upon our return to Destiny we stop by Moonshadow and pay Bruce and Vicki a visit.
Before we know it though, it is time for us to make our way back to our homeport of Stimsons. We bring our lines aboard and make our way into the fairway. Once clear of the marina, I once again fire up our watermaker to replace the water we have used.
We make our way through Agate Pass and then across Puget Sound to the Ballard Locks. Once again, the “lock gods” are looking down upon us. We wait no more than five minutes and then are directed into the large locks. The lock hands call out to us directing us to raft to the “Martini Lounge”. A beautiful seventy footer.
It takes the lock hands a good fifteen minutes to fill the lock with the boats that continue to approach. With the last boat secured, the gates close and we are once again lifted to the fresh waters of the ship canal.
After a short cruise down the waterway, we make our way back to our slip. I take the helm, Maureen handles the lines. Our coordinated effort rewards us with a perfect landing.
We have once again, ventured out and then returned. While we have not traveled far, we have visited three very different and diverse areas in the place we call “home”.
What a great life we lead!
It’s been week and a half since I had my ACL replaced in my left knee. While I am still slow to get about, things continue to improve. With the weather forecast calling for partly cloudy skies and decent temperatures, we decide to head out to some of our favorite haunts for a few days.
We depart Stimsons just after noon and make our way to the locks. Maureen has had to learn how to handle a number of the systems on Destiny since I am not quite as nibble just yet. This is the first time we have reversed roles departing our slip. I take the helm, while Maureen handles the lines.
Our departure goes off without a hitch as we had taken the time to talk through each other’s new roles. As we make our way to the lock, Maureen heads to the fly bridge to raise the radar arch. We must keep it in a lowered position in our covered slip.
We approach the lock with Maureen at the helm. I will handle the stern line as usual. We have a short wait and then we are given the green light to enter. Once secured inside, we are dropped down to the salt waters of Puget Sound. What a glorious day it is to be on the water. Calm seas ruffled here and there by just a whisper of a breeze. Big cotton ball clouds drift lazily overhead. The snow capped peaks of the Olympics to the west, the Cascades to the east.
I take the helm while Maureen prepares lunch. We cruise at a leisurely six and a half knots towards our destination of Blake Island. With lunch complete, Maureen continues to clean up email. After all, she is “technically working” this week.
As we approach Blake Island, Maureen and I discuss our plan for docking. She prepares all of the fenders and line while I tend to the helm. Once we enter the channel, she takes the helm and I move to the cockpit. I will secure the stern; she will handle the bow lines.
We make the turn into the marina and have a very pleasant surprise. We will be one of just three boats spending the night on Blake Island this evening. We get an entire finger pier to ourselves. Immediately we spy deer wandering about the vast lawn, raccoons scurrying about the breakwater and, an eagle keeps watch while perched high above on one of the many pine trees.
With all secure, Maureen heads out for a walk while, I head to my trusty chair to give my knee a rest.
Maureen returns after exploring a good portion of the island. We sit and enjoy a glass of wine in the salon as the sun sets over the Olympics. For dinner this evening, we will grill fresh Halibut Cheeks on grill.
On to Eagle Harbor
Since having knee surgery, I have found that I am sleeping later, not rising until 7:30 and then sometimes even 8:00. Maureen rose early as she had some early morning emails she needed to take care of.
I rise just in time to witness the sun bringing new life to Seattle as it makes its way over the Cascades for the beginning of another beautiful day. We enjoy a leisurely breakfast as this new day starts.
It is now 10:00 and time for us to make our way to Eagle Harbor. We plan to rendezvous with Marcus and Jorge at the city dock. Maureen takes the helm while I handle the lines. Once clear of the marina, Maureen and I trade positions and Maureen stows the fenders and lines. I have got say; I am growing to like this. No going out in the weather to stow lines and fenders. Just sit at the helm and guide Destiny in the right direction.
We clear the Blake Island Channel and spy Hayden Bay making her way across the shipping lanes. We call out to her on the VHF. They will enter the harbor before we do and will be able to bring us up to date on what the situation is at the city dock.
Just as we enter the channel for Eagle Harbor, Ferry Tacoma calls out to Seattle Traffic letting them know of their impending departure. We realize that we will be mid way into the harbor as they depart. I contact Ferry Tacoma on channel 13 and request a starboard-to-starboard pass. The captain agrees and thanks us for the call. We move as far to the port of the channel as is safe giving the mighty ferry the room that she needs.
As we pass, the officer on the bridge gives us a wave of thanks. They always appreciate knowing what we pleasure boaters are planning on doing.
Our arrival at Eagle Harbor is just what you hope for, uneventful. The dock is empty except for Hayden Bay. Once secure we make the short walk up to town. While Maureen shops for Yarn at Church Mouse Yarn and Tea, Marcus, Jorge, and I shop for Hot Fudge Sundaes at Mora’s Ice Cream shop, Well, I guess we really didn’t shop, we just simply ordered…
With our shopping done and Hot Fudge Sundaes consumed, it is back to the dock where we planned to grill fresh Swordfish for dinner. We had purchased the Swordfish and Halibut at Fisherman’s Terminal in Seattle prior to heading out on Friday.
Poulsbo
The morning breaks cool and clear. We all rise early so we can make the trek to one of our favorite breakfast sites in Winslow, the Madison Diner. It is just good old fashion home cooking with some of the best Cinnamon Rolls you will ever taste!
With breakfast complete, we have one last chore to take care of before heading to Poulsbo. That is to pump the head on Destiny. With my leg still recoverying, Maureen insists that she is going to do it. I have to give her credit, she did it. Reluctantly but, she did it.
With the head pumped, we bring our lines aboard. We plan to run our new watermaker so; we choose to take the long way to Poulsbo. Up through Rich Passage and down Port Orchard Reach. The three-hour cruise works out great. Our watermaker producing 15 gallons of water per hour. By the time we reach Poulsbo, we have produced 45 gallons of the most incredible water you can imagine. How have we gone so long without a watermaker?
On our way to Poulsbo, our great friends Bruce and Vicki aboard their brand new Ranger Tug 31, Moonshadow join us. This is her maiden voyage so there will certainly be a celebration once we reach Poulsbo!
We approach Poulsbo with Hayden Bay taking the lead. They head down the fairway picking out a slip that will allow all three of us to moor next to each other.
Maureen brings Destiny in for a stern in starboard tie. The way she handles Destiny puts even the most seasoned captain to shame. I love it when the men come running out and offer to give us a hand and then… realize a woman is at the helm.
With all secure, we choose to wander about town and then head to dinner at one of our favorite restaurants, Sogno Di Vino. The food is heavenly and the wine selection is incredible.
Sunday morning we awaken to a sky so blue it is hard to describe. A very light breeze is blowing out of the south just ruffling the surface of Liberty Bay. As I prepare a pot of coffee, Maureen walks into town to retrieve a Sunday Newspaper. Along the way, she stops by Sluy’s Bakery and picks me up a Maple Bar. This is a true old fashion bakery with real scratch bakers creating goodies that will entice anyone to give up on their diet.
With the coffee pot drained, my Maple Bar eaten, the paper read, Maureen and I wander the docks checking out all of the other vessels tied up in the marina. Upon our return to Destiny we stop by Moonshadow and pay Bruce and Vicki a visit.
Before we know it though, it is time for us to make our way back to our homeport of Stimsons. We bring our lines aboard and make our way into the fairway. Once clear of the marina, I once again fire up our watermaker to replace the water we have used.
We make our way through Agate Pass and then across Puget Sound to the Ballard Locks. Once again, the “lock gods” are looking down upon us. We wait no more than five minutes and then are directed into the large locks. The lock hands call out to us directing us to raft to the “Martini Lounge”. A beautiful seventy footer.
It takes the lock hands a good fifteen minutes to fill the lock with the boats that continue to approach. With the last boat secured, the gates close and we are once again lifted to the fresh waters of the ship canal.
After a short cruise down the waterway, we make our way back to our slip. I take the helm, Maureen handles the lines. Our coordinated effort rewards us with a perfect landing.
We have once again, ventured out and then returned. While we have not traveled far, we have visited three very different and diverse areas in the place we call “home”.
What a great life we lead!