Escaping the Predicted 10 - 25 Knot Winds -- Monday, July 24, 2017

A brilliant yellow peers over the Cone Islands, reflecting a zig-zagged ribbon of light to Willie's Tug as she bobs up and down on the mooring buoy in Eagle Harbor cove of Cypress Island.  It is 6 o'clock in the morning and already we have a chop on the water.  Predictions are for higher winds 10 to 20 or 25 knots later in the day.

Captain readies the boat for departing, and for the first time in a few years, decides to use the crank to lift up the dinghy.  It should be easier than the two of us pulling against the heavy load to raise her up on edge for cruising.  Or so it seems.  He cranks, and cranks, and cranks.

The wind is blowing too hard for me to go outside for the photo, so I get reflections that I do not want.  The dinghy is almost up now.

Herb is heard to say after finishing the task, "There's gotta be a better way!"

We continuously check the winds and tide, watching for the best time to leave.  At 12:30P we release the buoy from our line and cruise away -- the buoy in the photo has been our home for the past five days.

The current is with us as we go south into Bellingham Channel and down the west side of Guemes Island.  Turning east to port into Guemes Channel, we are pleased to see the traffic is light, as 'everyone' came in or departed yesterday -- Sunday -- Never On Sunday! for us anymore.

The Guemes Ferry is at her dock on Guemes Island, but begins to move across the channel.  Looks like we could intersect, so skipper increases the speed to pass ahead of her at a safe distance.

Find Willie's Tug at Cap Sante Marina for a few days' rest....

Willie of Willie's Tug,

   and of Walldog, Willie and Jake

   Monday, July 24, 2017