Crescent City departure promised more fair cruising, with flat seas and clear skies. The mix of giant redwoods and briny salt air produced a fragrance that made the mariners pause with delight.
Waters turned rougher over night, with rain, fog and sloppy seas rolling in. A possible derelict trap that was caught in the prop caused a midnight alarm and crew had to idle Kama Hele, use underwater lights and hang over the swim step to see if they were trailing wire. Using reverse to unwind anything that might be attached ended the unusual vibration, and the tired crew carried on. They expect to reach the Columbia River Bar about 1:00 PM, refuel, tie up, eat well and overnight in historic Astoria.
The plan for last leg of open ocean is leaving Astoria at first light Friday, rounding Cape Flattery late evening and anchoring overnight in Neah Bay.
From there, on Saturday morning the crew hope to finish the voyage the up the Strait of Juan de Fuca to Anacortes during daylight.
For those with us on baby watch, here’s Auntie Rachel falling in love with the little miracle, who was born today. No name yet – kids taking their sweet time to make that final decision.
Edging Forward 