Bon Voyage

August beckoned us forth for full days and leisurely nights. We anchored in Penn Cove near Coupeville, Whidbey Island and enjoyed what Penn Cove is best known for, freshly harvested mussels.

Jamila spent more time at the helm becoming comfortable with the maneuvering of our 53 foot craft. We also familiarized ourselves with the computer interface navigation system. Plotting and setting courses, engaging anchor alarms and forecasting our trajectories around tides and currents.

Speaking of which, we chose to clear through Deception Pass which is known for guess what? Deceptively strong currents. Fortunately we cleared through its passage swiftly with our timing, intention and awareness being everything.

Jamila's Grandfather, Merlin Danskin and Father, Thomas Danskin had their ashes scattered near here. There was no question that this passage had its own honorarium as we moved through it.

Nearing Lopez Island, we cut our engines to drift and fish for a while. Upon starting again - low and behold, our starboard engine didn't want to start. Our port engine motored us gently into Hunter Bay where we anchored and assessed the issue. Indeed, the starter was toast, and we were shall we say rural. Luckily we have TWIN Detroit Diesels. Our port was the champion that crossed us through the channel east over to Bellingham the next day.

There is something utterly amazing about the boating community. People for the most part are kind, courteous, helpful, generous, adaptable, quick on their feet and in their intellect, have large doses of humor in tact and skillful means in their toolboxes and with their hands. Appealing. Salt of the earth. Character building, most definitely. Repairs complete, next anchorage - Chuckanut Bay.