Bloedel Reserve and a Lost Kayak

We learned a few helpful things from Kurt (how to tighten the portlights, how to maintain the horn [which honked quite robustly when we had him there to listen!], where and how to install a water filter, how to tighten the helm chair arm, and the unnecessary need for more anchor chain), as well as getting the lazarette hatch replaced and a couple of spots in the gel coat repaired. The only issue with the new hatch is that it’s brand-new white! We figure it might be easier to get it dirty rather than try to clean the rest of the cockpit. 😊

We departed La Conner early Tuesday (7:30am) to make the long haul to Eagle Harbor, Bainbridge Island. We arrived about 9 hours later. No big deal, but definitely a long day. Nice to see the Schooner Adventuress on an excursion around the south end of Whidbey.

Plenty of room to anchor in Eagle Harbor. Nice to have a bit cooler weather…but now Nick is "chilly."

Yesterday we ate at Proper Fish, a place we’ve been wanting to try. Fairly limited menu but really good fried oysters and fish tacos!

After lunch we rode our bikes to the Bloedel Reserve, about 7.5 miles north of town – up by Port Madison. Not a lot of fun riding along Hwy. 305 but otherwise an easy ride. This 100+ acres is mostly nature reserve and partly garden. Beautiful, well-maintained, and worth the $35 cost of admission.

This is the trippiest domed spider web ever!

We were away from the boat about 5 hours. When we left ToG, both kayaks were tied to the boat, as usual. When we returned, Io (Nick’s kayak) was no longer there. His paddle was still lying on the swim step with mine. We toured the harbor looking for it, asking people along the way if they’d seen an orange unmanned kayak floating around. No joy. I called the marinas, the Harbormaster, and the Coast Guard. Nothing. It’s a mystery. We’ll keep looking…

New wine glass vase:

Watched this guy sailing his little remote boat around:

No big plans today other than a walk and continuing to look for signs of Io.

Oh, our little grill pan did a nice job with enchiladas and beans on the Magma!