First Cruise of 2023

I am unable to upload photos so this will be a boring narrative until I can make a change.

We had a fantastic two weeks in Kailua-Kona and are happy to begin our 2023 cruising season! Our two main destinations/goals: a visit to Nick’s sister Kit’s new home in Friday Harbor, and a stop at the AT dock in La Conner for a couple of installations (more about that later).

We spent the better part of Monday (3/27) cleaning and stocking the boat, with plans to depart Tuesday the 28th. Unfortunately, it blew pretty hard so we opted to get everything aboard, continue cleaning, and stay the night in our home berth. Wednesday morning dawned calm and beautiful and we got an early start. After stopping for fuel in Des Moines ($4.37/gal), we continued to Langley. We hit some rough water (2 to 4 ft. wind waves) around Edmonds but it smoothed out nicely once we entered Possession Sound. (ToG covered in salt.)

Thursday morning we got another early start, and due to incoming weather, went all the way to Friday Harbor. Another long day but it was nice to see blue skies!

Water was a bit bumpy across Rosario Strait but it didn’t last long and we arrived at the Port of Friday Harbor in time to wash the boat down and meet Kit before dinner.

Typically, we break this trip up but decided to put in a couple of long days to get north. It wasn’t bad, about 7 hours on the water each day.

Kit’s new home is just out of Friday Harbor, on Griffin Bay, looking south through Cattle Pass. The views are stunning and the beach is very nice, with good rocks, agates, and beach glass. The wildlife is abundant -- including Harlequin ducks and...yep, Orca whales! The owner has plans to upgrade the pier so we look forward to docking ToG there in the future. Hot tub is a bonus!

Steve & Tracey drove up and joined us at Kit’s for the weekend – great fun! It stormed pretty good Friday but Saturday was splendid!

We left Friday Harbor for La Conner yesterday, Monday. Very smooth crossing.

Tomco Marine installed a line hook panel in the cockpit and a hook panel just inside the door, made an additional shelf for one of the cabinets, and delivered a new turnbuckle for the davit. They were quick so we had time for a quick walk into town before dinner.

We departed early and are currently headed to Poulsbo.