North to

Alaska Seattle 2008 Series

4 July 2008Lat N48.07.072

Lon W123.27.367

Still in Port Angeles…

As cruisers throughout the world say, the definition of cruising is “fixing your boat in exotic places.” Now if you think about it, that implies that it broke down or suffered some form of trauma somewhere enroute and you need to get to a place (hopefully exotic) where you can fix it.  The reality is that despite all the preparation, planning and accumulation of spare parts, things are going to break, wear out, and/or disintegrate…whatever you want to call it.  Some work is typically required at the other end of your journey’s rainbow.

Well, I wouldn’t call Port Angeles, WA exotic by any stretch of one’s imagination.  But we could be in worse places…like someplace where you also can’t get work done.  At least we have a plentiful supply of fuel experts and engine mechanics.  On a positive note, we could also be in Sitka, AK where I’m sure you could get great work done, but we would up against a time clock – the weather.  So all things considered, we continue to count our blessings!

Yes, I’m looking for the positives after 10 days here, and no end in sight yet.  Whenever you discover that the monthly slip fee is now cheaper than the per day cost, you know you’ve been there too long.  We had 225 gallons of watered down, emulsified fuel sucked out of the boat, an inspection plate installed (that was the time delay, waiting for the part), and 280 gallons of new fuel added.  Everyone was very hopeful that the clean fuel would solve the problem and we’d be on our way.  The engine mechanic, Mike, is here now…and not exactly the bearer of good news.  He is removing the injectors and injector pumps  from the engine and generator.   Those will be sent to the big city of Seattle to the injector doctor.  Unfortunately he’s not as enthusiastic about the outlook for poor Christine, the generator.  Perhaps our burial at sea theme would have been best.  Needless to say, it doesn’t look like we will be “well on our way” by Monday…so much for that thought. 

As far as things to do here, the list is a long one.  Olympic National Park is right at our doorstep offering great views and hiking in the nearby rainforest.  The Olympic Peninsula is full of Indian Villages, and small towns with beautiful lavender plants.  We’ve driven to Port Townsend twice (a bigger small town about 45 miles away that offers everything in boat fixer-upper options plus your typical array of artsy-fartsy shops and eateries).  From Port Angeles there is a ferry to Victoria, British Columbia…a virtual city.  We spent Saturday there enjoying the Tall Ships exhibit that happened to be in town for the weekend.    It was a beautiful day with the temperatures in the mid-80’s and clear blue skies…not a typical day here, by the way.  With the exception of the weekend, the weather has been cold and dreary.  Sometimes the sun pokes its head out and reminds us it is really summer, but we’re dressed in jeans and sweaters – jackets if you go anyplace, and of course socks.  Those sandals and T-shirt days are long gone. 

We packed Paul out and put him on a flight to meet his Mom in Georgia and continue to New York to attend a cousin’s wedding.  He was a lot of fun to have aboard - an excellent crew and worker.  We are already missing the “little boy” along with his sense of humor and high energy.  He did eat a lot; however, and in addition to requiring food every 3-4 hours, was always looking for brownies and ice cream thus ruining our diet.    Fortunately, we’re still benefiting from the at-sea 10 lb weight loss.  Another week with Paul, and that benefit would be gone too. 

Well, Mike the engine guru just left.  He mailed off the injectors and injector pumps and promises to return probably next Thursday with the repaired parts.  Then we’ll see where this takes us.  Hopefully, things will be functioning again…but there’s no certainty right now.  I’m so glad we’re not in Alaska…and glad we got fuel yesterday…God knows what the price will be next week. 

We’re looking forward to a rip-roaring Fourth of July and wish you a wonderful holiday celebration of the liberties and freedom we enjoy in the USA.  Thanks to all our soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines for the ongoing sacrifices they make to preserve our freedom.

I’ll add pictures from our voyage this coming week. 

Lots of Love to our Friends and Family,

Roger and Elises/v Cutthroat