Logbook Day 14, 15,
16 &
17
7/5/2002 - 7/8/2002
Fort Flagler
7/5/2002
Everett
Got a late start so decided to launch and stay in
Everett. During the setup I noticed that a large section of tread
on the right trailer tire was gone. After launching the boat, Nick
and I took the trailer into town to get the tire replaced. Found
one place still open. They stayed late and put on a pair of used
passenger radials with the closest weight range they could find.
Should get us home, $38. Once back at the launch the boys wanted to go
somewhere so we went out to the end of the jetty and back. Very
rough outside. We then went back to the overnight docks at the
park and spent the night. Wonderful sunset. Too much light and
noise for a comfortable night. Constant time keeping beeps/whistles
from the naval base every 15 to 30 minutes all night. Very early
traffic at the launch as the wave of fishermen left.
7/6/2002
Everett to Fort Flagler
Left Everett early. Went south around Whidbey into
channel. Wind came up around island so we sailed for a bit but
were becalmed. Went back to power at 10 knots minus a 1.5 knot current
against us. Seas built and crossing Admiralty Inlet was somewhat
wet. First 6 gal tank ran out just short of Oak Bay. Going through
Port Townsend canal was a 4 knot head current with the flood tide. We
decided to go to Port Townsend for fuel and Ice. We then went across to
Kilisut harbor. Ran the winding channel and went down to Mystery Bay.
The park and beach were small and we didn't like the buoys available. We
went back up the harbor to Ft Flagler and took the south end buoy.
Dawn and the boys went to shore while I cleaned up and napped.
Clear hot day and a calm night. FRS radios worked great. Broke
another board in the dingy. I see a diet in the future.
7/7/2002
Fort Flagler
Woke up to light rain. After breakfast we decided to go
over to the dock which was mostly empty. Boys went to beach and
continued working on fort. We cleaned up and went to fetch the
boys for a hike. After tracking down Nick, we headed off for a nice but
wet walk. First we checked out the search light building and the
found our way to the old fire control bunker for lunch. We
continued on to the artillery bunkers to explore. We arrived back at
the boat very wet. An improvised awning from the section of canvas
we were given helped the drying process. We spent the afternoon
inside. Late in the afternoon everyone wanted to fish and crab in a
pouring rainstorm. Dawn, Sam, Nick and Mike worked the sea for a dozen
minnows and 3 nice red rock crab for dinner including the nasty one that
pinched Dawns finger. We had a great crab and
pasta dinner. We are the only boat at the dock. Wind and
rain came in throughout the night. Not as comfortable at the dock
when rough and quite loud with all the banging.
7/9/2002
Fort Flaggler to Everett
Boys headed to the beach early. They found a octopus on the beach
at low tide which they rescued and watched at the waters edge. It
stuck around in the shallows for over a half hour letting the boys play
with it. After a lazy morning and some more fishing for monster minnows
we headed out. Tide was still low so we ran the winding channel
slowly. Once out in the bay the flood tide was with us so we made
good time. It was a quick run downstream through the rapids in the
Port Townsend canal. Played a bit with different rpm's. The motor
definitely likes 3500 better than 3000. It runs much smoother with no
rpm drift. As we headed across Admiralty Inlet a trident sub appeared to
the north. We crossed ahead and enjoyed the view as it went by.
Dawn took the helm until the Whidbey buoy. Everyone else including
Dawn then went below for a nap. Once around the south tip the wind
came up and it was rough into Everett. We put the boat on the trailer
and the tires looked awfully low. We took everything possible off
the boat and into the truck to reduce the weight. I stopped at the
first available gas station and inflated the tires up to 40psi even
though they said max 35psi. We took the slow road home via highway 2 and
9 and made it without incident. |