We're back. Finally after arriving at Elliott Bay Marina (November 1st 2020), driving to San Diego for Thanksgiving, driving to Lima for Christmas we are settled in and back to cruising. This winter we are exploring the South Puget Sound. And as our friend Brian pointed out while we were in San Diego nobody knows the areas I am talking about and that I should include maps. Look for those below. On January 25th I untied the lines and we set out for our first stop in South Sound (as the locals call it) - Gig Harbor. We've heard about Gig Harbor for awhile and were anxious to check it out. The cruise would take us three hours and forty five minutes on a brisk 35 degree day. A first for me on deck. But bundled and booted up it was fine. The sun was shining and it was great to be boating again.
The cruise itself was uneventful and as we pulled into the harbor we were excited to be somewhere new. The first choice marina was closed to transients due to Covid-19 so instead we pulled into the town dock where three other boats were already tied up. After securing the boat and moving onto connecting the power we knew we had a problem. Unfortunatnly the power pedestals were the new GFI power which no matter where we go trip our breakers. This was not good. Despite there being an anchorage right in front of the marina I knew it wouldn't work due to the cold temperatures. In order to run our heaters we need power or generator which isn't practical to run 24/7. Tension was high and disappointment was setting in. We fired up the generator and made lunch and contemplated our options. Jeff had a great idea that why not just stay in Gig for a bit and check it out and then move onto Tacoma which was just an hour away. He got on the horn and made a reservation. Plan B. Every boater has to have them. After our boat lunch we took the quick 30 minute stroll through town which consisted of one street full of closed shops and restaurants due to covid and felt like we had seen the place. I said to Jeff what would we have done here for days anyway? We finished seeing the town in no time.
Seattle to Gig Harbor to Tacoma
Cruising into Gig Harbor
Gig Harbor
Town
Town Dock - Gig Harbor
Once again I untied the lines and we were on our way to Tacoma just an hour jaunt to the East. I was really glad we had a back up plan because there was no way I could make it overnight in 30 degree temperatures with no heat. The sun continued to shine and we headed into the industrial port of Tacoma. Due to the time of year and temperatures we were the only boat on either of two guest docks. I was so happy to be tied up with power. Crank the heat. By now it was late afternoon and the sun would be setting soon. We settled in for the night and would explore Tacoma in the morning.
Entering Port of Tacoma
Tacoma
Bridge to Marina in Tacoma
Sunset
We both slept well with the heat blasting. Power, what a wonderful thing. After a slow morning we finally got our act together and went to explore downtown Tacoma and maybe grab some lunch. Dock Street Marina where we were staying was in the museum district and right in front of the marina was the Museum of Glass. Unfortunately again due to covid-19 all the museums were closed. We started out on a nice walking path along the water not really knowing where to go we checked out the boats and got a sense of where we were. After awhile Jeff stopped this lady who was walking her dog and asked how we got up to downtown. She nicely pointed us in the right direction. While our walk afforded us some nice views of Mount Rainer most of the town itself was closed down. The stores dark, restaurants not open and people very scarce. I asked Jeff if he thought it was always like this or if it was Covid related. He thought Covid. Nonetheless it was nice to stretch our legs and to see downtown Tacoma. I'm sure this will be our one time here.
Museum of Glass
Mount Rainier
Tacoma Waterway
Mount Rainier
Old City Hall
Tidings of Joy - Only Boat on Guest Dock
After our walk and realizing we weren't going to find any lunch in town we made our way back to the boat. I did some laundry and we read and relaxed the rest of the afternoon and evening. In the morning we would head home.
The morning brought more sunny skies and cold temperatures (30s and 40s) and around 10a.m. we threw the lines and headed back home to Seattle. We were both rejuvenated to be back cruising and exploring again. There is so much of Puget Sound to see and we don't want to miss a thing.
Factory - Leaving Tacoma
