Hot Hot Heat

 The clock is ticking and we feel we're in the homestretch of our preparations for our upcoming trip to Alaska. Our latest project - diesel heat. After a lot of research and learning I began wondering how you stay warm while anchoring out in Alaska. One boat mentioned that they went 21 days on the hook before finally reaching a town and marina. I was puzzled. I thought there is no way we're going to run our generator nonstop for 21 days. So I reached out to Sea Venture whose Youtube channel we watch and who happen to be in Alaska right now. They promptly wrote me back and said that diesel heat was the way to go. Not knowing a thing about it I then posed the question on the Trawler Forum where I got tons of knowledgable and insightful responses. After some discussion and more research we found someone in the Seattle area who did the installation and who could also obtain this heater for us. Today marks the beginning of week four of the installation and we hope to be finished by weeks end. It is a massive project. New vents were installed in the salon, galley, master stateroom, forward stateroom and pilothouse. After weeks of work inside the engine room work began. Tons of tubes/pipes and parts are scattered below deck. It all feels overwhelming but hopefully it will be finished soon. 

Tubes in Engine Room

More Tubes to Install Engine Room

Misc Parts Engine Room 

Where Diesel Heater Will go in the Laz

Despite my impatience we really have made the best of our time here. The boat is at a yard called Miller and Miller and it's located on Salmon Bay. To get here we had to go through the Hiram Chittenden (Ballard) locks which separates the Puget Sound (salt water) from Lake Union and Lake Washington (freshwater). We haven't been through a lock since doing the Great Loop in 2016 but found the experience familiar and not a problem. Once here we lowered the dink and took a cruise around Lake Union admiring the view of the city, the various types of boats and the house boat community which was used for making the movie Sleepless in Seattle. While we are ready to be done at the yard it's been an interesting experience watching all the commercial boats go through the locks and getting to experiences the lakes that we haven't been to before. After we leave here we'll have a couple of weeks back at the marina then back to another yard to get the boat hauled and bottom inspected before we leave. 

House Boat Community Lake Union 

Tiding of Joy at Miller & Miller Boatyard

Gasworks Park

Dam at Hiram Chittenden (Ballard) Locks

Local Geese 

Map of Elliot Bay (our marina) & Lakes Union & Washington

It's Electric Boogie Woogie Woogie

Since our last post we have been getting a lot done on the boat in preparation for our upcoming trip to Alaska in April. One of the things that we did was update the boat's power. As many of you boaters out there know a lot of the marinas are updating their power to the new ELCI- power protected power to help prevent leaking current from getting into the water and electrocuting people. While this is a good thing it is trouble for a lot of boats including ours. You have heard me mention this in past blogs and talking about having to run our generator at a dock because this ELCI power trips our breakers. Well, I'm happy to report we have no more leeks. After seven full days on the boat with two electricians they have basically rewired our entire boat to prevent any leeks. Excited, nervous and a little skeptical we wanted to put our new upgrade to the test so we headed across the Sound to one of our favorite places on Bainbridge Island - Eagle Harbor. We have been here twice before, once by ferry when we visited Seattle and once on our own boat in October where we had to dock at the end so our generator wouldn't disturb the other boaters since their power didn't work with our boat. This would be the real test. 

Eagle Harbor on Bainbridge Island

A short 6.3 mile cruise would take us back to our peaceful spot on the dock and after an uneventful cruise we were tied up and ready to plug in. Jeff handed me the cord off the bow and I got us plugged in and flipped on the light switch sending power to the boat. Jeff went inside and turned the boat power on and just as the electricians had promised we had power. We were ecstatic. Both Jeff and I are both healthy skeptics and until we see certain things for ourselves we just don't full trust them. This was one of them. 

We settled in for little lunch and then set out into town to walk one of our favorite main streets. The scene was the same and several people were walking around (all masked thank god), business were open but we did not go in. It was nice to be back in a familiar place and not anxious about not having power.

Walking into Eagle Harbor

Plugged into Power- Eagle Harbor Town Dock

Ferry at Sunset

After lunch and a nice stroll I was ready to head back to Elliott Bay in order to get there before the overnight small craft warning went into effect. Jeff on the other hand was still on a power high from our newly upgraded power that he didn't want to leave. We have made the mistake more then once embarrassingly of going out during a small craft warning and none of those experiences have been good. Crossing Lake Ontario we emptied the contents of two refrigerators. Rounding Tampa Bay we took water over the transom into the back deck. I told Jeff never again would I go out in a small craft and yet somehow he convinced me to stay saying the small craft was really more to the north of us and we would be fine. I only conceded under the caveat that if it was too bad out there we would stay a second night in Eagle Harbor. This seemed to please the captain and we settled in for the night. 

The next morning was as expected for a small craft - gusting winds in the harbor and lots of chop in the Sound. While the ride back wasn't anything like Lake Ontario or Tampa Bay it just wasn't something I enjoy being in. Feeling like I'm in a washing machine and taking spray over the sides isn't a nice day of causing for me. Once back I reiterated my knowledge of not going out in a small craft warming to which I was replied, "It's good training." 

Giggity

 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

 

Getting Close

 Leaving the Hood Canal right after sunrise was gorgeous. The sun peaked through the clouds and provided dramatic and moody views. We had almost reached our destination - Kingston, Washington during my shift when I heard over the radio, "cruising boat in the vicinity of Kingston you are about to run over our lines please alter course!" The voice caught my attention and I wasn't sure what they were talking about but something told me to answer the radio. "This Tidings of Joy." As I'm speaking I see two fisherman on the stern of their boat waving their arms at me. Jeff comes up to look at the scene. "Yes Tidings of Joy you are about to run over our lines turn your boat west." All of a sudden Jeff and I saw it at the same time the purse sein fishing line strewn across our direct path tied to the fishing boat. I got extremely nervous and began slowing the boat down and putting it into reverse. Jeff came up and took over. The current was pushing us forward at several knots and we came within inches of running over their line before Jeff was able to alter course. I was shaken. I pride myself on being a good mate and helm watcher. I'm constantly looking around and monitoring gages, radar and other boats. To have missed this long line right in our path was jolting. Jeff said with the sun shining at us it was hard to spot. Nonetheless it took awhile for my nerves to calm. The anxiety continued as we pulled into the marina and a boat was in our assigned slip. We were told we could take the yacht club dock which was sideway and at a weird angle. What choice did we have? Jeff somehow managed to slide the boat in flawlessly and we sat and took a deep breath. Fortunately Kingston was beautiful with it's charming one street town and vibrant fall foliage. After some composer we walked around town and Jeff got a cupcake and mini key lime pie and I got a vegan scone. All was well.

Pretty Trees Kingston 

Weird Slip Kingston 

Sunrise Cruise to Kingston 

Funny Nomes Kingston 

Almost to Kingston 

Downtown Kingston 

The next morning after a good nights sleep we decided to take a walk again. The town was just too cute. Also we had very important business to tend to - mailing our ballots. So we set out to see more of the town via neighborhoods, mail our ballots and head to the market for a few things. Fortunately this day was uneventful and we enjoyed a quiet evening watching the debate and football. 

More Gorgeous Trees

Sunset Kingston

As the days moved along Seattle was creeping up in our minds. Just four more days until we got to our winter home. But today all thoughts were on the small craft advisory and gale warning that was coming at 10a.m. Our next destination Poulsbo was two hours away so we had to get up and out early in order to be tied up and safe before the big winds started. The cruise was choppy, windy and white cap filled but we managed to get secured just before the big blow hit. Fortunately despite the blow the sun was shinning and if you live in the Pacific Northwest that means you should go outside because who knows how long it will last. The wind made it so cold that I wore five layers and a winter hat and was still chilly. A quick lap around town and we were back on the boat blasting heat. 

Entering Poulsbo

View From Boat Poulsbo Marina

Harold Hanging Out By Boat

Downtown Poulsbo

Cold Poulsbo Walk

Choppy/Windy Cruise 

The next morning brought more cold temperatures (30's & 40's) and we staying in pjs and blasted the heat. Luckily we were there on a farmers market day. For some reason everywhere we've been  during our west coast cruise we've managed to miss all the farmers markets. Fortunately today we were lucky. So once again we bundled up and headed out. The farmers market was small but Jeff managed to get some papusa's for lunch and I got some bread for happy hour plus a nice walk. As we headed back towards the boat we did a final loop through town and went into a Norwegian market which had all kinds of eccentric things like lutefisk and other interesting eclectic foods and goods. Two activities was enough for us and we made our way back to the boat for a rest and prepare for leaving in the morning. 

Poulsbo

Another Cold Day

We woke up to sunny skies, freezing temperatures and no more small craft and gale warning so we hit the water. Our next stop Port Orchard we really didn't know much about. Jeff devised an itinerary based on a coherent circle towards Seattle. As we arrived we realized that this stop was going to be less then ideal. The docks were full of seal poop and waves crashed over the docks soaking everything. We quickly decided this was going to be a one night only stop but tried to make the most of it. We walked "town" which didn't have much of anything in it. A lot of closed business and boarded up facilities. It had an eerie creepy feeling about it too. Back at the boat I order some groceries from Instant Cart and got a few things done. Not much else to do. 

Nasty Cold Front 

Cruise to Port Orchard

Docked at Port Orchard 

Downtown Port Orchard

For all the lack of charm and scenery Port Orchard possessed, Blake Island made up for it in stride. The cruise short and uneventful passing ferries and anchored freighters but no drama like cursing to Kingston. We were one of the first boats to arrive at the State Park Island and had our choice of docks. After tying up were quickly greeted by a ranger who got us all checked in for the night. Blake Island has nothing on it except deers, hiking trails and an old Native American building where before covid they used to put on shows and serve dinner. We threw on our tennis shoes and went out to explore. The hiking trails were gorgeous tree lined and water surrounded and we were both happy to be somewhere beautiful. 

Native American Building - Blake Island

Cruising with the Ferries 

Passing an Anchored Freighter 

Shipwreck on Hike- Blake Island

Blake Island State Park Marina

Deers Blake Island 

Hiking Trail 

Docked Blake Island

Almost Home

Trail Blake Island 

Hiking 

There She Is

Hiking View

Prior to our cruise up to the Pacific Northwest we came to Seattle during my spring break for a visit and to get the lay of the land and decide where we wanted to base ourselves. We took ferry rides between islands and did a lot of exploring. One of the places we went via ferry was Eagle Harbor. Of all the places we visited this was the only one that I remembered. The one street town was lined with cute shops and a great health food store that I scoped out. We had lunch at a restaurant overlooking the marian and we could totally picture ourselves being here for awhile. Well today brought us full circle back to Eagle Harbor but this time via our own boat. We were both really excited. The cruise was short- only about an hour and the City Dock provided nice guest moorage on a first come first serve basis. After a quick tie up we hit the town. We saw all the same shops and even returned to Doc's for a good take out lunch which we ate alone on community tables and chairs facing the marina just as we did the year before. 

Eagle Harbor City Dock

Sunset From Stern

The next day like most of our second days in places brought on a very slow morning for lounging around and reading. Finally in the afternoon we decided to stretch our legs and see the town one last time. There was a nice nature path right in front of the marina we took that lead us to the other side of town and a different perspective then we had the previous day. Jeff found Mora's ice cream and we sat outside while he ate a sundae. I was going to miss this town but felt good that it's just a short cruise from Seattle and we can come back whenever we want. Jeff got fish and chips for dinner that claimed to be "the best fish and chips in Seattle" despite being in Eagle Harbor and they lived up to their claim. Early to bed for us because the next day we would finally be heading to Seattle. 

Nature Walk to Town 

Evening Sailing Club