April 4

We left the dock as planned on April 1, although we waited out the gale (!) and left at 2:30 p.m.  Went in to Tacoma to fuel up and then motored to Dockton, on Maury island, in time for an evening walk. 

Had a sunny, calm, motor up Colvos passage on Monday.  The only marine traffic in sight was a very large, dun-colored sea lion, cruising south.  We docked at Blake island and took the lovely, but very muddy, perimeter trail (about 4 miles). 

On Tuesday, we had a long (8.5 hour), soggy, motor sail up the inside of Whidbey Island to Cornet bay.  Our investment in foul weather gear seems to be paying off since we stayed reasonably dry and warm.  We’re still experimenting with under layers.  Here I am in my highly flattering outfit!  If this were a close up, you could see my salt encrusted, fogged up, eye glasses...

We spent much of our time below making hot soup and sandwiches, and drying gloves, hats, and towels in the clever little drying bins Kurt built.  The drying bins work well, but we woke this morning to a boat filled with condensation--too many wet things!  I'm reorganizing gear and wiping down the cabin sole while we wait for the second slack at Deception pass to take advantage of the more favorable afternoon currents. We should be at Stuart Island this evening.