Pulling Away....It's Hard

Riding Washington State Ferry

 Yes, well, folks are asking...the two questions one should never, (NEVER) ask a cruising sailor: #1. When are you leaving?  #2.  Where are you going?  Oh and make that three questions!  #3. How long will you stay there?

So, yes, a summer cruise is on the list.  But first....we ride the ferry to off island errands and yes, to Seattle for Jessica's birthday.  This year cupcakes rule!  Hippy, Hoppy, HAPPY BIRTHDAY Jess!

A birthday cake of "variety."

Of course we have to finish Sparky school on Wednesday nights.  Lots of interesting learning going on with Allie as our instructor.  Here treats rule!

I know there's a treat there...I KNOW there is!

Thank you Allie for the yummy lessons!

Meet and greet....with focus on...well, not the other dog!  (this is harder than it looks!)

Meet Mr. Manners #2 Graduate....Sparky!

Manner #2 graduate and classmate Maddie

 You know, you can't sail away without the garden figured out!  This year the figuring included researching and yes, building, a "Hoop House" to protect the four raised beds from wind, weather, and deer.  What's a hoop house you ask?  Well, it's made with pvc piping and it's sorta "hoopy."  Yes, when we return there will be plastic added.  For now added netting will have to deter the uninvited guests: deer.

A little bigger than first idea....

Steve and Rob finishing up the sides

Just one more detail ....

Chard and cauliflower....saved!

When a marine mammal stranding call comes in...how can you say "No...I'm almost gone..." but then I'm not gone...so I make a run out to the westside of the island to check on a stranding call.  Yep, definitely dead.  But in such perfect condition, I'm pretty sure they'll want to collect it for a necropsy to determine health and cause of death.  We'll be watching for this report as the Marine Mammal Stranding Network and The Sea Doc Society try to keep up to date information and data on the health of the Salish Sea and those that call it home.  (www.seadocsociety.org)   (www.whalemuseum.org )

Harbor seal on private beach 

Of course there is the 2nd grade field trip out to Limekiln State Park to arrange for in May.  This year, in June my buddy, Deslie,(from teaching days in Friday Harbor) writes a grant and is awarded funds to arrange for a Wildlife Trip around the islands.  I know just the perfect boat! (thank you Ivan for helping this to happen)  And the perfect crew!  What a day to "work" on The Western Prince as it is  truly education at it's best for 21 second and third graders, and their trip leaders!  We find 9 eagles, 287 harbor seals, and 1 porpoise, among lots of other things.  The pesky whales were off on a vacation I guess.

Naturalist Nan and 2nd grade teacher, Deslie

Wait, wait...there's more...yes, we host the Fisher Rendezvous in mid June with our boating buddies who all share boats like ours.  Or somewhat like ours.  They range in size from 25 ft. to 37 ft. and we've been meeting up for over 10 years, twice a year.  This year Court and Ann found us at the dock and joined in.  So that makes, boating buddies and Baja buddies, all together!

Deb, Ann, Nan, Court, John and Steve in Friday Harbor

And then there's the Sail Away Party aboard Kairos!  You can't sail away without a sail away happy hour!  As long as Western Prince Happy Hour is on Thursday, and there's a perfectly good Thursday waiting to happen...why not 12 - 16 people aboard for beer and "happy appys?"

Steve, Sarah and Chris below on Kairos

Ivan and Sarah....

A good time was had by all....until...well, almost 10 p.m.!  That's some happy, Happy Hour!

So you see, there is a LOT to do before one can sail away...on some date, to somewhere, for some length of time!

Ok, now you can ask: When did you leave?

Actual departure:  June 27th!