California here we come

September 25

We anticipated a short run today to Coos Bay and so did not leave until 8:00, but when we were approaching our destination at 1:30 the conditions were so nice we did some calculations and decided that we would have enough fuel to make it to Crescent City, CA and that we would be arriving at sunset so there would be enough daylight to make it into port safely.  I would rather not enter an unfamiliar port in the dark if I don't have to.  The weather check indicated NNW winds at 15 - 20 knots and waves 4' with 7 second intervals south of Cape Blanco so we were anticipating a little bumpier ride for the last 4 or 5 hours, but nothing we could not handle.

Guess what?  The wind prediction was close but the wave predictions were way off.  It was a hell of a ride with waves at 8' - 9' stacked up on one another.  The fact that they were on the stern is the only thing that enabled us to run these seas.  One wave actually broke on the stern filling the dinghy and cockpit and another hit us head on and we took water over the bow that covered the windows.

We finally rounded the corner and pulled into Crescent City, CA at 7:13, right at sunset with about 30 gallons of fuel left in the tanks.  11 3/4 hours and 190 NM.  What a day. David and I may have had a cocktail (or 3) after securing the boat and when David went below he discovered that the two hatches above his king size bunk were no match for tons of saltwater crashing down on them.  We had to strip the bed - luckily the mattress was protected by the sheets, blanket, etc.  and was dry so he could get some sleep.

September 26

After a day like yesterday we have decided to lay low in Crescent City for a day and wait for improving conditions offshore.  Besides, David has laundry to do.

A few pictures from the last couple of days.

Next year she will be 100 years old.  2 owner boat.  Beautiful!

Till next time........