Mariahhh's Wake

2006-12-17T21:12:00.000-08:00

The trip back to Texas was uneventful..in a good way. Nice visit with Joan's extended family in Colorado after an overnighter with a Vet brother of mine in Wyoming. Towed Joan's 1970 VW superbug back with us that our friend Gary restored.

Looking forward to returning to Mariahhh next Spring!

Railway marina3

2006-09-02T15:30:00.000-07:00

Railway marina3,
originally uploaded by mariahhh_29.

This was our old side-tied slip before we moved. Look at the lines on that lady!!

Ericson galley

2006-09-02T15:27:00.000-07:00

Ericson galley,
originally uploaded by mariahhh_29.

Our little galley...complete with ice box and two burner alcohol stove. Small but adequate for the two of us.

happy 23rd

2006-09-02T14:25:00.000-07:00

happy 23rd,
originally uploaded by mariahhh_29.

We celebrated our 23rd anniverasary at anchor in Deer Harbor. What a cradle robber I was!

deer habor anchorage

2006-09-02T14:19:00.000-07:00

deer habor anchorage,
originally uploaded by mariahhh_29.

Looking out from Deer Harbor

Cleaning the lamp

2006-09-02T14:17:00.001-07:00

Cleaning the lamp,
originally uploaded by mariahhh_29.

Daily task cleaning the anchor lamp

mast climber 2

2006-09-02T14:17:00.000-07:00

mast climber 2,
originally uploaded by mariahhh_29.

Peter and Octavia aboard their brand new Hunter 44. We were at anchor on Sucia Island. I don't know what he said to her but she wouldn't come down for about thirty minutes!!!

Mauseleum

2006-09-02T14:16:00.000-07:00

Mauseleum,
originally uploaded by mariahhh_29.

Pretty cool family memorial in the forest above Roche harbor. The broken pillar was intentional and signified that death seperates but does not destroy.

Plane landing at Sucia Echo Bay

2006-09-02T14:14:00.000-07:00

Plane landing at Sucia Echo Bay,
originally uploaded by mariahhh_29.

This pilot was pretty busy while we were here. It looks like he is landing on the back of Peter and Octavia's Hunter.

Sea cave sucia

2006-09-02T14:13:00.000-07:00

Sea cave sucia,
originally uploaded by mariahhh_29.

One of many sandstone sea caves

Stairway to heaven

2006-09-02T14:12:00.000-07:00

Stairway to heaven,
originally uploaded by mariahhh_29.

Ughh! Steep climb back up the cliffs at Reid Harbor

Mariahhh's Wake

2006-09-02T13:58:00.000-07:00

Well the trip across the dreaded Straight of juan de Fuca was uneventful and we made landfall dead on Cattle Pass despite fog and limited visibility. We spent the first night in Friday Harbor packed in like sardines in the anchorage (we reset the anchor four times including one time after dark).

After refueling and showering the next day at Deer Harbor we sailed over to Stuart island and spent three days and nights in Reid Harbor. We hiked around the island over a couple of days and were fortunate to get up[ to the lighthouse just in time to watch one or two of the orca whale pods breaching and cavorting through the pass.

Our next stop was at Roche Harbor on San Juan island where we spent a couple days looking around. We restocked with groceries, showered and headed back over to Deer Harbor to gas up and anchor out for the night.

Our most exciting sailing experience was from Deer Harbor over the top of Orcas Island to Sucia Island. We had to reef the sails and our little rubber dinghy started doing cartwheels behind Mariahhh when the wind kicked up. We made it to Sucia and took one of the last mooring balls available. The first night we pitched and rolled all night long and some of our neighbors got seasick. We met a really cool couple (Peter and Octavia) who were out in their brand new Hunter 44. What an unbelievably beautiful boat!!!

After two days at Sucia we sailed/motored down to Spencer Spit state park for the night and back to the mainland the next day.

Overall it was two great weeks in paradise even though we had to endure two to three days between showers. We are still uploading photos from the trip so check back again. The second week of September we are going up north again to the Canadian Gulf Islands for a couple weeks.

taxi rower

2006-09-02T13:05:00.000-07:00

taxi rower,
originally uploaded by mariahhh_29.

Mario just over from Venice wondering why the American women made the boat sit so low in the water.

taxi service

2006-09-02T11:36:00.000-07:00

taxi service,
originally uploaded by mariahhh_29.

Taxi service to the Island from Mariahhh was wonderful! It was easy and relaxing with a nice view!

china men caves 2

2006-09-02T11:34:00.000-07:00

china men caves 2,
originally uploaded by mariahhh_29.

These caves on Sucia Island were used for temporary shelter by Chinese immigrants being smuggled into the US in the 1800's. Opium also was brought in through this island.

Sucia cliff path

2006-09-02T11:29:00.000-07:00

Sucia cliff path,
originally uploaded by mariahhh_29.

Careful!!! The fall over the rocks is 100 feet down!

Orca island SW point

2006-08-30T15:12:00.000-07:00

Orca island SW point,
originally uploaded by mariahhh_29.

Heading over to Deer Harbor for fuel and a shower and provisions. The nearby cliff is the southwest corner of Orcas Island with Jones island in the background.

Turn Point lighthouse cliffs

2006-08-30T15:08:00.000-07:00

Turn Point lighthouse cliffs,
originally uploaded by mariahhh_29.

These cliffs are at Turn Point lighthouse on Stuart island. A few minutes after this was taken two Orca whale pods swam through breaching and cavorting in the channel.

Reid Harbor hiking trail

2006-08-30T15:06:00.000-07:00

Reid Harbor hiking trail,
originally uploaded by mariahhh_29.

Stuart island has several hiking trails with lush vegetation like this. Cool and shady with a temp around mid 70's!

Reid Harbor from bluff

2006-08-30T15:03:00.000-07:00

Reid Harbor from bluff,
originally uploaded by mariahhh_29.

This is Reid Harbor on Stuart Island. The pic was taken from a cliff above the bay. We spent three days/nights here exploring the island.

sanjuans 009

2006-08-30T15:01:00.000-07:00

sanjuans 009,
originally uploaded by mariahhh_29.

This is the Point Wilson lighthouse warning ships off the shoal at the entrance to Port Townsend.

sanjuans 008

2006-08-30T14:56:00.000-07:00

sanjuans 008,
originally uploaded by mariahhh_29.

Beautiful sunrise as we are leaving Port Townsend for an early morning trip across the Straight of Juan de Fuca to the San Juan islands.

USS John C Stennis

2006-07-25T11:38:00.000-07:00

USS John C Stennis,
originally uploaded by mariahhh_29.

Aircraft carrier coming in to naval shipyard at Bremerton. Note the one fighter on deck and the gunboats escorting her in. No fun and games in this situation.

on the rocks

2006-07-25T11:33:00.000-07:00

on the rocks,
originally uploaded by mariahhh_29.

Lighthouse at Fort Worden outside of Port Townsend. This fort was designed to protect the straight of Juan de Fuca and prevent a sea attack on the Seattle area.

Pastel sunset

2006-07-25T11:29:00.000-07:00

Pastel sunset,
originally uploaded by mariahhh_29.

No words can improve on this one.

Big Woops

2006-07-25T11:28:00.000-07:00

Big Woops,
originally uploaded by mariahhh_29.

Just bad luck. A leaking out drive forced Kevin to moor up in a strange marina during high tide. He actually came out of the situation in good shape.

Gary's family at the car show

2006-07-25T11:25:00.000-07:00

Gary's family at the car show,
originally uploaded by mariahhh_29.

Gary (white cap) with Karen (beautiful red head) and Giselle (scratching nose) standing next to a family members entry in the (English built) Car show north of Seattle. Not a bad looking chick in the pink tee shirt either.

sunset at 9pm

2006-07-02T18:05:00.000-07:00

sunset at 9pm,
originally uploaded by mariahhh_29.

still light at 9 pm

ship's cook coming ondeck for air

2006-07-02T18:00:00.000-07:00

ship's cook coming ondeck for air,
originally uploaded by mariahhh_29.

houses along the shoreline

2006-07-02T17:59:00.000-07:00

houses along the shoreline,
originally uploaded by mariahhh_29.

Mooring bouy in foreground and houses along the inlet shoreline

sailing back into sinclair inlet

2006-07-02T17:58:00.000-07:00

sailing back into sinclair inlet,
originally uploaded by mariahhh_29.

On a tack towards the naval shipyard at Bremerton

Gary the harbormaster

2006-07-02T17:57:00.000-07:00

Gary the harbormaster,
originally uploaded by mariahhh_29.

Our good friend Gary the harbormaster hard at work in the marina office

Joan at the helm

2006-07-02T17:56:00.000-07:00

Joan at the helm,
originally uploaded by mariahhh_29.

The skipper bringing her home...aye aye Cap'n!!

The gals of "B" Dock

2006-07-02T17:47:00.000-07:00

The gals of "B" Dock,
originally uploaded by mariahhh_29.

Joan and the harbormaster's daughter "Gieselle" on the aft deck of their 65 ft 1956 chris craft.

Sea rescue by kayak

2006-07-02T17:46:00.000-07:00

Sea rescue by kayak,
originally uploaded by mariahhh_29.

The "Seatow" boat had double engine failure and went adrift in the marina until "KAYAK MAN" appeared almost out of nowhere and got them home safely.

What drinking problem???

2006-07-02T17:44:00.001-07:00

What drinking problem???,
originally uploaded by mariahhh_29.

Joan enjoying an afternoon margarita break sitting in our cockpit

Going up?

2006-07-02T17:44:00.000-07:00

Going up?,
originally uploaded by mariahhh_29.

Long climb to parking lot when the tide is out

Mother Joan

2006-07-02T17:42:00.000-07:00

Mother Joan,
originally uploaded by mariahhh_29.

Duck feeding time

Lunch with truste guide Gene

2006-06-19T13:39:00.000-07:00

Lunch with truste guide Gene,
originally uploaded by mariahhh_29.

Gene took us to his secret trail next to Mt Ranier. Only met five small groups on this trail and it was tricky but the views were awesome.

Local tree hugger

2006-06-19T13:34:00.000-07:00

Local tree hugger,
originally uploaded by mariahhh_29.

I ran across this hippie chick just as she was about to climb her tree.

Yes folks that is snow

2006-06-19T13:32:00.000-07:00

Yes folks that is snow,
originally uploaded by mariahhh_29.

Near the summit on the mountain trail. Snow got so deep and the trail so narrow we had to turn back about 100 yds below the lookout point.

Port Gamble 019

2006-06-08T14:27:00.000-07:00

Port Gamble 019,
originally uploaded by mariahhh_29.

Cool driftwood fountain at Port Gamble, Wa

Port Gamble 001

2006-05-30T11:46:00.000-07:00

Port Gamble 001,
originally uploaded by mariahhh_29.

Taken in front of the Kingston Ferry landing. The flowers and plants out here are huge!

first set 005

2006-05-30T11:39:00.000-07:00

first set 005,
originally uploaded by mariahhh_29.

This is the backside of my 12 volt panel which (surprise!) has to be rewired due to corrosion. No problem!

Port Gamble 012

2006-05-30T11:37:00.000-07:00

Port Gamble 012,
originally uploaded by mariahhh_29.

Port Gamble is the site of the first sawmill on Puget Sound and the first settlement. All the people came from Maine to work the mill. This grave is in Buena Vista (formerly Teekalet) cemetery.

first set 017

2006-05-30T11:33:00.001-07:00

first set 017,
originally uploaded by mariahhh_29.

Little side trip up Sinclair inlet to check out the passage over to Seattle before we attempt it for real in Mariahhh. No that isn't sweat on my brow it is raining!

Flickr

2006-05-30T11:33:00.000-07:00

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

Wake up, cup of Joe and off we go

2006-05-14T20:53:00.000-07:00

Joan had a great Mother's day with both of the boys here, shrimp omelettes, frizbee tossing and lots of good conversation/catching up with Daniel. Early wake-up tomorrow and "hopefully" a 0430 departure to arrive Denver twelve hours later at Joan's sister Ruth's house. Day of rest on Tuesday visiting Ruth and Dewayne and up to Fort Collins Tuesday evening to stay with her brother Don and his family. Then another 12 hours on the road Wednesday should get us into Butte, Montana for the night and on to Port Orchard Thursday where we will be rocked to sleep on Mariahhh that night.

Cascadia

2006-05-14T20:44:00.000-07:00

Cascadia,
originally uploaded by mariahhh_29.

This is our sailing area, from Olympia up Puget sound to the San Juan Islands.

David

2006-05-05T11:25:00.000-07:00

It has been a long winter and we are excited about getting out to spend some quality time on Mariahhh. Just ten days to go and we will begin our trek from north Texas to Port Orchard, some 2,000+ miles. I just finished the fluids, filters, and spark plug changes on our F 150...new rear tires..ready to go. Still have to build a plywood toneau cover and install the tailgate lock so we have some security for our things that aren't on Mariahhh. We loaded up on those clear plastic containers with lids for our clothes and for storing food and books aboard. Looks like we are going to each be able to pack all our clothes in a 34'X16"X13" box....! Have to take some tools and kitchen gadgets along that aren't already in Wa as well as some navigation tools and charts , and books I bought over the net this winter. When you have to scale back it is amazing what you can get by on.

Side tied at Railway marina

2006-05-04T20:21:00.000-07:00

Side tied at Railway marina,
originally uploaded by mariahhh_29.

Back in the water and nestled in her new berth at Railway Marina just waiting for us to return mid May.

On the Hard..starboard

2006-05-04T20:18:00.000-07:00

On the Hard..starboard,
originally uploaded by mariahhh_29.

The former Young@Heart comes out of the water to get her bottom re-painted and some systems repairs on her engine and drive train. What lines!!!

Ericson galley

2006-05-04T20:12:00.000-07:00

Ericson galley,
originally uploaded by mariahhh_29.

Joan likes the galley. That warm teak wood cuts right through the December chill!

Ericson stbd profile

2006-05-04T20:08:00.000-07:00

Ericson stbd profile,
originally uploaded by mariahhh_29.

She was just too elegant to ignore with her classic 1970 lines and that saucy "I've been there" attitude. What to do but fly from Texas to Port Orchard, Wa for a more intimate look. Wow!!! Even better than on the silver screen! Ok..we gotta do this even though it is December in the PNW...brrrr!!