Weather always seems to have a way of changing one's mind! After departing Half Moon Bay, we sailed for about 24 hours when we were hit by a nasty Southerly, that we simply could not make way in. We sailed with a double-reefed main and jib and headed for Monterey Bay. Staying there for five days we met a wonderful couple Jay and Kelly with their two kids Riley and Liam. They were very kind to lend us their car, which we used to make a Costco run stocking the boat with enough provisions to make it to Mexico. Jay and Kelly had cruised Baha for several seasons (before children) and are getting ready to start cruising once again. We hope to see them on the open seas some day soon. Since the weather held us in Monterey we decided to see the sites. Starting with a great little pub that had WiFi just at the top of the ramp. We did take Vianne to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Although I thought, it would be a trip for "mom" and "dad" I was surprised how much our eight month old was enjoying the different tanks, especially the half-sphere, windows, set inside the tanks. She could practically climb around inside those bubbles. Ryan's Dad and sister also visited us shortly before they headed off to Hawaii for the winter.
Feeling pressure to get south, we decided to brave the weather. Trying to cruise on the West Coast of the U.S. is not only expensive, it's "expensive!" Once the wind shifted out of the North, we set sail again. This time, we were hit by a blow from the North. Off Pt. Conception the wind blew ~40kts with 15ft seas. Running down wind with full sail, we all took turns at the helm battling the waves. About dark we rounded Pt. Conception, sailed directly North and tucked into a small cove which offered a break from the weather. In the morning we woke to see surfers on the beach, and wishing for surfboards of our own. Instead, we headed for LA.
Sending Ryan off to catch a plane to Albuquerque for the holidays, we left LA as quickly as we could. Seeing our progress increase with good Southerly momentum, we didn't want to stall (afraid that it might be another 20 days before we left port). So, with decent wind and currents to help us along we set off, one crewmember lighter. Merry Christmas Ry, we will see you after the holiday.
We had a good run to San Diego. In the Morning, on our approach to San Diego we encountered a small thunderstorm. Fortunately it stayed south of us. However, it was still close enough for me to see lightning strike the water. Just a little scary.
While here in San Diego we have been making repairs to the engine, and getting the last few things done that we need prior to crossing the border. We are planning on breaking free on Saturday the 23rd, hoping to be in Ensenada, Mexico for Christmas on Monday.

Our time in San Francisco has been crazy. All told we have been in the Bay for 20 days. Mandy Vianne and I made our way north to Vallejo to visit Mandy's cousin Sarah and her husband Jake Fazio, with their lovely two daughters Mia and Ruby. We had a wonderful couple days visiting. Jake introduced me to Striper fishing Thanksgiving Day morning, having just enough time to pick up a couple fish, get cleaned up and head over to Jake's folk's place for dinner. Ah, something to truly be thankful for. Thanks Giving dinner was great, with a house full of people, at the Fazio's, and not a stranger to be found. Every one was so friendly, and very excited to know all about our trip and visit with Vianne.
On Saturday the 25th, Ryan finally rejoined our crew, after finishing up with work in Alaska. It's good to have him back! We picked him up in Oakland and stayed around the area for a couple days. While in Oakland we looked up an old high school friend Herbie, and surprised him at his dorm. I only wish I had the camera out to get a picture of his face! I think it took at least ten seconds for his brain and eyes to register that he did know who was standing in his doorway, yet he couldn't figure out how. This was shortly followed by smothering hugs and lots of laughter. We stayed for a visit and dinner, and left the following morning making our way toward Emeryville.
Sean, from Lion's Paw was in the area of Emeryville, visiting family for Thanksgiving, with his wife Audrey and their six month old son Van. We were glad to get a chance to meet the whole family, even if it was for just a couple hours. We all wish them well. While at the Emeryville Marina we wound up visiting with Chris, who was interested in our dodger and how I built it. After several hours of chatting, the sun disappeared. Chris, introduces us to Ed the security guard, who also has a boat in the marina, and forced rum upon us! Several more hours later, after dinner, and more rum, we decided we should probably stay another night. At this point, I'm convinced that I have stumbled upon the makings of a time machine! Its components consisting of two parts conversation, amongst neurotic boaters, mixed with one part Rum...... and Coke. (or the other way around depending on who is performing the majority of the conversing). This mixture seems to have the strange affect of projecting persons through time into the future, where one knows that all the answers to life the universe and everything were discussed, yet certain solutions to conversations are lost in the passage of time, with all the answers to world hunger and an end to war. This whole process ends in a conclusion of one question...."Why is the Rum gone?" During our time in the Bay discovered that we could anchor off the backside of Treasure Island with our paying moorage, and decided that was a lovely idea and transited the following day.
Ryan had an appointment on Thursday with the Passport Agency to replace his stolen Passport. He and I made it there in time and had surprisingly little trouble getting everything taken care of. By three o'clock in the afternoon he had a new Passport in hand. Yea!
On Friday we made our way back to Oakland to pick up our old friend Herbie, who is going to Bible school there. He stayed with us for the night and we sailed for Angel Island, having just enough time to step ashore and watch the sun set. Saturday, we went ashore and saw a Civil War era military hospital that was built for the Calvary. Unfortunate, our reunion was cut short, as Herbie needed to get back for a prior engagement. We sailed south to San Francisco and moored in the Aquatic Park, taking a moorage under sail. (ohh, what skills!) There we said our good buys and Ryan went with Herbie to get him back to Oakland in time.
Our last couple days in SF were spent visiting uncle Andrew and Aunt Tres again, and getting the ever so important, Presents From The Grand Parents, which were sent there in preparation for Christmas.
Having no more reasons to stay in the Bay, we decided to set sail with the tide on the morning of December 5th. It seems that no matter where we go, we stay quite a bit longer then intended! So much for schedules. Off to Half Moon bay and the Channel Islands!

Passing Drakes Bay in the morning, the wind was perfect from the east. We sailed under full canvas making over five knots and sailed toward Bonita channel. The tide shifted to an ebbing current had picked up quite a bit by the time we reached the channel to Golden Gate. Attempting to make our turn into San Francisco, we were making two knots forward headway and five knots sideways. There was no way we were going to be entering the channel till tide change. We sailed around in a big loop and re-entered Bonita channel just in time to catch up to Pacific Cloud, Surprising Bill and Laura in the process. Approaching the Golden Gate Bridge, I was determined to sail under. Making way and passing close to Pacific Cloud, I hollered over to Bill and told him my intentions. He wanted to do the same, yet they couldn't make the head way into the wind. About five minutes later, Bill called on the radio telling us that they lost propulsion. We quickly dropped all our canvas and Made way to Pacific Cloud and took her in tow, pulling her out of the traffic lanes. So much for sailing under the Golden Gate! We anchored briefly determining what our next course of action should be. Once we found out that the shaft had actually slipped out of it's coupling, and we would not be able to fix it at anchor, we towed her into the bay and tied up and South Beach Marina. In the Morning, we checked in with the harbor office.
After performing a hull dive inspection, Mandy Vianne and I spent the day with Mandy's Uncle Andrew and his wife Tres. We had a lovely time visiting the Museum and had dinner with them. We'll be here a few more days and are planning on spending thanks giving in San Francisco.

We sailed for two days. This is the first overnight transit with just Mandy, Vianne and I. Mandy and I worked out a decent watch schedule allowing each of us to get some sleep and still take care of Vianne. Having a baby on board brings a whole new element to a cruising lifestyle. Having such a perfect kid makes it all the better. (Not that I'm biased) Mandy and I worked out a watch schedule that allowed us each to get a decent amount of sleep, sort of, and it followed Vianne's eating and sleeping schedule. I take the late night watches, Letting Mandy sleep till Vianne wakes up for her midnight feeding. After she eats and goes back to bed, Mandy relieves me at the helm and I get about four hours sleep to relieve her for a couple hours sleep before Vianne needs to eat again. Vianne will stay up in the morning for an hour or so and then take her morning nap. Depending on who needs the sleep more, Mandy or I will take the nap with Vianne. During the day we trade off duties of kid, food, playtime and sailing. It's going to take more practice, but I think we are starting to get a hang of this cruising with a kid thing. It is very difficult trying to balance out all the needs for Vianne, the boat and mom and dad. The first day at sea is a little rough, trying to get everyone used to new schedules. However, we all adjust quickly and by the second day, we seem to be able to get a decent sleep pattern. Vianne seems to like hanging out in the cockpit with mom and dad, and seeing the birds and water. Her favorite toy while under way is any rope she can get her hands on.

After several nasty lows, bringing floods of rain, followed by wind, we had a weather opening long enough to sail to Humboldt, CA. Departing at 0400 Pacific Cloud and us, set sail in the early morning darkness. Mandy and Vianne slept during the early hours while I navigated out of the harbor and set our course south. I was very pleased to see that all our hard work refitting Boreas in Crescent City has paid off. She is much more trimmed out and handled the seas beautifully. We encountered a large westerly swell, as predicted by the weather service, however it wasn't a violent motion on the boat. As the sun rose over the mountains I could see that the swells were about twelve feet. Mandy woke and relieved me at the helm. Vianne had been sick. However, when Mandy brought her up from below, she was smiling as usual and happy to be up. We motor-sailed all morning, averaged five knots. By the afternoon, we passed Trinidad Head. About 1600 we crossed the bar to Eureka. Though a bumpy ride, Pacific Cloud followed shortly behind. Unfortunately we missed the high tide and were forced to fight an ebbing current, making only a couple knots up the channel to Humboldt. The sun set about five PM and was beautiful, and we found a spot to moor on the outside wall of the Public Marina, after sticking the keel into the mud trying to enter the main Marina. Upon tying up we were joyfully greeted by Tracy and Cathleen from Magic, whom had made their transit a couple weeks earlier. Tracy found a spot for Pacific Cloud, and I called Bill and Lori on the Radio. By this time we could see their mast lights approaching. Come to find out later, Lori has said that I was taking on "a god-like status". Apparently, with reduced visibility Bill and Lori were just asking each other where they were supposed to go? About then I was calling on the Radio instructing them to move "toward the bright light" which Tracy was so kindly providing with his flashlight.
The following morning Mandy and I checked into the harbormaster. We've had a wonderful time here getting to know several of the live-aboard and fellow cruisers. However the weather here has been fluky to say the least. Our second night in the harbor, the wind rose to gale forces out of the North; whipping the bay into a frothy mess. Boreas was pounded against the dock, flattening the fenders completely. About the same time we realized the keel was also pounding on the bottom, in the mud. Mandy and I jumped to action. She ran to Magic, to get more fenders. I double-checked the tides, fearing it was still going down and we would suffer damage at the dock. Fortunately, the tide had just turned and was on its way back up, and we only touched the bottom. Upon returning with more fenders, Mandy and I with Bill and his son Billy secured Boreas with more fenders and doubled the lines. After a while, completely soaked, we went below to weather the remainder of the gale. It calmed after a short while and we went to bed for a restless night. Vianne however, slept through the whole event. Oh, to be seven months old!
On Wednesday there was a tsunami that came from Japan and hit Crescent City with a six-foot wave causing damage to the piers there. I'm thankful we left in time! However I'm not sure what it means to have a Tsunami hit the marina we just left? Humboldt Bay Police decided to take the opportunity and have evacuation drills for the marina and forced everyone to leave their boats. Unfortunately, the nearest high land is five miles away, and I was left standing on the beach with the crews from Pacific Cloud and Magic! Mandy and Vianne were already in town checking E-mail, and I knew they were safe. If the tsunami had been significant enough to cause damage to Humboldt, we would have been safer on our own boat in the channel then on the beach. On Thursday we departed and made way for the entrance channel, with Pacific Cloud and Aquila, a 42ft Mariner ketch. The USCG called Pacific Cloud on the VHF giving a warning for hazardous sea conditions. Aboard Boreas, we decided to take a look and see if it was doable. Making our way into the entrance channel, the sea conditions were worse then those we arrived in, so we decided to wait a couple hours and let the tide change, hoping it would calm down a bit. All three boats, Pacific Cloud, Aquila, and Boreas anchored north of the USCG station and waited for the day. It actually wound up being a nice day of relaxation and reading. I was starting to get a sore throat and felt a cold coming on, so it was good to get some rest.
We hoisted anchor at 1700 and headed out. At the channel bar we found the seas to be quite high, yet the roll pattern was very long and made for a comfortable ride. After sun set and across the bar, we had good wind and set sail for San Francisco.

It's now been over a month since our first arrival to Crescent City. After seeking further advice on the rudder we realized that it's not a major issue. Though it is an annoyance to have a little play, there is no risk of the rudder falling off. I'm starting to relax, sort of. Knowing how it was constructed I have faith that we will make it south just fine. We will have the boat pulled once we get to Mexico and make repairs there.
When we left Seattle, we were in a mad rush to get all the work done and leave. Since then, I have felt as though we've been rushing ever since. While I still have many chores to finish on the boat, I'm learning that it never really ends. Therefore, we've been learning to figure out which things need to be done, and work on the rest at a more opportune time. At some point one simply needs to decide to go.

This past month has had some benefits. Mandy, Vianne and I have had a nice break together, being a family. Life aboard has slowed down. We've been making the transition from life ashore with all its high paced craziness, to a more palatable cruising speed. I'm amazed at how little we truly need to live. What's even more amazing is how my definition of living is changing. It's been the greatest pleasure to finally sleep in, as much as Mandy and Vianne allow me to. We get up and have slow mornings, I drink my coffee with my wife and daughter and we visit over breakfast. This isn't to say that we are not working. Instead simply living has become a full time job; it takes all of our time. However, isn't this what the cruising life is all about? While I wasn't planning on staying here a month, we have had the opportunity to meet some wonderful people and build relationships that would not have been possible otherwise. It's been a good stay.
Now weather is starting to turn. The wind has shifted out of the south and it's been raining for a week straight. Listening to the weather forecast, it has been calling for small craft advisories and continued rain. We are determined to head south at the first chance we get. However, Boreas is much more prepared now and I feel confident in her ability to carry us though.

From Astoria we sailed to Crescent City, where Boreas is still sitting. Upon arrival to Crescent City, we realized that the lower rudder boot on Boreas was worn. I dove on the hull to see that the rudder was shifting about a quarter inch left and right. Mandy, Ryan, Dad and I talked over the options and realized that it would be a whole lot more affordable to pull the boat here then further down the coast. We decided to wait here with Boreas and try to make arrangements to have the rudder repaired.
Scott and Jackie Warren along with their kids Clair, Joe, Kelly and Connor, whom we met in Astoria, arrived in Crescent City within a couple days. They had made their way from Seward Alaska aboard Sissauni, a 42ft Beneteau. After several thousand miles the girls had decided that it would be fun to take a road trip on land for a change. At the same time Scott and Jackie felt it would be a good opportunity for me to sail with them. This worked out well for us in that dad and I would travel south with the boys on Sissauni, dropping dad off in San Francisco, and then I would continue on to San Diego. Mandy, Vianne and Ryan would stay in Crescent City working on minor repairs and waiting until I returned.
Between Crescent City and San Francisco, we had no wind to speak of. With overcast skies, and nothing to look at, we were simply making a transit. In the meantime we took the opportunity to practice navigation and radar technique. Finally arriving in San Francisco, we had just enough wind to hoist sail and sail under the Golden Gate Bridge. It was a great moment seeing my dad at the helm sailing into the bay. It had been our goal for dad to travel with us between Astoria and San Francisco. Though it was not all aboard Boreas, it was good to have that small sense of accomplishment. As a son, it was a great joy watching my dad fulfill an old dream of bringing a boat under the Golden Gate. Dad needed to fly out the following day, and we said our goodbyes.
Weather was good once we left San Francisco. Wind improved and we had a great trip, sailing Sissauni with just the boys. We stayed one night at Santa Cruz Island and visited the Painted Caves; one of the largest ocean caves in the world. I'm planning on taking Mandy and Ryan back to that spot and get pictures! After making our way into San Diego Harbor, we checked in at the police dock and met up with Jackie and the girls. After debriefing the transit with the Crew on Sissauni, I found a flight and made arrangements to return the next day. Eight days after leaving Crescent City I returned to my loving wife and daughter, and Ryan.
We were hopping to have the boat pulled by this time, however due to a lack of jack stands we were unable to. Instead, Ryan flew back to Alaska for work and we stayed behind, continuing to work on the boat and wait for Ryan's return.

Though the direction of seas were not exactly perfict, we had good wind and a fairly comfortable run to Astoria. Following the wind we sailed almost 30 miles off shore and ran into the Tuna fleet North of Astoria. We were running a little behind schedule, however we would still make it to Astoria before Dad was to fly into Portland. Coming across the Colombia bar was a bit lumpy, Though I don't think it was nearly as bad as Grays Harbor. Again we caught up with Lion's Paw and sailed into Astoria West Basin.

About noon, the fog started to clear and we finally had wind! We hoisted sail and killed the motor. Finally in the Pacific and under sail! Though I had a few apprehensions toward Cape Flattery, we rounded it just fine and made decent time toward Grays Harbor. We sailed all day and well into the night. The seas had picked up quite a bit by this time, making for a rougher ride. Every one seemed to do well, for the most part though. Late in the afternoon Lion's Paw caught up to us and we sailed in tandem till reaching the Grays Harbor Bar at 0400. Crossing the bar was interesting. We made it safely, however I can say it is a little nervewracking to see breaking surf, in the moonlight, just a few hundred feet from our beam. Shortly after arriving in Gray's Harbor, a weather front moved in and found ourselves waiting for weather, not knowing when we were going to be able to leave. We were planning on having crew change out in Astoria. Kendra was going to head back home to Seattle from there and my dad was going to join us and travel to San Fransisco. Everything was working well, according to our plans, accept for the weather. While waiting in Gray's Harbor, we checked out a few of the local scene's, however most everything was shut down for the season. The Hawaiian Chieftan was in port, and Mandy and I caught up with Mike, who was working on board. Mike was the Chief Mate aboard the Lady Washington, more then a year earlier, during Mandy and my wedding. It was a perfect wedding, and we enjoyed catching up with Mike and introducing him to our new daughter. In the meantime weather still was not cooporating and we started looking for alternatives to getting Kendra home. We tried making our exit on the 13th, however the bar was not passable. On the morning of the 14th we had a small break in the weather and headed out.

We Stopped over night in Port Angeles, pulling in about dark. We picked up fuel and water and made or way out first thing in the morning. So far it seemed as though the wind was almost always on the nose, making it very difficult to sail. Catching the current down the Strait of Juan De Fuca, we made good time to Neah Bay. Weather was nice, clear skies, and we saw a couple whale blows that day.
I was hopping that we would see more, I think it was the first whales Kendra had seen. Though we spent most our time motoring, we enjoyed our time and laughed often. Fart jokes abound! Mandy successfully gave Vianne a bath while under way, following Vianne's attempt to eat rice meal, or rather mom's attempt to feed her rice meal. At this point Vianne is more interested in the tecture of the food, and how pretty it looks on her hands, face, hair, floor and anywhere it lands. Up on deck she does well and almost always has a smile.
Pulling into Neah Bay we met up with Jason, aboard Bodrohn. He was also on his way south. We met up for dinner and had great laughs. It's nice to meet fellow cruisers of the same age. It's just a little ironic that Jason was taking Bodron South, in that I had actually looked at that same boat four years earlier to buy, prior to finding Boreas! I'm glad to see that she is in good hands. When we set out in the morning, fog was thick. I was thankful that I had the Radar running properly. Lion's Paw, a 28ft wooden vessel, was making her way to Oregon as well and left just behind up. We made arrangements to keep in contact with each other via VHF for our transit to Grays Harbor.

In some ways it was fortuitous that we left Seattle so late. If not we would have missed the Wooden Boat Festival in Port Townsend. It was a great joy to see our friends aboard the schooner Suva running neck and neck with Lynx. We tried keeping up to get photos, but they all simply walked away from us being under full sail and romping across the bay like proud Clydesdale horses. What an awesome sight to see so many tall ships displaying full canvas all at one time. After the races we met up with our friends and finally got a grand tour of Suva. Built in 1928, the teak on teak schooner was one of the most beautiful boats I have seen!
Also, we bumped into Ray Klabba who helped Mandy build her Kayak several years before. Unfortunately such reunions are always cut too short and we only stayed one night. After picking up a few minor groceries and washing diapers, we set sail again on our way to Port Angeles.

The Great Escape
Finally after much planning and anticipation we are off!
Departing Saturday, September 9, 2006 from Ward's Cove on Lake Union.
We transited through the Locks, ocean bound. Having no trouble getting the champagne bottle open we toasted our new adventure with drinks at 0830. What a feeling of freedom!
Everyone on board was relieved that we have finally made our way to salt water. Myself, Mandy (My wife), Ryan (best friend and might as well be my brother) Kendra (Niece in law) and Vianne (My five month old daughter) are in good spirits, feeling exuberated after delays in our departure, which set us back over a week. Although Vianne probably was more excited about have a fresh diaper and contemplating the sea lion perched on the Mo "A" buoy.
We had a little fog, traveling north, and wanting to be the "Prudent Mariner", we had our Radar running. This only lasted about twenty minutes before it decided to take a vacation from work. I didn't realize it was on a union contract! Yes, I did check it before departure and it was working fine then. I was to discover several hours later, after the fog lifted, it was a combination of a loose ground and a bad inline fuse.
In the mean time the wind picked up and we decided to hoist sail. Attempting to un-furl the Jib, we promptly wrapped the secondary jib halyard around the jib! Nice! At least there were little traffic and calm seas. Ryan and I tried unwrapping the halyard with no luck. It was time to head up the mast.
Ok, I could have waited till getting back to port, however where would be the adventure in that.
While preparing to make my assent to the great heights, (my false illusion of grandeur that we actually own a 18th century tall ship and that I'm Captain Jack Sparrow) I noticed a little flashing blue light off the port bow. Quickly coming back to the 21st century, I realized the US Coast Guard was making its way south in a small Safe Boat. I pointed it this out to Ryan and Kendra as we realized they were changing course toward us. I asked Ryan to pour out the last of the Champagne, not wanting to deal with questions if they did board us, though I doubt they would have bothered.
Coming along side I had the following conversation with the Coxswain.

Me: "Good Morning, What can I do for you gentle men?"
USCG: "Good morning sir. We are conducting education awareness of the Traffic System. Are you currently checked in to VTS?"
Me: "I'm a 36ft sail boat, I was unaware that I needed to be checked in to traffic."
USCG: "Oh, you don't, but you could."
Me: "Right, I was simply going to monitor the traffic channels and stay out of the big boys way!"
USCG: "Oh yes, that's a good idea, I also see you're heading North in the North bound lane."
Me: "Yes, 'cause I'm heading north, on my way to Port Townsend."
USCG: "No, that's good, we've just been having trouble with small vessels heading in the wrong direction of traffic. And you are aware that you are currently a motor vessel because you're not sailing?"
Me: "Right, I was getting to that! I'm trying to fix that."
USCG: "Well, ok thanks for your time have a good trip!"
Me: (thoroughly perplexed) "Uh, yes you too. Thanks for stopping by!"

Promptly they sped away onto their next education mission.

(Keep in mind this whole conversation took place with me, wearing a headset and climbing harness, which made me look like a deranged bearded male Britney Spears with a codpiece. Not exactly how I expected to start the morning, but entertaining none the less!)

Ryan: "Thanks for making us pour out the last of the booze!"

And thus we began our great adventure!