We left Bainbridge Island on December 7th and did a combination of motoring and sailing to Edmonds, Washington. A very nice marina we arrived on the day of their Christmas boat parade. The weather during the day was very nice but by the time the parade started the wind was howling and it was pouring rain. Only one sailboat and one power boat joined the big carolling ship.
We stayed in Edmonds for three nights until the weather cleared enough to make our way to Langley, WA We enjoyed some good down wind sailing, experimenting with how the boat responds. Langley is a tiny harbour on the south east shore of Whidbey Island. It is a very upscale, artsy little town. One gallery we went into was all local artists and housed some incredible pieces.
The next day we sailed to Oak Harbor on Whidbey Island. Had a great sail - averaged 5 knots and closed to Oak Harbor we were at 6 and even up to a high of 7.2 knots. The boat felt very comfortable. We even had a porpoise follow us for a little while. Docking in Oak Harbor was a challenge - more so than the other times. The wind was blowing right into the slip and would push us this way and that. Being inexperienced, we're haven't got our system down pat yet. It was definitely a challenge but there wasn't a boat next to us so we had room to make mistakes. Got ourselves into the slip, tied up and then noticed a reserved sign. Damn now we have to do it all over again at the next slip. Bit of drama but we managed.
We needed to stock up on groceries here and the forecast was for gale warnings and small craft advisory so we were ready to stay a few days. Unfortunately the warnings kept getting pushed later and later until it hit last night and continued today. The two previous days would have been nice travel days and although we planned to leave today, it just didn't happen. Hoping to head to Cornet Bay tomorrow, which is just outside Deception Pass. That way we will be lined up to travel through the pass at slack. Currents can run up to 8 knots at their strongest. We'll then cross Rosario Strait and into the San Juans.
Doesn't really feel like Christmas so we're hoping to be back in Canada to spend the holidays with friends. We'll stay in touch!!