We finally reached a destination!!

[capt jake]

Barry and I went sailing yesterday and finaly reached Hope Island!! After launching from Zittles Marina we encountered some nice wind as we headed West to round Johnson Point. At the point we encountered Barry's curse; no wind! In the distance to the West we saw a slight rain storm heading our way, so we attempted to sail to the South around the point to avoid the dreaded wet stuff. But with little wind our progress was slower than that of the storm. Eventually the rain (turned out to be just heavy drizzle that thouroughly soaked us) caught up with us. The shorts and tee shirts quickly became rain gear.

We continued South around the Southern end of Hartstene Island with a few segments of nice wind here and there. The currents throgh here are pretty interesting! :shock: After rounding the Southern tip of Hartsten, we headed West again, this time towards Squaxin Island (tribal owned island that you can't go on).

As we passed Squaxin teh weather began to clear a but and the temperatures increased. This was just in time to look down Budd Inlet and see the State Capital. The water here opens up a bit so we had some fairly decent wind and continued on our Westerly passage towards Hope Island. With all of the bodies of land, the wind came and went. As we neared Hope, the weather broke and the sun came out. What a beautiful sight! We pondered the development at Carlyon Beach which is adjacent to Steamboat Island.

We began scanning the beach at Hope looking for the dock ,which had been there last time out. We were really moving along at a pretty good clip as the current here is vey fast. Of course the last time I was here was 20 years ago (sad to say that the State has not maintained many of the docks I used to know) alas, there was no dock. We beached Fire Escape and tied off to a tree. We went and explored for a short time and then returned for our trip home.

We left Hope and motored out to the open water whre we set sail once again. This was fantastic! We tacked and made our Northerly progress, passing fishing boat and a few other sail boats. Only occasioanly did we have to motor to keep our progress going.

We sailed around the tip of Johnson Point and then headed East to the marina, able to set wing on wing for our return. Pulled into the marina at about 700PM and got home at about 800 PM.

After reviewing the charts, I figure we traveled about 18 NM over the eight hours we were out. Barry was having fun as he began to grin from ear to ear!! His curse of no wind had been broken!

I have to say that this trip was the best one I have ever had. The weather turned out to be fantastic with a moderate 75 temperature and a few high clouds. The sun was out and good conversation with a good friend. Of course we still have an unaswered question or two from the trip, "Where is taht epoxy smell coming from?" Yes, we were smelling what seemed like freshly mixed epoxy around one of the islands. We figure it must have been one of the pollens in the air as it came and went.

What a day, blues and jazz playing on the CD player, a good friend, too many Pepsi's :shock: and a bucket!

[Barry Pyeatt]

Without question the best sailing day yet with Capt. Jake and "Fire Escape". Take out the drizzle and it would have been a truly excellent example of perfect stress relief.

South Sound has lots of beauty and not such crowded shore development. Islands are not readily accessible so development is sparce. Small rock beaches for the most part with constantly varying tidal flows and rips and eddies. So sailing in the currents and tidal flows does take a little thought and planning and a good motor to get you back if you don't have wind and a lot of time. Few other boats out on a beautiful Monday. So no worries about crowd control. Most beaches are deserted so going ashore for a break isn't a problem. Nicely spaced marine access parks for day use and some for overnight make destination sailing both fun and practical. Lots of marine life to see and enjoy as well. Clear water, but cool at about 55 degrees makes a dip refreshing on a hot summer day.

Always a good day out with Capt. Jake. Good friend and sailing buddy.

[Guest]

Well, Capt. you are making headway, and glad for you. I missed out on one of the prettiest days of the summer, today, since the weather changed, and little humidity, but no sailing partner. So I had to slave away at the round stern of my hull. Please be nice and don't post a lot of those neatly trimmed sails and fancy brightwork on the water tommorrow. I am in total depression now. :cry:

[Stump]

Way to go guy's!! Sounds like you all had a great time!

[capt jake]

So I had to slave away at the round stern of my hull.

This has to be another new boat, I am assuming??