We cleared US Customs with some difficulty. When Doug called to see if we could clear by phone or if we needed to report to Friday Harbor, he was told we needed a Boat Recreation Number. We had passport numbers, NEXUS numbers, and a number and decal from The Department of Homeland Security, US Customs and Boarder Protection Division. We did not have a Boat Recreation Number. We do now. We each have a number, not just one for the boat. (Shaman thought that was unfair. If is were not for her, we world not need the numbers.) We are sure that the next time we clear in Ketchikan, they will have never heard of a Boat Recreation Number.
Kenny was unceremoniously thrown overboard in the wee small hours of the morning when we were anchored in Reid Harbor on Stuart Island in the San Juans. After a classic sunny September day, Doug was awakened at 2:00 AM by (un-forecast) wind in the rigging. I was sleeping soundly, but he decided that 20 knots deserved attention from both of us. We carefully made our way to the foredeck, with flashlights in hand, to let out more anchor line and send Kenny slithering down the anchor rode to hold it on the bottom. Kenny loves doing this. We hoped this was his last day on the job, but since a new anchor windlass costs more than $1.98, he may see action again.
Mt. Baker and one of the many ferries we avoided in the San Juans
The Adventuress slowing making her way across Lopez Sound.After three days in the San Juans, Shaman sallied over to Anacortes where Jolie joined us for a day of sailing in Rosario Strait.
Shaman tucked up her dainty keel once more, and we headed for the Swinomish Channel (dredged to 6.8 feet…we draw almost 8 feet. We transited at hight tide.) for a rendezvous with the Eagle Harbor Yacht Club at La Conner.La Conner was hosting a Classic and Antique Car and Boat show and I picked out my car. I liked his mischievous expression.
We didn’t find a boat to buy at the boat show, but I am going to try to replicate the dining room from this classic yacht on Shaman. Maybe just the tablecloth.
I thought that Doug looked good at the helm, but he was coveting the anchor windlass….
Shaman shuddered when we showed her the picture of what we had in mind for a new windlass and asked us to keep looking. We left LaConner early in the morning on September 14th, headed for Liberty Bay Maria and then to our land-based home.
I am pleased to report that Shaman did not swagger when returning to her moorage this year. Her modest behavior may have been due to the fact that is was blowing hared, and it took all of her (and Doug’s) concentration to get her safely into her slip. But we know she had a good time and we’re grateful for her stellar performance.
Shaman flying her colors, safe at home.*******************************************************************************
The Inside Passage is among the wildest coasts left
in the temperate zone, and through its defenses
of steepness and bad weather it has retained a
pristine condition that is a treasure in
the early twenty-first century.
…….. Passage to Alaska, p. 8
…….. Passage to Alaska, p. 8
Thank you for sharing our adventures in this treasured land.
Doug, Jean, and Shaman
