Count us lucky, having managed to sell our house right as the COVID pandemic kicked in to high gear. That was our biggest hurdle before we cut loose. However the two cars proved a great deal more difficult to liquidate once the statewide shelter-in-place orders took effect.
But persistence and patience payed off, as we just managed to sell both of the vehicles to local buyers, thus relieving us of our last remaining ties to life on shore. The timing couldn’t be better, as we celebrated our 9th anniversary! Now we’re off on the next decade (and more) of adventures together. Though the Canadian border remains closed, we still have plenty of local destinations to visit as we await our opportunity to head North.
First Stop: Sekiu
Just a few miles East of our long-term anchorage in Neah Bay. Aaand we managed to sail the entirety of our first leg! Janine handled the sails expertly as I raised the anchor and we slowly drifted off the hook. As the day went on, a following wind built to roughly 20 knots, allowing us to rapidly make up the 15 nautical miles to the harbor. We arrived among some fishing boat traffic and one other anchored sailboat and decided to play it safe by turning the motor on during anchoring, just as a precaution.
We anchored in roughly 20 feet of water just off of the end of the southern floats. Mornings were calm, but the afternoon breeze churned up some swell, making for a bit of rolling in the evenings. We met up with some friends who are working as fish-checkers and enjoyed a (socially distant) beach fire while catching up with them.
Port Angeles & Sequim Bay
After three nights at anchor (and a much needed shower at the campground) following winds took us all the way to Port Angeles, our old home. We were treated to some dolphins en route, though they were too fast for either of us to snap a photo. We didn’t linger long though, sailing the next morning to Sequim Bay. We chose to anchor in front of Sequim Bay State Park, as there are two small docks available for shore access. With the park closed to campers (day use only) we had the run of the place, aside from the handful of other boats that visited during our stay.
The conditions in Sequim Bay were perfect for paddle-boarding and even a bit of dinghy sailing! We also took the opportunity to meet some good friends for a campfire at the state park (again, socially distant). As we continue our journey East, we’ll likely visit our old sailing grounds in Kingston, take a quick trip through the Ballard Locks to lake Union and then mosey on up to Deception Pass.