Wovser… it’s been a journey!

We left crescent city a few days ago and motored out for twoish hours… light wind was forecasted for shore and then building as we ventured out towards the big blues! In the next 24 hours we had good wind, some rain and sunny periods. Every morning at sun-up schools of dolphins joined me on my morning shifts (04.00-08.00). Dolphins, sunrise and waves against the hull. My new chapter in life is settling into something very special.

A couple of days ago we had our first light storm! The wind built through the night and we knew we had 30-35nmiles coming our way, so we got organized with a good meal, sleeping arrangements and discussions about reefing early and having least amount of sails up in the event of a bigger wind then forecasted. I tried to sleep however difficult as winds were building and waves were reaching 15 feet. By the time 04.00 came around winds were gusting 35nmiles and waves were tossing us around. We were all happy when wind decreased and we could catch some sleep. At one point I was sleeping on the floor below my bed on the sailbag and in my floatation suit. My pfd never came off.

This morning, the engine decides to be difficult again. For those who has been reading my blogs, know that I’ve had a couple of “no starts” at first try. Key turns and makes an ”alarm sound” however does not turn the engine. This time, the engine didn’t start at all. So I start measuring volt on all the batteries and connections leading from starter battery to solenoid to starter. I had good voltage from battery to solonoid and leaving Solonoid. I realized that wires leaving solonoid to another connection and according to my Nigel Calder’s textbook (brilliant btw) it’s an auxiliary solonoid for the starter and while checking on those, I realized they were loose and dangly. While talking to some folks in crescent city I learned that these needs wiggling if engine doesn’t start. These wires are in an awkward place and cleaning them up and reconnecting them looks difficult and not a job while underway. I wiggled and my crew turned the key! And the engine started! Thank you Nigel and Kevin (who shared his knowledge about wiggling).

Today, as I’m writing we have been offshore for four days and tonight will be our fifth night at sea for our third leg since (Me) leaving Nanaimo. We have light wind and fog for the next two days! We are off to Catalina island for some R&R!

I saw my first closeup humpback today. It was swimming alongside the boat, no more then 10 feet away, for 15 seconds before it left…