Ahhhhhhhhhh....

We have arrived! After fixing some things at the dock last week, we were READY to head out to the islands. With so many options and a killer forecast, we knew we'd find what we were looking for. Although, I have to say when we picked up a mooring on Spencer's Spit - Lopez Island, I had no idea we'd stay for 3 days...

I'm so happy we did because we really got a feel for the place. Being a spit, we had two long beaches to hike (and throw the ball for Sugar - she is addicted) with an island across from the tip. Believe it or not, we could have brought our boat through this narrow passage.

We were pleasantly reminded how much time slows down with this lifestyle, and how three days literally feels like a week. It is so luxurious to have unlimited time to reflect, read and talk against such a beautiful backdrop.

I have to say I love that Nick enjoys rowing us around in our dingy so much. I wish you could see all the starfish and creatures clinging to the rocks.

Our last night was the best. Nick's uncle Chris and aunt Susan came out to see us on their gorgeous boat! It was so fun to visit on their upper deck for sunset and then watch an episode of "Breaking Bad" in style. We can't wait to meet up with them again soon!!

Alas, it was time to head back to the dock for food, laundry, water, and of course more boat work! The sail home was perfect - can you imagine the Olympics off to your right, because they were gorgeous too. We also saw a submarine and dolphins playing in our wake!

Sugar didn't seem too impressed...or maybe she was just tired from all that ball chasing!

One more Sugar snap, I couldn't resist!

Maiden Voyage to Cypress Island

Megan is the birthday girl today, so I am your guest blogger for this post. She jumped out of bed to go for a run this morning, so I'll fill you in while she is gone.

We finally headed out to the islands for a couple days to see if this boat actually sails. She does, and well! A few questions from people about: why this boat? What is different from Low Pressure (last boat)? Didn't Megan swear off sailing forever after the crazy storms on the last trip?


Bottom line is that this boat is unconventional (like anyone you know?), and is very easy to sail. That means safety and comfort, and that's what it's all about for us these days. The rig is called a cat-ketch. There are are two masts instead of one, which means each sail is smaller and more manageable. The masts are made out of carbon fiber and don't have any standing rigging (wires holding them up) so there is less to break and fewer (almost no) dependent parts. Since there are no headsails, when you tack or gybe (turn the boat through the wind), you don't really do anything except turn the wheel and go in a new direction. Simple + easy= more fun!


One big question we had was about sailing with Sugar - she is critical to a happy team: if Sugar no-likey, we no likey. At first she decided the best place to be would be under the helm, but later she headed up on deck all by herself! We'll have to keep the life jacket on her for sure.



Cypress Island was our first foray into the San Juans. Only a couple of hours away and we're transported to a completely undeveloped and primitive landscape.


We hiked the north end of the island, stopping over at Duck Lake (mostly a lillipad bog), and a wonderful pebble beach (if nobody is around, is it really trespassing?) for a quick rest and snack. Sugar took the initiative for a little swim. She is a water dog for sure.

Back at the dock to celebrate birthdays, then we'll be off to the islands again. One look at a chart and we can see a thousand possibilities.

Open boat

Take a peek...

The sun is back and the 10 day forecast looks amazing! We’re busy getting ready for Either Way's maiden voyage tomorrow and know that either way it will be exciting. I thought it was time to show you around the inside of our new home. Correction, you'll be viewing the "port" side mostly; starboard side is FULL of tools still being used before finding a home.

I thought it would be funny to place the little Buddha on top of the stove only to realize now that it barely looks like a piece of chocolate. The little guy has been with us for a long time, so long we can't even remember when or where we got him.

The v-birth is impossible to photograph, so use your imagination. I can assure you it is very comfortable and spacious though.

I asked Nick to guess how many steps it was from our boat to land and he guessed 600. After making the trek about 30 times over the past week, I came up with 430. Slips are hard to come by, so being at the end of the dock near the fuel pump is what it is. We're not complaining, it is great exercise.


Nick secured our anchoring options today - we have 2 ready to go on the bow and another in the cockpit for safe measure.

Sugar guarded the cockpit most of the day, she is really good at it.

We ended the day by hoisting the forward sail and trying to figure out how this cat rigged boat works. Cool star huh?


Well it's 12:21am and we just finished watching Frost/Nixon, now that's one tricky Dick! Another reason we've been sleeping in until 9:00! Sleep tight, thanks for tuning in.

Either Way, we're home

I apologize for the lapse in logs, but I've been fighting a cold and I just realized we DO have internet access on the boat - it only took me 5 days to figure that one out!

Supermom Jane brought Sugar and I up to Anacortes last Wednesday and we had a great dinner at "Adrift" followed by a night at the movies with Star Trek. It was a sweet reunion to see my bearded husband after 9 days!

Aside from been drugged up on cold medicine, adjusting to boat life was made easy by day after day of beautiful weather. We believe Sugar loves the boat, even though she requires assistance getting from the cockpit to the salon. The truth is she's pretty easy to please, especially when she gets to be with us all day. The feeling is mutual and we can't imagine our life without her.


Washington Park is right next to the marina and we've been exploring it almost daily. Anacortes really is on the doorstep to some incredible and close cruising grounds, so we're excited to leave the dock and do some exploring later this week when the sun comes out.

For now, we'll keep warm in the v-birth with our newly found internet, cruising guides, new books (Gods Behaving Badly and the Highest Tide) and the sound of rain drops overhead. Hope everyone is doing great!

Sugar vest

She has that look again...

It is confirmed that tomorrow Sugar, Jane and I will drive 5 hours to Anacortes to join Nick on Either Way. We're all very excited. You have no idea how happy I am that I found this perfect fitting life vest for her today. In other words I can stop the construction of my pathetic version. WHEW!!

My great friend Mars treated me to Porque No last night and we both laughed when we got our "number"! Oh how I love the combination of meaningful conversation and delicious food.

Until next time, we'll be chasing rainbows and boat projects in Anacortes.

Give it up for the moms

Happy Mother's Day everyone! My mom and I started the day with a delicious breakfast at Simpatico with my mom-in-law Jane, Claire (mom to be), Bryan (birthday boy) and his mom Tammy. Then I made her extra pretty by giving her a facial for which she thanked me by taking us to get massages. Such a nice mother!

Mother's Day this year was more like Mother's Week. We hiked Tryon Creek, cooked new vegan dishes, and had a wonderful soak and lunch at Bonneville Hot Springs. No matter where you live, you must visit Bonneville Hot Springs (50 minutes from Portland). For $15 you get access to 2 hot tubs (one inside, one out), a heated pool and sauna for 3 hours.


And then there was the sing along Sound of Music movie event...I had no idea what a dirndle was, or that my Godmother Anne and Richard Feeney lived in Salzburg at the chateau where some of it was filmed. They danced in that gazebo. What a treat to go with them and wear this authentic dirndle from Salzburg!! Don't worry I wasn't the only one who dressed up.


FROM THE BOAT FRONT...

Either way is once again at home in the ocean. Nick has been working non stop for the past 7 days and I'm so grateful for his talent and persistence. The gas heater is almost installed and that is no small feat . We have a slip in Anacortes through June 7th, and Sugar are excited to join them in a couple of days. Does life seem surreal to anyone else, or is it just me?

bottom job

Cinco de Mayo, 2009

Either way's bottom job is officially underway. It hasn't been easy; dodging showers and boat yard bullies is taxing. Speaking of taxing, I'm grateful to have our taxes in the right hands and underway as well!

Happy 40th birthday to our awesome friend RJ!! You rock and we love you! Leaving Sausalito was even harder now that you guys live there. At least we got to celebrate June's 40th birthday at the best Sushi place in the bay the night before we left!!



I also had the sheer pleasure of taking a walk with my great friends Claire and Greg Bell today. They inspire people for a living http://waterthebamboo.com/ and I'm telling you, they are the real deal.

Today also marked the 8th anniversary of my dad's sudden death. Life is so fleeting, and nothing brings that home more than death. His death, and the death of my step dad 13 years ago have made me interested in really slowing life down as much as possible. Now you know why sailing appeals to me!

between worlds

Friday May 1, 2009...6:20am

It's bittersweet, more sweet than bitter, bitter than sweet...our last drive through Sausalito (our favorite city ever) marked the beginning of our next great adventure. Hint...


After many long walks and talks, we decided to trade our waterfront lifestyle in for a life on the water. What? Again? Well, it IS a really good time to buy a boat...and this Freedom 33 sailboat was calling our name. She is sitting patiently on the hard in the beautiful San Juan islands, a place we've always wanted to explore. Either way it will be great, and to make sure we don't forget, we changed her name to either way!

Nick tried hard to fit all of our worldly belongings into (and onto) the car, but alas, we had to get a 5x5 storage unit at the last minute. It's amazing how "stuffed" we got after ending our cruise 5 years ago, and how long (2+ years) it has taken us to shed the non-essentials. You'll be happy to hear Sugar made the cut, as long as she agreed to ride under my feet. She has no idea what she's in for, but she does look suspicious.


Saturday May 2nd, 2009

We were greeted by pink petals and sunshine in Portland and enjoyed the weekend recharging with family. Nothing beats springtime in Portland when the sun is shining!




Monday May 4, 2009

Well the sun is gone, and we're reminded why everything is so lush. I decided to stay in Portland for a week to finish taxes and do facials while Nick makes the initial push to get Either Way in the water. He left early this morning to pick up a great Craigslist dingy in Olympia on the way to Anacortes.


It is hard to believe one week ago today, I was cuddling kiddos in St. John! I am so grateful for this amazing life! http://baseballandbabydolls.blogspot.com