Well, we finally
pulled away from Ventura at 3pm Pacific time yesterday, headed west
(we had to go west to get north because of that large piece of land
up ahead called Point Conception, sticking way out into the ocean
that gives everyone such fits getting around). The auto pilot never
did get happy enough to steer the boat (refusing to speak to the GPS
and other grouchy things) so, we went ahead without it and spent the
first night out taking turns at the helm.
Captain Jeff |
We have five crew
members. Our daughter, Amber, who owns the boat, our son (and
wilderness expert) Jason, Captain Jeff (who has made this same run up
the coast three times before), and the Captain and I, who are just
general hands. Me in the galley and the Captain wherever needed. So
far, so good. The Lord answered our prayers with calm seas all the
way to the point, where even the predicted nine foot waves we were
supposed to have faced, were a mere three to four feet (thank you,
Lord!). After that, the sea was literally smooth all the way to Moro
Bay, where we pulled into top off the gas tanks and see how much fuel
we had used during the first twenty-four hours and if the gages were
all working properly. All is good, so praise the Lord, again!
This morning,
schools of dolphins played around the boat, swimming under and
popping back and forth along the sides. We also sighted over thirty
sea lions swimming with intent on a particular course, as well as
many whales. One even waved a big giant flipper from less than fifty
feet away, which I have never seen before in person. But—as with
our last big adventure—I'm finding it difficult to catch any of
these moments on camera because they happen so fast. I will keep
trying!
Now, we are at the
place where we are actually turning north and will stay on the same
heading for the next three days. The weather radio tells us our
lovely forecast will also last that long, too. But I'm going to ask
the Lord about that, as I would like to have fair weather all the way
to our first destination. Which is Eureka: the halfway point of our
ultimate Seattle goal. From there, we will have to accommodate our
various schedules and take the rest in three or four day increments.
Yes, all is good so
far. Many thanks for the prayers and for following along!
Lilly
(who thinks it's
about time to go out on deck, again, as it is starting to rock and
roll a little too much down here in the cabin…)
Miles logged so far:
about 120
Miles to go this trip: 523