We're Off!

The LIBERTY crew.
The Captain, Lilly, Amber and Jason.

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!

A playful visitor

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.

Amber at the helm, heading into 

Moro Bay to refuel.

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