Having settled into the boat and properly cruised a bit, we meant to sail more, but were confronted with an ugly forecast directly in the middle of our journey. We added some ice to the cooler and set out north, initially with the idea of sheltering in our home port, but opted instead to harbor in Kingsland Bay to shelter from the southerly wind.
Over the next day we would spent some time ashore, hiking some pretty trails; we also witnessed some very inhospitable weather, and imagined, and in some cases could glimpse, how rough the sea proper would have been. We had planned for the possibility of weather days with gear for inclement hikes, warm tea, and plenty of reading material: various material on iPad and Kindle, Jennifer Egan’s Manhattan Beach, and a rather thick biography of James Madison, America’s fourth President.
After the weather, we sailed south, to Crown Point; along the way we stayed at a marina; we braved a cold night and ventured towards the canals, but only so far before turning back north.
Day 4
After consulting with owner, decided we would […] at Kingsland Bay in order to be better sheltered from predicted high winds from south. Head ashore for fresh ice and add’l water. Bought some supplies. Bouncy ride back in ship’s dinghy. Wind picked up considerably as we prepared to set sail. Double-reefed and partial jib, we set out heading east.
Taken a few ranges across the harbor. Practiced fixing position and triangulation. Headed near Diamond but no farther south, then to Mcullough Point, then into Kingsland Bay, where we moored on a ball under Royal Savage Yacht Club [banner].
After lunch, we went ashore and hiked the adjoining state park. Wonderful trails with rich and interesting flora. On the opposite side of the bay, mix of private property and public land with good vistas and robust cliffside trails. Saw perhaps a dozen people, some in masks, some not. Returned to our dinghy before dark and made ship ready. Foul weather expected tomorrow. We do not expect to sail.
Day 5
This was our weather day. We stayed in Kingsland Bay and, for the most part, stayed on the boat. It was rainy and windy outside. We talked; listened to the radio, read, napped, and otherwise kept ourselves entertained.
Awake early, ~0600. Mooring held, I slept well, to my surprise. Wind advisories [gibberish; I was writing in the dark].
Went ashore ~1700 during a break in the weather. Squall blew in as we landed. We hiked ~45 minutes to the west to view the lake. Clear weather as we returned. High wind predicted afterwards. Sure enough, by 2000 we swung around and pointed NNW.
Day 6
Planning to go to Crown Point. Called two marinas to confirm showers and mooring available.
We sailed [?] nautical miles. Sailing only on a jib and stay sail, no main sail. Winds predicted 15-25 gusts to 30 NW; After some pfaffing about, we came around Diamond Island and headed S/SW making 5+ kts. Altogether we took ~ 5 hours.
Laconic man with some attitude met us at the marina we opted for that [evening], $25 for the hot showers and a mooring ball.
Tonight is expected to be v. cold – near freezing. Lots of layers and piping breakfast in the morning. Gentler winds promised tomorrow. We will look over the […] and head north.
Today we voyaged several hours, negotiating the environment, fixing our position, checking our special “brochure moments”.
Ah yes, brochure moments. The moments we looked for the ship to be like the brochure.
We never got quite that heeled over, but it was exciting at times.
The marina we chose was…strange. There was no overt hostility but neither was there the warm friendliness typical of most hospitality establishments. The cigarette dangling from a mouth at the fuel dock was a sign, albeit when no fueling was in progress.
This was our predicted cold night – down near freezing overnight. David and I had brought many layers, both clothes and blankets, and my number one mission the next day was to make coffee and start the heater.
Overall, it was not bad. In fact, the sun came out and in short order the next morning, the cabin was nearly warm. We still needed layers to be outside, but nothing unreasonable given the season. That was Day 7 though.
