After a week sanding and painting in the yard, Teal headed for the launch ramp.
It was low tide but was well into the flood when the launch crew put Teal into the water only to find not enough to float her.
Fortunately it was flooding fast and we didn’t have to wait long to get her to the guest dock.
We spent the next two weeks cleaning, mounting the main sail, biminni, dodger, barbeque, replace old rigging and all the stuff that was removed for her winter stay on the blocks. (That's George atop the mast replacing the rigging) There was equipment that had to be replaced like the GPS antennae that failed during the winter. There seemed to be no end to the things we needed to do. At least within a day or two we were able to move out of our motel room and back on board.Monday May 21: After completing most of the work on the list, I pointed Teal out of Oak Harbor and headed for Squalicum Harbor at Bellingham via Swinomish channel through La Conner. JoAnne drove the 50 or so miles to set up post office box and do other errands while I motored Teal 6 ½ hours on fair currents to the harbor. It was a smooth, fast trip. During the next week at Bellingham we renewed acquaintances with permanent berthers on the dock and continued to fix things that failed during the winter… now it was the solar panel charge regulator. We filled the food lockers, bought the meat and cheese (we love) in Ferndale and finished loading all our clothes and gear. Teal is getting to the top of her water line.
During the week we left the harbor after our three consecutive day limit and motored the five miles to Chuckanut Bay to anchor out for the night. After a very peaceful but short stay in the beautiful serene bay, rimmed by a train track where the trains come out of the tunnel and circle the anchorage, reminding us of toy trains from days gone by. We regretfully headed back to Squalicum Harbor the next morning knowing we won't be anchoring in this spot for many years to come.
Sunday May 27: Today is the annual Ski to Sea triathlon in Bellingham and it’s raining. We sat and listened to the Indy Race (where rain was also threatening). We plan to shove off the day after the Memorial Day holiday. Go to http://www.jobeeart.com/ "highlights" for more photos of our adventures.
