Cape Flattery and Beyond

That came early as we left the dock at 6:00 am. I had made a few meals before we left so felt that we would all get “fed up” should the seas prevent me from going down in the galley. For those of you who have hung out with me the last while……………you know I was determined not to be sea sick.
The next 72 hours would prove to be very exhausting to say the least! If any of you want a quick weight loss plan have I got a plan for you! The Captain was the only one who stayed steady and calm. He is and was an amazing man. God has certainly blessed me with him…………..but then we all know that right? The decision was made to go in to shore to wait out the winds that were on the way later that evening. We were all pretty tired of being bashed around at this point.
We arrived in Port Newport, Oregon at 6 am Friday morning. The entrance was long and very difficult to maneuver………………the guys were amazing as the fog was heavy and the light minimal. The Bridge was so beautiful—all lit up and reminding me a miniature Golden Gate. We fueled up and tied up in a temporary slip and were extremely happy yet somewhat uneasy to have our feet touch the dock. Everyone slept but the galley girl… that would be me…………… collected the laundry and my lap top and went in search of ways to attend to some chores.
The last few days had certainly shown me that God does exist and He is real! Many had told me that this part of the trip...around Cape Flattery --would be some of the most challenging waters we would ever sail. The apprehensions were slowly taken away as the beginning of Tuesday was glorious sunshine and rather calm waters. Yes, the swell was fairly big but calm……………….as we ventured out further and further and the day wore on the wind picked up. Coming from the South we battled against it all the way……………..having the worst of it in the night. Unfortunately we had to motor all the way so the noise of the motor became very aggravating and gave me headaches. The withdrawal from coffee and most foods made me light headed and by the third day I was very weak and though I had laid down a lot I was very fatigued. With a few gravol that I intended on giving the Katz………..but that was unsuccessful……and the Grace of God I went to bed and slept intermittently but kept comfortable enough.
The Katz was incredible for the most part. The days they found somewhere to cuddle and sleep eating very little. The nights for Joey were unbearable as he loves to prowl and hunt. They both wanted to go out very much but there was just no way that that was going to happen……….The water was cold and rough to say the least. Part of it was the sense of the wind and air that they wanted but of course we did not trust them to dash out……………….Katie finally got reprimanded by Claes and ran to the bed and slept most of the way……….Joey loved The Captains chair and played a game stealing it whenever he could. He kept us all company on our watches………….giving a howl every once in awhile.
Claes and Doug took most of the watches (the time that you are at the wheel steering) but Doug coaxed me a few times and I managed to accumulate nearly 9 hours at the wheel………………..most of it was in the daytime and with calm seas…………..but on the Thursday mid day he was tired, Claes was thrashed so it was me…………the Jib, which is the front sail was up and the main sail up but reefed so it was not full. The wind was strong and I realized how little and weak I really was. Me and God hung on to that wheel for about an hour!

The day in Newport was incredible. Once I had the laundry started I accessed “free” internet and who should be on line but Jan! It was such a blessing to see your smiling face sister! Thank you! It was not long before God brought me a new friend, Diane, a sailor as well. Her and her husband Dean had sailed all around BC and up into Alaska. She had a lot of tips and advice for me but more than anything she befriended me immediately we met in the laundry room. She offered to take me to the store. Having just met that morning there we were in a Starbucks sharing coffee, stories and laughter. I so needed what she had to give! Encouragement! We had so much in common and felt very comfortable with each other. She toured me around town and shopped with me at a huge Fred Myers store……………wow are groceries ever cheap here! We have exchanged addresses and promise to keep in touch….right Diane? I trust and pray that the building of your new home will go well and that you will be back aboard The Talisman in short order and we will be praying for many “MBO’s” (many benevolent occurrences)!!