Alaskan Sea-Duction: September 2019

We were docked up on Miller and Miller Boatyard. We arrived a few days early so we could be ready for the technician on Tuesday. We had fun watching pleasure boaters entering and leaving the Ballard Locks. Boats waiting for a lock down had to first do the “Lock Boat Dance!” Imagine 30 boats all waiting for their turn to lock down (30 feet) to the slat water. People yelling at each other, the lock operators yelling at the boaters. It was fun to watch. We saw every type of boat out there from mega yachts to kayaks locking up and down.

On Tuesday, Ben looked at our rear A/C unit. When the unit was installed last year we found out that on startup, the unit drew too much power and would kill the generator. So we installed a “soft start” which helps the unit reduce the amount of power to start the compressor.

After a few minutes, Ben told us he thought the soft start was bad. He disconnected it and sure enough we had A/C on shore power. We also noted that the A/C unit drew 19.2 amps on start up. Way to much for my generator. We ordered a new soft start which was under warranty. I noticed we had a good 3-day window to get back to the Columbia. We would be leaving in the morning. The shop would forward the new soft start to us.

We figured out by watching the boat dance that if we left early in the morning, we would not have a crowd to get into the lock. We followed a Corps boat into the small lock and a few minutes later we were back in salt water heading for Port Angeles. We had called ahead for fuel and a spot. No worries.

We rode the outgoing current all the way to Port Angeles. The water was calm and pleasant. We could see big ships making their way to port under the watchful eye of VTS. Then we saw a strange ship. As we got closer, we saw it was a submarine being escorted into the Sound. There was an inter ring of USCG ships protecting the sub, then the outer ring with smaller boats with BIG guns on the front and back. We were outside the outer ring. Far enough to be outside the ring, but not far enough to not gain attention. I told Kay about the sub. The next thing she was doing I couldn’t believe. She was out on the bow taking pictures of a Top-Secret nuclear submarine.

I asked Kay what the hell are you doing. Kay, “Taking pictures of the submarine. WHAT? I went into panic mode as one of the outer ring, heavily armed, patrol boat noticed it too! The boat was heading our way with guns on us. I told Kay to get inside and put that d$$$$$ camera down!! And HURRY!! She came in and I maintained my course and speed. The armed boat came within 150 feet of us at full speed, then pointed the boat at us with the big gun and a young fella with his finger on the trigger! He went parallel to us turning up the water, did I say he had a BIG GUN!! After the sub was well off in the distance at our stern the gun boat retreated. What the heck Kay? What did I do, she asked? I said on the bow taking pictures of a Top-Secret Nuclear Submarine that’s what you did! Wait what is that smell and squishy stuff in my pants??

We made to the marina where we fueled up and got a slip. Our friend Jeff from the MY Irene came down for a visit. It was good to see him. In the morning we were heading to Neah Bay to anchor and prepare the cabin for the 190-mile trek down the Washington coast to the Columbia River Bar. Smooth seas down Juan De Fuca straits. About 10 miles out we could see and feel ocean waves. They were not too bad, but a good 4 feet. We anchored in the bay and we both went around the boat strapping things down. The weather forecast was for 3-foot seas at 10 seconds apart, so no rough stuff, but you never know when the weather report was not accurate. We set the alarm for 5 AM.

The next morning it was a little rain and fog. I delayed our departure by 30 minutes so I could see a little. We followed another boat out of the bay and around Cape Flattery. The water was a little rough but not bad. As soon as we got around the point things settled down as we didn’t have the influence of the strait. It was getting lighter and visibility was about 5 miles. Over the next hour I would speed up until the engines were running at 2100 RPMs. This pushed the boat at about 13.8kts. The ride down the coast was without incident. There were a few crab pots but not a lot. This was a relief as running over a crab pot is a bad thing.

We turned into the Columbia River 12 hours after leaving Neah Bay. The entrance to the river was smooth and full of birds! It felt good to be back. We decided to anchor one last time behind Tongue Point by Lois Bay.

We woke to a nice calm and quiet. This is a nice anchorage. We got underway and as is tradition, Kay fixed an awesome beacon and eggs breakfast.

We reached Center line County RV park. We talked to Ron and Kathy. Blasted our horns and went on our way to the winter dock just around the corner. As we entered into Fisher Slough. The winter dock seemed lonely.

After we docked and hooked up electric and water, it was time for a cigar and scotch.

Thoughts and final numbers later.