Our 2017 True Love Adventure is coming to an end.  The last few days we have had some very peaceful times in a few of our favorite anchorages, at Lasqueti Island, Cabbage Island and finally Port Townsend.

Given the smoke and colder temps up north, we spent a long day getting to Lasqueti and decided to stay an extra day because the conditions were perfect for peace and kayaking.  

We visited the funky hippie community by tender for a yummy lunch and a few provisions:  milk, kale and a scrumptious somewhat healthy muffin.  This was a perfect place to stop.

 Unfortunately, our second night at anchore wasn’t as calm as expected and we were awoken to really strong northwestern winds battering us.  The anchor held beautifully, but it wasn’t a restful night and in the morning we had to move to some protection to get the tender up.

So we decided to do another long day down to Cabbage Island where we began our Canadian adventure this year.  Once we were safely anchored, we embraced a calm afternoon and took a nap using our new 3.5″ self-inflating REI camp cushions.  They are extremely comfortable. 

The evening winds were calm and the prediction was for continued calm south winds at night.  Perfect for our anchorage.  After a yummy dinner and a smoky sunset we went to sleep early expecting to kayak in the morning. 

Unfortunately, the wind got us again.  It came from the north, not the south as forecast and we were treated to another bumpy night.   

Once again we rose early and this time after a quick refil for gas at Roche Harbor we decided to do some orca hunting before heading across a predicted calm Strait of Juan de Fuca.   The crossing was thankfully calm, but no orcas.  Turns out they are eating lots of big salmon on the choppy west coast of Vancouver Island.

Our goal for the night –  Port Townsend, a needed night at the dock and a a meal at Sirens. Both goals accomplished, although the slip was too close to the breakwater and its Hitchcock-like gathering of seagulls and other assorted waterfowl.  Luckily, we were never bombed. But the overwhelming smell at low-tide just wasn’t good.  

So, we moved the boat to Fort Flagger the next day and went back to anchoring.  We took the tender to the south side of town for the first time instead of the community dinghy dock near the center because that’s where Kathy’s Nails was located. We had made a coveted and hard to get pedicure appointment.   After wonderful pedicures (3 weeks on th boat makes for some pretty ratty feet) and a day walking Port Townsend, we ended our excursion seeing the movie Big Sick.  We highly recommend it.  The adorable Rose Theater is a great place to watch a movie. 

Last night we actually watched the sun set almost all the way into the horizon for the first time in two weeks.  Our plan was to head to Seattle today, but given that it’s still smokey and hot in Seattle and pretty clear here, we are going to wait another day before full re-entry.  We have full connectivity so emails and calls are in full swing.  

After a working morning we tendered into Port Townsend to get a game we saw for the grandkids, pick up a piece of art for us and enjoyed a late lunch.  

I’m sure I’ve said it before, but we really love Port Townsend.  It’s idyllic on a sunny day like today.  The views, the quaint atmosphere and the sweet minstrels on the corners. Thursdays are their Music At The Pier evenings.  But, that seems to bring out all sorts of musicians on every street corner.   For lunch we headed to a new place suggested by a local the day before.  She overheard us talking about choices and suggested Alchemy.

And the local advice was spot on.  Alchemy is a yummy French bistro near the fountain.  The fountain anchors Washington State’s smallest park.  We weren’t disappointed.  The French onion soup was delicate, the salmon salad fresh and perfect and the Croque-madame really couldn’t have been better. Now we have another restaurant we love in Port Townsend.  

Staying mindful as we re-enter is certainly a challenge.  But of course that’s the goal, taking what we’ve learned this trip and using it in everyday life.   We will do our best.
Until our next Adventure!  

The Captain & the First Mate of the True Love