Going through the locks

We are almost out of here... I'm on the bow watching the line as the boat descends...

Here it is from my point of view:

And then we are out:

No problem!

We are now in Puget Sound heading north. 

Food, fuel and a lot of cargo!

It's been a crazy few days, but then getting the boat out of shipyard usually is. This is my fourth season but only second time in shipyard. People who know tell me it's always busy and challenging to finish up the work, clean up, load up and tie down in order to get out of shipyard. 

Speaking of loads, the boat is loaded up with all manner of supplies that we are delivering along the way - lumber, tar paper, an inflatable skiff, various pallets of stuff, crab pots and our own tendering equipment. We had many requests to haul even more - a trailer, a seine net and so on. Jeff finally had to say no... We don't mind helping out, but it was getting a bit ridiculous. When I look at the deck, I hear the intro to the Beverly Hillbillies, anyone else?

See Ty on the top left? He's been working hard, covered in shipyard grime for over 2 weeks, so he blends in. He cleans up pretty good though. 

Next steps: chain and tie everything down. Clean up some more and organize! Then through the locks.  

Luckily, I have all the groceries I need for the next several weeks. Many thanks to Staale, Nic and Siri for their help with supplies. It was only part of what they do to help us get underway. Too much to list here, but much appreciation for everything! 

My personal favorite new thing on the boat: a mini fridge for veggies. Fresh vegetables are precious and we try and bring as much as possible. It used to get squashed and crammed in with all the items in the fridge, but no more! Thanks to Nic, we have this awesome fridge. It's the little things that make a big difference, as the saying goes. 

The mini fridge of 2015. Yum... Stir fry tonight!

I have to go. Lots to do. More later. Aloha 

The beginnings of the 2015 season

We just arrived in Seattle and went straight to the Silver Dolphin. When I saw her mast from the road, the goose bumps rose on my skin. Another season on this beautiful boat and I am already giddy with excitement. Sure, we have more time in shipyard and there is lots of work to do, but the thrill of the season makes everything seem doable. The dust, welders, and mess of shipyard cannot dampen the feeling I have when I step on board. It is hard to describe - it's the beginning of an adventure.

Even after the red eye flight from Honolulu with two screaming babies and very little sleep, I feel alive and awake on this boat surrounded by other boats, all getting busy for the salmon season. Perhaps it is the grinders constantly buzzing that adds to the anticipation. Whatever it is, there is a palpable sense of purpose and a pull to get out of the harbor, through the locks and head to Alaska. For myself, I cannot wait.

Joanna at Fishermen's Terminal, May 21, 2015