Heidi
July 24, 2008, 10:46 am, Off Lincoln Beach

Heard from Mark this morning at 0730. They had a windy night but the winds did diminish after midnight as the NOAA forecast said. Mark said they just kept on going...

This morning the winds are 10-15knots and they seem to have lost the favourable current, but they are still plugging along at a good rate.

As I looked at the map today I see just how far Mark, Kent and Bob have come since leaving San Diego... and how far even before that that Mark and Antonio traveled from La Paz to SD.

I am driving out to join the ride tomorrow... hopefully with a couple of extra hands, to enjoy those last few miles up the mighty Columbia River. We have a slip waiting for us in Cascade Locks... which is developing a great reputation among 29er, 49er and other sailors as the place to go. Last weekend through to this coming weekend there are loads of racers from all over the US sailing the waters at Cascade Locks. Actually the 29er's US Nationals are from the 25th to the 27th! Check this link out about sailing in the Gorge: Columbia Gorge Racing Association

More later... and HOPEFULLY I'll get some photos from the guys at some point.

OH, I have been neglecting our photo gallery but over the last few days have been adding old photos from the trip down the US coast and the Baja Ha Ha trip in 2005. Seems like SO LONG ago!

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yup, me again...
July 23, 2008, 10:28 am, Passing Pt Coquille off Bandon

Heard from Mark this morning at 0800 as they were passing Pt Coquille. Mark says that when he awoke at 0200, he decided the wind had come down enough for them to get going, so after getting everyone up and readying themselves and the boat they left Port Orford at 0245 with winds in the 12-18knot range. As we spoke it was blowing 12knots out of the north and with the favourable current, they were making about 5 knots.

It is 189NM to Astoria so if they go through the night, they could get there during the Thursday night/Friday morning and could be ready to cross the bar at slack water 0600 Friday morning.

The weather is sunny and beautiful today both for the intrepid delivery crew and for us in Hood River... although it is, BRRR, chilly for a change!

Afternoon Update: Mark called at 1830 to say they are 48NM south of Newport and pounding on northward. The winds are gusting to 25-27knots on the nose but they are still making good time. He didn't give a SOG. I checked NOAA and the reports are calling for the winds to subside a bit tonight.

BTW, I am driving out for the thrilling ride upriver to CL & HR... Ohhh, we get to have a bridge raised in Portland and go through the locks at Bonneville!

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Heidi, for Mark & the crew
July 22, 2008, 10:09 pm, Port Orford

Mark, Kent, Bob and Katie are anchored in Port Orford tonight. Mark said that it was blowing 32 knots as they entered the anchorage! As we talked it was blowing 25knots at anchor but they are snug and looking forward to a good night's sleep.

Tomorrow they are off again and may stop at Newport before getting ready to cross the Columbia River Bar at Astoria....

G'night!

(photo courtesy of: Home By The Sea)

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Heidi, for Mark & the crew
July 22, 2008, 1:29 pm, Off Gold Beach, OREGON....

Got a call this morning from Mark as they are off the coast of Gold Beach. They are cruising along at 4+knots which is amazing considering there are headwinds of 24-30+knots. There is a favorable current helping them along though. They are enjoying sunny skies for a change with no fog!

They are going to put in at Port Orford tonight to get a good night's sleep before pushing on to Astoria. We will keep an eye on the weather as well... hoping the winds die down a bit to make the going a little more comfortable.

Stay tuned...

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