Heidi, for Mark & the crew
July 25, 2008, 10:17 am, Garibaldi/Tillamook

There are always exciting times aboard a boat... no matter whose boat it is!

As I left my yoga class last night, I got a call from Mark that they had a problem with the water pump and were heading in to Tillamook/Garibaldi. The leak was only a drop or 2 every few seconds but they were leery of it failing at the wrong time (like going over the bar).

Last night they made it in to the harbour with the CG standing by just in case. There is a spare aboard and they were checking to see if it worked. Got a call later that it wasn't going to be that easy so they decided to wait until this morning to source some parts in town. Kent and Bob are our intrepid repairers and installers.

Mark called this morning to tell me that after talking to local who helped him locate a welder, the part is just as it should be (needed something welded?) and they will install it and hope to be going in a few hours... Apparently this gentleman was able to weld it in a few minutes and charged a nominal fee... how wonderful!

Mark went on to tell me that the guy who helped him was a really interesting artist/welder who makes wind sculptures... he has his name and I am going to post info about him... if you are in the area, be sure and look him up.

Kent will be leaving the crew sometime this morning as he has to be back in Hood River later today. I am on standby waiting to hear when and where I'll meet them. Bob and Katie are able to stay aboard for a while more at least.

(photo: Google image of the area at Garibaldi/Tillamook)

Update: If testing on the water pump goes well, it looks like they are going to leave a little later today to get to Astoria sometime late this evening. The weather is good and there will even be favourable winds (W, SW and S at various times).

I am sure that Mark and the whole crew are tired after being on the go for such a long time... They left for SD on July 10th and after making such good time to SF, the 2nd leg has been a lot rougher going and taken more time than they had hoped. Almost home...

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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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