We are firming up our departure plans, including our crew. You just can't put anyone on a sailboat and say, "hey, let's go take a little overnight trip on the Pacific Ocean." Finding the right people - people who happen to have the time and inclination to do such a crazy thing as get in a small boat on the ocean - isn't easy. In a surprise late addition, my wife Kathleen has decided to go along for the entire passage. Our mechanic, Adam, will be going along from Astoria to Port Angeles. Friend Dar may join us for the River cruise on day 1. Our fourth member is Jack, who's a kayaking enthusiast, will go all the way from St. Helens and also hop off in Port Angeles. Kathleen and I will take Wilparina the final leg up to Orcas Island.

I installed a "new" used life raft. One last chore is to create a "ditch bag" for the crew in case of emergency. All our lighting is working now. The new wind instrumentation and new depth sounder are in. I got out the Jack Lines. Installed the lee cloths. Will continue to rig for sea.

We are still set to depart St. Helens on the 28th.