Here’s a cut at a very tentative cruising plan for next season. Obviously, a lot has to develop in the post-COVID world to make the plan reality. In particular, the border with Canada has to open up to U.S. citizens. … Continue reading →
Remember 2020? A lost season best forgotten. Why? Because the Novel Coronavirus and COVID-19, the illness it causes, swept the world, putting life on hold. And so it was for the Windleblo. Up until 2020, an average of more than … Continue reading →
Leg 1: Petersburg to Hoonah; April 23 – May 9 (150 nm) Apr 23 Air travel Denver to Petersburg Apr 24 – 30 Spring Commissioning, Petersburg May 1 – 2 Sail from Petersburg to Warm Springs Bay, Baranof Island May … Continue reading →
I know, I know. “What’s with Leg Five? And Leg Six for that matter?” you ask. ”The cruising plan you posted on the blog stops at Leg Four!” Well, just as we changed our plan to explore fjordland rather than … Continue reading →
Nothing you want comes easy. Crossing into Alaska was no different. Past gauntlets run come to mind. Like the final two days of the Atlantic crossing when the swell rose to eight meters and the winds built to 40 knots. … Continue reading →
Leg Three crewman John Renna arrived ready and able. He sets the standard for bringing the most important thing to the boat – a good attitude. Before leaving Port McNeill, we topped off the larder, beer hold, and diesel tank. … Continue reading →
I asked Crewman John for Leg Two highlights. Here is what stood out in his mind. Stonehouse Pub The Stonehouse Pub sits in the woods up a gravel road adjacent to Canoe Cove marina near Sidney, BC. Its name aptly … Continue reading →
Leg Two crewman John Retrum knows these islands. “I’ve been there,” is his standard refrain when mentioning a destination. But he’s never seen them from a cruising sailboat. Our first destination out of Sidney is Galiano Island. A following breeze … Continue reading →
Murphy couldn’t stay away this year, but she didn’t ruin an Epic Time. First, Murphy. Our spring commissioning travails went swimmingly, with one exception: a failed furling motor. For those who don’t know but wonder, this meant our boat was … Continue reading →
“Ouch!” I scream as I pinch myself. I still can’t believe we are about to splash Windleblo into the Salish Sea for the final season of the ten year mission to sail from Sweden to Alaska. Like Christmas, it seemed … Continue reading →