We always joke that we’re slow to get going and we like to linger in places well past most sailors have weighed anchor for the next adventure, but this year we have set a new and even slower pace, haha. Sailing slower allows us to soak in more of the culture, the people, and leisurely explore. Generally such a slow pace is a wonderful way to see the world but right now we’ve got the itch. We know how short summers can be in Alaska.
This whole week looked like a decent weather window but we just weren’t ready to leave. Something would come up and something else would also have to be reorganized and our time in the harbor continued to be extended seemingly in an infinite manner. Today was the last day of a weather window as the winds are expected to turn and come out of the west and south. As we want to sail west we really wanted to save our fuel and catch this wind.
This morning, a “Friday”, we decided to tempt the fates and depart from Kodiak town to head west! Many sailors vow to not commence a voyage on a Friday as there are superstitions. As luck would have it, an engine solenoid terminal corroded off and we couldn’t start the engine. We lowered the dinghy and in 25 knots of wind and pouring rain we headed to the auto parts store to buy a new solenoid.
On our way back to the boat we ran into familiar faces from Honolulu so we welcomed SV Ruby Slippers to Kodiak.
Tomorrow we’ll try our departure again. As it’s a Saturday departure we feel comfortable to say we might actually leave.
Cheers,
Wade and Sara
Wade, Sara, and SV Just Drifting are in Kodiak Town St. Paul Marina
Iridium Go 5/5 Satellite Signal, SSB Good
