GIG HARBOR

After an unsuccessful attempt to view the eclipse, we left Edmunds, bound for Seattle. Our ability to see the eclipse was “eclipsed” by all of the fog, which became even thicker as we left the marina. For the first several miles south, we had less than 1/4 mile visibility and were spotting other boats by radar and listening for fog horns.

The fog finally broke by early afternoon and we cruised on into Seattle in bright sunshine. I called Bell Harbor Marina to see about getting a slip for the night when we were about 5 miles out. This marina is right in the heart of downtown Seattle, at the base of the hill below Pike Place Market. I assumed it would be difficult to get a slip, thinking that it was “high” boating season around here and who wouldn’t want to be in such a great location. Turns out the marina was half empty. We had no problem getting a slip, and it was a very nice marina. Modern, clean, well maintained, inexpensive, secure and in the perfect location.

For the afternoon, we went for a nice long walk through Pike’s Place, Pioneer Square & the International District. The Ferris Wheel was nicely lit by the time we got back to the boat to fix dinner.

Our plans being totally flexible, we decided to stay a second day and saw more of Seattle, riding the tram out to Lake Union to see the Wooden Boat Center, then an excursion on the light rail for a while, trying (unsuccessfully) to get to the Museum of Flight. We went back to the waterfront, checking out all of the touristy places, then ended the second evening at a unique restaurant (claimed to be one of the best new restaurants in Seattle) called No Anchor, a beer bistro with excellent food. Fist time i ever tried smoked, pickled mussels — very, very good!

This morning we left Seattle, heading south with Gig Harbor in mind as a destination. We had hoped to stay there when we started cruising out of Tacoma, but it was opening of sailing season and the place was packed. No problem today - we went to the free municipal dock for the day, walked around, got a few groceries, then left the dock and anchored out in the middle of the bay. We used up the last of the crab for dinner and will settle down for a nice, quiet night at anchor.

We’ll start back up north early tomorrow morning, trying to make a two-day hop back up to Anacortes so the boat can be shown this weekend. Hopefully, we will make it to Port Ludlow tomorrow night, then up to Anacortes on Friday. The route we are planning can be a bit challenging, weather and water-wise, but, right now, the forecast looks good…