Adventures on Blue Redd

This is the view out forward from our boat.   That is the big refinery in Anacortes. Today's blog is about tides.   Time and Tide may wait for no man, but we are certainly waiting on them! In order to haul the boat to swap props (see prior post for the prop story), we need to have at least 7' of water, this means we need a +2' tide or better.   That is 2' above zero.   Zero is measured as the lowest of the days' two low tides.  We have what are called "mixed" tides in the Pacific Northwest, that is two high tides and two low tides, but the heights of the highs are different as are the heights of the lows.   I won't dive into why, but tides are exceptionally complex, and just when you think you know something about them, there's yet another layer of complexity. Anyway, to haul Blue Redd we need to have enough water under the keel so we can get into and out of the Travelift slings and we draw about 6.5".   This week the tide...

Let me preface this with the declaration that Speed Tests in a boat are subject to so much variability as to be nearly useless.   Undaunted by this reality, we did one today to compare the old prop's performance to the new 5-blade prop's performance. Whoa, back the boat up.   Today, Mark, my old college roommate, came up and hung out with us.   We started off with a lovely Mexi breakfast made by our glamourous Admiral/Chef, Karen. Then we did chores as I needed to get a few things done, such as put the fuel additive in the fuel tanks (note, it takes a lot of additive to treat 1,500 gallons of diesel).   Then Mark and I hung the TV in the VIP room only to find out that the plug has no power!   Chasing that down is a task for another day. It rained this morning but cleared off for a beautiful afternoon.   Not quite sunny, but still very pleasant. So, on to our sea trial/speed test.   Basically, we note the current, spee...

I'm reminded of a variation on a warrior theme.   That which does not work makes you stronger... Things started off well enough though we did finally get aboard later on Wednesday than anticipated.  We'd spent a lovely day in two Drs appointments, then visited some dear friends, Jack & Kathe.   Then we hung out with Kippy & Deam at a wine tasting at Long Cellars in Woodinville.   My sister, Jenn, & Marcia joined us there and we six had a rollicking good time.   Jenn & I were essentially Kippy's neighbors when we were still all in diapers.   Yup, we've known each other for a very long time. I came home with 4 cases of wine.   Did I mention that I really think Jason Long is one of Washington's finest winemakers?   www.longcellars.com.   Check them out. What's the first thing I do when I board the boat???  Make sure we aren't sinking.   A quick tour of the bilges and all was ...

 Last Year's Adventures can be seen at www.OnBlueRedd.blogspot.com .