July 3, 1999 Devil’s Lake, Or
Launched at Blue Heron Motel and Marina at the north end of the lake. We
have a week’s moorage here while we’re staying about 12 miles south in Depot
Bay.
A steep and narrow ramp with a serious overhanging tree caused us to launch
without first raising the mast (a first for us). Also a first was launching
with the motorhome. That part was no problem, although we think we may take
out at the end of the week at the State Park ramp at the other end of the
lake. No sailing today, we need to get on down to our campsite and get
settled.
July 4, 1999 Devil’s Lake, Or
Sue and Pete joined us for a beautiful (9 on a scale of 10) day. Sailed
the four miles down the lake and then back again in a mostly steady 8 to 10
knts of westerly breeze, which put us on a broad reach both ways! All
systems worked perfectly. Sailed out of the moorage, and sailed back in
again. Not a drop of fuel used!
July 5, 1999 Devil’s Lake, Or
Another beautiful day of sailing. 75 to 80 degrees, 15 to 18 knts of W-N/W
wind allowed us to sail on a beam reach all the way down the lake. Coming
back the wind came a little more north and freshened to 18 to 20. (Glad we
had chosen to only use the “regular” jib, I call it the “storm jib” it’s so
small) About half way back, we decided to try anchoring (another first for
us) for lunch. A shallow cove (7’) on the west side provided a perfect
protected setting. We swung at anchor (7 lb Danforth and 30’ of 3/8” chain)
about 50 feet off of somebody’s fancy house and private moorage. (No one
home to look down their nose at us.) By the time we got underway again the
wind was up to 20 to 25 and we worked hard but had great fun getting back up
to Blue Heron Marina. Another beautiful day and only used the motor for
about two minutes when we were recovering the anchor.
Sharon is getting used to heeling but still doesn’t like it much when we go
beyond about 20 degrees. She is getting more comfortable crewing and is an
excellent helmsman. I’m thankful to her youth participation in Mariners
(girl sea scouts).
May skip tomorrow, it looks like rain. Besides, just sitting here it feels
like the boat’s still moving!
July 8, 1999 Devil’s Lake, Or
After two days of gray drizzle, it dawned today like another Monday (the
5th). Bob and Helen (my parents) joined us yesterday and had a wonderful
though short sail this morning. 10 to 15 knts from the W-NW under clear
blue skies were perfect for their 81 and 84 year old legs! Sailed for about
an hour and a half with the std. jib and full main. The boat continues to
operate perfectly, even if it’s operator’s don’t.
After my folks left for home, we gave the boat a through cleaning and talked
about some minor changes we’d like to make. Just sort of hung out “messing
about in boat(s)”. I could get used to this lifestyle! <BG>
July 9, 1999 Devil’s Lake, Or
Very foggy on the coast today. This usually means it’s HOT over in the
valley so we’re glad we’re here. The lake runs north-south about 4 miles
long, just over the hills from the beach, about a quarter to half mile on
average, and it was relatively clear on the lake. Crew not feeling well
today, and not wanting to precipitate a mutiny, I didn’t insist on sailing
anyway. We just drove to the boat and sat in the cockpit and hung out for
about an hour, very pleasant. Perhaps we’ll sail tomorrow.
July 10, 1999 Devil’s Lake, Or
Sunshine, blue skies, and 18 to 20 knts of breeze were a perfect ending to
our week at the beach. We sailed hard for about two hours then motored the
last quarter mile rather than beat into the narrow finger of the north end
of the lake where the marina is located. Total motoring for the week: less
than 15 minutes!
July 11, 1999 Devil’s Lake, Or
Today we took the boat out at Holme’s Street Park, about half a mile south
of the marina. I had checked it out and it looked much better than the
marina’s ramp. Unfortunately, I forgot to look UP! We got the boat on the
trailer just fine and as I’m pulling up the ramp, I suddenly notice overhead
wires running diagonally down the ramp. I stopped immediately and Sharon
noticed the problem. We tried maneuvering a little to see if we could sneak
by on the edge but ultimately decided that we didn’t want to risk it.
Backed back down to the water’s edge to drop the mast, etc. and make ready
for travel. I hope this was close enough to a major mistake that I’ll look
in all directions the next time I check out a launch ramp.
Smooth sailing to all (I wish we were coming to Tahoe, maybe next year)
Jim Sinclair
WWP #1084 Second Wind
Portland, OR