LEAVING THE COLUMBIA RIVER

We arrived back at the boat on Friday May 31st using the entire month of June to prepare Pairadice and her crew of two for our trip south. We had closed our lease with Salpare Bay Marina and would not return to the Columbia River or the Pacific Northwest. Truly a bitter sweet! 

We thoroughly enjoyed exploring everything in the PNW, putting approximately 12,000nm under her keel. Some of the highlights were the San Juan Islands, Whidbey Island, False Creek Vancouver Island B.C., Princess Louisa, Desolation Sound, the Broughtons, Kitimat, Hartley Bay, Prince Rupert, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Icy Strait, the Columbia River gorge cruise through the locks... the list goes on and on. We saw a Spirit Bear in the BC rain forest, caught huge halibut, salmon, crab, prawns... let's not forget all the whale, porpoise and bear shows. There have been so many superb friends we made along the way, so many fabulous memories!  

Our Garmin In Reach is now set up as a tracking device, text messenger when there is no wifi and an emergency beacon. You can follow us by copy and paste this link to your browser.  https://usO-share.inreach.garmin.com/WhereisPairadice    

Adventure is always worthwhile! Now it's time to open a new chapter! We have begun our trip south, leaving the Columbia River once and for all. I started counting our 2019 cruise days on Friday, July 5th when we officially left Salpare Bay Marina, Portland, OR.

Salpare Bay Marina, Hayden Island, Portland OR, Columbia River

Friday, July 5th, day 1. We stopped in St Helens for fuel, topping off with 300+ gallons. There we met up with friends on Melissa Lynn who cruised with us to our friend's dock (Tom and Kay on Alaskan Sea-Duction) at Fisher Slough in Longview, WA. We spent a relaxing weekend moored there wining and dining in the peacefulness. 

Pairadice is underway!

Monday July 8th, day 4, we traveled a mere 14nm to Cathlamet to wait for the weather window for our anticipated Columbia Bar crossing. Cathlamet has a great small grocery where I stocked up with produce and such. You get the idea. 

The marina in Cathlamet.

We stayed in Cathlamet for a few day waiting for what we call the weather window. 

Stocked up on produce!

We have learned to always have all eight fenders out, regardless of where we are.
Who knows what other peoples intentions are!

Morning entertainment while walking the dog!

Thursday evening entertainment and pizza night at the brewery.
They open at 4pm. We met a cute couple who both work for the USCG.
Enjoyed a nice chat telling stories and lies:-)

Friday, July 12th, day 8         Cathlamet, OR - Astoria, OR    

On a final walkabout before heading to Astoria.

Remember, you can click on any picture for full screen images. 

Friday, July 12th, day 8         Cathlamet, OR - Astoria, OR    

   

Patches is right at home in the watch berth!

In the pilot house....heading south very soon!