Astoria, Oregon to Neah Bay, Washington

4/30/2019

Today is the day for our run out in the Pacific. Up at 3:30am to ready the boat and crew for the blue water run and to time our exit from the Columbia River.

The wind has subsided significantly, but still not where we prefer to see it. Weather forecast is indicating doable conditions with wind and waves laying down around Gray’s Harbor, about 30 miles north up the coast. Time to put on the big girl panties and play the cards we are dealt.

Astoria in the rear view

Immediately after we entered the river from the marina, we felt the current fighting against the wind. The waves and wind intensified as we progressed the 10 miles or so down river  to the Columbia River Bar and entrance into the Pacific. 

Conditions were choppy as we navigated over the bar and continued to be uncomfortable as we entered the ocean. These conditions were forecast but was more uncomfortable than anticipated.

 Within a short time, Alan was green and very queasy. He went to rest while I took the helm. 

Shortly before 6am I spotted a black shape, low in the water coming straight toward us. Visibility was still limited and the shape looked like a small fishing boat in the distance. It continued to stay its course and began to look like an overturned black inflatable boat. I change course to avoid it but remain close enough to determine what the mysterious object was and to ensure that no-one was in peril. By this time, I believed it could be a gigantic tree floating on the surface and continued to move away from its path. A this moment, I took another glance to our starboard and realized it was a whale! Continuing to maintain course, I was hoping for a closer view, indeed, it was a bloated, dead whale lying on its side with a flipper up in the air. Concerned that this could be a hazard to navigation, we radioed and reported this to the  Coast Guard. The morning so far has not been void of Kaos!


After a few hours, the seas and wind laid down as forecast. Much of the swell remained but the ride remained was vastly improved; as was Alan after a few hours in the bunk. 

As conditions improved, we increased the speed, burned some fuel, but cut about 3 hours off of our travel day. The remainder of the day was uneventful and the weather was clear and sunny. 

We arrived in Neah Bay, a Makh Indian reservation at about 3:30 pm and went directly to the fuel dock to refill with diesel fuel. The “boys” were thirsty and drank 325 gallons, that calculated to about 1 mile per gallon (Portland to Neah Bay). 

We were welcomed by the barking of sealions that had clambered up on a marina dock to sun themselves and wait for a generous fisherman to throw them some scraps.

 It was neat to watch them lift their massive bodies out of the water and onto the dock.

The marina was full so we anchored north of the navigation channel in a protected bay. A few glasses of well deserved wine, a warm meal and an early night in bed. Life is good!