Coming together

We have finally put most of the boat back together. We still have a lot of organizing and stowing of gear to do, but the “deal killers” to leaving are gone. Tomorrow we are going to try to buy a solar panel and another battery and then dad is probably going home. There is a gale warning along the coast for tomorrow night and Tuesday, so leaving before Wednesday probably isn’t an option. I want the first leg to be an easy one and there isn’t any call to hurry. The 65 miles to Ensenada will make for one long day. Depending on wind we could be out ten to fifteen hours. Basically to make check in during the day we will probably leave at three in the morning and motor if we go below five and a half knots. Maybe we can anchor off of the Mexican Coronado Islands, and get an early start the following day, but so far no one I’ve talked to has done it. Anyhow, the boat an sail now an there isn’t a whole lot left that we absolutely have to get done. It’s been great having dad here, and Greg and Heather came in today to see us off. Today we all went to tour the USS Midway with dad’s uncle Dick and aunt Sue. Having them in town has been great as well. Dick is a great tour guide. Our satellite phone seems to be able to get texts at times, but because of the licensing issues in the USA we have not been able to make any phone calls. There are several of you on our list to get the number once I know it is working. I learned last night that it is very expensive for you to call us ($20-30/min), but free to text us, and we can call you back. All in all not really a bad thing. Everyone can still keep in touch. We will let you know when we are on the move again. Tomorrow I will update the Spot tracker. Talk to you all soon,

Elan

End of an era

Well. Today I sold the truck to my friend Russ. I hope it treats him as well as it treated me. Kris has offered to sell the Bandit for me. Between the two is the end of what has been a great time for me. Hopefully the new adventure fills the gap. Tonight we had a great send off party with friends from as far away as Oregon and Idaho. I couldn’t have asked for any more. We have a great group of friends. I hope you guys come and visit. Thanks so much for coming to Seattle tonight. We will miss you guys,

Elan and Ash