Not much of note has been happening of late, but here's a few things that may or may not be worth mentioning.
In April we had a decent spell of weather (not raining and blowing) so we took this opportunity to haul out on the tidal grid. It was our first go at it, and we assume it was Wecantu's first time as well. She took to the grid marvelously, mainly because of her, ahem, ample endowment of a keel. As our friend Richard aptly observed, hauling out in this manner "looks really easy, with the potential for unimaginable disaster." Well put.
Beforehand we had heard a tale or two of others' misfortunes and so understandably were a little on edge. (And the fact that we tied up next to piling number 13 did not inspire confidence...) But in the end I think I prefer this method over having to watch your beloved boat get lifted from the water by a couple of rather worn and dubious looking straps, then watch helplessly as she swings alarmingly in this cradle as the travelift carries her over a vast expanse of pavement, where she is then finally set down to rest with only a few spidery jack stands to keep her upright.
You cannot see this detail in the photographs, but there are several lines tying her to the pilings, plus a halyard from the mast down to a railing for good measure. The trick is keeping these lines adjusted as the water level changes.
Other items of note:
We saw our first bear of the season, thankfully from the car. He was a black bear, but definitely bigger than the black bears we are used to seeing in the Cascades.
We saw our first bear paw print of the season while out on a hike. It was in the mud on a well hiked trail, and was as big as my head. If that doesn't make one fly up into the boughs, I don't know what will.
We are still addicted to swimming and I have worn out three swim suits already. Matt is still on his first. I am not quite sure what to say about that.
And lastly, we have developed an immense liking for spending our evenings reading Georgette Heyer Regency novels. One of my colleagues (that would be you, Alene) recommended this author to me a few years ago, and I was a ninnyhammer for not pursuing this author's works sooner!
P.S. Our group was able to put that Volvo Penta engine back together correctly, and it actually ran. Never mind all that oil leaking out...
