Port Ludlow to Alec's Bay

We couldn't have asked for nicer conditions for crossing the San Juan de Fuca strait.  We started out with a current helping to push us along, building until at one point we were making 10 knots speed over ground on a motor that normally pushes along at about 5 1/2 knots.

We did encounter a patch of rough water, but it was more likely due to a currents  - a wind on tide situation.  However, once we got abreast of the San Juan De Fuca, it was smooth as a pond.  However, that also marked a demarcation between a current that was pushing us to a current that we were fighting, and our speed dropped to 3 1/2 knots, taking us a while to do the last bits.  Still, we arrived just after noon to a beautiful bay at the south end of Lopez island, which we have almost entirely to ourselves.  Two other boats, and the nearest has to be 200 meters or more away.

Rod and I inflated the dinghy and then he and Tina rowed ashore to hike and see the progress made on their friend's house.  Meanwhile I stayed aboard and took a dip (and I mean dip - the water is just too cold for me to actually go even for a dunk!) into the water as is my custom since Florida, then read and contemplate taking a nap.  This contemplation was interrupted by the return of the captain and crew, at which time it was decided that a nap really was a good idea and I read myself to sleep for a good siesta.

Upon waking it was sprung on me that it was my turn to cook.  I was presented with a recipe card and a salon table full of materials - Thai Basil Rice.  Chop this, dice that, sautee those things, etc.  I felt I was working in a chemical plant.  As is usual with me, nothing actually did what the card said it should be, so there was a bit of on-the-fly improvisation.  In the end, though it came out acceptably.

Now the sun is going down, the temperature is gradually dropping, and soon it will be time to put sweat pants and a fleece back on.

Tomorrow will be a relatively late start as we head to Bedwell Harbour to go through border into Canada, where we'll be for most of the rest of the trip.  A somewhat short day awaits us, about 24 or 25 miles.