Day 20 - 7/15/24
One more long day ahead for us. Just shy of 40nm miles will take us to Turnbull islands. After today, we won’t have to go so far in one day for awhile.
It was a very calm day the entire way which meant for glass water and using the motor all day. It was a beautiful day though with islands everywhere to watch go by. Bert made breakfast and we put up our homemade shade for the cockpit and took turns at the wheel while singing sea shanties. Kona was a bit whiney. We weren’t sure why. Either the bugs were bothering her (we gave her a blanket ), she had to potty, or she just didn’t know where captain was.
We gathered all crew for bow watch as we came into tonight’s anchorage as rocks are abundant here and some are just below the surface. After clearing our last obstacle we were amazed to find we were the only ones here. We are anchored with almost 360 degree protection. It is beautiful.
We quickly learned the answer to our Kona question because as soon as the anchor set she jumped ship and swam to shore. We frantically tried to get our dinghy set up to chase her but I wasn’t too worried as it is a small island and no one is here. Sure enough she got to shore, did her business and started swimming back to us before we could get to her. Proud and not so proud of her all at once. I wish o could get her to do her business o if@ that desperate.
Since we didn’t need to take Kona ashore now we wasted no time jumping in as well. It was super hot and the water was surprisingly not FREEZING. Even Richard went swimming. Cory and Bert swam to a little rock island and proclaimed it “Littles island” (a nickname I gave the three youngest many years ago). There is a small beach and we could see picnic tables so we took a ride over to find a fire pit, grill, provided tools and a hammock. I had forgotten my shoes on board so I took the hammock while the kids gathered wood and had a great time.
After amazing flank steak dinner we headed back for fire and music with all of us singing loudly and dancing around the fire.
It was a perfect welcome to the North channel. Yep there are bugs. Yep I’m regretting not going to a city for customs and then picking up fresh food so it will be awhile before our tacos have lettuce and onions. Oh the lessons learned. The beauty is unmatched, the solitude is incredible and we can hear so much wildlife.
