Day 1 off the hand rail

Stephen and I officially have cut the dock lines.  We know some people actually cut their dock lines but we have spent so much money we just in a symbolic gesture had our friends untie them😜.

We had our last day in Ballard yesterday tying up a few more loose ends, one more chance at a close laundromat and of course one more night of fish tacos, wings, and 32 oz plus size beers with fun folks!

Ali and I are pointing to a picture of our boat in the Sloop that is "5200'd" to the wall. Previous owners had a pic of her in Mexico. 

The usuals and some unaccounted for(s) at the Sloop 

Last day at gym and FREE shower, oh yeah, not really but feels like it because no quarters necessary:)

Yummy Mexican in Ballard 

Our old hood

Stephen loved the sandwich porky'S revenge and I liked the Chipotle RB - they have a ton of amazing sandwich combos and don't forget the pickles!

Leif Erickson Statue in the marina and they have a new Vikings museum in Ballard - Stephen's dad sent him a book on the  history of the Vikings in hardback for some inspirational reading. 

Shilshole in the background this late morning, smokey and a marine fog layer

John Farnsworth, our recent dock neighbor and recently retired professor of Santa Clara University holding our bow line. He is a published author with his most recent release this November titled: Coves of Departure: Field Notes from the Sea of Cortez. A wealth of information on the natural history of Baja that we needed more time to tap  into... get the book everyone! 

Robbie on the opposing dock giving us a send off with a cup of coffee and "Tatonka" send off! 

Eric and Ali and dock neighbor Mark 

Restaurant close to the marina with great views

forgot to mention we snuck in this amazing concert with good friends Dave and Kelly who will be buddy boating with us to Mexico! 

This concert was at the Safeco Stadium. We got a slip at the Bell Marina downtown, walked to and from the concert, slept in our own bed that night and made chocolate chip pancakes with mimosas to enjoy with our friends in the morning. I love moving our house to our fun events. 

Racing in Port Townsend tonight 

Yep, thats our feet under blankets enjoying the smokey sunset - our first official night of cruising! 

Yep this is a good life!

Stephen is a FABULOUS COOK!!!! He made these tacos the other day with just "hands on" ingredients and we both wanted a repeat tonight: Eggplant, red onion, red peppers, garlic, olive oil, special seasoning, and nectarines - SOOO GOOD!!!!  

our route today is as above - plan to head to Orcas Island after our PT visit,  which is a bit out of the way for Neah Bay but we are cruisers as we said. In PT,  I want to go to the rigging store of Brian Toss (I am making some soft shackles:) , there is an oyster stew in our future here as well and additionally good Fort Worden strolling/running fun.  Next update will probably be in Orcas Island with a Mt. Constitution hike planned.