PNW to Mexico, on our way at last!

**slowgoesit** · 09-04-2023, 10:24 PM

First, we have owned our Robert Beebe, 50 foot passagemaker, "Muirgen" for 2 years and 8 months now, and have lived aboard for right on 2 years now in the Pacific Northwest. Our shakedown cruise last year was a 3,100 mile, 87 day trip to Glacier Bay Alaska and back. Then we began another period of refit/outfit for our next trip, approximately 7,000 miles from the PNW to the American Southeast, Florida specifically, then Bahamas, and up the East Coast of the United States. Our initial post, covering purchase, initial outfit/repair, and trip to Alaska is covered in the thread below.

https://www.trawlerforum.com/forums/...ign-54978.html

Now (as of 2 September) we are finally on our way South to San Diego, then Ensenada, Sea of Cortez, and points South and East!

PNW to Sea of Cortez and beyond!

Day 1, 2 September:
We left Sinclair Marina, Port Orchard, WA at 1225, accompanied for the first 20 minutes or so by Mark Garret, Sandy Garret, and Bob Neefus on Marks 53 Hatteras, “All the Perks”. Not sure whether they were seeing us off, or making sure we didn’t come back!
Leisurely trip to Poulsbo, WA where we dinghied in and dropped off a load of boat stuff at Longship Marine, the local used marine store. (I highly advise checking them out!) We also picked up a bronze railing end set for the railing closures. Hope they fit!
We grilled oysters that Frank of “Double O” on D Dock at Sinclair Marina gave to us the day prior. A little lemon and hot sauce, and absolutely fantastic! Barely got our feet wet the first day, but we’re starting off easy. We had our first engineering casualty of the trip. When I pulled the engine cut off switch out after we anchored, the engine just kept chugging along! The bolt, which was bronze, with just a standard nut had backed off, and the screw came out . . . . easy fix! Replaced with a stainless steel bolt, ss washers, and a ss nylock nut. I wish all problems were as easily fixed! Anchored in 20 feet of water.

Day 2, 3 September:
Poulsbo, WA to Port Angeles, WA. High overcast, with sun coming through late morning. 1 foot seas generally off the bow. Frank of “Double O” hailed us North of Agate Pass in Shilshole Bay. While he ran the boat, a mate of his passed over 4 Dungeness Crabs in a bucket via boat pole! We emptied the bucket and returned it, once again via boat pole. Incredibly generous of Frank of “Double O”! Generally overcast, made about 600 watts of solar max due to the overcast. We got surprised by a freighter wake and found out everything that hadn’t been fastened down, including the basket in the center of the Pilothouse table which held three drinks. . . . all of which dumped out . . .. Arrrrgh. I was in the galley, holding on to the pot with the crabs on a boil. Rest of trip uneventful. Anchored in 25’ of water. We had crab pasta for dinner. Awesome!

Day 3, 4 September:
Port Angeles, WA to Neah Bay, WA. 1’ seas, 3 seconds gave way to 3’ seas 5-6 seconds off the bow and stbd bow. Very manageable. Made good about 6.5 kts until tide changed, then about 7.5 SOG, or so. Solar got up to about 1300 watts, still a lot of thin obscuration, high up. Made it to Neah Bay about 1500, waited about 20 minutes for a fish boat to fuel, then our turn. Took on 1098 gallons of fuel at $4.92/gallon. Took a little over an hour to pump with a small to medium nozzle. Larry at the fuel dock was very patient with us! The pump stopped every 183 gallons, as that was the limit set by higher. Every two resets (366 gallons) he had to run our credit card, then ask for approval to pump another 366 gallons. . . . 6 resets, and three credit charges later, we had what we wanted on board. We increased our draft by 2” fore and aft! Anchored in 35’ of water at high tide. Kirsten made crab cakes with the last of the Double O’s crabs. 136 miles of around 1,250 or so to San Diego made good so far on the trip.
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I'll try and take some pics to add as the trip progresses!
Edit: First pic, Muirgen during recent haulout to install new tranducers
Pic 2, All the Perks, 53 Hatteras
PIc 3, Oysters!
Pic 4, Kelp Monster

ksanders · 09-04-2023, 10:32 PM

Very nice!!!

Hope to meet up in Ensenada or La Paz!!

mvweebles · 09-04-2023, 10:40 PM

Congrats on setting sail. Following with interest as you turn the corner at Tatoosh tomorrow (??).

Hopefully see you in Ensenada soon.

Peter

SteveK · 09-04-2023, 11:13 PM

following.
Wishing you and admiral a safe and comfortable trip.

OldDan1943 · 09-05-2023, 06:36 AM

You are having sum fun now!

Muirgen Afloat · 09-05-2023, 08:13 AM

The sky is getting light and it's quiet here. Probably for the last time in a few days. I'm the only one up even the cats looked at me and rolled over as I got up at 5 after laying there for a half hour. But I do enjoy the peace of the morning and if I can't sleep, I should enjoy the sunrise. Hoping for a great day on the water. Thanks for the well wishes... hope to meet a few of you on the water some where down the way... Laura

Blissboat · 09-05-2023, 08:33 AM

Following, with best wishes for safe travels!

mvweebles · 09-05-2023, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Muirgen Afloat

The sky is getting light and it's quiet here. Probably for the last time in a few days. I'm the only one up even the cats looked at me and rolled over as I got up at 5 after laying there for a half hour. But I do enjoy the peace of the morning and if I can't sleep, I should enjoy the sunrise. Hoping for a great day on the water. Thanks for the well wishes... hope to meet a few of you on the water some where down the way... Laura

Hi Laura - hope to meet you and Scot in Ensenada. I have been meaning to ask Scot a question better directed to you:

How do you pronounce "Muirgen?"

Peter

socalrider · 09-05-2023, 09:34 AM

Excellent - thanks for sharing! Let me know if you need anything while in San Diego; also can serve as a shipping address if you find out you need anything while en route.

Cold Duck · 09-05-2023, 11:24 AM

You probably will be further south by then, but Oct 2-8th is fleet week in the SF Bay. Fun time on the water especially the Blue Angels on the weekend. Also, you will miss some great cruising in the Delta, a unique water playground in the Pacific. But I know all too well the alure to get south. Sure you know, but Pt Reyes is an excellent anchorage, great NW protection, if it gets snotty before you reach SF Bay. Have fun.

**slowgoesit** · 09-05-2023, 11:55 AM

Day 4, Neah Bay, WA, sunrise, prior to departure.

Cape Flattery on the left, Tatoosh Island on the right, threading the needle. We
re about 10 miles offshore now, heading out to about 30 miles before we turn South. We've caught one seaweed fish, hope to hear that melodious music of the clicker on the reels more with actual fish on the lures!

Captain DJ · 09-05-2023, 12:02 PM

Scot & Laura,
Congrats on getting started South. We will be leaving Olympia in the next 45-60 days for a stop over in Long Beach and San Diego before heading South of the Border. Let me know if you need anything transported (by land) from PNW toward SD/or points south.
Hoping to see you two in the best part of the Gulfo de California (Sea of Cortez) near our home in San Carlos, Sonora (on the mainland side).
We should be there November through next June. I know the area and speak Spanish pretty well and am happy to help in any way I can. Thanks for the update.
DJ & Cheri

Comodave · 09-05-2023, 02:58 PM

Have a good trip. Keep us updated.

firehoser75 · 09-05-2023, 03:12 PM

Scot and Laura,
Terry and I wish you both much fun, great adventures, and safe travels!! It sounds like a blast!
I hope that the Eartec's are still working well for you guys.
We will follow your posts and hopefully live a bit through your adventures.
Best,
Tom

wfleenor · 09-05-2023, 07:57 PM

Thanks for your posts, enjoying your trip almost as much as you. Made that trip down the SF Bay just 2 years ago and have refitting for next years trip to SOC. Unlike you, I tend to cruise from dock to dock, rather than anchor. Safe cruising.

**slowgoesit** · 09-06-2023, 10:14 PM

Tom, we're still married, so I guess the "Marriage Savers" are still working!

Quote:

Originally Posted by firehoser75

Scot and Laura,
Terry and I wish you both much fun, great adventures, and safe travels!! It sounds like a blast!
I hope that the Eartec's are still working well for you guys.
We will follow your posts and hopefully live a bit through your adventures.
Best,
Tom

**slowgoesit** · 09-06-2023, 10:15 PM

Darrin, it'll be a few months before we get up to San Carlos, but definitely planning on looking you and Cheryl up! Don't think we need anything at this point, but we'll keep it in mind. Take care, Scot

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captain DJ

Scot & Laura,
Congrats on getting started South. We will be leaving Olympia in the next 45-60 days for a stop over in Long Beach and San Diego before heading South of the Border. Let me know if you need anything transported (by land) from PNW toward SD/or points south.
Hoping to see you two in the best part of the Gulfo de California (Sea of Cortez) near our home in San Carlos, Sonora (on the mainland side).
We should be there November through next June. I know the area and speak Spanish pretty well and am happy to help in any way I can. Thanks for the update.
DJ & Cheri

**slowgoesit** · 09-06-2023, 10:16 PM

Unfortunately, we'll be in Ensenada by 2 October, but thanks for the thoughts!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cold Duck

You probably will be further south by then, but Oct 2-8th is fleet week in the SF Bay. Fun time on the water especially the Blue Angels on the weekend. Also, you will miss some great cruising in the Delta, a unique water playground in the Pacific. But I know all too well the alure to get south. Sure you know, but Pt Reyes is an excellent anchorage, great NW protection, if it gets snotty before you reach SF Bay. Have fun.

**slowgoesit** · 09-06-2023, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by socalrider

Excellent - thanks for sharing! Let me know if you need anything while in San Diego; also can serve as a shipping address if you find out you need anything while en route.

Peter, will do, we're planning on staying in the Fiddler's Cove, Navy Marina on Coranado Island, but maybe we can hook up!

tiltrider1 · 09-06-2023, 10:20 PM

Keep an eye out for a blue sailboat with a tiger painted on the bow. They are traveling the same direction as you. I suspect they are 12 hours behind you. Mark and Kat, they were my neighbors until they shoved off for Mexico this week.