June 21 Summer solstice the longest day of the year we depart Gig for Kingston via Clovos passage on the west side of Vashon Island. With the ebb tide it’s a nice day with only a tug pushing a barge north passing us to starboard. Mt Rainier was poking its peak at us for much of the South Sound.
Navigation today is loaded with electronics, iPhone apps for weather, tides, currents and of course charts. I could navigate with just the iPhone app. I still also utilize paper charts, tide tables, slide rule and dividers. VHF radio can do the weather. The old ways are still good ways and hey how much iPhone or IPad time can one absorb with focus?
Our departure music was Aaron Copland’s Fanfare for the Common Man reminiscent of my son’s Navy ship’s music sounding upon its departure for the Gulf War from its dock in San Diego. Quite a moving piece at a time of emotional drama for Dad. Our Kestrel motored pass Seattle without fanfare at a whopping 5.5 knots nearly 6 mph. But being retired from the Port of Longview time was not pushing.
30.6 nm averaging 5.3 knots we put into Port of Kingston on the Kitsap Peninsula. WA State ferries run between here and Edmonds. Ann served up steamer clams and a nice Rogue Valley Pinot Blanc from the galley for dinner.
S/V Kestrel - Dana 24 