Newport, Oregon
Winds: 2.3 - 26 knots
Seas: 8 foot swell with 7 foot seas
Skies: Overcast, fog, rain
Distance: 160 miles
We left on Monday morning, with the idea from the gribs that the winds would be 5-15 knots starting from the south and moving to the northwest. A light pattern. The fact that the winds were 10-15 knots at Westport in the harbor made us think that it would lighten as the day when on. No such luck.
As we crossed the bar, the winds built to 20-25 knots from the south and the seas were short and choppy. We had water over the bow and running towards us in the cockpit. We like the new dodger as it has a gasket that helps keep the water from coming underneath and soaking the cockpit. This time we stayed relatively dry but we did have a lot of water down the anchor hawser. (Note to self: remember to stuff something in the anchor hawser before the next passage). At one point we were only making 3-4 knots, speed over the ground. It took forever to pass the entrance to the Columbia River.
Around 4:30 pm on Monday, the seas started to abate and the winds lightened. We now had a favorable current as well and our speed over the ground was averaging 7 knots with highs as much as 8.5 knots. This certainly helped our attitudes.
At 9:30 am on Tuesday morning we were ready to head across the bar into Newport, Oregon. A tug and barge decided to come out, so we had to turn back and wait for them to pass. On the way through the breakwater we passed Ponderosa, a fellow yacht from "E" dock at Shilshole Marina, they were headed to Coos Bay and points south. Its a small world after all. After a quick stop at the fuel dock by 11:00 am we were tied up at the marina. Rich and I are tired and feeling beat up. Mandu, on the other hand, having slept most of the way, was energetic, awake and feeling curious. Go figure.
We plan to go up to Portland to visit with Sarah, Jesse and Rae. We will touch base later.
No worries,
SV Windarra
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