Day 3: Destiny, Flames and R&R

quaint Roche Harbor Hotel

July 2nd: Roche Harbor, San Juan Island

Despite our desire to see Desolation Sound, we decided to take it easy for a change and take an extra day getting some much-needed rest and relaxation.

Since I proclaim to be a galley wench, figured it was high time I learned how to light our 30-year-old alcohol stove.  It didn’t seem right to continue to make it a “blue task*” – Wayne’s responsibility.    That being said, with my shoulder-length, unruly hair, I harbor a healthy respect for stoves that belch foot tall flames in a small, confined space, even if it is a normal part of their priming process.    For those mechanically inept, fire-fearing, life-long non-smokers uncomfortable with matches and lighters, I bear witness by personal example, there is hope.  Got it down.  If I can, you can, too!

Other than fostering my fledgling fiery prowess, and returning the favor of providing dinner for the Hilliers while we talked about sailing together, we deliberately accomplished not much of anything the whole day.

85' Schooner Destiny in Roche Harbor
moored at San Juan Island

Our choice of Roche Harbor was not a random one.  There are several sailable routes from Everett to Desolation Sound.  We came that way to explore the opportunity to crew a vintage and lovingly restored 85’ wooden schooner, Destiny, from there to San Diego.

Wayne regularly peruses boater forums, like Latitude 38 and the Cruiser’s Forum to check out crew requests.  A few days before we left, amid our frantic preparations to leave, Wayne spotted the Hilliard’s request.  “This would be a great opportunity for us to get more ocean experience,” he pitched.  “And what a cool boat!”  I agreed, on both counts.  Plus, we could visit Wayne’s folks in Santa Barbara, not that far from San Diego.  It was just a matter of seeing if it was a fit.  Oh, and how to get from Everett, to Portland, back to Roche, from San Diego to Santa Barbara, from Santa Barbara to Portland?  Mere details.

We liked the Hilliards, a lot.  Their boat is beyond cool; best to learn about Destiny’s amazing story from their website.  They must have liked us, or maybe the Greek salad and chicken picatta enough; we were invited to crew.  Yes, we were in!!!!

*Even among us liberated and capable women, boat responsibilities often divide along traditional gender lines.  Engine repair, for example, is a “blue tasks;” cooking, a “pink tasks” (my responsibility), lighting the stove, now whoever gets to it, a “purple task.” Dealing with head (toilet) issues is a hotly debated division on many boats, and I am eternally gratefully on our boat it is usually a blue task.  Thank you, Wayne, for continuing to give me more and more reasons to love you.