Winter layover 2011

After our arrival back in Seattle there was much to do.  There was first the post Salish Sea Adventure boat maintenance, which included a bottom job and another couple of coats of varnish on the bright work.  Having that out of the way, we focused our attention on a number of projects that we feel are important to complete prior to our departure next summer, including, new sails, monitor windvane, raw water foot pump for the galley, electric windlass, solar panels, deck wash pump, fog horn and hailer, as well as a re-rig of the standing rigging and replacement of the safety lines.  We are also having insect screens made up for all of deck hatches and the companion way entrance.  We didn't have much of a bug problem this last year, but as we head south into warmer and more tropical climates, it's best to be prepared.

Much of the work is now complete with the exception of the standing rigging, which should get done over the course of the next few months.  Sails are scheduled to be delivered on January 26.  As the weather warms up a bit in the spring, we will put yet another several coats of varnish on the bright work prior to our departure.

The plan at this point is to wait until mid to late June for our departure on our next adventure.  We will head north again with the goal of rounding the northern tip of Vancouver Island around the end of July on a counter clockwise circumnavigation of the island.  On our way north, we'll have an opportunity to revisit some of the favorite spots that we discovered last year.  We'll spend most of August working our way down the west coast of Vancouver Island, and will then begin our journey south along the Washington, Oregon and California coast at the tail end of August.  We'll stop for extended stays in the Bay Area and Long Beach to visit with friends and family and will then hook up with the Baja Ha Ha 2012 event for the run south to Cabo.  From there, the plan is a little less clear, but will likely include some cruising in the Sea of Cortez and south along the Mexican coast.

Talos IV just before the re-splash with a new bottom and
buffed and waxed hull.

Bottom job in process.

New sails custom made by Port Townsend Sails.

New raw water foot pump for the galley sink.

New electric windlass.  No more hand
cranking to get the chain up!

Solar panels are still in works, but the mounting
rails are installed and ready to go.

New deck wash pump mounted under the
head sink.  No more bucket over the
side to clean the chain and deck!