Doing the Bainbridge Loop with the Lenz Sisters

Stardate Tuesday June 30, 2009, Paul & Mag Wilhour along with Lar & Deb decided to go sailing.

Day was just about as good as it gets in Seattle.

Paul Dean decides to take over the ship. After his 30 second training session he was good to go.

Paul Dean is now loose as a Goose after his training was complete. This is when captain talks crew into sailing around Bainbridge Island. Crew offered up some resistance, but Captain prevails.

The twisted Lenz Sisters are fairly mellow at this point.

Encountered many beautiful homes on the East side of Bainbridge and on the west side of the peninsula

We looked back after we ran the Diesel Engine and wow was our boat smoking. The democrats on Bainbridge were not happy (Just kidding here folks,.. it was actually a fire of some sort just after we passed under the Bainbridge Bridge to the peninsula).

Deb was doing some risky behavior here. I think she was looking for Sea Lions.

Captain shows "All is Well Sign". 1 of 2 engine cylinders are operational but this cyclinder is firing at full operating capacity.

Even Mag was cool at this point. She didn't have any training. Evidently she is a natural.

We are back in Elliot Bay, with Mount Rainier in the Background, playing "Dodge the Ferry". We actually had another Ferry on the other side of us at this point but with great skill and judgement we successfully maneuvered between them. A couple of the Crew members were freaking but they did survive the adventure.

Longbranch Bay or Bust, Day3, Stardate May 24, 2009

Underway near 8am. Sky is cloudy looking back at last nights stay at Longbranch Bay.


Sailing between Anderson Island and McMeil Island.


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Returning under Tacoma Narrows Bridge just hanging out.

Once on the east side of Vahon Island we followed this board almost all the way home.

Getting into some sun.

Arriving back home at near 4pm. We are fairly worn out. Cruise Ship in background.

Longbranch Bay or Bust, Day2, Stardate May 23 2009

Up and about by 8am and soon as we set sail we spot the Vashon Ferry. Since we were being lazy we missed sunrise.

Wow!!!,... this was the highligt of the day, 2 Orca Whales spotted on Shearwaters Portside by 1st Mate on west side of Vashon Island.
Coming up on Tacoma Narrows. We can see Bridge Towers in the Distance as be pass Gig Harbor.

Tacoma Narrows fully in view, near 12 noon.

Narrows Bridge approaching.

We were hoping the mast cleared the Bridge.

Sailing between Anderson Island and McNeil Island we reach our destination, Longbranch Bay. A peaceful place with several boats already tied up together.

Looking out of Longbranch Bay towards Anderson Island we anchor for the night.

Sunset is qute a sight. Captian and 1st Mate play a round of Dummy Rummy. Captain demonstrates his shrewdness by beaten the pance off 1st Mate.

Longbranch Bay or Bust, Day1, Stardate May 22 2009

Friday May 22 3pm, Shearwater is under way in Elliott Bay. The crew did not know where this trip would end up other than somewhere in South Puget Sound. 1st Mate is giddy and is ready to take charge at the helm while captain is hoisting Main and jib sails.

Ten minutes into the journey, sails are set. After Hoisting main + jib, Captain is worn out but relaxed at the helm.

Seattle Ferry is on the Horizon and 1st mate is ready to play chicken. Usually 1st mate is freaking at this point, but for some reason this trip she is calm.


Heading is set for Blake Island on the horizon. Waters are becoming a little choppy with white caps starting to break out. Crew sets sail in a wing and prayer configuration and speed is picking up.


Reached southside of Blake Island where wind was shielded by Blake Island. North side of Vashon Island is in the distance. Captain takes sails down, not pretty but down.

Crew pumps up dingy in preparation to head to shore.

Rowed to shore on dingy at dusk to do a little exploring. Shearwater in background.

Shearwater from Blake Island shore at dusk.

Sun is virtually down. Captain and 1st Mate sign off.