We returned to the boat and at 11.30 AM weighed anchor and motored toward the fuel dock. Our preferred jetty was occupied by a large boat so we stooged around in circles then did a tour of the southern end of Friday Harbor. We then circled back, dodged a ferry, then a sea plane that was taxiing back after landing, then found ourselves perfectly positioned as the large boat backed out of the fuel jetty. We got unexpected help from the lass who was on duty and soon we were safely tied up.
We took on 22 U.S. gallons (83.3 liters) of diesel, which computed to an average of 2.3 liters per hour.
The lass freed our lines, pushed our bow out, and I managed to do a 3-point turn to exit the area without mishap.
We motored across the San Juan Channel as planned. It was a beautiful day: blue sky, sunny, warm enough to wear shorts and tee-shirt. We dropped anchor in Parks Bay in 12 meters of water. The only other boat in the bay soon departed and for a while we were on our own. I ferried Brenda to the Reserve side of the island where she did some exploration for about 1.5 hours during which time she saw her second woodpecker species. She also came across deep and recent scores to about 7 feet in a dead tree that she hoped were not made by a bear. I went back to the boat and sorted out a minor problem with my electric windlass which required my emptying out the chain locker. I took the opportunity to clean it out lest the drain holes block up.
I must stay that I am very happy with the way the anchoring system is working. I used to pay out the chain by hand but now I use the winch handle to loosen the drum and let the chain pay itself out. The modifications that Lenny made in Honolulu ensure that the chain feeds into the hawser pipe without ever jamming. The extended hawser has almost eliminated chain jams due to stacking in the chain locker - almost but now quite. I can now raise the anchor in one continuous operation keeping an eye on the chain feeding in the last 5 meters. Sometimes I have to stop the operation and push the chain stack over with my hand to get in the last few meters of chain. I had a scare in Port Townsend when the electric anchor winch would not work at all. Fortunately Arnold tracked the problem to the cockpit switch and helped me to get a replacement.
Other boats began to arrive and by late afternoon we had nine boats in the bay, a mixture of sail (4), power (5), US, and Canadian boats. As usual we were the only Australian boat. They do seem to be a rarity in the NW USA.
We enjoyed a pasta dinner with red wine in the cockpit enjoying the peaceful setting.
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