Swallow, Momma Kitty and Dave have arrived in Canada! A couple days ago motored across Boundary Pass from Stuart Island, San Juan Islands, to Bedwell Harbour and cleared customs. At the unstaffed boarder station I used the courtsey phone for a quick and easy call - Canada makes it simple and welcoming. Wind and current … Continue reading Canada
Clunk ... clunk bang clunk clunk ... thump bump clunk ... snort bump snort. It is oh-dark-thirty and Momma Kitty's eyes are larger than her head and her tail looks like it could be used to wash a 2-liter soda bottle. Snort snort snort ... I woke up at the first thump (captain sleeping with … Continue reading Latenight visitor
I've been Swallow's owner for a month. My life aboard her has been going well as I learn her peculiarities. There is a growing list of wants and needs. I am taking time to learn more about Swallow before making any significant purchases or changes as the bank account isn't limitless and some things that I … Continue reading One month
Swallow, Momma Kitty and I had an uneventful crossing from Deception Pass to the San Juan Islands. Not a breath of wind and flat seas. Got up early, made breakfast and made sure Swallow was ready. We left Cornet Bay at 6:30am and entered Deception Pass about 30 minutes before the slack before the ebb. … Continue reading Into the Islands
After a two-and-a-half of weeks living aboard SWALLOW on the water I'm much more comfortable to head to locations where assistance and a chandlery are not close at hand. The plan is to explore British Columbia Canada's Gulf Islands the rest of August and then Washington State's San Juan Islands in September. Now I … Continue reading Heading north
SWALLOW has an uncomplicated electrical system ... relative to modern boats. I like this as fewer gadgets means less to go wrong. I do not plan to be spending much time in a marina so the ability to be 'off the grid' is important. For this reason I'm trying to get a feeling for how well … Continue reading Keeping a charge
Having an alternative way to move Swallow around the Salish Sea is almost a necessity. Lin and Larry Pardey sailing around the world without a motor. I know many people that have no motor on their boat - but most of these boats are much much smaller and have significantly less displacement than Swallow! As most I have … Continue reading The motor …
