The trail to Mobile leads in two directions... one for us and one for the boat. The boat was loaded up on Monday morning at the La Conner Marina by a huge mobile lift that picked it up with several large straps. It is rigged in four corners that can move the boat in all directions to center the boat on the trailer. The guys doing this were very skilled and the truck driver was very particular about its placement... bless his heart! Once on the trailer its height was carefully measured so as to keep the overall above road-level height at under 16'. After several adjustments the height came in at 15'7". Everyone was pleased so we were too.
The driver intends to take the boat from Washington through eastern Oregon, Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, Kansas, Texas, Louisiana, and finally to Mobile, AL. He said there is a good weather window to go that way at this time. We sure hope so!
Our route will take us down the I-5 corridor to southern California and then east from there. We have visits scheduled in several spots. On Wednesday we will stop in Sacramento to get reacquainted with Frank and Carrie whom we met at a Great Loop rendezvous several years ago. They have gone on to complete the loop last year. We have kept in touch with an occasional e-mail and they were kind enough to invite us to stay with them and talk "loop" for an evening. Every looper couple that we have met have been warm, friendly, and generous. Can't wait to see them.
The next visit will be in Tucson with friends Randy and Karen on Friday. They have made sure that we will be stopping by since we are carrying a big box of stuff from their home in Gig Harbor for their place in Tucson... if we can find it in the truck. I know it is in there somewhere. After that it will be "pedal to the metal" to finish the drive through the southwestern states to get to Mobile hopefully before the time the boat gets there.
The preparation and packing for this whole year-long trip was almost overwhelming. The last item was put in a box and then into the moving truck at about 11:00 o'clock last night.
Earlier in the day we packed in our dinghy, upper deck railings, microwave oven and numerous other items that we did not want to ship on the boat.
After a long day on the road we have ended up in Yreka, CA. tonight. It should be an easier day tomorrow... not so far to go. As a truck driver's daughter Debi's experience helped guide that truck as if she were Danica Patrick at Indy. I didn't know that a loaded 16' rental truck was that maneuverable...
but it is.
One of the reasons for pushing so hard today was to get through the Siskiyou Mountains in southern Oregon. At times it can be snowed in pretty well but not today. Smooth sailing all the way. There was a fair amount of snow on the sides of the road. Debi commented that this will probably be the last time we'll see snow for quite some time. I'm ready for that.
Nautical Term of the Day:
Turbulence:
1. Disturbed water caused by rapid flow over a submerged object.
Great Loop Jargon:
2. Disturbed air caused by rapid flow over the cab of a rapidly moving truck on a 5% downward grade and similar to that created by a F-18 as it approaches Mach One.
[ pictures to follow .... someday]
Glad to hear you got away from Fox Island and have officially begun your journey, if not yet the " on the water" part! We are following with great interest. We hope things continue to go smoothly for both the boat and your truck. We are making our Gulf Crossing tonight with 7 other boats, leaving Carabelle at 3 pm. Will be interesting! Safe travels, Cathryn and Bob
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