A Musical Interlude on Shatoosh

26 Feb 2014
The sun Gods appear and welcome aboard new compadres on Shatoosh. Lance, Jeff, and I gather to meet and get to know one another better. We are all local LifeVantage Distributors and have taken this opportunity for Lance to share his love of his numerous flutes.  Jeff is a long time family friend and expert fisherman. His mother Ann, is one of my faithful crew, but he has never been onboard before.

We depart the slip and head outbound of the Foss Waterway and shut her Volvo off and drift with the ebbing tide into Commencement Bay. I point out the Seaport Museum, my proposed Vancouver Notch and then Lance starts bringing out his cherished Shakuhachi flutes and ukelele. He beautifully plays as Jeff and I sit quietly and absorb the notes deep within our beings. A harbor seal circles Shatoosh along with gentle rips tides. The waters are flat with a gentle bounce that seems to be keeping time with the music. **I am having trouble inserting the video.

Our time, while short, is wonderful. These are 2  talented team players and we look forward in working together and deepening our newly found friendships.

The Lost Anchor of the HMS Chatham - Has It Been Found?

Divers accidentally find an anchor. Have treasure hunters been looking in the wrong bay for over 220 years?

During the exploration of  the Voyage of Discovery in 1792, the British ships, HMS Discovery and HMS Chatham departed Possession Sound on 5 June 1792. They had just completed surveying and charting all the waters in the San Juan Islands, Admiralty Inlet, Hood Canal, and the waters south of Restoration Point on Bainbridge Island. Captain Vancouver claimed possession of the land and waters naming the Gulf of Georgia and New Georgia for His Majesty, King George III. Their next destination was Strawberry Bay on Cypress Island, a place they could proceed north to begin surveying and charting the northern mainland and coastal waters of Vancouver Island, British Columbia.

5 June 1792: The tide was ebbing and there was a nice breeze over their sterns as they made their way south out of Possession Sound. They rounded the southern tip of the island that would soon be named Whidbey’s Island by Captain George Vancouver and changed their course north and west into Admiralty Inlet.

Flash forward to January 2008- when a diver, Doug Monk, accidentally finds an anchor off the northwestern shore of Whidbey Island in 35 feet of water.  Not just any anchor, but a  9 foot, 900 pound anchor with a 100 feet of chain. Together with Scott Grimm they formed Anchor Ventures LLC and have spend 6 years investigating weather patterns, tidal flows, journal, logs of the Chatham and Discovery and visiting England’s Patent Office to examine types of anchors. They contend that the Chatham was not sailing in the company of the Discovery and had anchored offshore of Whidbey Island and this anchor belongs to the Chatham. They are convinced of this fact.

In February 2014, the Seattle Times and the South Whidbey Record announced to Puget Sounders that Monk and Grimm have discovered an anchor, perhaps the anchor of the HMS Chatham. Treasure hunters have been looking in Bellingham Channel near Cypress Island for over a 100 years. They are convinced this anchor is the lost anchor of the HMS Chatham and in a few months the anchor will be removed from its watery grave to be examined and studied.

Lost Anchor Chatham click for video

This is remarkable and certainly gets one’s historical juices flowing. This week it was the hottest topic in question in 3 historical meeting I attended. I am an amateur Voyage of Discovery historian, the Director of the Peter Puget Memorial Project, and I say not so fast, fellows. I have read the journals, logs of Puget, Vancouver, Menzies, Baker, Swaine, Heddington, Hanson, Baker, Broughton and they clearly state the ships were traveling in company with the HMS Discovery and had planned to anchor in Strawberry Bay on the west side of Cypress Island. In my revisiting these journals, I discover some interesting facts that are note worthy for discussion.

Lets re-board  our vessels as they head out of Possession Sound on 5 June 1792 and see just where they went.  At dusk they passed Foulweather Bluff to port and at midnight with lightening winds and a flooding tide Captain Vancouver anchors the Discovery in 22 fathoms ½  way between Oak Cove and the top of Marrowstone Island and ½ mile offshore in Admiralty Inlet.  Both Vancouver and Menzies state the flooding tide had swept the Chatham west into Oak Cove and she anchored earlier than the Discovery. They are about 5 miles apart.

5 June Chatham anchors Oak Cove
Discovery anchors 1/2 way between Oak Cove & Marrowstone I.

6 June 1792 The ships weigh anchors at 0700 hrs and are traveling together nicely with a westerly wind and a strong ebbing tide. By noon they were outside of Admiralty inlet and upon reaching 1 mile past Point Partridge the Discovery passed over 10 fathoms of water but soon increased to 20-30 fathoms. This would be Partridge Banks. The Chatham is still in company. At 1500hrs the winds were dying so they anchored north of the banks, the eastern shore was 6 miles and a low, sandy island (Smith Island )was north of them by 3-4 miles. Strawberry Bay was 18 miles to the north. Captain Vancouver, Lt Broughton the Commander of the Chatham and Mr. Menzies went in one of the small boats to explore the small island. Upon return to the vessels, they weighed anchors at 1900hrs, but with light winds they fell south of their position and re-anchored 2200hrs until 0600hrs on the 7 June. After trying to set sail north again they were forced to anchor again near Smith Island. At this time Captain Vancouver dispatched Mr. Whidbey, Lt Puget and Lt Manby in the launch and cutter with a week’s provisions to explore the continental shore to the north and east, where they could see an opening in the shoreline. (Deception Pass)  It remained calm until 1600hrs where they weighed anchor and proceeded north 5-6 leagues(10-18 miles) and anchored in the evening near many islands on the north side of the Strait.( off of Lopez Island, near Cape St. Mary in 37 fathoms).

Red- Route of Chatham and Discovery
Blue- Route of Puget and Whidbey

We are now reaching the critical days that lie ahead for the anchoring of both vessels into Strawberry Bay.

8 June: In Menzies journal he makes an interesting statement: While waiting out the ebbing tide Lt Broughton asks him to join him in a small boat to explore the numerous small islands to the west of their anchorage. So, Lt Broughton was not on board his vessel, the Chatham during this critical time of approaching Strawberry Bay and Cypress Island. Both vessels weighed anchor at 1500hrs and plied northward. With lightening winds and the assistance of the men of the oar in their small boats they were able to assist the Discovery into their anchorage in Strawberry Bay between Strawberry Island an Cypress Island at 1800hrs in 16 fathoms of sand bottom. Lt Hanson is probably in command of the Chatham, along with Lt Johnstone( sailing master)  and while they are attempting to gain the anchorage are caught with lightening wind/flooding tide and are  pulled off to the eastward point into Bellingham Channel. Lt Hanson states in his journal on 9 June( different date from Vancouver, Menzies journal stating the 8th) the tide was so rapid it was setting the vessel into a small bight( possibly Deep Water Bay) They launched a small boat to help tow the vessel round and after setting the stream anchor and rounding up the cable broke. They let go of their best bower anchor. After waiting for the tide change they used the small boats to sweep for the anchor, but could not retrieve it. Lt Heddington’s journal also confirms this event. In an unsigned journal, the writer describes the events and the location to be Cypress Island, but the date is 9 June. The writer is thought to be either Edward Bell or William Walker of the Chatham.

Green- Discovery
Red- Chatham

Green- Discovery
Red- Chatham

On 8 June, Menzies stated at the end of the day, it was late Lt. Broughton stayed on board the Discovery for the night.

9 June: A boat from the Chatham informed Captain Vancouver that she was anchored in a critical situation at the eastward opening of Bellingham Channel at Cypress Island. They had been sweeping for their lost stream anchor without success.  On 10 June the Chatham successfully made way to Strawberry Bay and anchored inside of the Discovery in 7 fathoms.

Remember that Lt Puget and Mr Whidbey were exploring in the launch and cutter and after finishing the exploration of Deception Pass and with the confirmation of that the land mass was indeed an Island(Whidbey) they proceeded north around Fidalgo Island and headed down Guemes Channel.. It was at this time that they spotted the Chatham anchored near Cypress Island bearing northwest of them. They rowed to see if there were any new orders for them. The Chatham informed them they had lost their stream anchor and were in the process of sweeping for it without success. Puget and Whidbey then continued on their way east to explore Padilla and Samish Bays and numerous small islands to include Vendovi Island. They returned  by taking the northern shore of Cypress Island and returned to the anchored Discovery and the Chatham at 1400hrs on 10 June. Their approximate mileage of exploration was 60nm.

Puget- Whidbey Route 7-10 June

11 June: At 0400hrs both the Discovery and the Chatham departed  Strawberry Bay sailing north between Strawberry Island and the north point of the bay. They anchored that evening in Birch Bay.

*** all the routes and anchorages drawn are my estimates***
and do not reflect their exact coordinates.

Anchor Ventures state:
1. Their Whidbey Island Anchor has a grapple hook attached to the chain which supports the theory that the men of the Chatham were sweeping with a grapple hook.
2. The flukes are in tradition of an Admiralty stream anchor; v-shaped
3. If the Chatham was not sailing in the company of the Discovery, only the journals written by the crew of the Chatham should be acknowledged.

Historians say:

1. The British method of sweeping was not using a grapple hook, but rather rowing out boats with rope lowered to catch the anchor flukes.
2. The flukes on the video of the anchor shows curved flukes.
3. The chain in question  is more in the period of 1800.
4. Whether you read the journals of the Chatham, or the Discovery,  they all clearly state  as the HMS Chatham attempted to reach the western anchorage of the HMS Discovery in Strawberry Bay, the flooding tides in Bellingham Channel swept them to a small bight along the southeastern shore of Cypress Island and it was there they attempted to anchor with a stream anchor. The forces were so great, that the cable broke which forced them to drop their best bower anchor. After sweeping throughout 2 slack tides they were unable to retrieve it. They returned to Strawberry Bay and anchored next to the Discovery.
5. The most distance the ships were separated at anchor was 5 miles; On June 5, the Chatham anchored earlier when the failing wind and tides forced them to anchor in Oak Cove. While the Discovery proceeded farther north and anchored half way up Marrowstone island on its east side. On June 8, the Discovery anchored in Strawberry Bay and the Chatham was forced to anchor on the SE side of Cypress.
6. The only Date the Chatham could have anchored  close to the proposed west shore of Whidbey Island would have been on the 5 June. After that date they were outbound of Admiralty Inlet.

It is for these reasons I believe this anchor in question is not the lost anchor of the HMS Chatham. In speaking with Richard Blumenthal, the famous NW Historian and author. He believes the Chatham lost their stream anchor off Cypress. I am really excited about this anchor and respect Anchor Ventures LLC for finding it and pursuing its identification. If not the Chatham then who? The Spanish were in the area but not off Whidbey Island, Wilkes Expedition in 1841, numerous ships exploring, and trading. Perhaps one day soon we will know about this anchor and hopefully someone can find the lost anchor of the HMS Chatham. You treasure hunters continue….At any rate, all of us are continuing to be a part of a new chapter in the Voyage of Discovery.

I began reflecting of my own voyage last summer on Shatoosh as I was making my way from Spencer Spit on Lopez island to Cypress Head on Cypress Island. The ebbing strong tide and northerly wind  in Thatcher Pass was shoving me down on Decatur Island and I was moving nicely at 10 k. As I entered Rosario Strait, the wind and tide were on my nose and I was having trouble getting any heading. I was traveling at about 3 k, but after alot of up wind and down wind maneuvering I finally was able to get some heading and make my destination for the night. A nice DNR Buoy.

 How very exciting. Be Calm, Carry On.

References:
1. South Whidbey Record, Justin Burnett, Feb 6, 2014
2. Seattle Times, Craig Welch, Feb 8, 2014
3. Blumenthal, Richard, With Vancouver in Inland Washington Waters: Journals of 12 Crewmen April-June 1792
4. Meany, Edmond S., Vancouver's Discovery of Puget Sound

Shatoosh Meets New Albin Owners

Superbowl Sunday was a hit with Seahawks fans, but in Slip J-20, Foss Harbor Marina, Shatoosh had a Superbowl Sunday all on her own, meeting her own new fan base. Months of excitement have been building for Shatoosh, Pashmina, Hira and New Albin Owners--Jim and Karyn of eastern Washington(Tri-Cities) area. This is where the Great Rivers converge; the Columbia and Snake Rivers. Jim and Karyn have been Faceless Blog Readers for about a year and a half, taking notes and studying the blog, our adventures and taking advise to heart. So much so, they credit the blog for them deciding to purchase an Albin 25.

They found their new boat in Illinois. They trailered her back to Washington and have refitted the Albin engine with a  Kubota Beta Marine 25.

They are replacing the wiring, fittings, etc.and she is named Saunter. That name seems fitting for an Albin. They have been hanging out at the Seattle Boat show and we have gathered together for serious note taking and photo ops for projects galore. The sun came out and the new owners jumped with joy when I suggested it was time to go for a spin. This was the first time they have been in a floating Albin, so they both got a turn at the helm, up and down the Foss and in and out of Commencement Bay. Commencement Bay, the Bay in which Bill and Karyn commenced their Albin boating and on Seahawks Sunday Superbowl win. They treated me with a great meal at Tacoma's Harbor Lights. A day to remember and to celebrate.

I have encouraged them to start a blog of their own, so others can learn from and share in their Saunter's adventures. I can't wait to hear their next steps in their boating world.

Between people's blogs, the Yahoo Albin Group and the Google Albineers of British Columbia we have become a global family sharing information, buying and selling Albins. Our boats are over 40 years old, some are re-powered, some have hard tops, some remain simple with original engines. We have all put our fingerprints on them and they inject love into our hearts. They are simple, well built boats that are serving several generations of owners. We breathe new life into them and transport them to new places so they get to live in different waters.  What a cycle of life, what a boat, what a super Sunday.

Saunter, Bill and Karyn, may all your journeys be blessed. Thank you for making the trip over the mountains to meet us and for us to meet you. You now have lots of friends.

Dinghy Lift Revisited

Last summer Jim on Orcas Island installed a dinghy lift on Shatoosh. It still needs some modifications to make it more effective. The upright pole needs to be taller and the lifting arm needs to be longer. Since the whole pole rotates, so does the winch which tends to put the winch handle in an awkward position for letting down the dinghy onto the hardtop.

I have been thinking about solutions to these problems.
1.  Remove arm and make longer one
2.  Lengthen pole by adding a larger diameter piped sleeve over the pre-existing one. This would rotate on the original upright pole and would go down to the brace on the hardtop.
3. Remove winch and place it on the upright pole below the brace. That way it would not rotate and stay fixed.

What would you do? I would love to hear any ideas that you might have.

Looking For Crew: Part 2

I have heard from several Albin owners who would love to fly across country, get out of the snow and cold, jump on board Shatoosh and enjoy our adventures, but they did not think their wives would let them come.
Some thought that I should continue cruising until the end no matter what. I also heard from 2 boat owners who are contemplating  a Snake and Columbia River run like I did in 2010. Winter storms make for good cruise dreaming and planning. Spring and summer make dreams a reality.

As I look forward to this summer's cruises I have lots of options, so many it makes my head spin. I do have a friend who might like to take a cruise again. I call him "Back-up Billy". He has back-ups for the "back-ups". He might become my generic "back-up crew". Call when in a pinch. When I was in high school I had a back-up boyfriend. I only went with him when I didn't have a real boyfriend. Actually I am not in a pinch, nor do I need a boyfriend, so all you wives out there do not need to worry, but I do like to take people for a cruise when they are boat-less and have a hankering for adventure. He is already on my crew wanna-be list.

Do You Recognize Him?                                    

Yes, "Back-up Billy", is really "Too Tall Tom".  While he pretended to be a bit grumpy in this picture, he is always funny and keeps me laughing. Now that he is boat-less, I asked him if he would be interested in some summer cruising. He took the bait, hook, line and sinker. We are tossing around cruising possibilities so stay tuned to see which islands we will hop to.

                                                        

Crew Wanted---A Window of Opportunity

Looking for Younger Crew

I have owned Shatoosh since December 1999 and have had quite a large crew-pool to rely upon. They have flown from many a direction to join Shatoosh and me from San Francisco Bay to the the Pacific Northwest. Crew has flown from the Hawaiian Islands, Texas, Arizona, East Coast, Idaho, Colorado, and California.

As I age, now 70, I am noticing that some of the boating demands as a single-handler are taking a toll. The extreme ramp angles challenge my unstable right knee which then is not happy with all the kneeling that is required. This then ripples down to stability when jumping off the boat when docking. Last summer my knee was acting up all through British Columbia, even causing me to fall and crash into some downed logs. A few years ago I asked myself how long was I planning on cruising on Shatoosh? My answer came quickly, "75".

 For many of my crew they are older than me. My oldest crew member is in her 80's and is still able to handle all of the duties of being a crew. However, many of my crew are in their late 70's and are having health issues which compromise their abilities. Some are still young and agile, but are working and have limited free time. I am so grateful for all the people who have crewed for me over these 13 years. We have had an incredible run and I want to thank each of you for all you have done to help me.

So its time to put a call out for younger crew to join Shatoosh, Pashmina and me. We have 5 years of opportunities to capture adventures in the northwest. If you have boating skills, have time, enjoy cruising on a slow boat, want to experience the Salish Sea, let me hear from you.

Pashmina 2 Revisited

I sat on Shatoosh today setting up my log book for 2014 when I noticed my Pashmina Impresa I had drawn in 2011 and had made for both sides of her bow hull. I thought I should reflect on her design and see if my vision had born fruits. This is what I had posted on the November 2011 blog.


I continue to play around with my impresa for Pashmina 2, to fine tune the elements. I sit quietly with a new, clean sheet of paper, close my eyes and open myself  for universal assistance. There needs to be clearer lines and something is missing.

It doesn't take long to capture the missing piece to the design. and to fine tune the images. While I have scanned the image, the colors are not accurate. This can all be fixed in the professional design process when the graphic is made.

Again, the elements are:

1. The waxing crescent moon brings light onto new adventures for us.
2. The orb(circle) holds the focal point of the energy of our journey as we travel through zillions of water droplets in the magical Salish Sea. We are all part of this Circle of Life.
3. Pashmina 2 offers new freedom for me to explore and the eagle represents this.
4. I needed a boat that is tough as nails and won't destruct on rough beaches...and the eagles talons are strong as nails.
5. The rings represent the great cedars and firs that we will encounter.
6. The salmon make their way from the small creeks and rivers to the ocean and return again to create new life. Pashmina 2 will carry me back and forth from sea to rivers and I will always emerge renewed, refreshed, and ready for another adventure.
7. The beautiful sand dollars that grace my favorite Island in the Sound, represent the delicate aquatic forms of life that fascinate us and create an unbelievable underwater ecosystem.

I sit back, knowing the impresa is complete. This design truly supports our exploration of the Salish Sea and know Pashmina 2 will be happy to have this grace her hull.

Pashmina certainly has proven herself to be one tough dinghy. She survived being swept off the swim platform and was tow-able partially filled with water. She has been dragged over many a rocky beach,
towed and rowed over 1200nm from Budd Inlet to Newcastle Island, British Columbia. She even survived her first ride with an outboard attached to her stern. When I bought her, I thought she was the ugliest dinghy ever made. I remember patting her bow, as I drove her from Idaho to her new home in Puget Sound, saying to her, "love will grow, love will grow".  I wasn't certain, but now in 2014, I can honestly say, I love you, Pashmina and thank you for being a great and faithful dinghy. You have lived up to your impresa and exceeded all expectations. Together we will explore more waters in 2014.