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May 26, Monday: Filucy Bay to Gig Harbor and Blake Island

Filucy Bay through the Tacoma Narrows

headed out of Filucy Bay through Balch Passage (past Eagle Island) to catch a gently falling tide as I transited the Tacoma Narrows. South of Fox Island there was just enough breeze to make way, so I shut down the motor and raised all sail, sailing wing-on-wing downwind under the two Tacoma Narrows bridges.

Whisper was passed by a couple sailing a Dana 24 flying an asymmetric spinnaker. The Dana was making at least a knot more boatspeed than Whisper. The Dana 24 is one of my all-time favorite small sailboats. What a lovely craft.

With no itinerary planned, I ducked into Gig Harbor to see if space was available. As at Filucy Bay, there were many boats about. Surprisingly, there was room at the free dock. I put out the fenders and prepared to dock. Looking ashore, I saw canopies and hundreds of people milling about. It looked like there was going to be a concert or some kind of event. Suddenly I remembered my previous visit to Gig Harbor, with lots of loud people. I spun Whisper around and we headed out of the harbor.

Des Moines or Blake Island?

Once clear of the harbor channel, I pointed Whisper eastward, not having decided where to go. I could go to Des Moines and get gas, and maybe find a berth. Of course, if there was no guest moorage available at the marina, my other options would be very limited. Or I could go northward up Colvos Passage, riding the north-flowing current toward Blake Island. If there was no dock space, I was sure I could find a buoy.

Surprisingly, on Memorial Day, about half the dock space was open. After docking, I chatted with some other boaters who told me a few hours previously it had been packed full. The tour boats don't run on Memorial Day, so the evening was very quiet.

Sometime since last year, the showers at Blake Island State Park were converted from quarters to tokens. You must put a dollar bill, or a five-dollar bill, into a machine at the park office to get your shower tokens.

After reviewing tides for the rest of the week, I realized it would be difficult for pull Whisper out during daylight hours. Tuesday night from Port Orchard was a viable time window, and Saturday morning was the next good window. I wasn't prepared to stay out until Saturday, so I called Jan to see if she could pick up me up Tuesday night.