Day 2: McMicken Island to Gig Harbor and Des Moines
Monday morning dawns bright and clear, and also sans wind. I motor with the falling tide, averaging 5.4 knots as Whisper covers 32.2 nautical miles to reach Gig Harbor. Along the way I am treated to views of Mount Rainier, a few porpoises, seals sunning on Eagle Island, a close cruise past the McNeil Island Penitentiary, and an easy transit under the two Tacoma Narrows bridges.
I thought I would spend the night in Gig Harbor, but find the public restroom out of order, and the dock seems awfully loud and busy after a silent night at McMicken Island. With plenty of daylight left, I grab a late lunch, buy a few supplies, and head out of Gig Harbor for Des Moines.
Crossing the south end of Colvos Passage, I feel the tidal current pulling and twisting Whisper. There is a moment when I think of turning northward and heading straight to Blake Island, but I can see whitecaps forming, and it's been a while since I visited Des Moines.
During the 3.2-hour jaunt to Des Moines, Whisper gets blasted with westerly gusts along the eastern side of Maury Island. I tuck in close to shore to get out of the worst of the wind, but Whisper still rocks as gusts strike my little ship. I cover another 12.3 nautical miles, making Monday a 44.5-nautical mile day!
My plan to escape the noise at Gig Harbor is foiled, however, as I end up moored next to a cuddy cabin cruiser whose crew stays up until at least midnight. By then I am so tired I fall asleep despite the noise.
Ship's Log 
