Lise and I went for a long paddle in Ulua this morning. My arms and back continue to ache this evening. We has 15 knots of southerly wind with decent size breaking waves - 2 feet max - on Lake Washington where we paddled from Sail Sandpoint to Kirkland then back via Juanita Bay. We had gear failure that we fixed on the water. The trim tab control lines broke so I had to splice with monofilament on the water. We had a seat change midway - I got out and stood on the ama while lise moved from the stern to the bow. We shipped a deal of water and had some wild surfs! I was glad the lake was still warm as it was all pretty sketch. It was great getting practice paddling in significant cross seas and dealing with the water we shipped. Paddling back I found that I couldn't change sides if we wanted to not risk a huli. I paddled several miles leaning to the ama side and on the ama side only hence the ache. I continue to appreciate the abilities and speed of this fisherman's canoe. Gary Dierking 's design is outstanding As a finale to our morning on the water, we did a high speed marker rounding practice with the ama out of the water which was pretty exciting. It was super tight and I think we were both amazed that we didn't end up swimming.

I'm providing a link to Julia and Casey's blog tonight. They are amazing people who are venturing forth on their Tiki 21 "Badu" http://www.sailblogs.com/member/nycteris/ Casey is a great photographer as you'll see if you look through the attached photo albums.

Not sure why the link http://www.sailblogs.com/member/nycteris/ is not working. I took it right from their site. Until I figure it out try googling "Badu Julia Casey" which will take you their blog.

TRY THE LINK IN THE SIDE BAR - IT WORKS.

I just got back from a couple of weeks of sailing in the San Juan Islands in north western Washington State. Sixteen days or so of living on Tsunamichaser. I sailed up with my buddy Andy Detloff to deliver parts to Casey and Julia Orr who live on their Tiki 21 Badu. They are self-claimed dirtbag climbers/sailors. We had a reat time sailing hanging out away from the crowds in "cat corners" and generally having a good time eating the seafood we caught. Summer time in the San Juans usually mean light winds which we had until I started home solo when a gale decided to blow through. I sat it out for 30 plus hours in a slough enjoying the books I had along and the silly songs I concocted on my ukelele. Here is a short sunny day video - no sound!