30/52: Fun Times on a Tugboat

Last weekend, Brian's friend from college, Russ and his wife, Sue invited us up to Anacortes, Washington for an overnight excursion on the tug boat, Inga owned and captained by her father, Chris.

This isn't the tug boat you are imagining!  We spent the night on a 37 foot Nordic Tug. Believe me, there is a difference.  This boat is for cruising, not working.

If you recall back in 2013, we went sailing with them in the San Juan Islands and we had a blast. This time, the sailboat has been replaced with a tugboat and the adventure was just as fun.

On Saturday afternoon, we took off from Cape Sante Marina in Anacortes and spent about 2 hours out in Fidalgo Bay, out around Guemes Island and into the Rosario Strait.  It was a beautiful evening and the water was clear as glass.  Brian was in heaven, and got to take command of the vessel.  Do I see a boat in our future?

We had a lovely dinner on board when we got back to the marina.  Brian and I brought up cheese and crackers with salmon dip, kebabs, salads, pound-cake and fresh raspberries.  We spent time in the galley catching up, drinking beer, wine and cocktails and enjoying the beautiful evening.

Brian and I slept in the state room at the head of the ship and it was so cozy that I could definitely imagine myself spending weeks on board in the summertime.  I can totally see why Chris has been spending his summers for the past 20 years cruising around the San Juan islands.

Our 18 hours on board just wasn't long enough.  We took a couple of small trips out on Sunday morning before saying goodbye and watching our friends head off for Deer Harbor and a week enjoying life on a tug.

Thank you so much for a wonderful experience.  Ahoy, Mateys!

Stacy

P.S. I took a ton of photos with my camera including a few group shots.  Be on the lookout for those on the July Vlog on my YouTube channel!

Hawaiian Adventure - Maui: Day #4 2014

Haul the sheet in as we ride on the wind
That our forefathers harnessed before us
Hear the bells ring as the tight rigging sings
It's a son of a gun of a chorus

Where it all ends I can't fathom my friends
If I knew I might toss out my anchor
So I cruise along always searchin' for songs
Not a lawyer a thief or a banker

But a son of a son, son of a son
Son of a son of a sailor - Jimmy Buffett

On Wednesday we had the opportunity to once again sail with the crew of the Scotch Mist II.

Pre-Sail drinks at Pioneer Inn

Being out on the water in Maui is magical!  Gene and his crew (Kristen and Holly) made the trip so pleasant.

All the sparkling wine and chocolate covered macadamia nuts you can eat, plus epic views of the water surrounding Lahaina.

This trip, the clouds parted and we saw the sun reflecting off the observation towers at both Haleakela.....and also Mauna Loa on the big island!  

Being on the water brings you closer to the feelings of Aloha!

Enjoy!
Stacy

Maui 2013: Day 4 - Sailing

Well, it's not far down to paradise, at least it's not for me

And if the wind is right you can sail away and find tranquility

Oh, the canvas can do miracles, just you wait and see

Believe me

Sailing takes me away to where I've always heard it could be

Just a dream and the wind to carry me

And soon I will be free

Christopher Cross

Please forgive me for quoting Christopher Cross circa 1980, but the song is perfect and says a lot about what the water, and in particular, what the waters off Maui mean to Brian and I.

No trip to Maui would be complete without a sail aboard the Scotch Mist II at sunset, complete with cheap champagne and chocolate covered macadamia nuts, which to us....is just about perfect!

We headed into Lahaina Town, had a cocktail at Lahaina Coolers (checked in with our local friends) and then lunch at a cute little place located down Front Street at 505 called Betty's Beach Cafe.

Having a beer at Betty's

After lunch we walked back to Banyan Tree Park and took a quick tour of the Old Lahaina Courthouse and jail (the jail now holds art for sale).  

The Banyan Tree

The banyan tree was planted in 1873 and marked the 50th anniversary of Christian missionary work in Maui.  The tree was only 8 feet tall and was imported from India.  It now stands over 60 feet tall, has 12 major trunks, shades 2/3 of an acre and stretches out over a 200 foot area.

The Scotch Mist II sails from slip #2 and we recognized the captain, Turk along with the boat owner Gene who also sailed with the 12 of us, and two more crew members (Amarosa and Beth).  We pulled out of the harbor at 5PM (sunset is around 6:40) and the sail lasts 2 hours. 

It's a wonderful adventure, but it goes by too quickly!  It's one of the highlights of every trip and at $49 per person, a real bargain considering the champagne, chocolates and the views you can find no where but out on the water!

No other place gives you the true feeling of Maui then being out of the water, feeling the trade winds on your face and seeing the green splendor of the West Maui Mountains.

We left the boat at 7PM and it was the flip of a coin for dinner, although I could have walked the streets of Lahaina all night and would still have 25 places on my list.

In the end, our bellies said PASTA, and no one does pasta better in Lahaina then Penne Pasta (which is conveniently located right next door to Lahaina Coolers).

I dreamt that night about sailing away with Brian...the wind at our backs, the sun on our faces and the Lady of Lahaina smiling down on us.

Enjoy!
Stacy