What a ride its been! In December of 2021 we sold our beloved Nordhavn 40, R Lil’ Ship and purchased a 47 Nordhavn we have renamed MV Escapade. Since physcially aquiring our new boat, we have not had much of an opportunity to cruise as we have been making alot of repairs and additions. Normally we would be on our […]
Although we were not really looking and the last half of 2021 was riddled with life event challenges, we jumped in feet first and did it again! Yep, you guessed it, we bought yet another boat despite foolishly convincing ourselves we wouldn’t buy another. We found a Nordhavn 47 that will afford us much more room and creature comforts as we continue pursuing our dreams of traveling and cruising. We had always said that if a N47 came available in the Pacific Northwest and in our price range, we might take a shot at it, but it really wasn’t something we were actively pursuing. So when the captain non chalantly mentioned their was a 47 for sale in Anacortes the 1st mate’s response was, “well did you call the broker?” Of course that was as good as any buying signal one would need! This particular trawler is a little older, very well traveled, in fact we beleive she has crossed the Atlantic at least 1-2 times and as previously mentioned, is in need of some tender loving care. But, her bones are solid and after owning a Nordhavn 40 for 5 years, we feel more confident in our knowledge, abilities and the where-with-all to get her fixed up. We affectionatley call her “Project E” as we have named her Escapade. Like the Janet Jackson song, we hope she will take us on many escapades in the future! So the plan […]
Over the years, we have heard many folks talk about their travels through the Hood Canal and specifically how great the Alderbrook Resort and Marina are to visit. So buddy boating with our good friends, who have a 53ft. Selene, we decided to check it out. We can now check that adventure off of our backyard bucket list! While not […]
Well it is finally February and the weather is getting a little better! Days are slowly getting longer by 1-2 minutes each day and the sun is starting to coming out. We lucked out with both Saturday and Sunday forecasted for sun/clouds/overcast and no RAIN! Taking advantage of this, we spent the weekend anchored in Gig Harbor, WA. This is our 1st anchor of 2021 so the Captain had to pump up the dinghy tubes and check the Evinrude. The harbor was mostly all ours, not many other boats choose to anchor. We did notice that the public dock was full. Saturday was absolutely glorious so we were able to get in a good walk and even discovered a new trail that is fairly close to the harbor. Of course we stopped at one of our favorite pet stores where the fur-babies were given treats, and we left with a back-pack full of more treats and a new night-shirt for Piper. Not that Piper really gets cold, she just looks so adorable in clothes we couldn’t resist! After the pet store, we just started walking and happened upon the Cushman Trail. From point to point the trail is about 6 miles long and has a significant grade depending on which direction your walking. We caught the trail off of Rosedale Street, walked to the end, and then took Harborview Drive back to the town. All in all we meandered about […]
In order to travel farther while we are still working we have to preplan extra days off in advance. So when we scheduled a 4-day weekend it allows us to get the boat out for a good cruise especially after having R LiL Ship on the hard for some much needed work like replacing the head hoses. The weather forecasted […]
This will be our 4th year attending the Gig Harbor lighted boat parade. Perhaps because this crazy covid year has kept folks in lockdown, there were more lighted boats and parade watchers than in any of the previous years. We heard one estimate was that there were at least 50-parade boats in attendance! Folks really went all out and even […]
As the 1st mate on R Lil’ Ship it seems that every cruise we take, no matter how long or short, I always learn something new about our Nordhanvn 40, cruising in general or boat upkeep. It’s actually quite humbling how much I really don’t know and we have been boating as a couple for about 14 years. When we […]
There is no place like the Pacific NW in summertime, especially if you are a boater. Most days range from mid 70’s to mid 80’s with very little humidity. When summer starts to wane, green leaves start to turn shades of yellow, orange and red and the hoodies are being pulled from the closet, we scramble to spend as much […]
Yes we are the crazy dog people who take our dogs everywhere with us. We are the boat with paw prints, dog toys, barking and the ones that have doogie poop bags in every coat we own! Truth be told, we just wouldn’t have it any other way so when Mike’s good buddy came for a visit with his 80 […]
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Nordhavn N55
Escapade 4710 