08/10/2008 Newport, OR

A beginning light sail from Westport, Grays Harbour in our familiar gray was promising a forecast winds of 15kt NW for the day. But not for this day as the wind literally stopped. The trip became a motor for 24 hr in an almost flat sea. We gained ground but did not want this to be the way we would travel in the future. At least we were getting practice with our night watches! The bar at Newport, Yaquina entrance was almost flat and quite easy to cross. SW winds came in as did some light rain for two days and now the promise is for wind of NW 15-20 and more. Our little weather maps show wind and the VHF speaks of it also. So we will leave Monday morning after having had a good look at Newport.
Saturday was the weekly market with some of the freshest produce ever. The bread lady is also the attraction as the line-up for her lasted the whole day. Cam and Richard visited the Aquarium and spoke well of it. Tom and Pam rode the bus loop twice! They missed the first bus and had to do the long route. However, they got to know all the locals (and their problems) who routinely take this bus. Commercial tuna fishing and crabbing is a major group of industries here with steady tuna charters also active. .It is especially nice to meet the other people who are also “heading south”. Four boats are waiting for the change in wind and will leave at various times.
So now to wait for our winds.