Weather: Sunny and warm turning overcast and cool. Winds: S 0-10 becoming N 10-15 gusts to 20.
Waves: Flat becoming 1-2ft.
After adjusting the waterstays (becoming a theme) and clearing the boat, departed Gig Harbor around 0930 to catch the northbound ebb. Motored out and briefly sailed under the genoa alone to the Colvos. Motored to the north end of Vashon Island and was able to sail again under the genoa only.
Intended to go to Bell Harbor Marina in downtown marina setting us up for an easy jaunt to Elliot Bay Marina to pick up a watermaker Tuesday morning. Just east of Blake Island, called the retailer and found out the device had not been shipped and probably would not arrive until Wednesday or Thursday. We decided to skip downtown and pressed towards home. Wind died and we motored along, around 6kts with the current.
Arrived at Kingston around 1430 and since it was early, decided to press on, perhaps Port Townsend as there are not a lot of places to pull over between Kingston and Port T. Vicinity of Point No Point, winds had picked up and we were working hard against the flood current. Made 2.5kts around Point No Point. Wind waves were starting to hit us making things more difficult. Angled towards Foulweather Bluff at the entrance to the Hood Canal, unfurled the genoa, stabilizing Strider and motor sailed at 6.5kts!
Briefly furled the genoa and motored around Foulweather Bluff. Once around continued the bash towards Oak Bay Park. As we got protected by Indian Island, the wind calmed and we motored towards what we thought was the park. Indeed, we had found the place, but the water was so full of algae and crud (technical term), we decided to press on, through the Port Townsend Canal, towards Fort Flagler Marine State Park.
Once into the bay, the wind and chop hit us again in the face. Motoring around the Indian Island Naval Facility, we could see a couple of the park buoys were occupied, but more importantly, the wind seemed to be blowing straight into the anchorage. Since the distance to Point Hudson Marina was roughly the same as to the park, we decided to go to Point Hudson where the wind was generally moderated.
Due to the rough waves outside, did not fold until inside the marina. Got inside and the real difficulty began. There were several open slips, including a perfect one where we would not have to fold. All but one had 'reserved' signs. Attempted to back into one with the wind blowing us off. Gooned it and ended up on the neighboring boat fending off our boat. Said the heck with it and made a smooth landing on the 'Do Not Moor Here' pump out station. It was now 2000, a long day and WTF?
Tired, we took the dogs for a walk and treated ourselves to Elevated Ice Cream. Hit the rack around 2130.
A long day. Should probably just bit the bullet and anchored in Oak Bay. Once back home, called Point Hudson and spoke with a nice lady. I asked what is the policy regarding reserved signs: Such as after 2000 they are no longer reserved? She stated normally the reserved signs meant something, but not currently. She was doing the normal work of 4 people and with the adjacent RV park, just could not get down to the docks to pull any signs.
I also got a bit frustrated with the boat owners in the marina. Several stopped what they were doing and watched us fold and attempt to moor, but not came to help us get into the first slip. Yes, an indictment.
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