July 3 2019 raft-up

July 1– It started off with a raft-up of two Hunters on a sunny afternoon in Liberty Bay. We anchored tight to the boundary lines and then watched as a bouy drug anchor, making it appear we were too close to the firecracker barge. Rick Giles called harbor patrol and was directed to the Poulsbo police. We were assured our anchoring spot was approved and we would not have to brake up the raft at a later date. We peacefully went to sleep. Then, in the middle of the night there was quite a bang/thud noise. 


July 2- It was discovered that one of Fre’Moment’s kayaks was missing from the deck of their boat. After careful scanning of the shoreline the nose of a kayak was spotted. An extreme low tide made it difficult to get real close and see if it was the runaway boat.

More Hunters joined the party: Vaya Con Dios, Salish Mermaid, Noname’ and Alibi. The rains set in and we hunkered down in our cabins. Copious cups of coffee were to be had aboard New Shoes. When the rains ceased we all popped our heads out like a bunch of prairie dogs. And then there were 4-legged crew to take to shore and do the Poulsbo-thing. (Sluy’s baked good, anyone). 


Once the tide was up and rains subsided the errant kayak was rescued. It was all mucky from it’s wild un-manned ride to the beach. 


July 3 - Coffee and warm corn bread muffins were served aboard Fre’Moment. We planned an impromptu dinner potluck for early evening. 


Disconnect and Pure Sterling arrived and joined the raft. We were up to 8 boats!


Late afternoon brought a parade of boats by our group. A roar went up when the Scotts and Ridenours motored by aboard Willy. 


Thanks Ann and Richard Giles for welcoming us into your cabin, opening your salon, and offering up your grill for the potluck .  It’s a beautiful thing to be all together on a Hunter! Those going north into the San Juans shared favorite routes and spots to explore. Others swapped boat stories and life experiences.  


The firework show began later than expected. (We learned the next morning that there had been a police matter in the waterfront park.) Our front row view of the fireworks was unimpeded. 


July 4– The raft-up began to break up by 8am and sailors headed out. 


Gina’s relatives, visiting from Arizona and staying aboard their boat, said it was a holiday to remember - being on sailboat, enjoying the Pacific NW, meeting HAPSters and watching fireworks on Liberty Bay!  Does it get any better?