May 30

This day was a mixed bag. We left the Wentworth marina in a thick fog and navigated out using chart plotter and radar. After clearing the channel and setting course for Portland (45+NM) we realized we had forgotten to return the electronic keys. Gary radioed back and got the OK for us to mail them back from our next stop. There was no wind and visibility couldn’t have been more than a couple of hundred yards. It looked as though it would be a very boring run with nothing to see and the engine and autopilot doing all the work. Since no one could see us I rigged a line and hung out my laundry.

 Soon a small bird pitched on the lifelines looking rather frazzled. It sized us up and then tucked its head under its wing and went to sleep

. After about 20 minutes it woke again but hung around for several hours catching insects on or near the boat. Without much to do I tended to drift off and nap. Then, shortly after lunch Gary yelled me awake. The engine was overheating and black smoke was coming from the exhaust. We shut the engine down and waited a few minutes then started it up again. Everything seemed fine. We figured some kelp or debris had gotten into the raw water intake and had come loose when we stopped the engine. Nevertheless we ran the engine at lower speed the rest of the way to Portland. Now I’m paranoid and I plan to have the engine checked over before we go on. Anyway we got to the Spring Point Marina in one piece and walked off to get groceries. I cooked dinner while Gary contacted some friends and invited them over. The first guests on Galefilero!

Gary:

Otto (autopilot) is a terrific crew.  He does the work I hate doing when we motor. Don’s optimism is to be admired … hanging clothes out in fog and mist hoping for it to dry.  The warbler stayed with us for about six hours.  In fact it left when the engine gave us the little problem … I guess it wasn’t taking any chances.

In Portland I contacted old friends, Angie and Joe, who came to the marina for a visit.  It was great to see them.