AUG 2 – We are finally all settled in and heading off to Canada today.  Saturday and Sunday were spent in Springfield, OR where Paul and Becky celebrated Becky’s mother’s 90th birthday by rafting the McKenzie river with the entire family, Becky’s mom included.  Sunday was a rush to get back to Portland, quickly load the last of the gear into the truck, drive to Shelton, quickly load the rest of the gear onto the boat and then set sail to Hope Island.

Monday Paul was up at daybreak to set sail for Seattle area.  Becky didnt quite make daybreak but shortly thereafter.  In the afternoon we met Paul’s friend Bob who drove us around for the last few items after we stowed the gear to make room for Jim and Deb to get to their bunk without climbing over several bags of gear.  Deb and Jim arrived after dark and relaxed on the deck watching stars.  We were up at 6:00 with anticipation to begin the adventure North.  We are dodging ferries, barges, huge sailboats and misc other boats as well as logs in the water.  It is overcast but pleasant as the sun is trying to break through.