The Countdown Has Begun!

Or has it? We are spending 4 days this week on Endeavor with the plan to 'move in' next week. But, our actual 'leave the marina' date will be closer to the 23rd. Between now and then there will be lots of trips home and back. The amount of things we need to bring to the boat is overwhelming, especially since Endeavor has about 10 sq feet of floor space. Ok, it is definitely more than that, but with tools and projects filling the boat right now it feels like 10 sq ft.

When it comes to carrying things to and from the boat timing is everything. I'll explain. The Pacific NW has some pretty serious tidal ranges. Today was almost 17 feet! That means the lowest tide level we had today was -3.4 feet and the highest was +13.4 feet. You do not want to be going up and down the ramp to the docks when the tide is low, especially while trying to carry or cart loads of stuff.

These pictures don't do it justice, but first we have low tide - look how steep it is and how limited your view is toward the top.

Then at high tide the ramp is not quite flat, but getting close to it. No more rocky embankment or muscles on the pilings (the posts that support the dock - they have white cones on top).

Now look at the little wooden steps we use to get on Endeavor for reference against the pilings. The pilings tower over the boat.

Now look at the steps at high tide. I can even reach the top of the pilings. The change is drastic.

Well, I hope you have enjoyed this lesson. I am just such a geek sometimes. Wait until I start telling you about tidal currents. Yikes!