Heading to Guaymas and a new chapter of adventure

Donning our new Passion Yachts
jackets, gifts from Mike the owner

We are excited to be heading to our boat tomorrow, leaving early from Phoenix for another chapter of new adventures. After a long 8 months in Oregon, it's time to explore. Mike earned his 100 Ton Captain's License in March, followed by another class to earn his certification for teaching advanced sailing lessons at Passion Yachts, so his summer was filled with all things boating. He's taught another round of students some of the wonders of sailing throughout the summer and fall months.

We both worked shifts on the BrewBarge  on the Willamette River downtown - Mike as one of the Captains and me as a Deckhand. Sometimes our shifts coincided but not often. And of course, we both worked at West Marine, our retail experience.

I worked multiple jobs, working pretty much every day but 4 from June through October. I was glad to be done, as we packed up the next day to start our journey south. Living room was filled with new Garmin electronics, boat gear and basics that we can't find in Mexico - Mike carefully packing the Escape, loaded to the gills and full car topper borrowed from Jeff. Visiting friends and family, it's always a multi-day trip with beautiful fall colors along the way.

Until our last days in Portland, the weather cooperated and we were able to enjoy our little firepit on our back deck. Here's a view of the ramp up to the parking lot. It's a lot more angled than when we arrived in rainy March when the ramp was almost flat. The river fluctuates with a 4 ft tidal shift twice daily,

Day and night views of the ramp

so that provides viewing a variety of wildlife from river otters, heron, fish jumping, beavers, raccoons, osprey and hummingbirds to paddleboarders and kayakers between us and the shore.

Mike setting up our
newly inherited umbrella
from our sweet neighbors

Mike hauling our new dinghy - thanks to
generous friends Cathy & Ken

Our garden yielded amazing treats