Sheer Boredom to Sheer Excitement

Leaving the Umpqua River Bar, North Jetty in background

Heading out the Umpqua River Bar

Jetty at Coos Bay Bar

Entering Coos Bay, Sea Caves in background

After arriving at Winchester, the clouds began to move in and the wind picked up.  We spent two nights at Salmon Harbor Marina listening to the howling wind and rain.  The Coast Guard had closed the bar to all vessels so we would be at port until further notice.  I spent some time working on my Spanish and Leonard took care of some engine maintenance.  Fortunately by the third day the bar was open to vessels over 36 feet - we departed at 2:15pm and headed across the Umpqua River bar.  We saw 10 foot waves breaking along the north side of the channel – it was an awesome sight to behold!  We stayed as far south as possible while keeping in the main channel of the bar.  The sea seemed to look at us as the swells rose and fell around our boat.  The Pacific was showing her true nature unlike her misleading name of Pacifico – at last some exciting seas!  Outside the bar we found 4-5 foot wind waves with 7-8 foot ocean swells, now considered calm after crossing the bar.  Java took it all in stride, believing that rocking is now part of the daily routine.  Larger waves meant it was harder to spot those crab pot buoys and we had to keep a constant vigil.  After three and a half hours of riding the ocean swells, we arrived at Charleston near the town of Coos Bay to cross yet another bar with areas of 4 foot and 6 foot sea swells.  Carefully following the channel buoys and range markers, we arrived at the Charleston docks around 6pm.  We found the docks to be in poor condition, some were tipping sideways and others had rusty metal pieces protruding outward.  There was also the challenge of maneuvering in current while looking for a suitable place to dock.  Luckily, a fishing boat had just left the guest dock opening up a more desirable space.  We have come to really appreciate all the nice marinas and dock facilities in Puget Sound and our northern islands, not to mention the beautiful scenery.  Cruising the Pacific coastline is definitely all about fishing; for most pleasure boaters, however, it’s the path to and from Mexico.  After docking at Charleston, three guys from a neighboring sailboat came over to say hi, they were on their way home to Woodinville, Washington (Seattle) from La Paz, Mexico.

Docking Options at Charleston - Coos Bay

A Better Option