Well it took two days of travel for Mark to get home from Dutch Harbor. Sitka has experienced a number of cases of CV19. It is also one of the top tourist destinations in the state, so at the airport he was met with the notice to either go get checked and submit to self isolation for only the days until the test results come back (3-5) or he would have to do self isolation for 14 days. As he could only count on a few weeks of time off he went for the check. The results came back negative so he is free to do precautionary things through out the island.
His trip on the tug boat went rather well. They had to go on the outside around Canada as the fill in captain did not have clearance for the inside passage. The captain had been through there probably a hundred or more times. However none during the last couple of years to keep his recency up. He can appeal but we didn't have time before departure. The weather cooperated until we reached Alaskan waters. There was a threat of some rough weather so they dipped into Chatham Strait and avoided it. In Seward they offloaded most of the stuff off of the barge and loaded on some more. Two of the owners were trying to get back to Dutch and because the airline that serves Dutch went bankrupt they chose to ride the tug back. Again we had a good trip and the owners got to see some of the things we had been mentioning as crew and also helped the crew figure out some of the Reese's idiosyncrasies. So good for everyone. We were worried that Mark was going to be stuck there for several days but after a couple of days a way home for him and the captain became available.
Now that he is home he can do some maintenance to Sari Timur and help with the chores including making some good dinners for when Pauline comes home.
About Me
- SY Sari Timur
- Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
- I am owned by Pauline and Mark Blasky. My hull was built at the Duncan Marine Yard in Taiwan and launched in Dec of 1980. It is a William Garden design based on the Pixie Design and called by Duncan Marine a Freedom 45. They are the fourth owners and have owned me the longest. They have done extensive refitting to me including replacing my entire deck structure and rig. My masts are roughly 10% taller than original and now are made of aluminium as opposed to the original wood ones, which, though pretty, were always problematic. You can read more about me under "MORE ABOUT SARI TIMUR"
June 17, 2020
May 14, 2020
Updates
Well since our last post Mark has done a tugboat trip from Seattle to Seward and is currently in Seattle to do another.
The first trip was a "fill in" job for another company that Mark's boss put him in touch with. This is a construction company that bought a tug in Seattle and has hired two more to do an airport project for a community up near Nome. Canada has some severe restrictions required of the deck officers transiting her waters while towing. Not many mates have that clearance. Luckily Mark did, so we got some much needed revenue. Of course he barely got back to Sitka and his boss called him back to work two days later. "When it rains it pours". Not sure how long this job is for as it requires several side trips. So he may be gone for over a month.
The last job proved to have some excitement, as the tug had pretty much been moth balled before purchase and with only a week to get her ready there were some teething problems during such a big trip. Probably the biggest and most exciting was almost losing the rudder. We noticed that the rudder required a huge offset to steer straight just before leaving Canada. When we were going through Ketchikan we had arranged to have some spare parts delivered. As we arrived too early we went out and turned circles. The problem got worse so we booked a spot to tie up and got some assistance. After checking the top sides of all four rudders and they seemed in order we ordered a diver to inspect the bottom. During his inspection he found one of the main rudders was held to its coupling by only one bolt. So we quick ordered some bolts and arranged to be towed over to a drying out beach to fix the rudder. Amazingly this went together like clockwork and we only lost one day.
The first trip was a "fill in" job for another company that Mark's boss put him in touch with. This is a construction company that bought a tug in Seattle and has hired two more to do an airport project for a community up near Nome. Canada has some severe restrictions required of the deck officers transiting her waters while towing. Not many mates have that clearance. Luckily Mark did, so we got some much needed revenue. Of course he barely got back to Sitka and his boss called him back to work two days later. "When it rains it pours". Not sure how long this job is for as it requires several side trips. So he may be gone for over a month.
The last job proved to have some excitement, as the tug had pretty much been moth balled before purchase and with only a week to get her ready there were some teething problems during such a big trip. Probably the biggest and most exciting was almost losing the rudder. We noticed that the rudder required a huge offset to steer straight just before leaving Canada. When we were going through Ketchikan we had arranged to have some spare parts delivered. As we arrived too early we went out and turned circles. The problem got worse so we booked a spot to tie up and got some assistance. After checking the top sides of all four rudders and they seemed in order we ordered a diver to inspect the bottom. During his inspection he found one of the main rudders was held to its coupling by only one bolt. So we quick ordered some bolts and arranged to be towed over to a drying out beach to fix the rudder. Amazingly this went together like clockwork and we only lost one day.
 |
| This was the part that came unbolted and was twisting at off angles and making the other rudder try to compensate. We aligned it with divers and they got prelim bolts in before tide dropped. Those bolts are inch and 3/8ths diameter. We also did some back up welding on both rudders |
 |
| Tug High and Dry |
April 9, 2020
Update
Well many people have asked how we are doing. And we found some people even look at our blog to see what we are up to. Well as of the 9th of April there are still no cases in Sitka. Most of Alaska has been in lock down mode for a while now. And as far as we can tell it has helped greatly. Both Ketchikan and Juneau were also hit late but before the lock down and both had a pretty high rate of incline with infections. As these are the two cities which Sitka is linked we were obviously watching. Ketchikan went to 14 cases incredibly quickly but has had no new cases since the lock down so that does kind of indicate it is working.
Mark is becoming a couch potato and his only responsibility seems to be to make something interesting for dinner. Pauline's job is considered essential so we have a paycheck coming in. Mark tried to file for unemployment but when doing so online it said there was a problem that he needed to call in. Of course when ever he calls in they say there are no operators available and he has to do it online. We gather the powers that be do not want him to collect an unemployment check. Luckily his boss called up after about the 15th attempt and said that they would soon be going back to work.
Each weekend we try to social distance, but get some exercise by taking in one of the many hikes that Sitka has to offer. The problem is all that exercise in one go means that the next day we are hanging out recuperating from our aching knees etc. The good news is we have only scratched the surface with regards to the number of trails available. We had pretty much taken for granted the bears were not out yet, but have now been enlightened that they are indeed out and to take bear precautions. So next hike will include a bit more chatter and we will be armed with bear spray.
We do hope that everyone stays safe and healthy and that this virus will be over soon.
Mark is becoming a couch potato and his only responsibility seems to be to make something interesting for dinner. Pauline's job is considered essential so we have a paycheck coming in. Mark tried to file for unemployment but when doing so online it said there was a problem that he needed to call in. Of course when ever he calls in they say there are no operators available and he has to do it online. We gather the powers that be do not want him to collect an unemployment check. Luckily his boss called up after about the 15th attempt and said that they would soon be going back to work.
Each weekend we try to social distance, but get some exercise by taking in one of the many hikes that Sitka has to offer. The problem is all that exercise in one go means that the next day we are hanging out recuperating from our aching knees etc. The good news is we have only scratched the surface with regards to the number of trails available. We had pretty much taken for granted the bears were not out yet, but have now been enlightened that they are indeed out and to take bear precautions. So next hike will include a bit more chatter and we will be armed with bear spray.
We do hope that everyone stays safe and healthy and that this virus will be over soon.
February 12, 2020
Happy Anniversary
20 Years Ago We Said
I do
Now Look Back on What
We Have Done
And Still So Much More
To Do!
We are having one Hell of a Ride Dear and make up one of the best teams out there. Happy Anniversary
I do
Now Look Back on What
We Have Done
And Still So Much More
To Do!
We are having one Hell of a Ride Dear and make up one of the best teams out there. Happy Anniversary
February 10, 2020
Back in Sitka
Mark is back in Sitka. They finally grabbed a weather window and had a good trip across the Gulf of Alaska and then on to Seattle. He got to meet up with Tayler for drinks and dinner while in Seattle. He stored a suitcase of his work clothes with her so he hopes to meet up when he returns to take the barge back north.
Pauline is enjoying her new job. She is working at the First National Bank of Alaska here in Sitka.
Sitka has had a record amount of snowfall this year. When we got here everyone talked us out of doing the igloo. But Mark is quite bummed as he could have started on the other side of the coach house before the leaks there develop. We did spring one leak on that side when we were cruising this summer but stopped it by taping over the area with the small bit of rot. So that is only a temporary cure that he eventually has to get after. But after doing the port side he is now an expert.
Pauline is enjoying her new job. She is working at the First National Bank of Alaska here in Sitka.
Sitka has had a record amount of snowfall this year. When we got here everyone talked us out of doing the igloo. But Mark is quite bummed as he could have started on the other side of the coach house before the leaks there develop. We did spring one leak on that side when we were cruising this summer but stopped it by taping over the area with the small bit of rot. So that is only a temporary cure that he eventually has to get after. But after doing the port side he is now an expert.
December 30, 2019
Update for the Holidays
On December 13, Mark flew out to Dutch Harbor to join the Reece Eagle as First Mate. Pauline stayed behind to watch the boat.
On the 16th we had a small weather window and we headed towards Seattle. Once we were out of the confines of the harbor, we realised the weather was still not very nice. Several times we had to alter course and sometimes head backwards. Pauline was acting as weather watcher on the other end of the satphone and finally on the 23rd of December, we snuck into Resurrection Bay and tied up the barge and tug. The owners, realising the weather was not going to let up soon, gave the crew off for Christmas. Mark didn't tell Pauline, and a half hour before midnight Christmas Eve, he came aboard and wished Pauline a Merry Christmas with a brand new Instant Pot under his arm. We were so wound up after our greetings etc we decided to watch Jimmy Stewart in the movie It's a Wonderful Life before heading to bed. On Friday Pauline had an interview with a local bank. She did well during the interview and we await the New Year and the bank's budget to see if she gets hired or not.
The weather is still pretty nasty so we will still be together to ring in the New Year. but shortly after Mark will head back north again. That part of Alaska is experiencing some of the worst cold weather in decades so he is glad we are down here in Sitka where the weather is pretty mild.
Anyway Happy Holidays to everyone.
On the 16th we had a small weather window and we headed towards Seattle. Once we were out of the confines of the harbor, we realised the weather was still not very nice. Several times we had to alter course and sometimes head backwards. Pauline was acting as weather watcher on the other end of the satphone and finally on the 23rd of December, we snuck into Resurrection Bay and tied up the barge and tug. The owners, realising the weather was not going to let up soon, gave the crew off for Christmas. Mark didn't tell Pauline, and a half hour before midnight Christmas Eve, he came aboard and wished Pauline a Merry Christmas with a brand new Instant Pot under his arm. We were so wound up after our greetings etc we decided to watch Jimmy Stewart in the movie It's a Wonderful Life before heading to bed. On Friday Pauline had an interview with a local bank. She did well during the interview and we await the New Year and the bank's budget to see if she gets hired or not.
The weather is still pretty nasty so we will still be together to ring in the New Year. but shortly after Mark will head back north again. That part of Alaska is experiencing some of the worst cold weather in decades so he is glad we are down here in Sitka where the weather is pretty mild.
Anyway Happy Holidays to everyone.
December 4, 2019
Back in Sitka
Whoop,s we were having trouble and forgot to update the blog. We have been back in Sitka for a couple of weeks now. We missed several people, but those of you we did see, thanks for taking the time to get together with us. Some of you we hadn't seen since before we left ten years ago.
By the way, we realised we had an anniversary while we were in Singapore. It was exactly 10 years since we began full time cruising again.
Our stay in Singapore went well. Mark had his toe cut up to try to fix the ingrown toenail he has been fighting with since he left Africa. By reshaping the toe, the doctor hopes it will grow back properly.
We stopped in San Francisco for a few days to get more time with Suzie and Doug. We had a great visit and if anyone is passing through Palo Alto, we discovered a great Georgian restaurant. From the country not the state. Never knew Georgia had such a good white wine or such great foods.
By the way, we realised we had an anniversary while we were in Singapore. It was exactly 10 years since we began full time cruising again.
Our stay in Singapore went well. Mark had his toe cut up to try to fix the ingrown toenail he has been fighting with since he left Africa. By reshaping the toe, the doctor hopes it will grow back properly.
We stopped in San Francisco for a few days to get more time with Suzie and Doug. We had a great visit and if anyone is passing through Palo Alto, we discovered a great Georgian restaurant. From the country not the state. Never knew Georgia had such a good white wine or such great foods.
November 4, 2019
We Are In Singapore
We have been in Singapore for two and a half days. We have settled in and have a bunch of errands checked off the list. Singapore has just won the best street food in the world according to CEOWorld and we are doing our best to get as much in us as possible before we leave. We are bummed because our favorite local laksa store has closed down or moved. Laksa is one of our favorites and we usually managed at least three visits there on each of our visits previously.
We are managing to get our 10,000 plus steps in every day so hopefully we will work off some of that food and return still fit.
We are also sitting in as care givers for Pauline's parents as their helper is taking her two weeks leave back in the Philippines. They are 92 years old and doing pretty well for their age but do need help when they go out of the apartment.
We got to watch the rugby bronze medal game and of course the final and are extremely happy with the results. Pauline has always been an All Blacks fan and Mark has been a Springboks fan since his time in South Africa. Always a little confrontation when they play each other. This year the Kiwis beat the Boks in the first round but didn't meet up again in the knock out rounds as England beat the All Blacks in the quarters. That left England to play South Africa. Every one was riding Mark in the fact that England was too good this year and it would be a walk over. However, the game looked to be pretty much one sided the other way and Mark was very happy. And of course since the Boks didn't beat the All Blacks, Pauline was happy as well.
We are managing to get our 10,000 plus steps in every day so hopefully we will work off some of that food and return still fit.
We are also sitting in as care givers for Pauline's parents as their helper is taking her two weeks leave back in the Philippines. They are 92 years old and doing pretty well for their age but do need help when they go out of the apartment.
We got to watch the rugby bronze medal game and of course the final and are extremely happy with the results. Pauline has always been an All Blacks fan and Mark has been a Springboks fan since his time in South Africa. Always a little confrontation when they play each other. This year the Kiwis beat the Boks in the first round but didn't meet up again in the knock out rounds as England beat the All Blacks in the quarters. That left England to play South Africa. Every one was riding Mark in the fact that England was too good this year and it would be a walk over. However, the game looked to be pretty much one sided the other way and Mark was very happy. And of course since the Boks didn't beat the All Blacks, Pauline was happy as well.
October 29, 2019
On Our Way to Singapore
We leave in a few minutes toward Singapore. We will stop in San Francisco for a couple of nights each way to meet up with friends. Leaving Sari Timur in the hands of friends to watch over her while we are away.
October 19, 2019
Alaska Day
Yesterday was Alaska Day. This is the day that commemorates the transfer of Alaska from Russia to the USA. This is an especially big event in Sitka as this was the transfer site and the capital at the time.
Our morning started off by delivering a pot of chili for the chili cook off that the local Knights of Columbus was running. We arrived to find that though the chilies were showing up there was a lack of volunteers to help get it all started. So we pushed up our sleeves and set about helping to get things ready. We then volunteered on the serving line until just before the parade started.
Our friends from Ruby Slippers and us quickly ran off to catch the start of the parade. It is always fun to watch a small town parade as everyone seems to get into it. On our particular corner there was only one kid and as the processions past and the candy was flying we all jumped in to help fill his bag. He was so excited by how much candy he got that he gave Pauline a great big hug at the end of the parade.
After the parade we went up to castle hill to watch the reenactment of the transfer ceremony. About halfway through it started to rain but soon the sun popped out and there was a beautiful rainbow over the town.
From Castle Hill we had a good view of the Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue exhibition taking place in the harbor. Once again the rain started but we figured we were better off than the victim and rescue swimmer who had to jump out of the helicopter into the water.
Afterward we went back to the church to help with the clean up and found out that Mark had won honorable mention in the chili cook off which is the same thing as fourth place and so he got a ribbon. Not bad as there was 15 types of chili in the cook off and all of them were good!
Our morning started off by delivering a pot of chili for the chili cook off that the local Knights of Columbus was running. We arrived to find that though the chilies were showing up there was a lack of volunteers to help get it all started. So we pushed up our sleeves and set about helping to get things ready. We then volunteered on the serving line until just before the parade started.
Our friends from Ruby Slippers and us quickly ran off to catch the start of the parade. It is always fun to watch a small town parade as everyone seems to get into it. On our particular corner there was only one kid and as the processions past and the candy was flying we all jumped in to help fill his bag. He was so excited by how much candy he got that he gave Pauline a great big hug at the end of the parade.
After the parade we went up to castle hill to watch the reenactment of the transfer ceremony. About halfway through it started to rain but soon the sun popped out and there was a beautiful rainbow over the town.
From Castle Hill we had a good view of the Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue exhibition taking place in the harbor. Once again the rain started but we figured we were better off than the victim and rescue swimmer who had to jump out of the helicopter into the water.
Afterward we went back to the church to help with the clean up and found out that Mark had won honorable mention in the chili cook off which is the same thing as fourth place and so he got a ribbon. Not bad as there was 15 types of chili in the cook off and all of them were good!
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