Never Say Easy
On a boat, some of the simplest days can turn into the hardest “It’s going to be a clear short trip tomorrow, we don’t have to rush in the morning. It will be easy.” I told my wife, Beth, the day before making a stop in…
Taz Basin: Sunshine At Hole-in-the-Wall
From my vantage point atop a large, round granite boulder, sweeping views of the Gulf of Alaska and rugged Kenai Peninsula coast seemingly stretch on forever. Turning the opposite direction to the east, my view is quite…
Homeward Bound, Part 2: Singapore to Japan
Irene’s route from Singapore to Japan. “Sorry to wake you, but we need all hands on deck right now.” Somehow these words penetrated my deep sleep and I rolled off the bunk and struggled toward the companionway. I felt…
San Juan Islands Home Spot
From the June 2022 issue of 48° North. Years ago my daughter, Dagny, did a report for school about the marine mollusk species called Limpets. She learned that Limpets have a ‘home spot.’ Their shells are worn to fit a…
A Sailor’s Sourdough Comes to Life on a Honeymoon Cruise
A several month cruise through British Columbia gives a couple a chance to celebrate their recent marriage, experience their new home waters, and grow a shipboard sourdough starter. The following article originally appeared…
Homeward Bound: Part 1, Turkey to Singapore
Last month, we were introduced to Peter and Ginger Niemann — award-winning Seattle-based circumnavigators whose journey home through the pandemic-closed world found them boat-bound for more than 300 days. They were in Turkey…
#TBT: A Sailor Returns Home to the Sea
From the June 2009 issue of 48° North by Lance Ekhart A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving. Lao Tzu, 570-490 BC I felt all dressed up with nowhere to go. I planned to leave two days earlier but…
Reflecting on the Joys and Challenges of Cruising with Kids
This article was originally published in the April 2022 issue of 48° North. Ten days on a boat? With a baby?” friends asked when they learned about our plan to cruise the San Juan Islands on our 28-foot sailboat. “Are you…
Sailing Home to the Pacific Northwest
This article originally appeared in the April 2022 issue of 48° North. Land ho!” I looked up to see Ginger peering down the companionway hatch, grinning widely. “Mountains!” she pointed to port. We weren’t surprised that we…
A 10 Year Milestone: From the PNW to the Panama Canal
This article was originally published in the April 2022 issue of 48° North. Looking forward and aft — at what, I'm not exactly sure — our canal pilot, Francisco, says simply, “Slow down, we need to wait here.” I can feel…