Sunday Shakedown Cruise: Lake Pend Orielle, Pizza at the condo, Dinner with David & Helen

Dropped the trailer at Old 95 Storage this morning, then swung by the Epic Storage boat locker to gather a few coffee essentials. We also stopped at the marina office and picked up a new restroom key—small things, but part of settling into the rhythm of boat life.

Back at the slip, Sonya and I went through our very first pre-cruise routine together: switching on power, untying lines, raising the mast, and easing out of the harbor at idle speed. A new rhythm beginning to take shape.

Being Sunday, Bayview had a little extra activity. A sailboat race was underway straight out from the marina, colorful sails scattered across the water. Rather than thread through the action, we turned north and ran at a comfortable clip around the upper end of the race course.

Once clear, we pulled back the power and simply drifted. Fired up the little single-burner electric stove and heated water for our first cups of coffee aboard Gusto. Sat out in the cockpit looking across water smooth as glass. For a few moments the clouds even parted and gave us a little sunshine. Quiet all around. One of those small moments that somehow feels bigger than it ought to.

Afterward we idled along the eastern shoreline past the cement plant, keeping watch for the mountain goats. Eventually we spotted them at the southernmost point before turning west and beginning the trip back.

There was something satisfying about returning to the slip, tying Gusto up, stepping off the boat, and realizing… no trailer to load, no ramps, no straps. Just walk away and head home. A different pace entirely.

Back at Twin Lakes, I made a margarita pizza while Sonya got ready for dinner tonight with David and Helen in Coeur d’Alene. A good first outing. Not a grand adventure perhaps—but every boat seems to have a first chapter, and today felt like the opening page..