Hey everyone,

We’re officially in the countdown—July 7 is our cast-off date for the Great Siberian Sushi Run, and the to-do list is... long.

Very long.

But we’re getting there and I think we'll be ready - Blaine thinks otherwise but it doesn't matter because we are casting lines on that day no matter what - unless there is an earthquake and maybe a tsunami but even then....

This week, we’ve been in full-on “if it hasn’t been used in three years, it’s OUTTA HERE” mode. It’s amazing how much gear sneaks aboard “just in case.” At this point, if it doesn’t help us get across the ocean or caffeinate properly—it’s gone.

Blaine’s still fighting with the alternators. Honestly, we might need to start a new series called “How Many Times Can One Man Rebuild a Charging System?” He’s also welding up a proper aft deck door because the plywood one I made 2 years ago just won’t cut it once we leave Canada. Meanwhile, I’ve been insulating the forepeak so Izzie can move in (trying to make it cozy), and next up is sanding the teak on the lower aft deck.

But hey, we’re not all work—next weekend we’re sneaking away for another exploring adventure. We’re heading to Rum Island (yes, it’s real), and yes—we’re searching for actual hidden rum. Then off to Montague Harbour for a circle raft-up where we’ll pretend to be social (shhh don't tell the people we're meeting), and finally to Tumbo Island to explore an old homestead. Cameras will be rolling and hopefully, no one ends up in the water.

On the family front - Izzie’s off on her first solo flight to visit friends (we’re proud and low-key terrified), and Josh well he bought us a family photo shoot for Christmas and we did the shoot last night! We can't wait to see the pictures though it makes me wonder why he was so adamant to get a photo of his family all together before we leave ....

Thanks again for being part of this ride—we’re so close now. And if you’ve got any secret raft-up or rum hunting tips, drop them in the comments.

—Janis & Blaine