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Frequent Sea's adventures
- Thread starter thataway
- Start date
Great report Bob. Toni and I love fresh seafood when we can get it, has Marie had any luck with fishing? Did you bring a crab ring or pot? Clamming?
You are getting excellent fuel mileage, considering you must be traveling with full water and fuel much of the time, and the many other "must have" things one brings on an extended journey.
Keep the reports coming and post a photo when you can. Thankyou.
You are getting excellent fuel mileage, considering you must be traveling with full water and fuel much of the time, and the many other "must have" things one brings on an extended journey.
Keep the reports coming and post a photo when you can. Thankyou.
I have expanded my Verizon data plan to Canada and Mexico by basically doubling the $60 per month fee. The good news is that I can drop back to the US only plan when not in Canada, which I will do at the end of the boating season here. The plan allows 5G total monthly, either in the US or Canada, but only 100K per month in Mexico (probably due to less wireless infrastructure there.)
Since I can't use the VHF this is more of a safety issue for me since if I have a wireless connection I can use my computer to place a TTY call through the relay to Vessel Assist or whomever, if it is an issue that doesn't require a full-blown mayday with DSC and EPIRB, etc.
If anyone wants to know how to use their wireless connection to make a phone call through the relay let me know. Alternatively for those not able to use their voice plans, maybe Skype or other services of that ilk would work?
I don't have a voice plan with Verizon so can't speak to that.
Warren
Since I can't use the VHF this is more of a safety issue for me since if I have a wireless connection I can use my computer to place a TTY call through the relay to Vessel Assist or whomever, if it is an issue that doesn't require a full-blown mayday with DSC and EPIRB, etc.
If anyone wants to know how to use their wireless connection to make a phone call through the relay let me know. Alternatively for those not able to use their voice plans, maybe Skype or other services of that ilk would work?
I don't have a voice plan with Verizon so can't speak to that.
Warren
For the most part the marinas have relitatively empty. About a dozen boats at Naniamo--and probably 50 empty slots for transcients. This may be because of bad weather or early season, but it is general. The exception was Powell River and Lund, but these are popular focal points for jumping off further North.
Even Princes Lousia had space at the dock (but some boats anchored out because of restrictions on running generators).
For the most part the free Wi Fi has been slow. At Lund "Nancy's Bakery" is the exception-and it is almost as fast as my home Wi Fi--so most would not be fast enough for Skepe or voice over.
We have predictions of rain today, but 4 days of 25 to 27 C temps and sun for the Desolation sound area over the long weekend (Canada Day). This ought to tell us what the real effect of fuel costs and the economy are this year. One wharf manager felt that ever since 2001 that the US boats were less.
Thanks for all of the suggestions on places to stop, and we will try them all!
Even Princes Lousia had space at the dock (but some boats anchored out because of restrictions on running generators).
For the most part the free Wi Fi has been slow. At Lund "Nancy's Bakery" is the exception-and it is almost as fast as my home Wi Fi--so most would not be fast enough for Skepe or voice over.
We have predictions of rain today, but 4 days of 25 to 27 C temps and sun for the Desolation sound area over the long weekend (Canada Day). This ought to tell us what the real effect of fuel costs and the economy are this year. One wharf manager felt that ever since 2001 that the US boats were less.
Thanks for all of the suggestions on places to stop, and we will try them all!
We are opportunists. There was a break in the weather on Johnston Straits, so this AM we left Squirrel Cove at 7 AM and were in Lagoon Cove (110 miles North) by Noon. Flat calm, not problem with all of the rapids, although we did'nt hit any of them at "slack water". The C Dory just dances over the ripples and small whirl pools (not going to try at max flood or ebb).
June 28 2008
Melanie cove (Desolation Sound)--Prideaux Haven
From Lund, via the Copelands to Grace Harbor. Cloudy day, with moderate Westerly winds. Only 3 sailboats in Grace. The 27th to Tenedos Bay, trolled most of the way, with no bites. We anchored in the area behind the small island (North side) about 6 boats there, and a Defever 49 and 55 in the area S. of the Island. Walked to Unwin Lake, where we took a bath in the stream about 100 yards down stream from the lake. Lake access was muddy, with many logs at the head of the stream. Water temp probably mid 60’s but it felt great.
On 28th to Melanie cove, via Prideaux Haven. Many boats in both anchorages. The long weekend brings out the less experienced boaters. For example there is an 18 foot cuddy cabin next to us who has about 1.5 to 1 scope out, with some vinly covered “navy”anchor. When his boat drags toward us, he drags it back with the engine--but the last time, he shortened the scope to about a 1 to 1. Fun watching the families with small children, and how well some of them manage the chores on the boats. One a 5 year old put the line ashore around the trunk of a fallen tree--and did it well.
This after noon we took about a 2 mile walk. How many shades of green are there? The forrest was dense and verdant. Lots of old growth stumps, with the spring board cuts in them, left over from the hand loggers. Since this is Provendicial forrest, there will not be any further cutting. Some mud on the trail, but generally not too bad a walk.
We finally solved the reason that the head would not pump water into the bowl. It probably never did. The “Bostic” sealant used at the factory (2003) filled up the intake tube! We cleaned that out, and it worked perfectly. I had already rebuilt the pump and valves thinking that it had been damaged by a freeze etc--but probably not the case at all, and the head probably never had worked since the boat was new.
The “ultimate” ice chests do not do well, and we are going to have to get one of the good ones ($300 or so). Ice lasts 2 or 3 days at the most.
Well, summer must be here--again for a day or two. Yesterday was in the 70’s and today in the 80’s. We stuck our feet in the salt water--up in the cove it was over 72 degrees toward the head. Lots of folks are taking dips.
We also watched the Hobie Marige Kayaks. These are the fin powered units, which also sail, and have amas. We are going to investigate buying one when we get back to Pensacola--preferably a 2 person unit. They seem like they might be better on the back than paddling with the double paddles--and we had to give that up several years ago.
Also Kenmore Airlines (the one which flew Marie to Port Angeles) lands here. Apparently by special arrangement they will send out an Otter or Beaver to take guests out or bring them in. Also I spotted a cell tower on the top of an isolated, snow covered peak--which is at about 6,000 feet--3 bars on roaming Verizon. We suspect that this is serviced by chopper.
All of the last three coves have been spetacular--great anchorages and great vistas. So quiet--even with a few small kids in some of the boats. Sort of like the high Sierra with salt water.
We have delayed going to the Broughtons because of reports that they are still having rain and gale force winds--where we have calm and 70 to 80 degree weather. Maybe in a week, the weather will break up there !
Update on 30 June: We topped off the fuel tanks at Refuge cove, as well as picked up ice. Fuel was not much more than we paid at mainland marinas. The ice was $4 a block--but that is what you pay. Garbage is $7 a bag! (better than accumulating it). There are burn barrels and other places to get rid of trash up Island, but the C Dory does not allow lots of room for accumulation. The selection of food was good at Refuge--in fact better than at the Squirrel cove "walk in" produce box. Squirrel Cove also had a "Farmers Market"--maybe better described as a crafts and junk sale. Not much food--a few cookies, but no produce.
We have taken several long hikes the last few days, so that we have tested our weak legs (and found them some what lacking! Not like they used to be. On the other and, some of the "trails" had not been maintaned for some time, and there was a lot of climbing over trees etc.
Showers remain imortant. Some of the best we foun were at Powell River and Lund--two persons showers. The problem with the CD 25 is the power to heat the water (unless you have the 2000 generator, or a smaller heater (which we had attempted to install)--plus the limited capacity of the water tanks. Also as we get up Island pure water is difficult to find (drinking safe) so we have only been using drinking water from the tank, and use jerry cans for washing--same as dock water, stream water etc.
The more time we spend on the 25, the more we are convinced that it definately rides better than the 22, and is probably a better cruising boat (despite the heavier weight for trailering).
June 28 2008
Melanie cove (Desolation Sound)--Prideaux Haven
From Lund, via the Copelands to Grace Harbor. Cloudy day, with moderate Westerly winds. Only 3 sailboats in Grace. The 27th to Tenedos Bay, trolled most of the way, with no bites. We anchored in the area behind the small island (North side) about 6 boats there, and a Defever 49 and 55 in the area S. of the Island. Walked to Unwin Lake, where we took a bath in the stream about 100 yards down stream from the lake. Lake access was muddy, with many logs at the head of the stream. Water temp probably mid 60’s but it felt great.
On 28th to Melanie cove, via Prideaux Haven. Many boats in both anchorages. The long weekend brings out the less experienced boaters. For example there is an 18 foot cuddy cabin next to us who has about 1.5 to 1 scope out, with some vinly covered “navy”anchor. When his boat drags toward us, he drags it back with the engine--but the last time, he shortened the scope to about a 1 to 1. Fun watching the families with small children, and how well some of them manage the chores on the boats. One a 5 year old put the line ashore around the trunk of a fallen tree--and did it well.
This after noon we took about a 2 mile walk. How many shades of green are there? The forrest was dense and verdant. Lots of old growth stumps, with the spring board cuts in them, left over from the hand loggers. Since this is Provendicial forrest, there will not be any further cutting. Some mud on the trail, but generally not too bad a walk.
We finally solved the reason that the head would not pump water into the bowl. It probably never did. The “Bostic” sealant used at the factory (2003) filled up the intake tube! We cleaned that out, and it worked perfectly. I had already rebuilt the pump and valves thinking that it had been damaged by a freeze etc--but probably not the case at all, and the head probably never had worked since the boat was new.
The “ultimate” ice chests do not do well, and we are going to have to get one of the good ones ($300 or so). Ice lasts 2 or 3 days at the most.
Well, summer must be here--again for a day or two. Yesterday was in the 70’s and today in the 80’s. We stuck our feet in the salt water--up in the cove it was over 72 degrees toward the head. Lots of folks are taking dips.
We also watched the Hobie Marige Kayaks. These are the fin powered units, which also sail, and have amas. We are going to investigate buying one when we get back to Pensacola--preferably a 2 person unit. They seem like they might be better on the back than paddling with the double paddles--and we had to give that up several years ago.
Also Kenmore Airlines (the one which flew Marie to Port Angeles) lands here. Apparently by special arrangement they will send out an Otter or Beaver to take guests out or bring them in. Also I spotted a cell tower on the top of an isolated, snow covered peak--which is at about 6,000 feet--3 bars on roaming Verizon. We suspect that this is serviced by chopper.
All of the last three coves have been spetacular--great anchorages and great vistas. So quiet--even with a few small kids in some of the boats. Sort of like the high Sierra with salt water.
We have delayed going to the Broughtons because of reports that they are still having rain and gale force winds--where we have calm and 70 to 80 degree weather. Maybe in a week, the weather will break up there !
Update on 30 June: We topped off the fuel tanks at Refuge cove, as well as picked up ice. Fuel was not much more than we paid at mainland marinas. The ice was $4 a block--but that is what you pay. Garbage is $7 a bag! (better than accumulating it). There are burn barrels and other places to get rid of trash up Island, but the C Dory does not allow lots of room for accumulation. The selection of food was good at Refuge--in fact better than at the Squirrel cove "walk in" produce box. Squirrel Cove also had a "Farmers Market"--maybe better described as a crafts and junk sale. Not much food--a few cookies, but no produce.
We have taken several long hikes the last few days, so that we have tested our weak legs (and found them some what lacking! Not like they used to be. On the other and, some of the "trails" had not been maintaned for some time, and there was a lot of climbing over trees etc.
Showers remain imortant. Some of the best we foun were at Powell River and Lund--two persons showers. The problem with the CD 25 is the power to heat the water (unless you have the 2000 generator, or a smaller heater (which we had attempted to install)--plus the limited capacity of the water tanks. Also as we get up Island pure water is difficult to find (drinking safe) so we have only been using drinking water from the tank, and use jerry cans for washing--same as dock water, stream water etc.
The more time we spend on the 25, the more we are convinced that it definately rides better than the 22, and is probably a better cruising boat (despite the heavier weight for trailering).
Pat Anderson
New member
Amen to that, you won't get a any argument from any of us former CD22 folks who now have CD25s. We loved our CD22, did not know we needed a CD25, but it sure would be difficult to go back now...not a knock on the CD22, either - just a fact.
thataway":olrjf6b4 said:The more time we spend on the 25, the more we are convinced that it definately rides better than the 22, and is probably a better cruising boat (despite the heavier weight for trailering).
July 3--and so far we have avoided the attraction of the big party at Sullivan Bay for the 4th. (Marie may cave tomarrow). After Echo Bay and the Pig Roast, it will be hard to beat that! We spent last night a Laura Cove. Only 5 boats there and we visited all of them via dinghy. Helped out one fellow with battery and power management problems. Heavy rain, plus thunder during the night. Definately colder and dog duty required both boots and foul weather gear! Today is at Shawl bay. A bit run down. Nothing in the store. I didn't use the shower because of heavy smell of propane. The owner(?) has a C Dory 19 which they use for a work boat/etc. There are 4 boats currently present, with a 5th on the way in. Not much of a crowd for the 3rd of July. The middle of the day was warm, and some broken sunshine. As usual, great fun talking with the various boaters. A real plus is a fairly fast internet Wi Fi llink.
We will be exploring this area for the next couple of weeks, then heading South. There are a number of places we have not been to during our prior voyages up this way.
We will be exploring this area for the next couple of weeks, then heading South. There are a number of places we have not been to during our prior voyages up this way.
I have to correct what I said about the C Dory at Shawl bay--it is a C Dory 22 Classis (1984) angler. It has survived very well many years of service--and still looks good, considering it is used as a supply boat, crew boat, water taxi and tug boat, as well as occasional fishing etc. It is currently run by Rob, who I believe is the owner's son. The owners are not there currently.
Last night a guest (charter?) on a sailing Cat, slipped and fell, with at least a tear in the rotator cuff of the shoulder. It was not obviously dislocated and there was no practical way to get immediate medical attention. We splinted the arm/shoulder and advised X ray and evaluation ASAP. Rob, who runs the C Dory agreed to take the boat skipper and the guest to Port McNeil, stay with them, take them to Alert Bay if necessary to see a physician, and bring them back for $200. (a real bargin--considering that the fuel for that run would cost almost that much). I considered this an accomidation beyond the call of duty of running the Marina.
Of course it also brings home that these areas are really remote. The best communication they have is via voice over via the internet, baring a satellite phone. I'll have to say that the internet connection at Shawl bay was quite good.
We ran the approximate 9 miles to Greenwood Sound Resort. This was in many ways the best place we have been. Despite over 2200 feet of dockage, there are only 5 boats here. Several in the 42 feet range, one 34 footer and our C Dory. Of course the competition is Sullivan Bay and the 4th of July.
But there is very fast internet, the groceries are the best we have found. Susposedly excellent water (a real plus out here), and good showers ($5 each), and a very nice store/gathering area. There were enough supplies that we will not have to go to Port McNeil--thus saving us several days and at least $200 worth of fuel (fuel is close to $8.00 a gallon--$2.00 a liter). So up here, where distances are short, one tends to run at slow speeds and conserve fuel.
There have been many changes in the last 15 years since we first came up here. Most of these resorts were fishing oriented, with fly in, small boats and fishing cabins. That is almost all gone. There is more catering to the larger yachts which come now. Also loggers are welcome--where they were not in the past at some resorts.
The owners of these "resorts" have to erk out a livng here. Almost everything has to be flown in (like fresh produce this PM along with some chicken for our dinner). Most of these resorts are floating--not connected to land, with small patches of grass for the doggie--"Piddle parlors"--10 x 10 feet to 6 x 6 feet in size for our pups.
Of course the winters are very isolated. We also had an interesting conversation with a native from Kingcom--a native village not far from Shawl bay.
Last night a guest (charter?) on a sailing Cat, slipped and fell, with at least a tear in the rotator cuff of the shoulder. It was not obviously dislocated and there was no practical way to get immediate medical attention. We splinted the arm/shoulder and advised X ray and evaluation ASAP. Rob, who runs the C Dory agreed to take the boat skipper and the guest to Port McNeil, stay with them, take them to Alert Bay if necessary to see a physician, and bring them back for $200. (a real bargin--considering that the fuel for that run would cost almost that much). I considered this an accomidation beyond the call of duty of running the Marina.
Of course it also brings home that these areas are really remote. The best communication they have is via voice over via the internet, baring a satellite phone. I'll have to say that the internet connection at Shawl bay was quite good.
We ran the approximate 9 miles to Greenwood Sound Resort. This was in many ways the best place we have been. Despite over 2200 feet of dockage, there are only 5 boats here. Several in the 42 feet range, one 34 footer and our C Dory. Of course the competition is Sullivan Bay and the 4th of July.
But there is very fast internet, the groceries are the best we have found. Susposedly excellent water (a real plus out here), and good showers ($5 each), and a very nice store/gathering area. There were enough supplies that we will not have to go to Port McNeil--thus saving us several days and at least $200 worth of fuel (fuel is close to $8.00 a gallon--$2.00 a liter). So up here, where distances are short, one tends to run at slow speeds and conserve fuel.
There have been many changes in the last 15 years since we first came up here. Most of these resorts were fishing oriented, with fly in, small boats and fishing cabins. That is almost all gone. There is more catering to the larger yachts which come now. Also loggers are welcome--where they were not in the past at some resorts.
The owners of these "resorts" have to erk out a livng here. Almost everything has to be flown in (like fresh produce this PM along with some chicken for our dinner). Most of these resorts are floating--not connected to land, with small patches of grass for the doggie--"Piddle parlors"--10 x 10 feet to 6 x 6 feet in size for our pups.
Of course the winters are very isolated. We also had an interesting conversation with a native from Kingcom--a native village not far from Shawl bay.
One of the nice things about cruising, is that you never know who you will meet next. We hiked up to the lake (about a mile or so--and not too bad a hike). There were what I think were cougar prints right by the water (a Cougar had been sighted a few weeks ago up there.).
When we came back down the trail, a new boat had come into the harbor. She was a Catmarran by the name of "Katie Sue". Hobie Alter was walking down the dock as we docked the dinghy. I said "I suspect that you are "Hobie". Hobie looked surprised and asked how I knew his name. Of course it was easy: he was wearing a Hobbie surf board "T" shirt and his wife was wearing Hobie sun glasses (plus I knew the name of his boat, and a very close friend of mine had been married to his sister). So we had a chat about cats and kayaks. (We are thinking of buying on of the mirages (the flipper fined kayaks).
True to his word, Tom Taylor had fresh chicken and more meat flown in this afternoon, and we are now fully provisioned for the next couple of weeks. Sure food costs a bit more here, but it is worth it! Too bad the restraunt is not open. If Tom sells the Greenway Sound Marine resort, I certainly hope that someone who has the pride of quality buys it. We see tough times ahead for these resorts unless more boats start showing up and using the facilities.
When we came back down the trail, a new boat had come into the harbor. She was a Catmarran by the name of "Katie Sue". Hobie Alter was walking down the dock as we docked the dinghy. I said "I suspect that you are "Hobie". Hobie looked surprised and asked how I knew his name. Of course it was easy: he was wearing a Hobbie surf board "T" shirt and his wife was wearing Hobie sun glasses (plus I knew the name of his boat, and a very close friend of mine had been married to his sister). So we had a chat about cats and kayaks. (We are thinking of buying on of the mirages (the flipper fined kayaks).
True to his word, Tom Taylor had fresh chicken and more meat flown in this afternoon, and we are now fully provisioned for the next couple of weeks. Sure food costs a bit more here, but it is worth it! Too bad the restraunt is not open. If Tom sells the Greenway Sound Marine resort, I certainly hope that someone who has the pride of quality buys it. We see tough times ahead for these resorts unless more boats start showing up and using the facilities.
July 7, we spent last night up in Drury Inlet in Sutherland Bay--Dreamer and Sea Pal were about half a mile away behind several small Islands. On the way in, we stopped to fish at slack water at Stuart Narrows: didn't get a halibut, but Marie got a very nice Cod which gave us dinner and lunch the next day. The shore line was rocky with a flat mud bottom, and Marie insisted on catching dog fish (small sharks)--I guess it is the fun of the "fight", We managed to hit the dinghy prop on a rock before I had it out of gear, and broke a shear pin--fortunately we had several extras in the motor handle.
This morning we saw two black bears--exactly where we had walked Miss Priss only an hour before. Of course we had been careful; making noise etc when landing.
Back up the inlet to Jennis Bay. What a wonderful famly trying to erk their living out of the wilderness! There is active logging in the areas; both up Actaeon Sound and right out of Sutherland Bay. There is also a new logging road cut by Jennis Bay--and we hope that when logging occurs here that there will not be too much disruption of the resort. There are two large floating loging camps, plus a 130 foot support vessel and a large tug with the operation in Sutherland Bay.
Fortunately yesterday was warmer than the day at Sutherland Bay, with very little rain, and today is even nicer, with scattered sunshine and no rain. Cabin temp up to 73 degrees and Marie is a happy camper.
Tomarrow is "Mardi Gras" night at Jennis (we are not staying), but they are packing the boats in like sardenes--even rafting boats stern too. There is a "plan" drawn up.
The next few days will be in the Mackenzie Sound area, and then we will start working our way back South. Along the way we will hit a few of the bays which we missed on the way up near Johnston Straits. We found good water and reasonable fuel ($1.51 plus GST a liter), so no trip to Port Mc Neil will be necessary before we head South.
Half of the fun (maybe more) is the people you meet!
This morning we saw two black bears--exactly where we had walked Miss Priss only an hour before. Of course we had been careful; making noise etc when landing.
Back up the inlet to Jennis Bay. What a wonderful famly trying to erk their living out of the wilderness! There is active logging in the areas; both up Actaeon Sound and right out of Sutherland Bay. There is also a new logging road cut by Jennis Bay--and we hope that when logging occurs here that there will not be too much disruption of the resort. There are two large floating loging camps, plus a 130 foot support vessel and a large tug with the operation in Sutherland Bay.
Fortunately yesterday was warmer than the day at Sutherland Bay, with very little rain, and today is even nicer, with scattered sunshine and no rain. Cabin temp up to 73 degrees and Marie is a happy camper.
Tomarrow is "Mardi Gras" night at Jennis (we are not staying), but they are packing the boats in like sardenes--even rafting boats stern too. There is a "plan" drawn up.
The next few days will be in the Mackenzie Sound area, and then we will start working our way back South. Along the way we will hit a few of the bays which we missed on the way up near Johnston Straits. We found good water and reasonable fuel ($1.51 plus GST a liter), so no trip to Port Mc Neil will be necessary before we head South.
Half of the fun (maybe more) is the people you meet!
Dr Bob & Marie
Your sharing of this adventure is much appreciated by us. Have looked forward to each of your post along the way. So much good information for anyone else thinking of making a similar cruise. What a summer cruise especially for someone who's future was very much on the line not so long ago. Keep these post coming as you safely return south. You two really live our signature line from "Jack London's" poem.
Would like to see this thread moved to the "Grand Adventures Forum" where it could be more easily accessed, learned from and enjoyed in the future.
Agree with "Half of the fun (maybe more) is the people you meet!" Has definitely been that way for us.
Your sharing of this adventure is much appreciated by us. Have looked forward to each of your post along the way. So much good information for anyone else thinking of making a similar cruise. What a summer cruise especially for someone who's future was very much on the line not so long ago. Keep these post coming as you safely return south. You two really live our signature line from "Jack London's" poem.
Would like to see this thread moved to the "Grand Adventures Forum" where it could be more easily accessed, learned from and enjoyed in the future.
Agree with "Half of the fun (maybe more) is the people you meet!" Has definitely been that way for us.
Dr Bob,
Thanks for sharing your trip with us. Your descriptions make it seem like we are right there. Sounds like you are having a great time, and finally got some better weather and you deserve it. Stay safe and we hope to get to see you again on your return south.
Harvey
SleepyC :moon
Thanks for sharing your trip with us. Your descriptions make it seem like we are right there. Sounds like you are having a great time, and finally got some better weather and you deserve it. Stay safe and we hope to get to see you again on your return south.
Harvey
SleepyC :moon
Another small world story: A very hansom sailboat pulled into the ancorage at Jennis, and we talked to the German Couple aboard. It turns out they they had met my best friend a number of times on a circumnavigation in the early 90's and then again a few years ago in Annapolis MD.
We are off to Turnbull Cove, and MacKenzie Sound for a few days, and then slowly start working our way South.
We are off to Turnbull Cove, and MacKenzie Sound for a few days, and then slowly start working our way South.
Well, we sure missed that Cougar. We had a great dolphin show on the way to Kwatsi Bay--about a dozen leaping for about half an hour.
Turnbull Bay was beautiful, but rain and fog made the climate less than perfect. We dinghied to Roaring Hole rapids at full flood, sort of a awesome sight!
Filled with fuel--$1.51 a liter at Sullivan Bay and ran to Kwatsi--sun came out on the way, and it is a nice day.
Internet here is a bit sporatic, but a beautiful bay and nice folks.
Hard to beat the crew at Jennis Bay! We are headed to warmer weather--and hopefully the next post will see temps in the 70's. My Southern Wife (plus my arthritis--) are complaining about the cold, fog, rain etc. We don't remember it as being this bad ever the three years we were cruising to Alaska on the Cal 46.
Turnbull Bay was beautiful, but rain and fog made the climate less than perfect. We dinghied to Roaring Hole rapids at full flood, sort of a awesome sight!
Filled with fuel--$1.51 a liter at Sullivan Bay and ran to Kwatsi--sun came out on the way, and it is a nice day.
Internet here is a bit sporatic, but a beautiful bay and nice folks.
Hard to beat the crew at Jennis Bay! We are headed to warmer weather--and hopefully the next post will see temps in the 70's. My Southern Wife (plus my arthritis--) are complaining about the cold, fog, rain etc. We don't remember it as being this bad ever the three years we were cruising to Alaska on the Cal 46.
Kwatsi Bay is another "not to be missed" place. Wonderful ambience. We took the hike to the waterfall--the resort provides a skiff to row to the trail. The evening was delightful (but cool), with the noise of the falls, birds singing, and the beautiful light on the mountains.
Today, we may have some of our first really rough weather. It is gale force in Johnston Straits, and we need to start South. No, we will probably not get into the straits, but will hit some wind and waves staging to go South.
Today, we may have some of our first really rough weather. It is gale force in Johnston Straits, and we need to start South. No, we will probably not get into the straits, but will hit some wind and waves staging to go South.
Hi Dr Bob,
Listened to the weather this evening and in spite of a red sunset, the clouds all have tail, and the winds have been building all day. Juan de Fuca is predicted to be 25 - 35 tomorrow, it was 20 - 25 plus from the west entrance al the way in to Smith Island tonight. Strait of Georgia, close to the same for tomorrow. Waves in the 3-4 up to 6-7 feet, Race Rocks, Dungeness bouy gusts to 26 in Port Angeles.
The HMS Bounty left Port angeles yesterday morning some time after clearing customs and is headed up the outside to Port Alberni for this weekend.
You all stay safe and warm and enjoy the views, the people and the water.
Harvey
SleepyC :moon
Listened to the weather this evening and in spite of a red sunset, the clouds all have tail, and the winds have been building all day. Juan de Fuca is predicted to be 25 - 35 tomorrow, it was 20 - 25 plus from the west entrance al the way in to Smith Island tonight. Strait of Georgia, close to the same for tomorrow. Waves in the 3-4 up to 6-7 feet, Race Rocks, Dungeness bouy gusts to 26 in Port Angeles.
The HMS Bounty left Port angeles yesterday morning some time after clearing customs and is headed up the outside to Port Alberni for this weekend.
You all stay safe and warm and enjoy the views, the people and the water.
Harvey
SleepyC :moon
July 11. We had a wonderful time at Kwatsi. Sort of the culmination of our time up North. However, Marie had enough of the cold, has some concerns about her Mother and a dental problem, so we did the quick trip South. We Initially had the wind behind us as we left Tribute channel. But as we came to Knight Channel it turned against up with about 2 foot chop. The CD 25 handled it fine at about 11 knots. It was small craft to gale force in Johnston Straits, but would be behind us as we ran down the coast. We took a short cut thru the broken islands at the entrance to Havannah Channel to avoid bucking into the heavy seas in Johnstone straights, as we exited. The seas were 5 to 6 foot and wind 30 steady gusting to 35. The boat handled the conditions well, and we averaged 14 knots over the 18 mile run. We used a bit more fuel than usual, since when the boat came off the back of a wave and would stop surfing; it would slow down to 7 knots, and we had to bring the boat back up to speed to catch the next wave. I have done a lot of this type of “sailing”--surfing waves in sailboats, so it was a natural reflex. I felt fortunate that we did not have a “down east” type of boat which would have buried its forefoot and broached. By the time we got to Forward Harbor, just North of Whirlpool rapids, I was beat, (that is what happens when you get old) and we anchored for the night. As we put our stern line ashore, by the entrance, one of the other boats informed us that there had been a black bear in that place only 30 minutes before. We lost count at 15 boats waiting for weather in Forward Harbor, and the parade out started at 5 AM the next morning. The only boats which went on up the straits that evening were over 100 feet long and carried helicopters!
No bears bothered Miss Priss, and we had a restful night, despite a small chop in the bay. We took out time thru Whirlpool and Greene Rapids. Blind channel resort was full of boats waiting for a break in the weather. We fished and drifted along to make the passage thru Dent and Gilliard Rapids near slack, but the CD dances over the rapids, so I suspect that anything less than full flood would have been fine. There were dozens of boats going North-they had been held up by bad weather in Georgia Straits as well as in Johnstone.
We are spending a nice peaceful, warm night in Laura Cove. Air temp at 5:30 PM is 83 and water temp is 70! Full sun. What a contrast a day and 100 miles makes !
The evenings entertainment was watching a Catalina 30 with a young couple trying to anchor with an imitation Danforth. They drug the length of the cove at least a dozen times trying to get the anchor to set. Moral--get a good anchor--a name brand, adequate chain and learn how to set it!...
Refuge cove allowed us to stock up on good produce, ice and fuel, so we are set for a few more days out in the Desolation sound area.
July 13th, Roscoe Cove. Wow--three “perfect days”. Temps in the high 70’s to 80’s, nights in the mid to low 60’s and water temp of 70 degrees. We had never been in Roscoe cove before. It is in West Redonda Island on the South East side. On the way over from Laura cove, we fished--no fish and some lost gear in the rocks...so far $110 for fishing licenses; somewhere near $50 in lost gear and three fish. (I’ll admit I’m no fisherman--but Marie loves to fish--and usually does much better than this.)
There is a reef at the entrance to Roscoe Cove--a large power boat was anchored right in front of the reef. They had a dinghy in the water, with a “man overboard” flag on a fishing pole, and a person with a mask and fins in the water. I asked if there was anything I could do to help them. Cursory reply was “We have a diver in the water”--I was as far as I could be from them going dead slow. We went across about an hour after low water, and had 5’ 4” of water minimum--visibility was excellent. The cove had about 25 boats--many left--including the boat which had been anchored outside of the reef, after spending about two hours in the cove. (maybe will see them on the lift in Campbell River?--I suspect that they tried to cross the reef and dinged a prop or worse.)
We took the short hike to the large lake just above the bay, and had a wonderful bath off a 100 foot long about half a mile up the bay’s shore in a nice little cove. There are lots of great hikes and the water is warm enough for swimming (for most). The entrance looks right toward snow covered peaks. There are thousands of “moon” Jelly fish which seem to breed in this cove.
Last night there were mostly sailboats--about a dozen, and the majority did not use outboards on their dinghies--they rowed them. This. plus lack of PWC’s makes for tranquil anchorages. There was one boat with an excellent female vocalist, and what sounded like one guitar and a mandolin. We were entertained for several hours.
We have only about 150 miles straight back to Sequin...but I hope that we will have good weather and can spend a few days along the way--after all, 150 miles is a long day’s run in a CD 25 (as opposed to the Tom Cat).
July 15; Campbell River. We spent the night of the 13th at Gorge Harbor. It was windy and not as pretty as some of our recent harbors, but a good stop, with wind blowing 20 knots plus all night.
We had a relatively short run to Campbell River, but with some chop, both on the nose and on the beam. The first stop was critical--we needed to pump the holding tank. The macerator pump had gone out over a week before. There were temporary docks, in the process of being built,blocking the pump-out, and no mooring. We rafted next to a 50 foot fishing boat, and I went to the office after attempting to start the pump-out. “Dave” came down, snaked out about 100 feet of pump out hose over the stern of the fishing boat, and was very cooperative in allowing us to completely flush the tank with salt and fresh water. British Columbia’s formal solution to sewage is that you pump it out some place away from anchorages. Most of the washrooms in the coves were positioned directly over the water--thus flush directly into the anchorages.
Next to Discovery harbor marina; first task was to unload about 3 weeks worth of garbage (that which was aluminum or biodegradable)--over 60 lbs worth. Then we flushed the tannin tainted water out of the tanks, and filled up with “good” drinking water. (There are a few places in the Desolation Sound and North which have safe drinking water, but most of these are tinted by the brown from decaying vegetation).
Then off to Ocean Pacific Marine Supply. If they don’t have the item, they will have it by the next morning...Fortunately they had most of the parts I needed; the rest were available at “Canadian Tire” store near by. One of the purchases was a heavy pair of neoprene gloves for bilge cleaning chores. The grocery stores are not perfect, but there is a wide selection of materials available at the “big box” store. I even got a hair cut in the shopping center (it was that or get a dog tag).
The afternoon was spent re-doing the macerator--including fabricating a raised platform for it to sit upon (out of a $5 cutting board)--filling all holes which had not been filled with epoxy, making secure double clamped connections.
By the evening, neither of us could walk well--Marie from the rolling (back/leg pain)--and my back problem aggravated by taking the garbage to the dumpster. We did manage to make it to the “Rip-tide” pub and had a good dinner--crashing at 8: 30 PM.
We did manage to ogle (from a distance) some of the large beautiful yachts. There are a couple over 100 feet in length. One of my favorites is the Nordhavn 62--there is one just off our bow across the gangway.
We seem to be on the “water taxi” and “charter boat” central float. The water taxies which supply all of the resorts and marinas in the Desolation sound. (ATV’s tow small trailers down the gangway from the 18 wheelers which unload the produce and supplies). There are also “dive boats”--(dry suits), Eco tours--(large inflatables with 20 passengers and twin 250 outboards--wonder how eco friendly these are?). Not only did we suffer the wakes from the various boats, but often the gangways were blocked by tourists trying to get their exposure suits on or off, with no consideration for those who wished to pass by.
We did finally see a number of good size salmon at the cleaning station right down the dock. The guides charge $110 an hour; 5 hour min, with no guarantees. They (as well as most businesses which deal with tourism) have to make their money in June, July and August. The “high season” is July 15 thru August 15. We were also told to watch out for the boaters who come out during this time. It certainly proved to be true and many had no idea of what the “rules of the road” are. Sort of defensive driving.....
Today is a “rest” day at Campbell river. The weather looks fairly good, so tomorrow we will head down to Naniamo. Today is more sunshine, and looks as if it will be in the 70’s--shorts and “T” shirt weather. Shucks just when the weather gets nice, we are heading home! But, hopefully next year, we will be able to spend more time up here.
(Marie is making sounds about a Defever 49 or Ocean Alexander 48 ....I suspect next year will be in our CD 25!)
July 16, up early to get fuel--and found that the fuel dock opened at 7 AM instead of 6 AM, as I had been told..oh well. Marie trolled for two hours--lots of fish on the finder, but none had her name on it! The charter boat across from us was bringing back 6 to 8 fish per run--including a second evening charter. (But these guys are experts, and have down riggers etc....) We had 3 to 4 foot following seas thru part of the 90 mile run South--but generally a comfortable day. I saw one of the largest super yachts we have ever seen--well over 200 feet--and defiantly not a “Cruise ship”--It makes on wonder just how much money it takes and how one lives on such a vessel--probably the owner is only there for a fraction of the time.
I had watched a 130 footer with a crew of 4 leave the dock yesterday. It was done with military precision! Even the cook was on deck helping to release lines, with confirmation of each step. The skipper had started all systems about 30 minutes before departure, then ran both thrusters, each direction, each engine thru its forward and reverse. No mistakes or chances! Maybe a 20 million dollar vessel....
Back to Nanaimo -- we will head down Island--perhaps back to the US tomorrow. It depends on the crossing prediction for the Straits of San Juan de Fuca. Marie’s mother is apparently not doing well, and she wants to get home a bit earlier than we had planned. Hopefully it is just missing Marie.
July 17th--back in the USA. Four hours from Nanaimo, with a current with us most of the way and smooth until about mid Straits. Coming around Limestone Pt on San Juan Island, we ran into 4 to 5 foot seas, at 3 second intervals--really step and nasty--once around the point, we were able to get in close to the beach and relatively smooth water until Friday Harbor.
The phone in customs was very pleasant and I was impressed. We will visit some friends in the San Juan Islands in the next days and then head for Sequin. So far we have gone almost 1200 miles, and put a little over 110 hour on the engine. I’ll figure up the fuel consumption when I have a little more time to double check the data. It is considerably cooler in Friday Harbor than it was in Campbell River, Nanaimo or Desolation sound. Friday Harbor is nearly full, and a much different place than when we were here over 6 weeks ago.
Tomorrow is time to visit with our friends who live on the Islands here, and then head to Sequim some time this weekend.
No bears bothered Miss Priss, and we had a restful night, despite a small chop in the bay. We took out time thru Whirlpool and Greene Rapids. Blind channel resort was full of boats waiting for a break in the weather. We fished and drifted along to make the passage thru Dent and Gilliard Rapids near slack, but the CD dances over the rapids, so I suspect that anything less than full flood would have been fine. There were dozens of boats going North-they had been held up by bad weather in Georgia Straits as well as in Johnstone.
We are spending a nice peaceful, warm night in Laura Cove. Air temp at 5:30 PM is 83 and water temp is 70! Full sun. What a contrast a day and 100 miles makes !
The evenings entertainment was watching a Catalina 30 with a young couple trying to anchor with an imitation Danforth. They drug the length of the cove at least a dozen times trying to get the anchor to set. Moral--get a good anchor--a name brand, adequate chain and learn how to set it!...
Refuge cove allowed us to stock up on good produce, ice and fuel, so we are set for a few more days out in the Desolation sound area.
July 13th, Roscoe Cove. Wow--three “perfect days”. Temps in the high 70’s to 80’s, nights in the mid to low 60’s and water temp of 70 degrees. We had never been in Roscoe cove before. It is in West Redonda Island on the South East side. On the way over from Laura cove, we fished--no fish and some lost gear in the rocks...so far $110 for fishing licenses; somewhere near $50 in lost gear and three fish. (I’ll admit I’m no fisherman--but Marie loves to fish--and usually does much better than this.)
There is a reef at the entrance to Roscoe Cove--a large power boat was anchored right in front of the reef. They had a dinghy in the water, with a “man overboard” flag on a fishing pole, and a person with a mask and fins in the water. I asked if there was anything I could do to help them. Cursory reply was “We have a diver in the water”--I was as far as I could be from them going dead slow. We went across about an hour after low water, and had 5’ 4” of water minimum--visibility was excellent. The cove had about 25 boats--many left--including the boat which had been anchored outside of the reef, after spending about two hours in the cove. (maybe will see them on the lift in Campbell River?--I suspect that they tried to cross the reef and dinged a prop or worse.)
We took the short hike to the large lake just above the bay, and had a wonderful bath off a 100 foot long about half a mile up the bay’s shore in a nice little cove. There are lots of great hikes and the water is warm enough for swimming (for most). The entrance looks right toward snow covered peaks. There are thousands of “moon” Jelly fish which seem to breed in this cove.
Last night there were mostly sailboats--about a dozen, and the majority did not use outboards on their dinghies--they rowed them. This. plus lack of PWC’s makes for tranquil anchorages. There was one boat with an excellent female vocalist, and what sounded like one guitar and a mandolin. We were entertained for several hours.
We have only about 150 miles straight back to Sequin...but I hope that we will have good weather and can spend a few days along the way--after all, 150 miles is a long day’s run in a CD 25 (as opposed to the Tom Cat).
July 15; Campbell River. We spent the night of the 13th at Gorge Harbor. It was windy and not as pretty as some of our recent harbors, but a good stop, with wind blowing 20 knots plus all night.
We had a relatively short run to Campbell River, but with some chop, both on the nose and on the beam. The first stop was critical--we needed to pump the holding tank. The macerator pump had gone out over a week before. There were temporary docks, in the process of being built,blocking the pump-out, and no mooring. We rafted next to a 50 foot fishing boat, and I went to the office after attempting to start the pump-out. “Dave” came down, snaked out about 100 feet of pump out hose over the stern of the fishing boat, and was very cooperative in allowing us to completely flush the tank with salt and fresh water. British Columbia’s formal solution to sewage is that you pump it out some place away from anchorages. Most of the washrooms in the coves were positioned directly over the water--thus flush directly into the anchorages.
Next to Discovery harbor marina; first task was to unload about 3 weeks worth of garbage (that which was aluminum or biodegradable)--over 60 lbs worth. Then we flushed the tannin tainted water out of the tanks, and filled up with “good” drinking water. (There are a few places in the Desolation Sound and North which have safe drinking water, but most of these are tinted by the brown from decaying vegetation).
Then off to Ocean Pacific Marine Supply. If they don’t have the item, they will have it by the next morning...Fortunately they had most of the parts I needed; the rest were available at “Canadian Tire” store near by. One of the purchases was a heavy pair of neoprene gloves for bilge cleaning chores. The grocery stores are not perfect, but there is a wide selection of materials available at the “big box” store. I even got a hair cut in the shopping center (it was that or get a dog tag).
The afternoon was spent re-doing the macerator--including fabricating a raised platform for it to sit upon (out of a $5 cutting board)--filling all holes which had not been filled with epoxy, making secure double clamped connections.
By the evening, neither of us could walk well--Marie from the rolling (back/leg pain)--and my back problem aggravated by taking the garbage to the dumpster. We did manage to make it to the “Rip-tide” pub and had a good dinner--crashing at 8: 30 PM.
We did manage to ogle (from a distance) some of the large beautiful yachts. There are a couple over 100 feet in length. One of my favorites is the Nordhavn 62--there is one just off our bow across the gangway.
We seem to be on the “water taxi” and “charter boat” central float. The water taxies which supply all of the resorts and marinas in the Desolation sound. (ATV’s tow small trailers down the gangway from the 18 wheelers which unload the produce and supplies). There are also “dive boats”--(dry suits), Eco tours--(large inflatables with 20 passengers and twin 250 outboards--wonder how eco friendly these are?). Not only did we suffer the wakes from the various boats, but often the gangways were blocked by tourists trying to get their exposure suits on or off, with no consideration for those who wished to pass by.
We did finally see a number of good size salmon at the cleaning station right down the dock. The guides charge $110 an hour; 5 hour min, with no guarantees. They (as well as most businesses which deal with tourism) have to make their money in June, July and August. The “high season” is July 15 thru August 15. We were also told to watch out for the boaters who come out during this time. It certainly proved to be true and many had no idea of what the “rules of the road” are. Sort of defensive driving.....
Today is a “rest” day at Campbell river. The weather looks fairly good, so tomorrow we will head down to Naniamo. Today is more sunshine, and looks as if it will be in the 70’s--shorts and “T” shirt weather. Shucks just when the weather gets nice, we are heading home! But, hopefully next year, we will be able to spend more time up here.
(Marie is making sounds about a Defever 49 or Ocean Alexander 48 ....I suspect next year will be in our CD 25!)
July 16, up early to get fuel--and found that the fuel dock opened at 7 AM instead of 6 AM, as I had been told..oh well. Marie trolled for two hours--lots of fish on the finder, but none had her name on it! The charter boat across from us was bringing back 6 to 8 fish per run--including a second evening charter. (But these guys are experts, and have down riggers etc....) We had 3 to 4 foot following seas thru part of the 90 mile run South--but generally a comfortable day. I saw one of the largest super yachts we have ever seen--well over 200 feet--and defiantly not a “Cruise ship”--It makes on wonder just how much money it takes and how one lives on such a vessel--probably the owner is only there for a fraction of the time.
I had watched a 130 footer with a crew of 4 leave the dock yesterday. It was done with military precision! Even the cook was on deck helping to release lines, with confirmation of each step. The skipper had started all systems about 30 minutes before departure, then ran both thrusters, each direction, each engine thru its forward and reverse. No mistakes or chances! Maybe a 20 million dollar vessel....
Back to Nanaimo -- we will head down Island--perhaps back to the US tomorrow. It depends on the crossing prediction for the Straits of San Juan de Fuca. Marie’s mother is apparently not doing well, and she wants to get home a bit earlier than we had planned. Hopefully it is just missing Marie.
July 17th--back in the USA. Four hours from Nanaimo, with a current with us most of the way and smooth until about mid Straits. Coming around Limestone Pt on San Juan Island, we ran into 4 to 5 foot seas, at 3 second intervals--really step and nasty--once around the point, we were able to get in close to the beach and relatively smooth water until Friday Harbor.
The phone in customs was very pleasant and I was impressed. We will visit some friends in the San Juan Islands in the next days and then head for Sequin. So far we have gone almost 1200 miles, and put a little over 110 hour on the engine. I’ll figure up the fuel consumption when I have a little more time to double check the data. It is considerably cooler in Friday Harbor than it was in Campbell River, Nanaimo or Desolation sound. Friday Harbor is nearly full, and a much different place than when we were here over 6 weeks ago.
Tomorrow is time to visit with our friends who live on the Islands here, and then head to Sequim some time this weekend.