Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Friday, August 19, 2011
Prudeaux Haven
Left Nanaimo about 1000 am on Wednesday, picked up about 180 gallons of fuel and headed across the straits of Georgia. The wind was blowing about 15 when we left but was not supposed to get any harder and true to form it did not. We were able to cross strait over Whisky Gulf directly to Jedidiah Island and half way across the water smoothed out and was just a light chop. We explored Jedidiah and there are several very nice one boat coves, all were taken and Deep Cove on the North end was fairly full so we opted for Boho Bay on Lasquetti Island. It is a very nice and protected anchorage with the exception of a SE could blow into the bay. But the wind remained out of the NW and we had a quiet and pleasant evening. We ended up shareing the bay with 3 other power boats and 3 sailboats.
Today we pulled anchor and motored north for about 30 miles, again against a light NW wind and initially about 2 foot waves but by the time we reached the north end of Texada the water was slightly rippled.
We stopped at Lund for a fishing license. One of the boats in Boho bay mentioned they caught 300 shrimp in one set in Desolation Sound so I figured I would give it a try. The store was all out of paper hard copy licenses so they suggested I try the computer station at the hotel next door. I did but apparently I already have a electronic file and it would not recognize my email address so I could not get into it to renew my license. I called and they had to reset my email as it was typed in wrong. So after they reset it I filled in the form and paid my dollars but then could not print it at the hotel. After a bit of troubleshooting we finally figured out how to send a copy to the hotel secretary who then printed it for me.
We also picked up another five gallon can for dinghy fuel as we go through the small tanks pretty quickly. From Lund we tried to get into our favorite little cove on the norhtern most of the copeland Islands but a small fishin boat was already there and there is only room for one boat in there. So we continued on to Prudeaux Haven and found a spot in Laura cove. I think were just going to sit here for two or three days and explore by dinghy and kyak. I jumped in to cool off as it was quite warm when we arrived and it took me three trys to get the danged anchor to hold and then getting the stern line out and back was not one of the smooter operations. I am sure the other boaters were having a good time watching me tangle the lines and fuss around with getting it around a log on the shoreline and back to the boat. We made it but I worked up a sweat so the swim was well deserved.
Today we pulled anchor and motored north for about 30 miles, again against a light NW wind and initially about 2 foot waves but by the time we reached the north end of Texada the water was slightly rippled.
We stopped at Lund for a fishing license. One of the boats in Boho bay mentioned they caught 300 shrimp in one set in Desolation Sound so I figured I would give it a try. The store was all out of paper hard copy licenses so they suggested I try the computer station at the hotel next door. I did but apparently I already have a electronic file and it would not recognize my email address so I could not get into it to renew my license. I called and they had to reset my email as it was typed in wrong. So after they reset it I filled in the form and paid my dollars but then could not print it at the hotel. After a bit of troubleshooting we finally figured out how to send a copy to the hotel secretary who then printed it for me.
We also picked up another five gallon can for dinghy fuel as we go through the small tanks pretty quickly. From Lund we tried to get into our favorite little cove on the norhtern most of the copeland Islands but a small fishin boat was already there and there is only room for one boat in there. So we continued on to Prudeaux Haven and found a spot in Laura cove. I think were just going to sit here for two or three days and explore by dinghy and kyak. I jumped in to cool off as it was quite warm when we arrived and it took me three trys to get the danged anchor to hold and then getting the stern line out and back was not one of the smooter operations. I am sure the other boaters were having a good time watching me tangle the lines and fuss around with getting it around a log on the shoreline and back to the boat. We made it but I worked up a sweat so the swim was well deserved.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Nanaimo Yacht Club
Were docked at the Nanaimo Yacht Club Reciprocal dock. Found a spot with a foot to spare on either end of the boat and squeezed in.
Love this town. The park along the waterfront here is great. We took a long walk, bought ice cream and are just getting ready to dinghy over to the store to finish some shopping for forgotten items.
Tomorrow it sounds like the winds will be minimal so we will head for Jedidiah Island and find a spot to anchor.
Sitting here watching a couple eagles soar over Protection Island across the way.
Jim and Linda Stutz are here, at least there boat is but we have not seen them yet. I heard him transiting Dodd Narrows south bound yesterday so I was surprised to see the boat here.
More to follow, were off shopping.
Well, we found Jim and Linda, talked to them for a bit then headed off shopping. We ran into Steve Driscoll and Sandy on Crecendo. Ended up talking to them for about 30 minutes before they had to leave for dinner reservations with Doug and Gail Stewart. It sounds like everyone from the club that has been up here is headed south while were headed north. Oh well, the weather is looking up for us now. According to Steve much of July sucked for good weather.
Love this town. The park along the waterfront here is great. We took a long walk, bought ice cream and are just getting ready to dinghy over to the store to finish some shopping for forgotten items.
Tomorrow it sounds like the winds will be minimal so we will head for Jedidiah Island and find a spot to anchor.
Sitting here watching a couple eagles soar over Protection Island across the way.
Jim and Linda Stutz are here, at least there boat is but we have not seen them yet. I heard him transiting Dodd Narrows south bound yesterday so I was surprised to see the boat here.
More to follow, were off shopping.
Well, we found Jim and Linda, talked to them for a bit then headed off shopping. We ran into Steve Driscoll and Sandy on Crecendo. Ended up talking to them for about 30 minutes before they had to leave for dinner reservations with Doug and Gail Stewart. It sounds like everyone from the club that has been up here is headed south while were headed north. Oh well, the weather is looking up for us now. According to Steve much of July sucked for good weather.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
What happened to Sunday and Monday?
Ok, so we made it across the straits without incident, a bit lumpy according to Chris. When she tells it the refrigerator bounced out of position and everything fell over. From my persepctive it was an uneventful crossing with a few small rollers to deal with. We made it in good time with a strong 3 knot push out of Admiralty inlet to assist us. That was why there was rollers at the beginning but there was not wind so it wasnt bad.
We anchored in Hunter bay and dropped crab pots. the Whatmores and Millens were anchored in the bay and said the crabbing was great and they showed us their catch. With high hopes we put two pots down and waited, and waited and waited. We ended up with lots of little females and no keepers.
We left Hunter bay and headed up to Garrison Bay thinking we might have my parents pick us up for the afternoon for a visit. they are not doing well, dads heart is acting up and they want to put him on a 30 day monitor to see if there is anything they can do for him. Mom was exhausted and headed off island the next day for a root canal so we did not meet up with them. Oh well!
We did finally get crab. I got a couple nice size ones and a couple just legal ones so we finally had crab for dinner.
We met Jim and Cheryl Matheson in Roche Harbor. They are on their last day out, headed home tomorrow after 4 months running to alaska and back. They had a great trip and they caught lots of fish, crab and shrimp. Jim showed me some of the video he took on the trip and they had a great time by all appearances. But they are ready to be home they said. After a nice visit we headed back to our boat which was anchored in the only sheltered spot in Garrison Bay. it was blowing pretty hard out of the south and I dropped anchor right behind the rock bluff at the entrance to the bay and while everyone else was in the breeze Chris and I were sitting warm and comfortable just out of it.
Roche is such a fun place to be to watch the crazy boaters do stupid things. We spotted a 40 foot sailboat aground on the wrong side of the island in Mosquito Pass. It appears he tried to go on the inside of the island rather than around it. Oops! That is the second boat I have seen run afoul of that bit of land. I do not think I have ever been to Roche without some boating mishap occuring to someone.
We left Monday morning and headed for Sydney to clear customs which was a non event. No issues, phoned in and were out of there in less than 20 minutes.
We wandered slowly north and decided to stay the night at Ganges so we could shop and resupply with food after crossing the boarder.
We anchored in Hunter bay and dropped crab pots. the Whatmores and Millens were anchored in the bay and said the crabbing was great and they showed us their catch. With high hopes we put two pots down and waited, and waited and waited. We ended up with lots of little females and no keepers.
We left Hunter bay and headed up to Garrison Bay thinking we might have my parents pick us up for the afternoon for a visit. they are not doing well, dads heart is acting up and they want to put him on a 30 day monitor to see if there is anything they can do for him. Mom was exhausted and headed off island the next day for a root canal so we did not meet up with them. Oh well!
We did finally get crab. I got a couple nice size ones and a couple just legal ones so we finally had crab for dinner.
We met Jim and Cheryl Matheson in Roche Harbor. They are on their last day out, headed home tomorrow after 4 months running to alaska and back. They had a great trip and they caught lots of fish, crab and shrimp. Jim showed me some of the video he took on the trip and they had a great time by all appearances. But they are ready to be home they said. After a nice visit we headed back to our boat which was anchored in the only sheltered spot in Garrison Bay. it was blowing pretty hard out of the south and I dropped anchor right behind the rock bluff at the entrance to the bay and while everyone else was in the breeze Chris and I were sitting warm and comfortable just out of it.
Roche is such a fun place to be to watch the crazy boaters do stupid things. We spotted a 40 foot sailboat aground on the wrong side of the island in Mosquito Pass. It appears he tried to go on the inside of the island rather than around it. Oops! That is the second boat I have seen run afoul of that bit of land. I do not think I have ever been to Roche without some boating mishap occuring to someone.
We left Monday morning and headed for Sydney to clear customs which was a non event. No issues, phoned in and were out of there in less than 20 minutes.
We wandered slowly north and decided to stay the night at Ganges so we could shop and resupply with food after crossing the boarder.
Wallace Island, Princess Cove
We are anchored tonight in Princess Cove on Wallace Island along with about 20 other boats. We are stern tied as it is a narrow cove with no room to swing with this many boats around. It is the nicest evening by far on the trip with no wind and it was warm enough today to take a quick swim and the controlling word there is quick.
we stayed at Ganges last night, finding a spot on the public dock which we grabbed. We like Ganges even if it is a busy and noisy place. It is a good place to resupply which we did and wandered the town checking out the shops.
Tomorrow we will sneak through Dodd Narrows at slack about 1230 and pick up fuel at Nanaimo. If the weather is with us we will head north towards either Tribune Bay or out to Jedidiah Island. It all depends on the wind which sounds like it should hold for the next couple of days.
we stayed at Ganges last night, finding a spot on the public dock which we grabbed. We like Ganges even if it is a busy and noisy place. It is a good place to resupply which we did and wandered the town checking out the shops.
Tomorrow we will sneak through Dodd Narrows at slack about 1230 and pick up fuel at Nanaimo. If the weather is with us we will head north towards either Tribune Bay or out to Jedidiah Island. It all depends on the wind which sounds like it should hold for the next couple of days.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Last night was exciting. Calm/Wind/Calm.
We ended up anchoring just off the boat yard at Port Townsend, it was a beautiful evening, no wind, the fog burned off late in the afternoon and it was beautiful evening. I had set my anchor in about 36 feet of water near what turned out to be a couple of permanently anchored boats. About 1100 pm just as we were getting ready to go to bed the wind came up quickly and started buffeting us around quite a bit. We were swinging a full 180 degrees every minute and the gusts were as high as 32mph. The weather gods had not predicted this so it caught us a bit off guard. I ended up pulling up the dinghy just in case we started to drag anchor and then I kept anchor watch in the fly bridge while Chris went to sleep down below. Not sure when the winds finally died, I fell asleep for awhile but was up frequently checking the plotter to make sure we were staying put. We drug about 60 feet from where we started but after that we did not budge. The painful reason for that was discovered the next morning when we tried to raise the anchor. We had snagged a chain, probably connecting the permanent anchors for the two semi permanent anchored boats to either side of us. I got the chain up to the surface and captured it with a rope then let my anchor down a bit and it came loose. Dropped one end of the rope and the chain dropped back to where it belonged. Not sure if we would have held in place if we had not snagged the chain?
We decided to take our chances and head across the straits today as they are predicting gail force winds this evening for east entrance of Juan De Fuca straits,and it was a non eventful crossing. Chris thought it a bit lumpy but it really was quite easy, there were some good rollers off our port beam for a while that rocked us pretty good. We got a 3 knot push out of Admiralty inlet with the outgoing tide.
Chris is out in the sailing dinghy having a blast in Hunter Bay. The wind is blowing about 10 to 12 knots and it really gets the little Walker Bay up and moving. It is a great play toy.
No Crab. Everyone else has crab but so far nothing big enough to keep or they are all females. Bummer.
tomorrow maybe Stewart Island, who knows
We ended up anchoring just off the boat yard at Port Townsend, it was a beautiful evening, no wind, the fog burned off late in the afternoon and it was beautiful evening. I had set my anchor in about 36 feet of water near what turned out to be a couple of permanently anchored boats. About 1100 pm just as we were getting ready to go to bed the wind came up quickly and started buffeting us around quite a bit. We were swinging a full 180 degrees every minute and the gusts were as high as 32mph. The weather gods had not predicted this so it caught us a bit off guard. I ended up pulling up the dinghy just in case we started to drag anchor and then I kept anchor watch in the fly bridge while Chris went to sleep down below. Not sure when the winds finally died, I fell asleep for awhile but was up frequently checking the plotter to make sure we were staying put. We drug about 60 feet from where we started but after that we did not budge. The painful reason for that was discovered the next morning when we tried to raise the anchor. We had snagged a chain, probably connecting the permanent anchors for the two semi permanent anchored boats to either side of us. I got the chain up to the surface and captured it with a rope then let my anchor down a bit and it came loose. Dropped one end of the rope and the chain dropped back to where it belonged. Not sure if we would have held in place if we had not snagged the chain?
We decided to take our chances and head across the straits today as they are predicting gail force winds this evening for east entrance of Juan De Fuca straits,and it was a non eventful crossing. Chris thought it a bit lumpy but it really was quite easy, there were some good rollers off our port beam for a while that rocked us pretty good. We got a 3 knot push out of Admiralty inlet with the outgoing tide.
Chris is out in the sailing dinghy having a blast in Hunter Bay. The wind is blowing about 10 to 12 knots and it really gets the little Walker Bay up and moving. It is a great play toy.
No Crab. Everyone else has crab but so far nothing big enough to keep or they are all females. Bummer.
tomorrow maybe Stewart Island, who knows
Friday, August 12, 2011
photos
Our boat anchored off Port Townsend
View from our boat of Port Townsend
Square rigged russian Schooner
Port Townsend
Day 3 finds us anchored off the beach at Port Townsend. The day started gray and cool but by noon the fog finally burned off and the sun came out. Supporsed to be similar tomorrtow, we shall see.
We stopped at Port Hadlock to check it out and found it wanting. Not much there, a marina without many spaces for visitors and the resort is shuttered up with a notice from the tax collector on the doors. there is nothing else there and nothing to bring us back. We wandered into town and did some shopping and I have the carb pots out but so far nothing. Will check them one more time tonight. Tomorrow we wil cross the straits in the fog most likely but winds are supposed to be minimal.
Intsatlled a new air horn so we are now legal and do not have to use tha hand held air horn, I think it is probably louder however.
We stopped at Port Hadlock to check it out and found it wanting. Not much there, a marina without many spaces for visitors and the resort is shuttered up with a notice from the tax collector on the doors. there is nothing else there and nothing to bring us back. We wandered into town and did some shopping and I have the carb pots out but so far nothing. Will check them one more time tonight. Tomorrow we wil cross the straits in the fog most likely but winds are supposed to be minimal.
Intsatlled a new air horn so we are now legal and do not have to use tha hand held air horn, I think it is probably louder however.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Can you have a vacation if your retired?
Were off on our vacation, heading north on the boat. We left yesterday about 2, or at least I did and motored over to Bell Harbor. Solo trip was uneventful with a short stop to do some fishing, no catching off Alki Point.
Got into Bell Harbor and Andy and MaryAnn McDonnell were there from the club so they helped me dock and then we visited for a while waiting for Chris and the girls to show up at Anthony's. They were driving up for a play at the 5th avenue and I joined them for dinner. they went off to the play and I went back and finished some FEMA work from the trip to Phoenix earlier in the week. Yes I was in Phoenix, 100 plus degrees down there and it was just too darned hot. Everyone agreed, no one was on the streets choosing to stay indoors in air conditioned rooms.
We got a lazy start this morning after visiting Pat and Jeanne Maroney who cruised in last evening. Pat looks great after his medical battles. They are headed up to the San Juans for just a few days with the Desmoines Yacht Club.
A large four masted square rig schooner out of Russia was moored at Bell Harbor and it was a pretty impressive sight.
The runup today was fairly easy with clear skys but alas their is no warmth in the sun up here. It was nice but relatively coo. Not sure where the predicted 80 degrees was but it appears the weather forecasts were wrong again.
We ended up at Port Ludlow in one of our most favorite spots to anchor behind twin islands. It is very quiet and serene and we are sharing it with three other boats tonight. the Marina is empty. Sad state of affairs for the boating industry and the economy. We saw a lot of boats out today but everywhere we go people comment that their is no one in the marinas. Andy said that Roche was empty, they just came back from up there and he said they hardly saw another boat all the way home.
tomorrw were probably just going to Port Townsend and call it good there.
Got into Bell Harbor and Andy and MaryAnn McDonnell were there from the club so they helped me dock and then we visited for a while waiting for Chris and the girls to show up at Anthony's. They were driving up for a play at the 5th avenue and I joined them for dinner. they went off to the play and I went back and finished some FEMA work from the trip to Phoenix earlier in the week. Yes I was in Phoenix, 100 plus degrees down there and it was just too darned hot. Everyone agreed, no one was on the streets choosing to stay indoors in air conditioned rooms.
We got a lazy start this morning after visiting Pat and Jeanne Maroney who cruised in last evening. Pat looks great after his medical battles. They are headed up to the San Juans for just a few days with the Desmoines Yacht Club.
A large four masted square rig schooner out of Russia was moored at Bell Harbor and it was a pretty impressive sight.
The runup today was fairly easy with clear skys but alas their is no warmth in the sun up here. It was nice but relatively coo. Not sure where the predicted 80 degrees was but it appears the weather forecasts were wrong again.
We ended up at Port Ludlow in one of our most favorite spots to anchor behind twin islands. It is very quiet and serene and we are sharing it with three other boats tonight. the Marina is empty. Sad state of affairs for the boating industry and the economy. We saw a lot of boats out today but everywhere we go people comment that their is no one in the marinas. Andy said that Roche was empty, they just came back from up there and he said they hardly saw another boat all the way home.
tomorrw were probably just going to Port Townsend and call it good there.
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