With low, low tides this weekend, we had few mooring buoy options that would actually be deep enough, but the single available buoy was (just) enough to fit the bill, so we grabbed it. There was nothing special about the weekend, but everything special at the same time. We started looking back and it's been a couple years since we've been able to do the whole family together; everyone dropped into their old roles and routines. The only problems with the weekend was I found myself being shellacked in any card game we played, and somehow this 'spacious' 34PC had become significantly smaller ;^) but a problem we're happy to deal with any time we can... the boat, not the card game outcomes! More photos here.
Right from the start, boating has been a real family activity for us. With the kids no longer 'kids', the chances for us to get away as a whole family unit are now few and far between, everyone was onboard for the long weekend. Two groups that we're involved with -LPSS and PRYC- both had cruises scheduled that weekend, but they were in Canadian ports, and the kids no longer have NEXUS. Either could have been made to work, but reservations for both marinas filled up quickly. While either would have been fun to attend, the full family aboard was the main focus for us this weekend, so it was an easy decision to simply point the boat south and head down to what is still one of our favourite spots -Sucia.
With low, low tides this weekend, we had few mooring buoy options that would actually be deep enough, but the single available buoy was (just) enough to fit the bill, so we grabbed it. There was nothing special about the weekend, but everything special at the same time. We started looking back and it's been a couple years since we've been able to do the whole family together; everyone dropped into their old roles and routines. The only problems with the weekend was I found myself being shellacked in any card game we played, and somehow this 'spacious' 34PC had become significantly smaller ;^) but a problem we're happy to deal with any time we can... the boat, not the card game outcomes! More photos here.
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Montague is a good location for this annual club cruise -with many members doing the Round Saltspring race, it allows them to complete (hopefully) the race, and being basically on the route back home, join in with the club activity as well.
Work commitments meant we wouldn't be departing till Sat. morning; in fact it was close to 11pm by the time we got down to the boat! We quickly got things stored then to bed, as I had a few chores to complete in the morning before departure. We left w/ Cicerone at 08:15 to catch the last part of the ebb current through Active Pass and proceeded to clear Customs at the Gov't dock by the Marine. While there were a few boats staying at the Marina, the bulk were to try and capture space on the Park dock and/or the closest of the mooring buoys. Few were quite surprised to see a lot of free dock space and at least half of the buoys available. Once tied up and secured, we were on a mission to find an ATM (Marina maybe?) as we managed to not thing to bring any cash! Fortunately there was a Parks staff member at the top of the dock that informed us that they do take credit cards, so problem averted. Reading and drinking my Sunday morning coffee in the cockpit, our dock neighbour started bringing out tanks and a regulator.... 'If you're diving your boat, I've got some zinc's aboard and mine needs replacing' I joked. 'Let me see if I have enough air' was his response (yes and a fist pump!). Zincs -check! As race boats began arriving, their timings seemed to coincide with other boats leaving, so in the end no rafting was required and we basically had the whole dock! So rather carting everything up to the picnic area, we set up the Salmon BBQ & pot-luck right on the end of the dock and had a great old time. Monday we awoke to the sound of rain. With a while till departure, we geared up for a walk over to the north beach and a trek around the point, returning to the boat for final prep and departing at 11:45 to catch some push again through Active. Wind had switched around and was from the north; 15-17kts but with quite flat seas. Others sailed but we opted to motorsail with the jib and stay toasty with keeping the enclosure on. In the end, because we only had to furl in and not drop/flake a main we still were at the head of the line for pump out :^) It was a fun weekend with 11 boats and tons of stories. More photos here I absolutely love being out on the boat, and have been very fortunate to have the opportunity to crew for many very good local boats & skippers. Setting Volti up for Div. racing has never been on the plate, but my home club (PRYC) has made a renewed commitment to re-establishing the racing component of the club, and part of that is the re-introduction of a white sails only, cruising div. With a little prodding and encouragement, I decided to it was time to check out the view from the back of the boat, so we're now a couple of nights in to the series and VS is still intact, with crew willing to come out (I think!).
We had 3 (whites) out each of the first 2 nights, with 5 different boats in total. Should as least one more next week, so it is definitely creating some interest. As for my helming.... I think I'm leaving sufficient room for personal improvement -let's put it that way. I do know next time I'm back on the bow, I'll try to show a little more understanding behind me :^) This weekend 3 of the boats are all heading over around the same time to a Club rendezvous at Montague. I wouldn't expect ANYONE will be thinking tactics or talking arrival order once we get tied up. Do you? Things began hopeful for sail past -our PRYC social was a great start to the days events. Once I found a source of A/C power for the PA we were using at the Flag ceremony & blessing of the fleet, things went off fine there. But when got out of the breakwater to begin lining up for the Sailpast/Salute to the Commodore, the wind shut off! Tradition has you 'luff' your headsail as to pass the Commodores boat, but that is only possible if there's wind to fill it with. None the less, it was a nice day down at Pt. Bob and a very pleasant event to kick of the year with. Things have been REALLY hectic around the Fawkes household of late, so although prepping for the annual PRYC added to it, the fact that the WHOLE family was going to be able to get an extended weekend together on the boat -first time in at least 2 years- made the lead up worth it.
The plan was to depart early enough Fri. morning to use the current rounding East Point (Saturna Isl.) at a comfortable point (not the boiling 5.2kt peak) to quicken run down to Roche. Unfortunately, Elsa injured her back and was in a lot of pain, with very limited mobility leading up to Friday and when push came to shove, wasn't up to the trip. We delayed departure for catching the morning push, and yet again for the afternoon slack, but still no go. With disappointment all 'round, we set off to the boat Friday evening -minus Elsa- so that we could be all prepped for a 0600 departure and still make the event. Lisa didn't sleep well that night, and I don't think it was just about the excitement of the weekend; more likely the unforecasted +20kt winds of the early morning hours. Given it's been awhile since the crew has been out in these conditions, and we had plenty of time to play with, we held fast in our slip waiting for the conditions to improve. This did allow time for a few little chores, but although the window for our transit departure passed, we were there, we wanted to do some sailing, so we hung out and waited for the wind to abate to a 'comfy' level. By 1600 it was obvious we weren't sailing, so decided to pack up and head home to have the family together for Sunday, with the intent of coming back for at least one of the next two days for a day sail -maybe even w/Elsa? After quickly discovering all the goodies the Easter Bunny left for the kids, and Charm; we got a few outdoor chores done around the yard and headed back down to PRM -without Elsa :^( -to go out for a sail. It wasn't the blue sky of the previous day, but still a nice sail down to the PR can and back. It wasn't quite the boating weekend we had planned, but boating plans have to be flexible by nature, so although it wasn't plan A, we still got down and got the season started. Sorry we missed the event, but still quality time with (most of) the family time. Hopefully we can get a few 'all in' weekends this season. This was our third trip to Desolation, but the first time with Volti. The last thing (for now) on our boat 'upgrade list' was to increase our ability to extend our time between Marinas, or to allow us to simply sail between anchorages rather than motoring, to top up our batteries. Our needs are very modest; all our lighting's been switched over to low draw LED, our chartplotter/autopilot does draw some, but only when underway. Our fridge however draws around 5.5 Ah when running, so with only a single 110Ah House battery and no nearby easy spot to add another, solar panels were a pretty easy choice. I started looking more seriously at it after last boating season. In fact, our prep for this began a few years ago when we had Jeff Cote from Pacific Yacht Systems aboard to clean-up some of the existing electrical, update batteries, etc. At the January Boatshow, PYS had a special on Panels and MTTP Controllers, so we discussed things a little more deeply w/Jeff, looking at the best options to realistically meet our needs. We opted for 2 x 95w flexible panels to be mounted on the Dodger top. Jeff spoke with us about how he dealt with mounting new panels on several year old canvas (Sunbrella). He also recommended running each panel to its own controller to maximize potential output. I came in with rough Dodger top measurements, but took a tape measure with me the next day when I went down to check on the boat -just to be sure. Part of the deal for us was, knowing we wouldn't be up in Canadian waters until just before departure, that PYS would be able to ensure they could indeed complete our relatively tiny job when we needed it. On his assurances we ordered the parts, knowing there was also a bit of prep to be done on our end as well. We looked a few different install methods, but I think Lisa knocked it out of the park on her canvas work (some pics included below). This trip got set into motion last season, when Jeanine & Lisa submitted their vacation requests back in November(!). I've crewed w/Drew for a few years now, since they owned Cicerone, and Dave -a current partner in Cicerone- also crews on Spitfire and was eager to join us. So with a Friday (July 20) departure date set from Jericho, I made tentative arrangements for a Wed. (July 18) solar install w/PYS, and planned a Monday (July 16) reposition to RVYC. That gave me a flex day for getting the boat up to Jericho, as well as for the install, if needed. Lisa was working the Monday, but we'd need a car down a PRM upon our return anyways, so I singlehanded up -non- eventful, only able to motorsail after the turn at Sandheads. She met me up at Jericho to drive me back home. Wednesday's install was confirmed, and Thurs. night Lisa would drive me out to the boat (along with all the provisions) for a Fri. morning departure. Lisa, Lori (Cicerone), and their son's girlfriend would be joining us up in Lund, after driving up beginning Saturday morning. Fri., July 20 -RVYC Jericho to Pender Harbour Unexpected vehicle issues with Lisa's car created all kinds of chaos in what were pretty good plans for our Thurs. plans for provisioning and dropping me off for Friday's early departure. Bottom line -our neighbours saved the day, which included him dropping me off on the steps of Jericho Fri. morning at 6:00am! We would end up car-less in Pt.Bob upon our return, but my car would be in Tswwassen for us to collect. All the weather forecasts were divided; either 5-7 or 20-25 NW. Prudence led me to pre-reef, as I was single-handing this leg, although it started out looking like the lighter forecast was what we were getting. That changed quickly, as winds and seas began increasing as we exited past the last of the anchored English Bay freighters. It became a long, drawn out leg to Sechelt, with winds 22-30kts. for most of the leg. I elected to motor-sail for much of this. A lot of pounding and somewhat wet, with an opposing tide for the first half of the trip. There were a couple times the Radar unit got splashed and at one point I looked up and the windex (wind vane on top of the mast) was gone. Things settled down (somewhat) past Sechelt and got to do some sailing for a while as winds dropped to 15-20 from Sechelt to Welcome Pass. From WP to Francis Isl. sailed some/motored some, as winds ranged from 3-15kts. By the time I got in to John Henrys' at Pender Harbour, it had felt like a long day. Sat. July 21 -Pender Harbour to Lund After being the last boat in (by a long-shot) yesterday, as well as the last to depart today, I wanted to ensure I kept to schedule for the 1500 pick-up at Lund for Lisa & Lori. Thinking I was leaving 1½ hrs behind Cicerone, Opted to motor w/head-sail; the angle was right to ensure better VMG. It was tempting to join in on the SCYC cruiser race that was forming off Quarry Bay Point (Nelson Island), but I kept to the plan. Just below NE Point on Texada Isl., the anchor pin let loose I had to blow the jib sheet quickly and retrieve about 110' of anchor and chain. Once underway and having made NE Point, Cicerone called for for assistance re: a dead engine. It took a few minutes to figure out their position, as I was still looking ahead for them, but had actually gotten ahead of them without realizing it. Once spotted, we met and I brought my dinghy along side Cicerone and we transferred Brian into it and brought him aboard Volti Subito; Dave & Jeff would continue sailing & working on the motor (eventually got it running), but Brian was on a schedule for a water taxi charter to Savery Island. Originally planning to meet the girls at our destination (his departure point as well) in Lund, we got the car to meet us in Powell River. The wives came aboard the boats, while Brian & his girl-friend continued with the vehicle up to Lund. The remainder of the run up to Lund was un-eventful, and we tied up 2 abreast (to different vessels) and had a great dinner at the boardwalk restaurant (good self-accompanied singer/guitarist entertaining). Next morning, breakfast from Nancy's Bakery (w/cinnamon buns to go!). We had a late departure, as Jeff needed dropping off back in Powell River for his return flight home. Heading for Tenedos Bay and proceeded -after not being able to raise Spitfire- to set anchor in 3 Fathom Cove. As I was about to jump into the dinghy to set the stern line, Drew informed us they were already set a couple coves down, so we raised anchor and headed over to join the raft. Once secured, I needed a quick dip to cool off! Day 2 here was spent exploring; a trail on the S side of Unwin Lake, and some exploring by kayak before everyone headed over for a swim on the N side of the Lake. On the way back from the swimming hole, Jeannine & Drew introduced us to a great little spot in the rapids of the tributary into the Bay. A great exclamation point on this stop. Tues., July 24 -Tenedos Bay to Melanie Cove The summer stillness of Desolation Sound continues, and we motored over to Melanie Cove, stern tying to a cliff on the N side. With the very hot temperatures the water toys quickly became a necessity, as everyone took to the water for extended periods. Many challenges were overcome with this -a tether for us all to clip on too when we didn't want to drift too far; a weighted (add rock) bag to take the beer to deeper, cooler water; and a SUP re-purposed to serve as a table for apples and snacks- we are creative when solutions are called for! There was a lot of early morning plane and chopper activity, as a fire broke out at a cabin on the easterly point of E Redonda Island, just across the channel. Lisa and I kayaked out of Prideaux to take a look (at the rising smoke), and on the way back through the islets, noticed another PRYC boat, Diversion, in one one of the outer Prideaux nooks, so we stopped over and had a visit before returning to Melanie. After lunch we went into the head of Melanie Cove to see about hiking the trail over to Laura Cove, but it was looking unused and somewhat over-grown. Wearing scratches all over arms & legs for the rest of the trip was not in our plans, so no hike today... back to the floaties. Another club boat, Avalanche had been delayed in Pender Harbour, but appeared this second afternoon to find a bunch of brightly covered 'menaces to navigation' (all of us out on our brightly coloured water toys). Once tied on to the raft, they quickly got into Desolation mode. Thurs., July 26 -Melanie Cove to Roscoe Bay (via Refuge Cove), Pendrell Sound Okay, not the straightest line, but not being able to enter Roscoe until after 1630, and needing to do some provisioning, we set off for Refuge Cove in a leisurely manner. A bustling place! we ended up tying on the courtesy float 3 abreast. After the requisite ice-cream cone and dropping by the garbage scow, we were on our way. We entered RB around 1645 on 13' of tide, with 10' 8" being the shallowest we saw crossing the bar. We tied VS and Cicerone on Lakmia's starboard, Spitfire and Avalanche to her port. Shortly after Prime arrived, tying on to Avalanche. The next day we rowed over to the bar and figured it to be 0 water at 2' of tide depths; would want a min. of 12' chart datum below for safe transit. Spitfire had family on another boat coming in and Avalanche had been go go go, so they both opted to remain at Roscoe for another night. We'd been here a couple times before so were ready to move on, as was Cicerone -who were wanting to get one more spot in before they had to begin their trek back down to Powell River. We departed at 1700 for Pendrell Sound w/Cicerone. They stopped outside Roscoe (in deep water) to fully deploy their ground tackle to remove rode twist, while we continued heading north. It looked like a full house at the head of Pendrell, so we began scoping out alternate anchorages between Oyster Bay and the Sound Head -but we did end up with a spot at the head, but it did take 3 tries to get a good bite. By then, Cicerone had caught up so we tied them on our starboard. We had an enjoyable evening with them, but they needed to get going the next morning to return the boat to Powell River for Sally. We barely pushed them off and Lameka appeared, so seeing as how the spot was just vacated, we tied them on to starboard. The next days were incredibly hot, with no breeze. Anan (measured the water at 84.2*c. Lots of time spent in the water! Our sailboat 'neighbour' ran his diesel at 0630 each morning! Not impressed. As expected, Spitfire joined us that evening, after leaving Roscoe on the late afternoon rising tide. The next day Alan talked to a purple Nordic Tug when he was checking for the trailhead to go over to the Hepburn Pt. viewpoint and they were about to do the same, so we joined them. As we met face to face, and introducing ourselves on the shore, it was Alan's cousin! The trail was a 1 km., moderately difficult hike to a small viewpoint looking towards Toba Inlet. Once returned to the boat, , we opted to do some dinghy exploring over to Oyster Bay, followed later by kayaking on the other side of the Sound, over by the Oyster farm on the East side. Mon., July 30 -Pendrell Sound to Squirrel Cove Breaking anchor for departure was the toughest yet. It took us 20 min. to get break free. We arrived at Squirrel to find Spitfire already tied to Diversity (Mike & Jill), so set anchor on the end, gathered dirty laundry and garbage, and headed towards the General Store over in the Community, Had a Salmon Burger, cold water shower, and headed back. Spotting four Sceptre 41/43's as we returned back to the anchorage made me think rendezvous, but it was just by chance. The next day we hiked the trail over to Von Donan and relaxed. Starting to look at the return back down to Pt. Bob. Wed., Aug. 1 -Squirrel Cove to Powell River, via Lund Looking ahead at the forecasts for our returning back down to Point Roberts, the wind has flipped to a SE (of course it has), but other than that, it looked like a long day down to Pender Harbour in 5-10kts today, followed by a short, early morning jump down to Secret Cove before the big 20-25kt winds showed up, would set us up well for either a run down them mainland side, or across and through the Gulf Islands beginning of Friday. Or so we thought. We started a little earlier than Spitfire & Diversion, as we were stopping @ Lund for fuel (and cinnamon buns). Too long of line ups prevented the buns, but we did get fuel. Both the wind forecast, and the current atlas got it wrong today!. We got 15-20s on the nose, and struggled against the building wind and current. Had to put up about 80% of our furled headsail to make a little headway approaching Powell River. Spitfire was long gone, Diversion radioed to say she was turning in to shelter (I thought they were already at Grief Pt. and were talking about the marina just south of that). We had also already decided to put in to Westside Wharf. Turned out that's where Diversion put in as well!. It was a crazy busy place, as just about every boater out there were ducking into the same place for cover. Assigned a stern in, north side of finger (wind blowing us off), all the way back, did not sound like fun and I was not looking forward to it, but inside the breakwater was calm and the docking was uneventful. Sally & Denny were aboard Cicerone, dealing with the holding tank leak. Went up to the chandlery and bought a shorter shackle for the headsail tack. Went back shortly thereafter, as I dropped the first one as the tack 'flipped' in a wind gust just as I tried to install it :^( On Sally's recommendation went to the ThaiHouse for dinner -very good. Spitfire texted that they made Pender after 10hrs! Tomorrow's forecast showed light winds for morning so prepared for next day's departure. Thurs., Aug. 2 -Powell River to Pender Harbour. On multiple reports, we made an early departure. Nice start, but on a building flood (trying to use back eddies) and again, much greater than predicted winds, we bashed from NE Point (Texada Island) down. The last 6 miles (abeam the Pwr Station north of Pender) were the worst. Again, many boats ducking for shelter, combined with pre-booked reservations meant that most moorage was spoken for. Got a spot at Pender Harbour Resort & Marina -new docks, nice spot, reasonably priced. After fixing my botched repair from Powell River, we dinghied over for dinner at John Henry's. Stopped & spoke w/Bosson's (Emerald Sea) briefly, as they were moored at JH on the outside linear moorage. Met up w/Drew & Jeannine at JH. A nice dinner, also joined by Pete & Kirsten(?) -Spitfires neighbour at RV Jericho. Her Grandparents were the original owners of the General Store. Went over to th RYVC Outstation afterwards -found a 50'+ boat dumping raw sewage right at the main walk. Awkward for everyone, but club had to deal with it/them. Departed in the dark back to VS. Only took 2 tries to find the marina. Going up to use the washrooms, lisa missed the dock edge and tumbled. Was a little sore the next day. Fri., Aug. 3 -Pender Harbour to Pirates Cove via Dodds Narrows While getting harder to trust, a favourable forecast had us departing with the plan of transiting Welcome Pass, then deciding either Secret Cove, or, cross towards Nanaimo depending on conditions at that point. Conditions looked good before even reaching WP. Diversion opted to go outside, but with Whiskey Golf still active and closed, we opted to continue down Welcome Pass before committing. Unexpectedly, Whiskey Golf was declared open for passage, so we quickly confirmed our option, and headed outside of the islands. We began with in/out on the headsail, as we were close on the wind. Looking at options of tonight's destination (Nanaimo, or beyond), we hailed Persistence (friends, and LPSS member), who we had heard on VHF 16 earlier, and they were anchored in Pirates Cove along with Solveig, the Henderson's new boat (formerly Trincomallii II). Thinking ahead to where we wanted to be Saturday night, we opted to head to Pirates -Dodds had a better angle to motorsail and make slack tide (we did... with 10 min. to spare). As we approached Dodds, we got a military-like escort, as the T/T both boats past us on either side at full throttle; I was afraid it was going to become the Keystone Cops as they both turned in behind us - and avoided a head on collision- and rounded, zipping out ahead of us. Sat., Aug. 4 -Pirates Cove to Montague Harbour
With it being the BC Day long weekend, we knew that if it wasn't already, Montague Harbour would be chalk full o' boats, so we got away in reasonable time for the run down. There was next to no wind, except for the few miles that we were able to leverage out of crossing Poirier Pass. We watched for park buoys as we came in to the harbour, but weren't surprised to not see any. We were happy however, to see our preferred spot for stern anchoring available. With the extra practise of late, Lisa was feeling more comfortable with backing down as we sterned in closer to shore. Done like dinner. Once settled, we were on a mission for ice-cream. We headed to the park headquarters -they used to sell revells, eskimo bars, etc. there, but alas, no more. So an unexpected walk down to the Marina ensued. The new owners have done some nice updates to the buildings. After supper we went over to watch the sun go down over on the north beach. We had enough time to do a (very) brisk walk around the point and make it in time for a fantastic sun-set. There were more people on the beach, and more boats anchored off the beach than I have ever seen. Sun., Aug 5 -Montague Harbour to Point Roberts While we didn't need to be back early, the favoured tide for getting pushed through Active Pass was peaking around 6:20am, so we got away around 7:10, entering closer to 7:45, but still getting about a 2 kt. push along the way. While not many pleasure crafts, 3 ferries transited at the same time as us. Two were the smaller new Coastal class boat, and while they do run a little slower, they also produce next to no wake! It was quiet a sight, actually. Once clear of Georgeson Point, the wind started to fill in a little -enough to put up the headsail and use a little extra helping hand. We got to ride it most of the way to PRM, making for a nice, quick crossing home. It took a little while to get on the fuel dock to top up and pump out, but soon we were back in our slip. All in all, it was a pretty darn good trip. Before departing, there was a lot of talk about how busy Desolation has become, but other than Squirrel Cove, most spots were similar in numbers that we found our other trips, 6 and 8 years ago. We had a great core group to travel with; having similar ideas, all easy going and great to get along with. Our new Solar install exceeded our expectations. It would have been nice after beating against a NW from Vancouver going up, that we didn't have to fight the current and a SE coming down to Pender, but hey, you can't have it all. Certainly 6 years was too long between visits, and while it likely won't be next year, I did already find myself thinking/planning on a Cortes focused trip next time. Although we've heard much about it over the years, we've never actually attended the annual Canada Day (Weekend) Saturna Island Lamb Roast. Langley Power and Sail Squadron chose this as a Rendezvous destination for this weekend, so off we went. With a Friday night slack through Georgeson Pass at 19:00, I wrapped up the last bit of work PDQ, and headed out to prep the boat and await Lisa to arrive straight from work. We cleared Customs at Hortons Bay and proceeded to Winter Cove -rafted alongside of another LPS boat by 20:15, with a third taking his portside shortly afterward. Knowing how crowded the anchor field would become, he wisely set his hook with a marker buoy and plenty of scope in the shallow cove. Next day, as the winds picked up and after much debate/looking at how far below the anchor marker we had become (compared to how much chain he had out) we knew something was askew. The third boat separated from the raft to find another spot, while we prepared to figure out what was what. As he motored ahead while shortening his rode with the windlass, I could see the anchor about to break the surface while has counter still showed 53' deployed(!), AND his marker buoy was still sitting directly atop of where he originally set his anchor. Crazy. After re-setting and watching carefully we could again relax, knowing that we were firmly set. Saturna Island has a permanent population of approx. 350, but the annual Lamb Roast has been going on for about 60 years and raises money to support all kinds of services on the island. We got our tickets early, but saw people w/tickets up in the 900s, and heard the announcing into the 1000s for meal service. That's a LOT of lamb! They do a fantastic job both at organizing the meals, and the day's activities. While we were at the Lamb Fest, our friends that had just took ownership of a Bayliner 4288, came in and rafted to the other side of Persistence and joined us up at the Park. After the day wrapped up, we all made our way back down to the boats. After being aboard for awhile, having gotten the grand tour of Solveig (new boat), we were all sitting on their back deck and again started to get that same uncomfortable feeling as the day before. Dragging. Again! So with winds supposed to be picking up even more that night and they're plans to head on further while we'd be returning to the mainland the next day, we all opted to break up the party early; they headed towards Port Browning, while we headed up to Horton Bay, for a well protected evenings anchor before heading home the next morning in an uneventful crossing. I'm not sure why, but it's seemed really hard to get the season going this year. Here it is late May, and this is our first weekend away -and it was a push to get things ready for last weekends PRYC Sailpast/Season Opening. While many of the PRYC boats were either gathering at Montague or partaking the Round Saltspring Race, we opted to catch up with fellow LPSS members Poet's Cove/Bedwell Harbor for the Victoria Day long weekend. I was pretty tired by the time I wrapped up my Grade 8 band trip Friday night, so without the need for a crack of dawn departure from PRM, we opted to head down to the boat Sat. morning. Although the forecast predicted we might end up with an easy reach down around Saturna, The wind was a little more to the west, so although light, we motorsailed across to Georgeson Pass instead. Once on the other side, we had a light sail down to the bottom of S. Pender, where the wind pretty much died completely. This created an opportunity to talk through some of the tacking/jibing decisions that need to get made as we set up to transit between S.Pender and Blunden Islands. It involved going in closer to shore, as well as navigating A LOT of stuff along a tide line. We motored the remaining distance, floated around the Customs dock till our arrival time lapsed, then proceed to our assigned slip. It looked a little tight -without a neighbour at PRM for the last year, and the wind would be pushing us into the neighbouring boat- but all was good. Other than having to run a second shore power cable to tap in at the next slip's power (this slip's didn't work) we were in. Nine boats were attending and there were a few that we hadn't visited with for a while, so it was a really nice to get a chance to re-connect at the Saturday night Pot Luck. It wrapped up pretty early, which given my lack of sleep the previous few nights was okay with me. The next day was fairly low key and the warm (but not hot) weather allowed me to get caught up on a little wax on/wax off on the cabin top. Unfortunately, with the sunnier than expected weather -combined with me pealing off my shirt for a longer than expected task- my back ended up with a good(?) burn. The price we pay :^( There were 3 or 4 White Rock Sailing Co-op boats at Poet's as well, and a few of them have taken courses with us, so had a chance to chat with a few of them for a while. Sunday afternoons appies were followed by the Squadron heading up to the Pub for dinner. Unless we wanted to fight tide the entire way, we did have an early-ish departure Monday morning. The current tables indicated we'd get past East Pt./Tumbo with some help if we left by 8:30, but it was already against us. One of the WRSC boats departed at the same time, so we motored along with them until we turned north. Once we got a little ways around, we got a little bit of wind -enough to put up the jib to help us out ever so slightly. We got back in to PRM in good time, so after having a little lunch, I went out into the marina and practiced some backing/stern-in maneuvers before we headed home. Overdue, but sure was nice to be out. More photos here. Aug. 25 Matia With only water to top off, we got away quickly and straight line motored to Matia. Ae arrived at low tide and anchored between the dock and the 1st buoy -everyone was already in for the night. There was a sailboat on the shore side of the dock only drawing 5', but he was not about to slide back to accommodate us. A tight anchorage with a gravel bottom and toilet bowl current, were in the quiet spot, but w/a low tide @ 0315, I got up around 0145 to adjust and check. I could feel the dragging of chain across the gravel, and with the increased breeze and building current I was concerned of our set. Knowing I wouldn't be sleeping much anyway, I opted to stay up. I fired up iSailor track swing/movement; while we seemed deep -bone taunt rode at times- it confirmed we were holding firm. Because of wildly differing swing patterns w/the boat on the nearest buoy, I remained on watch till our pattern alignments settled in at around 0500. Aug. 26 Blakely Isl. Marina Helped by tide, we made good time down to the turn @ Orcas. They put us into slip A16; almost straight in(!). We enjoyed an ice-cream in the afternoon, and donuts to start us off in the morning. While our first choice was Rosario, it was full, but this alternative was just fine. Aug. 27 Deer Harbor Today was a straight forward transit. I knew we had taken Pole Pass in the Macgregor years ago, but couldn't remember any details. It was straight forward and we were practically turning into DH upon exiting the pass. We fuelled up then went in to D18, our assigned slip. Our assignment -over on the 45' slip side, reminded us of being on BoB amongst all the 'bigger' boats. Had a chance to scope out a J/122 (a couple of good ideas for the C&C 110 I crew on) and talk to the owner a bit. Witnessed and assisted in a couple of bad docking recoveries, and went for Pizza at the same romanian girl was working. She was heading to Victoria & Vancouver the next day, so gave her a loonie and a twoonie -along with an explanation of what they were :^) Aug. 28 Shallow Bay, Sucia Originally we took the buoy closest to the green can -which tends to be significantly more 'rolly' than others. So of course, after getting settled and quickly ashore for a picnic lunch on the beach, the next buoy over became available. So we left our stuff on the beach, zipped back out and shifted buoys, and returned back to the beach for a couple more hours of lounging. Aug. 29 Home to PRM Todays weather, although light winded, was preferred by Lisa if we were to consider sailing (waking the next day, it was definitely the better choice). The opening leg was made interesting by a 90° offset in perceived heading by our MFD. It positioned us correctly, but could not use routing/auto pilot because of it. It was no big deal, but with the fog reduced visibility (1-2m), I was glad the radar portion was functioning properly! Lisa helmed (well!) much of the time. When we got an extend 4-6 kt. off our stern quarter, she even said yes to popping the chute. Once I got her comfortable with helming the chute (no difference really, except her confidence in being able to do so), I talked her through the inherent differences then jibed. All was good. Half way through the trip, we had a family of 3 Orcas come straight past us -the lead dive as they approached our starboard quarter and came up just past our towed dinghy. Lisa got some great video! As we approached PRM we dropped the spin a little early to allow a little extra time to clean up the deck. As the wind clocked, we sailed the pit close hauled, round up near the breakwater to drop sails, and that was that. Aug. 19 Sucia/Fossil Bay Originally planning for a Friday departure to meet up w/Spitfire, Drew let us know that they had a terrible Thurs. night on a buoy at Fossil, and were returning to PRM. With even stronger winds forecasted for Fri. night -and us likely at anchor due to what would be a late arrival, we stayed at PRM and went out for dinner w/Drew & Jeannine to the Seaside Restaurant, then back to VS for dessert and a night cap. We snuck out of PRM as soon as the tide turned and began rising -cutting it as close as we dare. Dredging of the marina entrance is set to begin in the fall, but we are having to be more cognizant of the lower tides than we used to. It was a calm, light, following wind, so we motor-sailed with the jib until the wind clocked abeam Saturna As we rounded Patos, there were 3 kayaks muscling through a building rip at the point. All indicated things were fine, even though one of the kayaks seemed to be sitting low in the stern. As we rounded Little Sucia, USCG issued a request for assistance of same kayak. Although there were many other power boats in the vicinity, we were the only respondents (followed later by Orcas Fire & Rescue -with boat, EMT, and air assist). We spent 2+ hours searching, only to find he was now safely assisted to Fox Cove (saw him setting up camp later). He was completely oblivious to the efforts volunteered by others. Although planning an early (pre-negative tide) departure, we anchored in the deep hole in front of the 'shack' of Dock #1, in case we decided to stay. Our evening entertainment was enjoying a Hunter 42 finally find a reasonable spot next to us -on his 3rd attempt. Aug. 20 Cypress Isl. (Eagle Hbr.) We departed right on time, motoring the entire way down. Passed and considered Pelican Cove, but too rally for preference. We Continued on to Eagle, keeping PC as a potential 'plan B'. We arrived on a negative tide (-1.8), so LOTS of eel-grass. Dreamspeaker doesn't show them, but I remembered seeing DNR buoys here, so with several vacant, we tried going as deep into the harbor as we dared. The gras was so thick our depth sounder stopped working, so we made the prudent choice and took a buoy from the 2nd deepest row. Third row by the cliff may have been okay, but was already occupied. After securing the boat, we grabbed some water and sett off for some trail walking. We ended up doing ALL the north end trails today -to Pelican, then Duck Lk, Smugglers, back past Duck, and then inland back to Eagle. By the DNR info maps, about 6 miles. Aug. 21 Today we did the southern trail around 2 lakes. 6.7 miles, and 1400ft elevation. A truly beautiful view of Cypress Lk, but boy did we have to work for it! This morning was the solar eclipse that the west coast was waiting for. Watching it was neat in the morning. It was surprising how cool the air became, along with a noticeable dimming daylight. Aug. 22 Matia Isl. We couldn't avoid the current in Rosario Strait as we crabbed up under power. We opted for Matia over Snoring Bay (Sucia) even though it had a free buoy simply because we like Matia so much. We were on the outside buoy, but strong tide and a windy night kept us from sleeping soundly. Ended the evening with a gorgeous sunset over Echo Bay. Aug. 23 PRM Although waiting till 1300 to depart would have helped with the current, we were ready, so off we went. Motor sailed for much of the trip, but sailed the last 5-6 miles on a leisurely beam reach. It was too bad we had to come in for a one day clinic, but looking forward to heading out again on Friday! |
AuthorAsk for more space and what do you get? More time spent cleaning out and organizing it!!! Tune in here for more rants and ponderings from my 'man cave' Archives
December 2022
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