We were initially planning on getting together at the end of our 2 week trip, but the raw water pump that we ordered for our boat was late coming in from the supplier, and we weren't able to meet them. So we were glad that they suggested heading over to Otter Bay. They were doing up a Steak & Lobster dinner and it just seemed like too good an opportunity to pass up. Unfortunately, current through Active Pass was not in our favour, and we definitely notice that more in at our new cruising speed. We did need to check in at Miner's Bay, which was actually just fine with us -given the 5 (maybe 6?) ferries that transited during our time between the E and W entrances. It was past 2030 when we arrived, so with no luck raising the Marina on 66a we looked a saw a vacant slip 2 spots in to our port. It was a starboard tie and seeing as that's what we pre-set, we decided to tie up there. Of course the swirling current and my lack of familiarity with prop-walk and steerage in reverse had other things to say about it! It was not a good docking, but there where lots of bodies to help us in, so I let them guide it in rather than backing away and making a second attempt (which I would of had to do if it weren't for them).
As it turns out, we were slipped right beside Kindred Spirit, the Ericson with the new boating family we had met a couple of weeks prior at Montague. It was nice to see them and get a chance to visit and get to know them over the weekend.
The Munro's arrived shortly after, so we got them tied in and had a late, but deserved, beverage to cap off the evening.
Saturday morning we were spoiled with pancakes and fresh fruit toppings; I think I can get used to Lisa & the girls liking the luxury of a 2 burner stove w/oven! The rest of the morning was devoted to replacing the faulty pressure relief valve on the hot water tank. It's not for certain that that is the cause of a tank leak that has developed, but it is both the cheapest, and the most likely, so worth starting there. It seems to have taken care of the issue, so fingers crossed. The Sat. night dinner was delicious, and it was wonderful to get a chance to enjoy the company of Peter and Amanda. Stuffed to the gills, we headed back to the boats for a nightcap before heading off to bed.
Sunday, we had a leisurely start; check out time was at 11, so we took our time and then actually didn't get away until closer to 11:30. Our plan was to transit Georgeson Pass on the return trip home, but slack wasn't till around 1500. We made our way down and based on the current we saw, we elected to motor right through. I am making sure to note tide depths/times at these key points of travel; our new keel is much more difficult (and expensive!) to raise.