Our 12 year old chart plotter partially died mid May and needed replacing before the trip. Integrating old sensors with a new display is bound to be an interesting project but also one to avoid -which I tried to avoid as long as I could. So, like last year with the solar panels, there was some additional activity in prep just prior to departure.
This year most had gone up before us or were departing from home ports up in Vancouver, so we'd be playing 'catch up'. The biggest decisions to be made transiting north are where/how/when to cross the Straight of Georgia; for us, there's also the additional checking into Canada (because we moor in Pt. Roberts). I watched weather forecasts/models to help decide -would it be up the Straight or through the Gulf Islands? If up the Straight, check in at Jericho or Nanaimo? Right up to our heading down to the boat Friday night for a Sat. am departure, it looked like up the Straight -deciding on a check in point (Jericho or Nanaimo) as we approach Thrasher Rock as to which routing would be more favoured. A long run, but we were targeting Secret Cove for a Sat. night destination.
In the wee hours of Friday night/Sat. morning we found unpredicted winds of 20-25kts waking us in our Pt. Roberts slip. Quickly confirming forecasts Sat. morning, all seemed okay except for the increased strong NW winds from Sechelt down to Vancouver for the mid-afternoon. Looking like Nanaimo would be the clearing location. As we got out from the the PRM breakwater, the seas were very lumpy and confused -which isn't uncommon, but they were bigger and carried farther off the Point than typical. Although farther north it looked to be settling down, the un-announced winds of the night before combined with what we experienced coming out was enough for us to re-think our plans; up inside the Gulf Islands.
Sat. July 27 -Point Roberts to Nanaimo While it turned out to be the better decision (our friends departing Jericho got beat up w/20kts on the nose and very uncomfortable seas all they way to Welcome Pass) it meant Nanaimo would be our destination for the night as we didn't plan for an Active Pass transit, so would be against current through there and beyond. We'd also have to wait for Dodd's Narrows -that one I wait for near slack- so with that happening at 19:30, we lollies around in the light winds SE from Montague doing some light wind sailing when we could -including some spin only from for the last couple miles leading into Dodds. Lisa called ahead to her folks who gladly accepted our invitation for some sundowners -but we needed a couple of favours.... picking up some Rye from the liquor store and take out pizza because we were starving! They'd eaten already, so Bobbie offered up Lasagna. Bonus score! Had a wonderful visit with them down at the boat basin. | |
Sun. July 28 -Nanaimo to Silva Bay?
While they are 'forecasts' only, predicted and actual winds were again not speaking to each other. We began early enough to beat the predicted rising late morning SE winds, only to find stiff NW already established. An hour in and barely past Fingers Isl. we opted to turn around. The return back to Nanaimo was going to no more comfortable, so we instead ran for Silva Bay. Lots of strong 8kt surfing, with a couple of momentary 9s. Having not been to Silva Bay before, we opted to enter via the conservative (and recommended) entrance from the south to avoid the strong, lee shore conditions on the north. Spent the day wrapping up a couple odds and ends and waited to see what tomorrow's weather would bring.
Mon. July 29 -Silva Bay to Pender Harbour (PH Resort/Marina)
We woke Monday morning to weather conditions much the same as yesterday, but with forecast for decreased winds for late morning, we optimistically waited for the 11:00(?) forecast. Re-inforced by the improving conditions coming in from the more northerly reporting stations, we departed; reefing the main before we left the protective lee below Silva. The conditions were much better -14/18 kts., with much improved sea state. Having much ground to make up -including the departure point of Silva Bay- we motor sailed. The winds lightened as we got further across, so we shook the reef first and then got a few miles sailing in. Winds shifted and lightened further as we got closer to the Sunshine Coast so we were back motorsailing -main only to allow us to 'cheat' the angle a bit yet still get a small amount of speed boost.
After phoning in and securing moorage, PHRM had not actually texted us back w/our assignment by the time we arrived, so as soon as I had just finished tying up and securing shore power in what was visitor space last year, they re-assigned us to a slip on the outer-most finger. As we sterned out, somehow our dinghy dis-connected from its' painter; Lisa creatively got hold of it using the fender she had at hand just as someone yelled to us 'stern line in the water!'. Luckily it was the (now detached) painter, that was still secured to a cleat so its' shackle was only at the waterline. After providing that dockside entertainment for everyone, we continued un-eventfully to our assigned slip.
Touch based with our friends from Spitfire, who informed us that one of the northbound boats had engine trouble and were diverting in to Pender to investigate. While doing a dock walk, we watched for them but didn't see them. Walked right into them the next morning however, and it turned out he was the one that spotted/informed us of the trailing line the day before! They were awaiting to get further diagnoses/recommendations from a mechanic before determining how they'd be proceeding.
Tues. July 30 -PHRM to Lund
Awoke to more wind within Pender Harbour than I expected for the forecast, but headed out -mindful of there'd been enough on the nose wind for Lisa already this trip. It was a lumpy 16-20kts as we got out of PH but behind the islets. Once we got out from them, the sea was more regular but windspeed was also building. We used the headsail to help steady and get some additional speed by more motorsailing up Malaspina Strait. Midway up we were in sustained 20s, with gusts to 22kts., but were making good enough time that Lund (rather than Powell River, was becoming a possible destination. Winds lightened significantly as we approached Grief Point, so we put in for refuelling at Westview Fuel then were off for Lund. It's always a fun game of Tetris for the dock team at Lund; and they always get everyone in, somewhere, somehow, and do it with smiles and cheery tones. We were rafted up to a trawler 'Pea Pod', a really nice couple from WA. Stretching our legs and walking over to the hotel, they've done MAJOR renovations to both the hotel and surrounding buildings since we were here last year. So we decided to try out the new pub for dinner. As far as we're concerned, when you've made Lund -you've made Desolation.
Our original plan, with our first stop at 3 Fathom Cove in Tenedos, was to meander up the west side of West Redonda before returning down for the big Dinghy Concert in Prideaux Haven on Saturday, but intermittent text service was enough for Avalanche to let us know they were already stern tied in Laura Cove, so we opted for there. We knew we'd only overlap for a day or two, so it would be great to get a chance to hang out before they began their trip back down. Lisa did a great job helming to raft on their starboard side. We visited and ended up inflating the water toys and into the water at Val's encouragement. Played an interesting game called 'Forbidden Island' after dinner.
Thurs. Aug. 1 -RAIN!!! Unsuccessfully tried to raise Spitfire & Prime to inform them of our location, but within minutes heard/saw Jeannine hailing us from the bow of Spitfire. Set them up to Avalanche's starboard. A pretty quiet day with everyone hunkering down with good books, spotting new leaks, and generally hibernating. Departing PRM, I felt foolish having not gotten all the canvas enclosure 'bits' off the boat, now I was quite glad to have them with us as it made for a much brighter spot to sit and unwind. That evening the 6 of us were again into 'Forbidden Island'.
Sat. Aug. 3 -as we prepped for dinghying over to the concert, a couple hailed from a dinghy -it was our Seattle friends Todd & Cheryl! Although they had an adventure getting up here, they were guests aboard Spinner (Sue's now on her 3rd iteration of 'Spinner's -this one a Nordic Tug 41). We visited a bit, but were rafted so close at the concert that Todd swam over under half a dozen dinghies to hop on for a visit. Afterward we continued with a short visit onboard Spinner before they had to go to other commitments. The concert itself was fun; the country/trop rock worked for the crowd and the nature of the event. There were probably 200-250 dinghies, and 700-800 people
Sun. Aug. 4 -this was the final year of the concert, and Desolation was packed for it. With most boats vacating today -and knowing they all had to be going somewhere- we opted to stay put and simply avoid staying with the moving mob at whatever the next location would be. Instead, we got a few chores done; scraped the prop, shaft, and keel bottom of barnacles, and got started on deck waxing -no dried salt residue to worry about after Thursdays monsoon.
Splitting up the raft, we headed up Homfray Channel on the east side of E. Redonda Island, with Trade-Wins along for the trip. Because of the assigned inside slip I confirmed w/dockmaster of our boat's draft (which brought a chuckle from her) -once tied up, we had over 80' beneath us! It was a wonderful stop. Although the moorage was on the pricey side, the spectacular waterfall at the end of the hike was well worth it.
Tues. Aug. 6 -Toba to Oyster Bay, Pendrell Sound
Uneventful transit, but crossed paths with 4Souls, who were exiting Pendrell Sound. With their warning of a loud raft of powerboats, we opted for Oyster Bay instead. Beautiful spot -2 sets because I misjudged our backing down distances on our stern tie. Again, gen-sets filled the tranquil bay with sounds as we sat in the middle of it.
Wed. Aug. 7 -Oyster Bay to Melanie Cove
Originally trying yet again to make Three Fathom Cove, we were hailed by Solveig, Persistence, and Bucket List -on their way into Desolation. Their original anchorage choice was full (saw Prime again though), so rafted in Melanie instead. This was our first, and likely only, chance to be on the water with them this year, so it was great that our paths crossed.
Thurs. Aug. 8 -Melanie to Powell River
We made good time coming down the Copelands, and wanting to put al little more distance in, we bypassed Lund (no Nancy's Bakery :^( ) and continued to Powell River. While in the cue for a rafting assignment we fuelled up, but had no sea water coming out our wet exhaust. The strainer was okay, so with only 150 yds. to our assignment, we sterned in with out delay; shutting down the auxiliary before we were actually in and tied. After settling, we took care of other business -a bite to eat & food stocking- and allowed the engine to cool before I had to begin my investigation. Turned out something clogged the raw water exhaust intake when I restarted at the fuel dock. With a bit of ingenuity, we managed to clear it by blowing the blockage free from the strainer side of the intake with our dinghy air pump, and managed to avoid me having to jump in to the now much cooler waters of Powell River. Once checked over, we were quick to bed, as tomorrow's plan called for an early start.
Fri. Aug. 9 -Powell River to Pender Harbour
Weather looked good, current good, so we planned a 06:30 departure (after negotiations with the other 3 sailboats we were rafted with us). The current tables were in fact, about 3 hrs. late and we had a neg. current against us for most of the trip. We saw 4Souls entering into Pender Harbour just ahead of us and Spitfire was fuelling up as we entered into John Henry's -to continue onward to Secret Cove. Once we were secured, Yvette & Cindee popped by to invite us over after we'd all completed our respective chores. 'Appie Hour' became hours, and we had a wonderful visit with them.
Sat. Aug. 10 -Pender Harbour to Smugglers Cove
We began with 10-12kts on the nose, which dropped to 5-7 with calmer water after we passed after passing the southern reef. We stern tied in the same spot as we did on our very first Desolation trip many years ago. While there were only 6 boats in for much of the day, it began filling late afternoon -and a couple of the most entertaining anchoring exhibits I recall. Although we'd like to stay up this way longer, the updated forecasts are making tomorrow look like the best day to cross over towards Nanaimo; we planned to allow some 'buffer days' but looking like strong wind warnings for the following 3 days or so -best to use this one. Early to bed tonight.
Sun. Aug 11 -Smugglers Cove to Nanaimo
Rain began at 04:10 and woke me. The weather update held with the same forecast -light winds increasing late morning to a wind warning, so we stuck with our 05:45 departure. It rained much of the way and we motor sailed till a few miles off the Fingers. We used our NYC reciprocal, and with weather clearing, hung out the weather gear to dry. Talking with others on the dock, they'd been in touch w/friends that had a rough transit from Pender Harbour to Secret Cove that morning, so we appeared to make the right call for our crossing. Walked into town to get some supplies, then got my brother & sis-in-law down to the boat for a (too short) visit, and later, dinner w/Lisa's folks at a nearby pub.
After checking w/ the dock master that it would be okay to stay past the normal check-out time because Dodds Narrows slack wasn't until 14:40, we did a little puttering about and I again changed the alternator belt (replaced prior to the trip, but even though it was the same belt# as the previous on, it was too long so picked up one length shorter yesterday on out trip to town). We made Dodds within 2 min. of slack and proceeded around to Pirates where we stern tied off the Point, below the dinghy float and between 2 other sailboats. With a tomorrows low tide -and the tricky, shallow entrance- we're opting for an earlier departure again tomorrow.
We opted to exit at 08:00, half an hour earlier than planned last night, simply to give a little extra breathing room for depth. Our depth meter momentarily showed 7.9 ft (we draw 6.8), so it was a prudent decision. Given the short trip and the relatively early departure time, we tried to take advantage of what I hoped would be a little sailing. We started with a whole 3.4kts. (!!!) and it continued to drop, not build. We were planning on trying out a couple of new to us anchoring spots, but the morning forecast included NW 10-20 winds (which never materialized) and both spots were exposed to the NW. We instead continued on to Montague and got a great NE corner buoy. A bunch of C&C 37s & 41s were already buoyed as well, having been at Telegraph Harbour for the past weekends C&C rendezvous. On Wednesday, we rented a couple e-bikes and loped around the south end of the island a bit -it took a little bit to get used to how they worked, but a fun way to spend the afternoon.
Thurs. Aug. 15 -Montague to PRM
Timing the start of push just after the 11:30 slack, we departed at 10:50. We managed to motorsail for a fair amount of the St.oG crossing, but ended up straight motoring for the last third of the crossing.
Extended time on the boat is always a treat. We got all types of weather this year, but there was something special about every day of it. I'm not sure where next year will take us, but after 2 consecutive years north, I expect we'll be leaning south; well see. No matter what, the planning of possibilities is always a fun activity throughout the spring as we begin planning again. Until then, there's still a lot of potential boating weekends coming up, so things aren't quite done yet :^)