Across the Border, Aye.

Wednesday, July 8, 2015

     Very peaceful night in Echo Bay. 

Almost no wind, sunny morning.  We can see a low fog bank outside the bay and hear the fog horns from the passing ships.  I put on my anchor pants and boots before using the sea water wash to clean the chain rode and anchor.  The new Mantus anchor snubber is working like a charm.  We leave the bay to the north and head west out into Border Passage.  Our initial destination is Bedwell Harbour on South Pender Island where we will clear Canadian Customs.  We had the last of the eggs this morning.  There are no eggs or poultry allowed across the border.  When there is a break in the traffic we head straight across the shipping lanes.  The right of way is all about tonnage!  Clearing customs is quick once a space opens up at the dock.  Activity is abundant on the water between the sailboats, motorboats, Canadian ferries and coastguard.

 ACROSS THE BORDER, AYE

Heading north up Swanson and Trincomali Channels, our final destination is Princess Cove at Wallace Island.  It is a bit of a trailer park with everyone anchored in the middle and then stern tied to the shore.  The stern tie process is always a big production.  Our dinghy was still hanging from the davit yet to be deployed.   Fortunately our neighbors are in their kayaks and offer to lend us a hand.  As the temperature is approaching 80° F and there is no wind, we attach the 2 HP to the dinghy and go for a spin around the cove. 

PRINCESS COVE, WALLACE ISLAND

There is an eagle perched on the top of a nearby tree.  Earlier there was a seagull there and now there are two very unhappy seagulls taking turns dive bombing the eagle.  

EAGLE PERCHED, UNHAPPY SEAGULL

Today we filled our water tank by the Spectra Water Maker, produced 218 amp hours by the solar panels, and traveled 37.4 nautical miles in 7 hours.  It looks like it will be another delightful night at anchor.   Our GPS coordinates:  48°56.591 N, 123°33.412 W.

SUNSET PRINCESS COVE, WALLACE ISLAND

Thursday, July 9, 2015

It’s a peaceful morning.   Time to find an open area on deck and stretch our sore sleepy muscles.  The eagle has returned to his perch, this time a little lower and camouflaged by the branches.  Our plan is to bring in the stern line from shore and lift the fifty feet of rode with anchor around 07:00.  Our departure time needs to correspond to an arrival time of near slack water at Dodd Narrows. 

As is usual we’re early so we cut the engine and drift for half an hour.  Sometimes we sail around to kill time, but with 2 knots of wind, not even the asymmetrical spinnaker would be worth the bother.  Traffic is piling up on both sides of the narrows. 

Brad declares his intention to pass through with the Securite’, Securite’, Securite’ call.  It is still earlier enough to get a three knot push. 

After exiting through turbulent water it would be a straight shot to Nanaimo, if it weren’t for all the loose logs floating around.

DEBRIS IN NORTHUMBERLAND CHANNEL

NANIMO, VANCOUVER ISLAND

  Nanaimo is our last chance for fuel and groceries for a bit.  After one perfect landing at the fuel dock we push off and Brad backs around another boat for another great landing a few meters closer to shore.  Here we will tie up while we walk to the supermarket.  After loading up with bread, fresh eggs, fruits and veggies, and several grams of pistachio nuts, we head out again and over to the anchorage area near New Castle Island.  There is a lot of hustle and bustle in the area with tenders, water taxis, and float planes coming and going. 

We have a good breeze keeping us cool and keeping the boats all pointed into the wind.  Engine hours today 3.1, 22.2 nautical miles, 69.5 liters (18.4 gals) of fuel.  Our GPS coordinates:  49°10.571 N, 123°55.878 W.