Strait of Georgia

Strait of Georgia, Not Straight / Advance Waypoint

Friday, July 10, 2015

                Leaving Nanaimo Harbour at 07:15, the route has been laid out to avoid area whiskey/golf, just NE of our location, which is active, meaning the military is doing something there and has restricted usage.  The wind is blowing from the south, usually a sign of approaching storm.  There are white caps already.  The boat is rocking and rolling.  Salty spray covers the deck.   This is a long, long passage.  As we approach the far side,    we turn north up Malaspina Strait which runs between Texada Island and the mainland BC.  Two thirds the distance up Texada Island is Sturt Bay.  The small bay looks unsettled.  Even the boats in the more protected marina are bouncing.  We make the decision to keep going and consult our Wagner’s Cruising Guide for an alternative anchorage.  We have been hand steering a lot, as the auto pilot seems to be having difficulty staying on course.  As we approach the Copeland Islands, the sun is shining and the sea is calming.  We’re pushing forward to Desolation Sound where Saturday’s destination of Tenedos Bay is located.  This is a beautiful area with sheer cliffs and snow-capped mountains.  Our usual anchorage is taken, so we move a respectable distance away and weigh anchor in 60 feet of water.  The tender and stern tie is ready to use as we back closer to shore.  We take the tender some 34 yards to the cliff and thread our line through an existing loop that feels secure.  The only fly in the ointment of this lovely place is the presence of mosquitos.  Today’s journey takes 11.4 hours and covers 83 miles.  Our GPS coordinates:  50°07.714 N, 124°42.239 W.