Monday, June 30, 2008
Prince Rupert
We have been experiencing “Cloud Failure” for two days here in Prince Rupert. After a week and a half of rain we are enjoying the solar shine.
From Shearwater we went on to Klemtu (June 25). A small Native village with a decent government dock.
Then on to Butedale…a study in decay. Dear old Lou is trying to make a go of it there. He has repaired the fresh water line and keeps the water generated power plant going. His dog “Burton” and Skipper got along well.
It was a relief to get to Baker Inlet after a very long day of motoring up the Grenville Channel. The entrance to the harbor was VERY narrow and full of whirlpools. The channel was deep. Deep is the word around here. We anchor in about 50 feet of water. Our first two tries at setting the anchor failed but the third set held tight through the night. Poor Mark had to pull the heavy chain up twice. We do have an electric windlass but you have to manhandle the last bit of chain to rope.
The Prince Rupert Rowing and Yacht Club gave us moorage. (We must remember to make reservations! )
We are situated next to the tourist shops and gas dock.. That makes for a interesting mix.
Eagles are everywhere you look.
The first day here we spent cleaning, fixing, and doing laundry.
As I was stripping the bed I discovered that Mark’s pillows were soaking wet! Oh boy, not again! Water was coming in from around the binnacle in the cockpit. Mark had done some vigorous scrubbing there earlier.
During our visit to the laundromat I mentioned the water problem to a Native woman. She said, “Prince Rupert is a good place to find out what leaks.” It rains a lot here.
Today, our second day here, Mark was walking the dog and I had begun to defrost the freezer/fridge, when the dock mistress told us that the owner of the slip was coming in, NOW. We were told to move out quickly. I ran up to the street to find Mark . No luck. When the dock mistress came back, she was a lot nicer and said to relax. When the wandering boys returned we moved the boat to another location. It is just as scenic but more exposed.
Well, tomorrow we cross the Dixon Entrance to Alaska! It will be a full day of exposed water. The weather forecast looks favorable.
Check out new photo albums at: http://picasaweb.google.com/kiata.linda08
From Shearwater we went on to Klemtu (June 25). A small Native village with a decent government dock.
Then on to Butedale…a study in decay. Dear old Lou is trying to make a go of it there. He has repaired the fresh water line and keeps the water generated power plant going. His dog “Burton” and Skipper got along well.
It was a relief to get to Baker Inlet after a very long day of motoring up the Grenville Channel. The entrance to the harbor was VERY narrow and full of whirlpools. The channel was deep. Deep is the word around here. We anchor in about 50 feet of water. Our first two tries at setting the anchor failed but the third set held tight through the night. Poor Mark had to pull the heavy chain up twice. We do have an electric windlass but you have to manhandle the last bit of chain to rope.
The Prince Rupert Rowing and Yacht Club gave us moorage. (We must remember to make reservations! )
We are situated next to the tourist shops and gas dock.. That makes for a interesting mix.
Eagles are everywhere you look.
The first day here we spent cleaning, fixing, and doing laundry.
As I was stripping the bed I discovered that Mark’s pillows were soaking wet! Oh boy, not again! Water was coming in from around the binnacle in the cockpit. Mark had done some vigorous scrubbing there earlier.
During our visit to the laundromat I mentioned the water problem to a Native woman. She said, “Prince Rupert is a good place to find out what leaks.” It rains a lot here.
Today, our second day here, Mark was walking the dog and I had begun to defrost the freezer/fridge, when the dock mistress told us that the owner of the slip was coming in, NOW. We were told to move out quickly. I ran up to the street to find Mark . No luck. When the dock mistress came back, she was a lot nicer and said to relax. When the wandering boys returned we moved the boat to another location. It is just as scenic but more exposed.
Well, tomorrow we cross the Dixon Entrance to Alaska! It will be a full day of exposed water. The weather forecast looks favorable.
Check out new photo albums at: http://picasaweb.google.com/kiata.linda08
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Port Hardy to Shearwater
The electrical problem first noticed in Port Hardy seemed to be cause by outside water dripping into the electrical panel and shorting out our cabin lights, stereo, and the VHF radio. Mark was able to dry out the panel with my hair drier and some WD40. Two of the switches now work, but alas, not the FM radio-CD player....yet. Now he thinks it is coming from a cleat above the box.Leaving Port Hardy after 4 days was easy. We motored out to the second set of islands north of Port Hardy, the Walker Group, and found a safe anchorage. We were the only boat around. Earlier in the day we had seen Right Whales- I think they were Right Whales). They were as big as killer whale but totally black.We left our quiet little haven early Saturday morning and faced the ocean and Cape Caution. The sea swells were on our beam most of the day, which resulted in a lot of nasty rolling. Skipper and I piled pillows around us in the bed and hung on tightly. Once we were inside Calvert Island the seas calmed down. Mark enjoyed putting up the sails and sailing (slowly) for a few hours. We entered a passage back to a fishing resort in Pruth Bay and again anchored. (50+ miles)This was followed by another long day of motoring (36 nautical miles) to Bella Bella (near Bella Coola).Passing by Bella Bella we docked at Shearwater Resort. Today was the first time I felt sea sick. I spent an hour walking around sipping Canada Dry Ginger Ale and talking to people.There are at least 5 sailboats here and more that twice that in power boats. The wharf manager is very friendly. Happily the grocery store is well stocked. I had the cedar planked salmon and Mark had a burger at the local restaurant. Yummy. We may spend two days here. Although there is no cell phone service here there is metered wifi. Check out photo albums at: http://picasaweb.google.com/kiata.linda08
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
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Friday, June 20, 2008
There's not much happening in Port Hardy, let me tell you. The people are very nice...in a funny way. Several boat people will greet you initially by saying some off hand remark like, "Those are pretty big lines you have there on your boat!" After you talk to them they are really sweet. Last night we were walking on the gov't dock where all the fishing boats are docked. It was blustery and raining. A guy opened his cabin window and said, "Are you sure you need a leash that big for such a little dog?"
We were talking to a couple that we have seen walking their dog several times. I complained that I could not find any decent fish in the local supermarkets. Truly. It is too early they say. Later, that day, she brought over two red snapper filets, a chunk of halibut (vac pac and frozen) , and a 2 lb piece of beautiful salmon. Her husband likes to fish! He had caught the 100+ halibut the day before and they had it frozen up at the local packing plant.
I pan fried half of the salmon for supper. It was a least an inch and a half thick. I served snow peas and left over pasta along side. Hagan Das bars at the marina office for dessert.
The young couple behind us at the dock had lost their propeller at the gas dock. A diver found it, they had the boat hulled out right next door, using their dingny as a tow boat. The prop was re-applied. They are changing their plans for circumnavigating the island and are staying on the inside. Funny luck.
Someone pointed out that our red-green nav. light was knocked out. Mark thinks he did that when he brought the anchor up too fast. Fortunatly, there won't be much night sailing were we are going---no night! We check the local marine supply places for a replacement.
Since we are staying another day here I bought another 24 hours of Internet.
There are bald eagles everywhere! Not tired of them yet.
The weather is slowly improving.
Tomorrow, we want to go out to some off shore islands (God's Pocket) for the night and try Cape Caution the next day.
Today, a walk to town and provisioning.
As I write the boat is experiencing electrical problems. Lights won't go off....lights won't go on.
Problem solved: water in panel! Mark dried it and did so re-wiring. Hope it works.
Off we go to Cape Caution!!!!!!
We were talking to a couple that we have seen walking their dog several times. I complained that I could not find any decent fish in the local supermarkets. Truly. It is too early they say. Later, that day, she brought over two red snapper filets, a chunk of halibut (vac pac and frozen) , and a 2 lb piece of beautiful salmon. Her husband likes to fish! He had caught the 100+ halibut the day before and they had it frozen up at the local packing plant.
I pan fried half of the salmon for supper. It was a least an inch and a half thick. I served snow peas and left over pasta along side. Hagan Das bars at the marina office for dessert.
The young couple behind us at the dock had lost their propeller at the gas dock. A diver found it, they had the boat hulled out right next door, using their dingny as a tow boat. The prop was re-applied. They are changing their plans for circumnavigating the island and are staying on the inside. Funny luck.
Someone pointed out that our red-green nav. light was knocked out. Mark thinks he did that when he brought the anchor up too fast. Fortunatly, there won't be much night sailing were we are going---no night! We check the local marine supply places for a replacement.
Since we are staying another day here I bought another 24 hours of Internet.
There are bald eagles everywhere! Not tired of them yet.
The weather is slowly improving.
Tomorrow, we want to go out to some off shore islands (God's Pocket) for the night and try Cape Caution the next day.
Today, a walk to town and provisioning.
As I write the boat is experiencing electrical problems. Lights won't go off....lights won't go on.
Problem solved: water in panel! Mark dried it and did so re-wiring. Hope it works.
Off we go to Cape Caution!!!!!!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
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Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Check out my new web albums. The site is still under construction. HA!
http://picasaweb.google.com/kiata.linda08
http://picasaweb.google.com/kiata.linda08
Getting back on the boat, after our walk, was difficult because the current had push it away from the dock. Skipper got impatient and tried to jump on board. His hind legs couldn’t catch hold of anything. He fell into the icy cold water and began swimming. Luckily, Mark could grab hold of Skipper’s collar and rescue him. Skipper seems to be minding better.
From Blind Channel we motored to (eagle just flew over-again) a small anchorage, Forward Harbor, for the night. It was during this journey that we saw our FIRST BEAR!
Then the next day we headed for Port Neville.
Port Neville has a post office, museum,art gallery and Government Dock (free). A sea plane picks up the mail once a week. The post mistress, Laurna, showed us around the museum and property. Skipper noticed a doe across the lawn and began growling. The deer approached us, Laurna told the deer to go back to her babies and the deer obeyed.
We were not as fortunate getting the deer to mind. Mrs. Bambi never got closer than a few yards, but we kept Skipper out of harm’s way.
Several times we saw deer and their fawns on the beach. We also saw sea otters and bears.
Leaving Port Neville we ventured out into the dreaded Johnson Strait. The weather had calmed down considerably and our voyage to Telegraph Cove was pleasant.
Telegraph Cove is very quaint, with board sidewalks and old buildings. This is a major whale watching area but we haven’t seen any whales, yet.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Left Telegraph Cove after breakfast (12:00) and motored up to Alert Bay. We took a look around and decided to go on to Port Hardy. The water was like glass most of the way but then the wind picked up a bit.
We docked at a nice marina about ½ mile from the center of town.
From Blind Channel we motored to (eagle just flew over-again) a small anchorage, Forward Harbor, for the night. It was during this journey that we saw our FIRST BEAR!
Then the next day we headed for Port Neville.
Port Neville has a post office, museum,art gallery and Government Dock (free). A sea plane picks up the mail once a week. The post mistress, Laurna, showed us around the museum and property. Skipper noticed a doe across the lawn and began growling. The deer approached us, Laurna told the deer to go back to her babies and the deer obeyed.
We were not as fortunate getting the deer to mind. Mrs. Bambi never got closer than a few yards, but we kept Skipper out of harm’s way.
Several times we saw deer and their fawns on the beach. We also saw sea otters and bears.
Leaving Port Neville we ventured out into the dreaded Johnson Strait. The weather had calmed down considerably and our voyage to Telegraph Cove was pleasant.
Telegraph Cove is very quaint, with board sidewalks and old buildings. This is a major whale watching area but we haven’t seen any whales, yet.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Left Telegraph Cove after breakfast (12:00) and motored up to Alert Bay. We took a look around and decided to go on to Port Hardy. The water was like glass most of the way but then the wind picked up a bit.
We docked at a nice marina about ½ mile from the center of town.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Blind Channel-day 2
We decided to spend one more day here at Blind Channel because of strong winds. Our little marina has been subject to swells all day. They got really bad as I was cooking dinner. I was committed to the job. Our neighbors, on a Tartan 37 found comfort on shore. Imagine cooking on a boat,hile wearing roller skates!
I have been waiting for this trip so I could learn to use my new (GW)pressure cooker. It is the new wiggleless type. I made brown rice last night…cooked perfectly in 25 min. I made a sweet and sour gluten for the rice.
Today I cooked lentils in 13 min. Rice+lentils=Majed Drah…served with Taziki sauce and homemade Catalina Dressing. They had fresh leaf lettuce at the marina store for the salad. Mark is the dishwasher tonight.
I have been reading Julia Childs cookbook-“The French Chef”. I have made one of her meals-Chicken Breasts, Risotto, and Peas. Actually I don’t think French Cooking is any harder than most vegetarian cooking.
Skipper and I walked along the beach this morning while Mark had the pleasure of fixing the leaking holding tank.
We all did two more walks. One 2-kilometer walk up the rain forest hill to see a 800 year-old cedar. Walking to the point opposite the marina through the forest was much shorter and easier.
The current had pushed the boat further away from the dock when we got back from the walk. As Mark was pulling the boat back to the dock so we could get on, Skipper ignored my command to "wait" and tried to jump onboard. He couldn't get his hind legs up on deck and fell into the water! Mark was able to pull him out. I hope that dog has learned his lesson!
I have been waiting for this trip so I could learn to use my new (GW)pressure cooker. It is the new wiggleless type. I made brown rice last night…cooked perfectly in 25 min. I made a sweet and sour gluten for the rice.
Today I cooked lentils in 13 min. Rice+lentils=Majed Drah…served with Taziki sauce and homemade Catalina Dressing. They had fresh leaf lettuce at the marina store for the salad. Mark is the dishwasher tonight.
I have been reading Julia Childs cookbook-“The French Chef”. I have made one of her meals-Chicken Breasts, Risotto, and Peas. Actually I don’t think French Cooking is any harder than most vegetarian cooking.
Skipper and I walked along the beach this morning while Mark had the pleasure of fixing the leaking holding tank.
We all did two more walks. One 2-kilometer walk up the rain forest hill to see a 800 year-old cedar. Walking to the point opposite the marina through the forest was much shorter and easier.
The current had pushed the boat further away from the dock when we got back from the walk. As Mark was pulling the boat back to the dock so we could get on, Skipper ignored my command to "wait" and tried to jump onboard. He couldn't get his hind legs up on deck and fell into the water! Mark was able to pull him out. I hope that dog has learned his lesson!
Thursday, June 12, 2008
From Campbell River to Thurlow Island
From Campbell River aka "civilization" we hit the bounding seas over to Cortez Island's Gorge Marina. Winds were 25+ for hours with waves constantly splashing over the bow. It felt good to be out of the wind and in a safe harbor.
Mark requested that I shave his head. It will look much better when the rest of his head gets tan. He sort of has that Albert Finney-Daddy Warbucks thing on.
Today, Thursday, we left the dock at 7:15 am to catch the right slack water at rapids 22 miles aways. We got there a few hours early, so we just floated around for 3 hours.
Tonight we are at a small marina/resort on Thurlow Island-Blind Channel. Fortunaly, the rain did not begin until we had moored, walked the dog, and did our shopping. Boy, is it raining now!
Tomorrow?, we will do another set of rapids--at slack. Every night the charts and tide books come out for the planning of the next leg of the journey.
Mark requested that I shave his head. It will look much better when the rest of his head gets tan. He sort of has that Albert Finney-Daddy Warbucks thing on.
Today, Thursday, we left the dock at 7:15 am to catch the right slack water at rapids 22 miles aways. We got there a few hours early, so we just floated around for 3 hours.
Tonight we are at a small marina/resort on Thurlow Island-Blind Channel. Fortunaly, the rain did not begin until we had moored, walked the dog, and did our shopping. Boy, is it raining now!
Tomorrow?, we will do another set of rapids--at slack. Every night the charts and tide books come out for the planning of the next leg of the journey.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Leaving Jedediah we saw many eagles. More than we have ever seen at one time. I wonder if we will get tired of seeing eagles.
We sailed for a long time heading north and west towards Campbell River on Vanc. Island. In the late afternoon, the winds died down and we continued on our journey with the iron jib. We traveled about 60 miles from Jedediah to Campbell River. That is a very long day…even for Mark.
There was dock space at the Discovery Harbour Marina. There is a nice shopping area very close by the marina. The shopping area includes a Wal-mart type store, Staples, Starbucks, several restaurants, clothing stores, etc. It is unusual to have so many services close to a marina.
We had dinner at the Harbour Grill. Wonderful food! High prices!
Tuesday morning, June 10, 2008 Starbucks-Campbell River
The sun is shinning and the wind is blowing, so I guess we are taking off as soon as I finish this blog and buy groceries.
We sailed for a long time heading north and west towards Campbell River on Vanc. Island. In the late afternoon, the winds died down and we continued on our journey with the iron jib. We traveled about 60 miles from Jedediah to Campbell River. That is a very long day…even for Mark.
There was dock space at the Discovery Harbour Marina. There is a nice shopping area very close by the marina. The shopping area includes a Wal-mart type store, Staples, Starbucks, several restaurants, clothing stores, etc. It is unusual to have so many services close to a marina.
We had dinner at the Harbour Grill. Wonderful food! High prices!
Tuesday morning, June 10, 2008 Starbucks-Campbell River
The sun is shinning and the wind is blowing, so I guess we are taking off as soon as I finish this blog and buy groceries.
Schooner Cove to Return of the Jedediah Saturday June 7, 2008
The night at the Schooner Cove marina dock was rocky-rolly and noisy. Mark was up several times to check on noises and the lines. We left Schooner Cove after a breakfast of Karmy Toast. The Schooner Cove Yacht Club regatta was well underway. Kiata sailed and then motored on to a sweet little cove on a Provincial Park Island. We had discovered this place two years ago and loved it. There is an old abandoned farmstead here. We have seen some of the goats that were left behind..
It was low tide when we arrived. Stern tying is preferred along with anchoring here. We have a new reel and flat rope for this procedure. After setting the anchor, Mark gets in the dinghy with one end of the rope while Linda lets more rope off the reel…minding the propeller. Mark then takes the end of the rope to shore to tie it to something. Linda then ties off her end of the rope to a cleat. If the rope is not properly tied off Mark falls on his seat when he pulls on the rope. (Note: 9:30 pm—bald eagle just flew very low over boat) Linda then lets out more anchor rode so Mark can pull the boat closer to the shore. We want to be about 20 feet off the rocky shore. All this happened in a bit of a current. After some adjusting we are set for the night. We completely surrounded by three rocky cliffs-three islands, while being strung out in both directions. May there be no dragging of anchor tonight!
Our anchor and tie held firm.
The night at the Schooner Cove marina dock was rocky-rolly and noisy. Mark was up several times to check on noises and the lines. We left Schooner Cove after a breakfast of Karmy Toast. The Schooner Cove Yacht Club regatta was well underway. Kiata sailed and then motored on to a sweet little cove on a Provincial Park Island. We had discovered this place two years ago and loved it. There is an old abandoned farmstead here. We have seen some of the goats that were left behind..
It was low tide when we arrived. Stern tying is preferred along with anchoring here. We have a new reel and flat rope for this procedure. After setting the anchor, Mark gets in the dinghy with one end of the rope while Linda lets more rope off the reel…minding the propeller. Mark then takes the end of the rope to shore to tie it to something. Linda then ties off her end of the rope to a cleat. If the rope is not properly tied off Mark falls on his seat when he pulls on the rope. (Note: 9:30 pm—bald eagle just flew very low over boat) Linda then lets out more anchor rode so Mark can pull the boat closer to the shore. We want to be about 20 feet off the rocky shore. All this happened in a bit of a current. After some adjusting we are set for the night. We completely surrounded by three rocky cliffs-three islands, while being strung out in both directions. May there be no dragging of anchor tonight!
Our anchor and tie held firm.
Friday, June 6, 2008
Schooner Cove-Friday June 6
We spent last night in Nanaimo. The main downtown marinas were full so we ended up at a rundown boatyard up the channel. Again another windy docking, but without damage.
I made crepes/cheese blintzes for breakfast using my cast iron griddle to cook the crepes. It work very well.
Motoring up to Schooner Cove, near Parksville, was rolly. Skipper and I found refuge on the settee.
This marina is one of the nicest on the Vanc. Island coast. The cafe is letting me use their computer. I will post pictures later.
I enjoy reading your comments.
I made crepes/cheese blintzes for breakfast using my cast iron griddle to cook the crepes. It work very well.
Motoring up to Schooner Cove, near Parksville, was rolly. Skipper and I found refuge on the settee.
This marina is one of the nicest on the Vanc. Island coast. The cafe is letting me use their computer. I will post pictures later.
I enjoy reading your comments.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Port Townsend Port Townsend – Friday May 29, 2008 Arrived late afternoon to a marina filled with boats flying the Wauquiez flag. We were greeted by the welcoming committee, given forms to fill out and invited to the evening potluck and program.
Port Townsend I had planned on bringing guacamole as I had a bag of avocados on board. Some of them were usable. Most of them had suffered mortally from a drop and roll in the Olympia parking lot.
The featured speaker, Karen Thorndike, from Seattle, surpassed the potluck. She is the only US woman to have single-handedly circumnavigated the world and is in the Guinness Book of World Records for her feat. She was in her early 50’s when she began her journey of three years around the five major capes…no canals were allowed. Allowing for: ferocious storms, being struck by lighting, and having to be pulled from he 31 ft. boat in a medical emergency, she says it was a wonderful experience. Karen seemed sane enough but one has to worry about what she was thinking!
Saturday, after at leisurely breakfast at the Landfall Café, we prepared our boat for open boat tours and judging.
Later that morning Larry and Sharon McCombs were hailing us from the shore. We had a wonderful visit with our former pastor and his wife. It is hard to find such warm and loving people…maybe not that hard, because an hour or so after they left our good friends the Helgi and Drucilla Heidar appeared!
Mark had taken a crew position on a Centurion 41 for the annual Wauquiez regatta. These guys really take their racing seriously! His boat, the Harmony, was in first place until the air became lighter and some boats pulled out their spinnakers. Sadly they came in last.
It was a truly a grand day seeing our fantastic friends.
Saturday night we attended a dinner at Sweet Laureates, a new French Bistro in Uptown. We walked, in the cold, uphill, both ways!
Sunday morning a friend from Seattle, Heidi Gildersleeve, dropped by to say “Hi!”. She and I had fun checking out the great shopping in Port Townsend.
The tide forced us to leave Port Townsend at 6:30 am Monday morning. We had a good crossing of the Strait of Juan de Fuca to Sidney, BC, sailing most of the way.
Heigi had warned us that the slips and channels in Sidney were narrow. We found that to be very true as we encountered great difficulty, including a scrape, docking in a 20-plus-knot wind. It is good to be tied down for the night in such a beautiful harbor.
Port Townsend I had planned on bringing guacamole as I had a bag of avocados on board. Some of them were usable. Most of them had suffered mortally from a drop and roll in the Olympia parking lot.
The featured speaker, Karen Thorndike, from Seattle, surpassed the potluck. She is the only US woman to have single-handedly circumnavigated the world and is in the Guinness Book of World Records for her feat. She was in her early 50’s when she began her journey of three years around the five major capes…no canals were allowed. Allowing for: ferocious storms, being struck by lighting, and having to be pulled from he 31 ft. boat in a medical emergency, she says it was a wonderful experience. Karen seemed sane enough but one has to worry about what she was thinking!
Saturday, after at leisurely breakfast at the Landfall Café, we prepared our boat for open boat tours and judging.
Later that morning Larry and Sharon McCombs were hailing us from the shore. We had a wonderful visit with our former pastor and his wife. It is hard to find such warm and loving people…maybe not that hard, because an hour or so after they left our good friends the Helgi and Drucilla Heidar appeared!
Mark had taken a crew position on a Centurion 41 for the annual Wauquiez regatta. These guys really take their racing seriously! His boat, the Harmony, was in first place until the air became lighter and some boats pulled out their spinnakers. Sadly they came in last.
It was a truly a grand day seeing our fantastic friends.
Saturday night we attended a dinner at Sweet Laureates, a new French Bistro in Uptown. We walked, in the cold, uphill, both ways!
Sunday morning a friend from Seattle, Heidi Gildersleeve, dropped by to say “Hi!”. She and I had fun checking out the great shopping in Port Townsend.
The tide forced us to leave Port Townsend at 6:30 am Monday morning. We had a good crossing of the Strait of Juan de Fuca to Sidney, BC, sailing most of the way.
Heigi had warned us that the slips and channels in Sidney were narrow. We found that to be very true as we encountered great difficulty, including a scrape, docking in a 20-plus-knot wind. It is good to be tied down for the night in such a beautiful harbor.
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