06.19
Dep Crofton at 0800 under power. Switched to sails at 0930 and arrived
at the Secretary Islands at 1300 hrs. I had a beautiful sail, most of
it being done under 'self-steering', hereafter called 'George' ie:
George had the tiller all morning, etc. There is another sailboat in
the cove, a couple with two kids; haven't met them as yet.
I wanted to make it to Montague Harbour but there was just a light
breeze and I would have run out of gas. Instead, I went between
Secretary North and the other island. It is shallow but we just follow
the kelp line , hugging the port side of the channel. Besides, I have
to be home around 1500 hrs tomorrow. Maybe S Cape will drop anchor here
tonight; who knows?
1700 hrs: Just heard a Mayday call on VHF. Someone on the Vancouver
side. I could hear the Coast Guard transmissions but not the boat in
distress. Very interesting indeed. I did a thorough clean-up and set
aside items I wish to return home (mostly tools etc). Also made a long
list of items required on the boat. There is nothing like a shakedown
cruise to identify what is missing.
As I lay at anchor, I can see the sailboats just whizzing by in the
channel. The wind is just fantastic. I really thought about going
back to Crofton tonight but then,I decided against it. Although it is
supposed to rain tomorrow, I was too tired to go back just now. I just
hope it won't rain too hard and that the winds will be strong enough to
carry me a good part of the way because I only have half a tank of gas
left. The ten gallons I left home will not help me any if I run out
enroute! It is very, very quiet here at anchor; just what the doctor
has ordered. The other boat has left hours ago and I am now all by my
lonesome.
I have begun reading one of the several pocketbooks I brought aboard,
the "Khaki Mafia". Looks very interesting. A power cruiser dropped
anchor around 2000 hrs. Quiet fellows. I lowered the pop-top for
tonight. If it rains in the morning, I'll put the cover on and steer
from the inside, now that I have George. Hit the sack around 22:30.
Very restful day. Goodnight world!
At anchor near Trincomali Channel. Augurs well....
06.20
Saturday. Up early at 0530! There is nothing like having to be
somewhere to get you up bright and early. As I write this (0550), it
doesn't look like it's going to be a very nice day. The sun is up but
it's very cloudy around Crofton. Well, we'll see. Good thing though: I
slept like a log! God how I wish I had eggs or pancakes. Peanut
butter sandwiches for today, again. Departed at 0600 hrs sharp. Got a
super nice run all the way to Tent Island then the winds got crazy. I
had to tack a few times but, as it was raining and I was close enough
to home, I switched to the motor and arrived home around ten! The wind
was very strong in Trincomali Channel and I got a super run.
Although it was raining again, I left at 1400 hrs for the Secretary
Islands where I arrived at 1615 hrs. I got quite a good run again for
most of the way. The bay is filled with boats tonight; you can tell
it's a weekend. As of writing (1930 hrs), there are eight boats in the
bay. it now has stopped raining and good weather (sunny) is forecasted
until Thursday, at least. I expect to stay here tomorrow and leave
Monday morning for Nanaimo.I might make it to Pirate's Cove tomorrow.
We'll see.
On this trip, I have decided to never leave for another anchorage
unless I was quite rested. Why rush? I have so much to do while at
anchor, it does not really matter where I am. I hope to be able to work
on the book during this trip. By the time I hit the sack, there were
over ten boats here at anchor. A super big one, some sixty feet in
length, just came in and dropped anchor right at the mouth of the bay.
Hit sack at 2200 hrs. All quiet.
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