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07.06 Monday
0700 Hello sunshine! Where are thou? Slept like a log. But I will have
to do something about that water dripping on my shoulder. Fell asleep
right away last night and woke up at 0600 this morning. Still managed
to put in over eight hours. If there would have been sunshine, I would
have left early for points north (like Hardy Islands?) but, ..... no
sunshine.
The past three days of wet weather is taking its toll on the humidity
level inside the boat, a condition which, I am afraid, would not please
Georgette very much. I hope if she comes for that trip up Louisa Inlet
that we don't hit more than one day of rain at a time, followed by a
couple of days of sunshine. Otherwise, it might be enough to swear her
off completely of sailing.
As for me, I don't really mind if only because I can't do a darn thing
about It. Of course I mind but, what the heck. They are forecasting a
little bit of sun for today. If so, I will just stay at anchor here
again for today and use the sun to dry the clothes I have washed and
also, all the other damp things laying around. I thought of making a
run to Lykes Island or go tuck myself in one of Hardy Islands but, what
for?
With two to three more days of expected rain, what would I gain,
except an unchecked, perhaps crowded anchorage some place? At least,
here I have peace and quiet and I know that no matter the wind
conditions, I am well protected. I think I will work on the book
today. I will set up the heater on the tank, thus helping to kill the
humidity off a little. I will use the small propane tank for the stove
only and monitor how long it will last, under normal use (cooking and
heating water for washing self, etc). Good thing I have the book to
work on. Otherwise, it might turn out to be a long day!
1130 Been busy! Worked a little on the book then, in an awful drizzle,
I repositioned the anchor. I was getting a little too close to shore
for comfort although, I am sure, I could have left it where it was.
Also installed the heater on the tank. And, I found a way to kill the
humidity, at least in the V-berth area. it was getting mighty damp out
there. I lit two candles and, presto! in about ten minutes, it was
quite comfy. So, if Georgette comes down and uses the V-berth (it's the
most comfortable bed because the cushions are thicker), it will be dry.
There is no danger of fire as I placed the candle on the big plywood
sheet I got at Egmont. I must be dreaming but I seem to sense that the
sun wants to break through. Mind you, the sun's there but it must still
be tens of miles behind those low-lying clouds. The minute the sun
comes through I will hang at least the towels to dry because I'm fresh
out of towels. I have to use the old checkered shirt to wipe off my
hands when they're wet. Tough life! I have an urge to keep on going,
now that It's clearing up but the nearest anchorage is about fifteen
miles away! We'll see.
Ballet Bay - And that's how dark it was too!
1600 I did it ..... the urge to go on. Actually, I just didn't want
to stay here another four days, should it rain that long. I had heard
that Ballet Bay was a 'must see' spot so, inflate the dinghy, get the
stern line, lift anchor and go. There was no wind so I motored all the
way to Ballet Bay, a distance of fourteen miles in less than two and a
half hours. Not bad at all, and I was fighting the tide all the way.
It hasn't rained as yet although it is still very much covered. The
forecast is not very good for the next few days either. But, if the
anchor holds, I don't mind staying here for a while. I had the
neighbor tie my stern line, thus saving me the trouble to inflate the
dinghy once again. But I am anchored right in front of a huge rock. I
hope I can miss it by drawing the anchor rode shorter. Tomorrow morning
has a very low tide but it occurs around 0900 hrs, local. So, I'll be
up to adjust if necessary.
1800 I have just found a super place to do my writing, when it's not
raining. I go through the forward hatch and sit on the cooler! Perfect
for writing, or reading for that matter. And, as an added bonus, the
view is fantastic. I have a clear view through the bay, looking north.
There are at present ten boats in the bay itself, the majority with a
stern line to shore. The boat next to me, a nice cutter rig from
Vancouver, has two teenage boys aboard who absolutely refuse to go to
Princess Louisa while the parents would like to go. It would be a
shame for them to miss such a trip because of two little spoiled brats!
Getting close to dodo time. I had to move the boat because I was too
close to that big rock! Seems OK now. I also plugged the holes which
dripped water on me last night. Hope it works. It's amazing how much
one candle can warm up and dry a boat. I put only one in the V berth
area and it is now very dry and warm. I lowered the pop-top for the
night as I don't know this anchorage enough to take a chance. And big
winds are expected overnight. But, by the looks of It, I might still be
here tomorrow night. It's a beautiful spot to be caught in, though. I
have made a line drawing of this bay. It is no work of art but it will
remind me of when I look at It. Hitting the sack at 2145. Goodnight
world.
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