Stella Maris
Well-known member
- Joined
- Nov 28, 2008
- Messages
- 1,500
- Fluid Motion Model
- C-24 C
- Non-Fluid Motion Model
- Helmsman PH38, 11' Boston Whaler, 9' Boston Whaler
- Vessel Name
- Destiny
Gulf Island Round-a-bout
Victoria
Our departure comes mighty early, 4:00 am. I however, am up at 3:30 making coffee along with pulling the shore power cord and taking care of all the other last minute preparations. The coffee now brewed, Maureen climbs out of our toasty bunk.
Our early morning departure is the result of considerable study and scrutiny of the tide and current tables. We will ride on the great flowing river of an ebb tide all the way out to the Straits of Juan de Fuca.
Maureen takes the helm while I cast off our lines. Slowly we make our way to the Ballard Locks hoping for a quick transit. At times, these early morning transits can take a while. Today though, lady luck is with us. In less than five minutes, the gates slowly open. The light turns green, we make our way in.
With the tide being high; it is a quick drop to the salt waters of Puget Sound. Off in the distance, the eastern sky glows with a soft pink hue as we make our way north. It is not long and the sky is filling with incredible streaks of yellow, gold, and orange. Right before our eyes, the eastern horizon explodes with ever changing colors. At last, the sun rises above the eastern horizon filling the sky with colors only nature can produce.
Our speed is set at a leisurely pace of six and a half knots. However, the further north we go, the faster we are carried along. We have found the magic current carrying millions upon millions of gallons of water out of Puget Sound and into the vast Pacific Ocean. In no time, we are making 12.8 knots! This is a lift of 6.3 knots using no additional fuel or horsepower.
We carry this speed through Admiralty Inlet as we are flushed out into the Straits. Once we reach the straits our speed drops to 8 knots. We are however, able to carry this speed all the way to within five miles of the Victoria Harbor Entrance.
Only now does the tide turn. Suddenly, we are down to 4.5 knots. Still, we had a great ride and made Victoria in record time. A normal cruise from Seattle to Victoria is eleven hours. Today we do it in eight and three quarter hours!
We round the entrance into the Harbor; a seaplane touches down just off our port side. Victoria is the busiest Seaplane Port in the world. It is the only Seaplane Port with a control tower as well as specific lanes in which they land and take off. Boat traffic is kept well clear of this area.
Slowly we make our way to the Causeway Floats of the Inner Harbor. As we approach, Maureen hails the harbor authority requesting our moorage location. Once she has our moorage location, she backs Destiny in along side. With all lines secure, we give Destiny a quick cleaning and then, it is time to head off downtown.
We wander about town for a few hours slowly making our way back to the marina. Once on board, we await the arrival of new friends Terry and Kim who are lucky enough to live in Victoria. We have been correspondencing with them via email as; they too are interested in the Helmsman Trawlers.
Once they arrive, we give them the tour and then, head to the fly bridge for a relaxing evening of “boat talk”. Before we know it, it is well after nine. Terry and Kim head out while Maureen and I enjoy the last of an incredible sunset while eating some of our favorite Cherry Pie from the “Market on Yates” as the last light of the day disappears.
Sunday breaks clear and bright. We rise at 8:00 as we had had a very long day on Saturday. We sit on the fly bridge taking in the view while enjoying our coffee. It is a leisurely morning just relaxing and enjoying the beauty of this incredible city. Water traffic heads off in all directions. Seaplanes come and go. The ferries from the US arrive and depart. I could sit here all day and just watch this. That is not to be though; Maureen has a 15:00 flight on one of those Seaplanes we have been marveling at that will take her back to Seattle. There, she will then be shuttled to Seatac to connect with her Southwest flight to Las Vegas. We will reunite on Friday in Vancouver. Before she heads off though, we take another leisurely stroll through downtown to check out a few more shops.
Before we know it, it is time for Maureen to head to the Seaplane Terminal. It is just a short walk from the Causeway Floats. We sit and talk quietly while we await the arrival of her plane. Once it arrives, the passengers quickly disembark. With everyone off, they load up the southbound passengers.
I stand at the terminal and watch as the pilot taxis to the far end of the channel. He makes a turn to south and then roars off out of sight. I am now alone. Why is it so difficult to watch her fly off in this manner? We do this every week. I either drop her at the curb at the airport or vise versa. Yet, when you stand by and watch them fly off, it is as if a part of your heart has been ripped out.
Slowly I make my way back to the now quiet Destiny. Once back aboard, I open a bottle of wine and move to the bow. I sit in silence and solitude; watching the life giving sun, sink slowly below the western horizon. Come morning, I start my journey north. I will depart Victoria at 5:00 making my way to Tod Inlet. From where I sit in downtown Victoria, it is a mere ten miles as the crow flies. However by boat, it is closer to 35 miles.
Tod Inlet
After a quiet evening aboard, I rise before the sun has made its appearance on this day. Still half a sleep, I prepare a pot of coffee and eat a quick bowl of cereal. It seems departing Victoria is never easy. The seas are always on the beam making the ride uncomfortable. Today will be no different. I quickly down a cup of piping hot coffee, which helps to clear my head. I quickly pull the shore power cord and prepare Destiny for what I anticipate will be a lumpy ride.
With my lines brought aboard, I make my way out of the inner harbor. The sun has yet to show itself this early morning. Not a single vessel moves. I am alone on these waters.
As I near the breakwater, the Pacific Rollers start to come in. Destiny rises and falls on each one. The closer to the mouth of the harbor I get, the larger the rollers. Now is the time to decide, stay or go. I decide to go. I make the turn to the southeast and immediately Destiny is rolled from Starboard to Port. Over and over again we roll through 30 degrees. I must point her bow at Port Angeles in order to make the ride as comfortable as possible.
Slowly I make my way three miles offshore. Now I make the turn to the northeast and head for the protection of the Trial Islands. With the incoming tide just about to reach its peak, I know it is safe to negotiate this tiny passage.
I make my way behind the islands and things settle down. No more rolling through thirty degrees. This will not last though. Once past the islands, I will once again be exposed to the rollers of the Pacific. Slowly I make my way into Baynes Channel. Destiny rolls side to side. The wipers are working at full speed trying to keep the windshield clear. Only another thirty minutes and all should settle down.
At last I make the turn into Haro Strait. With Vancouver Island now off to my port quarter, the waters are flat. The sun begins to announce its presence. Oranges and yellows streak the sky overhead. At last, I can drink another cup of coffee. While it is cold, it is still good. I am now cruising on the flat waters of Haro Strait. Not another boat in sight. It will be a smooth ride to Tod after all!
I sleep fitfully awakening to an incredible morning. The sun has already risen. The trees surrounding the inlet are cast aglow in yellows and gold’s. The tiny Violet Green Swallows, which occupy the birdhouses on the old foundation of the pier, sing out loudly. I take my coffee and head to the cockpit. I revel in the beauty that surrounds me. While I have already prepared Destiny to head off to our next port, I choose instead to stay put. I will enjoy another day here in Tod Inlet.
After completing a number of boat projects, it is time for a trip on the kayak. I head out towards the mouth of the inlet and Brentwood Bay. As I make my way out, an Eagle dives from high above. It chases a young seagull to its death. The last I see of the Eagle, it is headed for the trees, the small seagull locked firmly in its talons. Mother Nature has its way of taking care of the strong and weeding out the weak.
The bay is interesting. A derelict boat is tied to a small floating cabin. The occupant greets me as I paddle by. The shoreline is lined with everything from mansions to very small cabins supported on stilts.
After a leisurely paddle through the bay, I begin to make my way back into the inlet. Once again, I spot an Eagle hunting for its next meal. This one dives to the water, snags itself a fish, and heads for its roosting place to enjoy its fresh meal.
With the air temperature being in the high 90’s and the water temperature in the mid seventy’s, I am tempted to jump in and go for a swim. However, I am concerned about the amount of pollution this bay more than likely holds. There are a number of derelict liveaboards that more than likely have no waste treatment system. Everything simply goes into the bay. Instead, I choose to cool off using the cockpit shower.
Tomorrow, I will head to the Port of Ganges on Salt Spring Island.
Ganges, Salt Springs Island
I depart Tod Inlet at 9:00. The weather is calm, the seas are flat. I make my way past Brentwood Bay with the intention of checking out the anchorage on the north side of Russell Island just outside of Fulford. I have read numerous reports and stories on this anchorage and want to check it out for future trips.
Heading north up Saanich Inlet is very interesting as it is laid out like minefield with crab pots. Vigilance is required to avoid wrapping a line around the prop. At last I exit Saanich Inlet and make my way into Satellite Passage pointing Destiny’s bow at Russell Island.
I approach Russell Island and drop my speed, giving way to the Fulford to Swartz Bay Ferry. Once clear, I make my way around the northern end of the island and find what appears to be a great anchorage. While you may be subject to some of the wake of the ferry, it does not appear all that bad. I mark it on my chart as a good location for the future.
I make my way back out into Satellite Passage and continue my journey onto Ganges. As I make the approach to Ganges, vigilance is extremely important. The channel is filled with crab pots, boats come and go in all directions, seaplane’s land and take off. It is comparable to running across the interstate!
I am surprised as I approach the public dock to find more than 100 feet of dock wide open. I come alongside and secure. The dock master greets me with a smile and a big welcome. We have a brief conversation as to what my intentions are. I explain that I need just enough time to get to the liquor store and pick up some of our favorite Canadian Wines. Once I make my purchases, I will head to the anchorage and hang on the hook for the night.
I make my way up the “ The Local” Salt Spring Liquor Store. While I wander the aisles looking at the various wines, I am greeted by one of the owners. She takes her time walking me through the store pointing out some of the very fine wines offered up by the Canadian Winery’s. By the time I am through, I have selected two cases of various wines that will be used to replenish Destiny’s wine cellar. When the owner learns I am off a boat, she offers to drive me back to the public dock. I graciously decline, as I am covered with sunscreen and, a bit “smelly” from being out in the sun all day. I thank her for her offer and head back to Destiny.
Quickly I load up my wine. With everything once again secure, I cast off my lines and head for the anchorage. While Ganges is a nice place, the marinas are overpriced and under-repaired. I locate my “spot” for the evening and drop the hook. With the anchor now set, I climb in my kayak and take a tour of the harbor. Boats of all sizes, shapes, and nationalities are anchored here. Seaplanes come and go. Dinghy’s speed in and out between the anchored boats.
Upon my return to Destiny, I sit in the cockpit and enjoy one of the beautiful bottles of wine I had just purchased. The sun slowly drops below the horizon. The anchorage is cast in a glow of yellow and golden hues. Tomorrow, I head out through Active Pass and hopefully onto Vancouver!
Vancouver, not to be!
I am underway at 5:00. The plan is to transit Active Pass as close to slack as possible. I see one other vessel underway as I make my way toward the pass, a Canadian Naval Training Vessel. As I make my way into the pass, a ferry calls out a security that they are now north bound through the pass. I round the bend and there she is. I call out on the VHF asking how they would like to pass. Port to port they answer. I make my way to the starboard side of the channel.
Once the ferry has safely passed, I move back out to center channel. I am 45 minutes early on the slack. The current is giving me an extra 4-knot push. Just as I reach the tightest portion of the pass, I am suddenly thrust into very steep standing waves. I work to keep them on the forward quarter. Destiny rides to the top and then drops down the backside.
Just as suddenly as they appeared, they are gone. I am now flushed out of the pass and into the Straits of Georgia. While the skies are clear, the seas are very rough and confused. I make the turn to the North East setting my course for Vancouver. Into the building seas Destiny slams. After 30 minutes, I decide it is time to turn back. Being as I am by myself, this would be a very long journey in these types of seas. I study the waves to determine just the perfect time to make a 360 and head back to the pass.
Just as I crest a wave, I put the helm over hard applying additional power at the same time. Before the next wave has time to lift Destiny, I have completed the turn. The following seas seem relatively calm compared to taking them on the forward quarter.
I make my way back through Active Pass and set a new course for Hunter Bay on Lopez Island. There will be no visiting Vancouver on this cruise. Maureen and I will rendezvous in Anacortes instead.
I make my way south, the clouds build. The skies turn gray. Rain begins to fall, the wind begins to blow. Somehow, it seems so fitting.
It is now time to clear US Customs. Thanks to my Nexus card, there is no need to pull into a port of entry and declare with customs. I simply place a phone call, answer a few questions and continue on my way.
My arrival at Hunter Bay finds a dozen other vessels already anchored. I select a location between a Nordhavn 43 and a beautiful sailboat. With the hook set and the sun now shining, I give Destiny a much needed scrubbing. Once she is clean, I take my all-familiar place on the fly bridge enjoying the abundant sunshine.
The following morning breaks bright and clear. I enjoy a leisurely day touring the bay via Kayak. At last, it is time to haul the anchor back aboard and make my way to Anacortes. Maureen will be arriving from Seattle this afternoon via the airport shuttle.
I make my way out through Lopez Pass and into Rosario Strait. The water is flat calm with barely a ripple. I make my way up through Guemes Channel. Vessels of all sizes race back and forth. A very large Tug and Tow make their way toward the sea.
I round the final bend and make my way into the channel for Cap Santé Marina. I have received my slip assignment from the harbormaster and make my way in. Once I secure Destiny, I head to the Harbormasters office to pay for my overnight Moorage.
It is just after two. Maureen’s shuttle from Seatac will be arriving shortly. Once she arrives, we will enjoy the afternoon wandering about Anacortes. Tomorrow we will make our way south back to our homeport in Stimson Marina.
Homeward Bound
With the wind howling out on the Straits of Juan de Fuca, we decide to run the inside for our southern trip. We have smooth sailing for the first three hours. Once we reach Saratoga Passage, we begin taking the wind on our bow. The long fetch allows for three to four foot wind waves to develop. Destiny rises and falls as each one rolls beneath her. For the most part though, this portion of the journey is uneventful.
We arrive at the lock just in time to see the gates open. The light is green, we make our way in. We share the lock with two other vessels. In no time, we are once again raised back up into the fresh waters of the ship canal.
We exit the lock and make the turn into our fairway. Maureen guides Destiny into our slip with very little effort. Once she is secured, we make the short walk to Ballard and enjoy a nice leisurely dinner at Senor Moose.
What a great life we lead!
Victoria
Our departure comes mighty early, 4:00 am. I however, am up at 3:30 making coffee along with pulling the shore power cord and taking care of all the other last minute preparations. The coffee now brewed, Maureen climbs out of our toasty bunk.
Our early morning departure is the result of considerable study and scrutiny of the tide and current tables. We will ride on the great flowing river of an ebb tide all the way out to the Straits of Juan de Fuca.
Maureen takes the helm while I cast off our lines. Slowly we make our way to the Ballard Locks hoping for a quick transit. At times, these early morning transits can take a while. Today though, lady luck is with us. In less than five minutes, the gates slowly open. The light turns green, we make our way in.
With the tide being high; it is a quick drop to the salt waters of Puget Sound. Off in the distance, the eastern sky glows with a soft pink hue as we make our way north. It is not long and the sky is filling with incredible streaks of yellow, gold, and orange. Right before our eyes, the eastern horizon explodes with ever changing colors. At last, the sun rises above the eastern horizon filling the sky with colors only nature can produce.
Our speed is set at a leisurely pace of six and a half knots. However, the further north we go, the faster we are carried along. We have found the magic current carrying millions upon millions of gallons of water out of Puget Sound and into the vast Pacific Ocean. In no time, we are making 12.8 knots! This is a lift of 6.3 knots using no additional fuel or horsepower.
We carry this speed through Admiralty Inlet as we are flushed out into the Straits. Once we reach the straits our speed drops to 8 knots. We are however, able to carry this speed all the way to within five miles of the Victoria Harbor Entrance.
Only now does the tide turn. Suddenly, we are down to 4.5 knots. Still, we had a great ride and made Victoria in record time. A normal cruise from Seattle to Victoria is eleven hours. Today we do it in eight and three quarter hours!
We round the entrance into the Harbor; a seaplane touches down just off our port side. Victoria is the busiest Seaplane Port in the world. It is the only Seaplane Port with a control tower as well as specific lanes in which they land and take off. Boat traffic is kept well clear of this area.
Slowly we make our way to the Causeway Floats of the Inner Harbor. As we approach, Maureen hails the harbor authority requesting our moorage location. Once she has our moorage location, she backs Destiny in along side. With all lines secure, we give Destiny a quick cleaning and then, it is time to head off downtown.
We wander about town for a few hours slowly making our way back to the marina. Once on board, we await the arrival of new friends Terry and Kim who are lucky enough to live in Victoria. We have been correspondencing with them via email as; they too are interested in the Helmsman Trawlers.
Once they arrive, we give them the tour and then, head to the fly bridge for a relaxing evening of “boat talk”. Before we know it, it is well after nine. Terry and Kim head out while Maureen and I enjoy the last of an incredible sunset while eating some of our favorite Cherry Pie from the “Market on Yates” as the last light of the day disappears.
Sunday breaks clear and bright. We rise at 8:00 as we had had a very long day on Saturday. We sit on the fly bridge taking in the view while enjoying our coffee. It is a leisurely morning just relaxing and enjoying the beauty of this incredible city. Water traffic heads off in all directions. Seaplanes come and go. The ferries from the US arrive and depart. I could sit here all day and just watch this. That is not to be though; Maureen has a 15:00 flight on one of those Seaplanes we have been marveling at that will take her back to Seattle. There, she will then be shuttled to Seatac to connect with her Southwest flight to Las Vegas. We will reunite on Friday in Vancouver. Before she heads off though, we take another leisurely stroll through downtown to check out a few more shops.
Before we know it, it is time for Maureen to head to the Seaplane Terminal. It is just a short walk from the Causeway Floats. We sit and talk quietly while we await the arrival of her plane. Once it arrives, the passengers quickly disembark. With everyone off, they load up the southbound passengers.
I stand at the terminal and watch as the pilot taxis to the far end of the channel. He makes a turn to south and then roars off out of sight. I am now alone. Why is it so difficult to watch her fly off in this manner? We do this every week. I either drop her at the curb at the airport or vise versa. Yet, when you stand by and watch them fly off, it is as if a part of your heart has been ripped out.
Slowly I make my way back to the now quiet Destiny. Once back aboard, I open a bottle of wine and move to the bow. I sit in silence and solitude; watching the life giving sun, sink slowly below the western horizon. Come morning, I start my journey north. I will depart Victoria at 5:00 making my way to Tod Inlet. From where I sit in downtown Victoria, it is a mere ten miles as the crow flies. However by boat, it is closer to 35 miles.
Tod Inlet
After a quiet evening aboard, I rise before the sun has made its appearance on this day. Still half a sleep, I prepare a pot of coffee and eat a quick bowl of cereal. It seems departing Victoria is never easy. The seas are always on the beam making the ride uncomfortable. Today will be no different. I quickly down a cup of piping hot coffee, which helps to clear my head. I quickly pull the shore power cord and prepare Destiny for what I anticipate will be a lumpy ride.
With my lines brought aboard, I make my way out of the inner harbor. The sun has yet to show itself this early morning. Not a single vessel moves. I am alone on these waters.
As I near the breakwater, the Pacific Rollers start to come in. Destiny rises and falls on each one. The closer to the mouth of the harbor I get, the larger the rollers. Now is the time to decide, stay or go. I decide to go. I make the turn to the southeast and immediately Destiny is rolled from Starboard to Port. Over and over again we roll through 30 degrees. I must point her bow at Port Angeles in order to make the ride as comfortable as possible.
Slowly I make my way three miles offshore. Now I make the turn to the northeast and head for the protection of the Trial Islands. With the incoming tide just about to reach its peak, I know it is safe to negotiate this tiny passage.
I make my way behind the islands and things settle down. No more rolling through thirty degrees. This will not last though. Once past the islands, I will once again be exposed to the rollers of the Pacific. Slowly I make my way into Baynes Channel. Destiny rolls side to side. The wipers are working at full speed trying to keep the windshield clear. Only another thirty minutes and all should settle down.
At last I make the turn into Haro Strait. With Vancouver Island now off to my port quarter, the waters are flat. The sun begins to announce its presence. Oranges and yellows streak the sky overhead. At last, I can drink another cup of coffee. While it is cold, it is still good. I am now cruising on the flat waters of Haro Strait. Not another boat in sight. It will be a smooth ride to Tod after all!
I sleep fitfully awakening to an incredible morning. The sun has already risen. The trees surrounding the inlet are cast aglow in yellows and gold’s. The tiny Violet Green Swallows, which occupy the birdhouses on the old foundation of the pier, sing out loudly. I take my coffee and head to the cockpit. I revel in the beauty that surrounds me. While I have already prepared Destiny to head off to our next port, I choose instead to stay put. I will enjoy another day here in Tod Inlet.
After completing a number of boat projects, it is time for a trip on the kayak. I head out towards the mouth of the inlet and Brentwood Bay. As I make my way out, an Eagle dives from high above. It chases a young seagull to its death. The last I see of the Eagle, it is headed for the trees, the small seagull locked firmly in its talons. Mother Nature has its way of taking care of the strong and weeding out the weak.
The bay is interesting. A derelict boat is tied to a small floating cabin. The occupant greets me as I paddle by. The shoreline is lined with everything from mansions to very small cabins supported on stilts.
After a leisurely paddle through the bay, I begin to make my way back into the inlet. Once again, I spot an Eagle hunting for its next meal. This one dives to the water, snags itself a fish, and heads for its roosting place to enjoy its fresh meal.
With the air temperature being in the high 90’s and the water temperature in the mid seventy’s, I am tempted to jump in and go for a swim. However, I am concerned about the amount of pollution this bay more than likely holds. There are a number of derelict liveaboards that more than likely have no waste treatment system. Everything simply goes into the bay. Instead, I choose to cool off using the cockpit shower.
Tomorrow, I will head to the Port of Ganges on Salt Spring Island.
Ganges, Salt Springs Island
I depart Tod Inlet at 9:00. The weather is calm, the seas are flat. I make my way past Brentwood Bay with the intention of checking out the anchorage on the north side of Russell Island just outside of Fulford. I have read numerous reports and stories on this anchorage and want to check it out for future trips.
Heading north up Saanich Inlet is very interesting as it is laid out like minefield with crab pots. Vigilance is required to avoid wrapping a line around the prop. At last I exit Saanich Inlet and make my way into Satellite Passage pointing Destiny’s bow at Russell Island.
I approach Russell Island and drop my speed, giving way to the Fulford to Swartz Bay Ferry. Once clear, I make my way around the northern end of the island and find what appears to be a great anchorage. While you may be subject to some of the wake of the ferry, it does not appear all that bad. I mark it on my chart as a good location for the future.
I make my way back out into Satellite Passage and continue my journey onto Ganges. As I make the approach to Ganges, vigilance is extremely important. The channel is filled with crab pots, boats come and go in all directions, seaplane’s land and take off. It is comparable to running across the interstate!
I am surprised as I approach the public dock to find more than 100 feet of dock wide open. I come alongside and secure. The dock master greets me with a smile and a big welcome. We have a brief conversation as to what my intentions are. I explain that I need just enough time to get to the liquor store and pick up some of our favorite Canadian Wines. Once I make my purchases, I will head to the anchorage and hang on the hook for the night.
I make my way up the “ The Local” Salt Spring Liquor Store. While I wander the aisles looking at the various wines, I am greeted by one of the owners. She takes her time walking me through the store pointing out some of the very fine wines offered up by the Canadian Winery’s. By the time I am through, I have selected two cases of various wines that will be used to replenish Destiny’s wine cellar. When the owner learns I am off a boat, she offers to drive me back to the public dock. I graciously decline, as I am covered with sunscreen and, a bit “smelly” from being out in the sun all day. I thank her for her offer and head back to Destiny.
Quickly I load up my wine. With everything once again secure, I cast off my lines and head for the anchorage. While Ganges is a nice place, the marinas are overpriced and under-repaired. I locate my “spot” for the evening and drop the hook. With the anchor now set, I climb in my kayak and take a tour of the harbor. Boats of all sizes, shapes, and nationalities are anchored here. Seaplanes come and go. Dinghy’s speed in and out between the anchored boats.
Upon my return to Destiny, I sit in the cockpit and enjoy one of the beautiful bottles of wine I had just purchased. The sun slowly drops below the horizon. The anchorage is cast in a glow of yellow and golden hues. Tomorrow, I head out through Active Pass and hopefully onto Vancouver!
Vancouver, not to be!
I am underway at 5:00. The plan is to transit Active Pass as close to slack as possible. I see one other vessel underway as I make my way toward the pass, a Canadian Naval Training Vessel. As I make my way into the pass, a ferry calls out a security that they are now north bound through the pass. I round the bend and there she is. I call out on the VHF asking how they would like to pass. Port to port they answer. I make my way to the starboard side of the channel.
Once the ferry has safely passed, I move back out to center channel. I am 45 minutes early on the slack. The current is giving me an extra 4-knot push. Just as I reach the tightest portion of the pass, I am suddenly thrust into very steep standing waves. I work to keep them on the forward quarter. Destiny rides to the top and then drops down the backside.
Just as suddenly as they appeared, they are gone. I am now flushed out of the pass and into the Straits of Georgia. While the skies are clear, the seas are very rough and confused. I make the turn to the North East setting my course for Vancouver. Into the building seas Destiny slams. After 30 minutes, I decide it is time to turn back. Being as I am by myself, this would be a very long journey in these types of seas. I study the waves to determine just the perfect time to make a 360 and head back to the pass.
Just as I crest a wave, I put the helm over hard applying additional power at the same time. Before the next wave has time to lift Destiny, I have completed the turn. The following seas seem relatively calm compared to taking them on the forward quarter.
I make my way back through Active Pass and set a new course for Hunter Bay on Lopez Island. There will be no visiting Vancouver on this cruise. Maureen and I will rendezvous in Anacortes instead.
I make my way south, the clouds build. The skies turn gray. Rain begins to fall, the wind begins to blow. Somehow, it seems so fitting.
It is now time to clear US Customs. Thanks to my Nexus card, there is no need to pull into a port of entry and declare with customs. I simply place a phone call, answer a few questions and continue on my way.
My arrival at Hunter Bay finds a dozen other vessels already anchored. I select a location between a Nordhavn 43 and a beautiful sailboat. With the hook set and the sun now shining, I give Destiny a much needed scrubbing. Once she is clean, I take my all-familiar place on the fly bridge enjoying the abundant sunshine.
The following morning breaks bright and clear. I enjoy a leisurely day touring the bay via Kayak. At last, it is time to haul the anchor back aboard and make my way to Anacortes. Maureen will be arriving from Seattle this afternoon via the airport shuttle.
I make my way out through Lopez Pass and into Rosario Strait. The water is flat calm with barely a ripple. I make my way up through Guemes Channel. Vessels of all sizes race back and forth. A very large Tug and Tow make their way toward the sea.
I round the final bend and make my way into the channel for Cap Santé Marina. I have received my slip assignment from the harbormaster and make my way in. Once I secure Destiny, I head to the Harbormasters office to pay for my overnight Moorage.
It is just after two. Maureen’s shuttle from Seatac will be arriving shortly. Once she arrives, we will enjoy the afternoon wandering about Anacortes. Tomorrow we will make our way south back to our homeport in Stimson Marina.
Homeward Bound
With the wind howling out on the Straits of Juan de Fuca, we decide to run the inside for our southern trip. We have smooth sailing for the first three hours. Once we reach Saratoga Passage, we begin taking the wind on our bow. The long fetch allows for three to four foot wind waves to develop. Destiny rises and falls as each one rolls beneath her. For the most part though, this portion of the journey is uneventful.
We arrive at the lock just in time to see the gates open. The light is green, we make our way in. We share the lock with two other vessels. In no time, we are once again raised back up into the fresh waters of the ship canal.
We exit the lock and make the turn into our fairway. Maureen guides Destiny into our slip with very little effort. Once she is secured, we make the short walk to Ballard and enjoy a nice leisurely dinner at Senor Moose.
What a great life we lead!