The assorted ramblings of an owner of an old boat…
September 13-21
For the past few years, this has become one of my favorite cruises of the season. The peak season has passed, and most of the summer visitors have left the islands. The main destination of the trip is Telegraph Harbor on Thetis Island, BC for the Canadian Tollycraft rendezvous, with plenty of time built in to meander there and back…
May 27-30
Distance: 44.1 nm
Engine Hours: 6
Moorage: State Park linear tie. $10/ night.
Departed Cap Sante Friday evening after taking care of some chores at home- a few hours after Briar Patch, Enough Time, and Ghost. A nice run except a breeze out of the southwest left the windshield salty.
Arrived in Echo Bay to find the other boats tied to the linear tie, so I slipped in and joined the fleet. I've used the linear ties in the past, and have found them to be a nice alternative. With two boats stern to stern on each side of the tie, we ran a line across and cinched the parallel lines together, bringing the boats closer together- making stepping between boats possible. Amazingly, nobody went swimming during a crossing.
It was a wonderful weekend, with weather that couldn't be beat. We took some great hikes on the island, cruised in the dinghies, and shared some laughs. Marina neighbors, "Windwalker" and "Diver's Inn" were also in the bay, and joined the fun.
The run home Monday was very pleasant, cruising the entire way at displacement speed of around seven knots. On nice water, this is a very comfortable way to cruise- turn up the music, have some snacks, and enjoy the scenery that otherwise goes by quickly. The next fuel-up I'll have a better idea if slowing down is truly more efficient for my boat.
May 13-15, 2011
Distance: 58.8 nm
Engine Hours: 7:45
Moorage: Rosario Resort Marina $1.00/ft (winter rates)
Began planning this cruise weeks prior with "JaCarol", "Briar Patch", and "Enough Time", with much debate over the destination. After finally settling on Sucia, "Enough Time and "Jolly Mon" set out to secure a spot to be joined by the other two boats who would be leaving after the workday was complete.
We enjoyed a nice slow cruise to Sucia, arriving to find every dock and buoy in Fossil Bay occupied by a yacht club. We were really hoping for a place at the dock… With winds forecasted to blow that evening, we elected to commence to plan B, and motored toward Rosario, on Orcas Island.
With winds building, we put the boats on plane and ran to East Sound by way of Obstruction Pass. We entered East Sound, which was jagged with whitecaps and took the seas on the nose all the way to Rosario, which was fortunately somewhat protected from the winds. Preparing for docking- setting lines and fenders- was a challenge as the boat did pirouettes in the gusty wind.
Entering the marina was also a bit of a challenge, but the fleet all were safely tucked in by evening for a nice dinner on board Briar Patch.
It was a very enjoyable weekend at Rosario, which was quiet with only a few off-season visitors. It was fun to stroll the grounds and walk through the historic Moran mansion.
Saturday evening happy hour was aboard Jolly Mon, and dinner aboard JaCarol. The food and drink was good, and the company excellent.
Sunday morning we woke to drizzle and overcast skies. Conditions were calm, but forecasts called for winds to blow in the afternoon. Briar Patch and Jolly Mon pushed away from the dock and enjoyed a pleasant seven knot cruise home.
A great early season weekend trip.
Tuesday, September 21
Distance 1.8 Nm
Engine Hours: :35
Moorage: Cowichan Bay Fisherman's Wharf – Government Dock. $1.00/ft CDN.
Continue reading “Cowichan Bay”
Sunday, September 19
Distance: 17.7 Nm
Engine Hours: 1:45
Moorage: Genoa Bay Marina
