July 31, 2013 - Eleanor's birthday and heading HOME....

July 31, 2013 – Eleanor’s birthday …. And heading home

A birthday breakfast of coffee and eggs benedict on the back deck in the sunshine ….

 

 

After a few tests of damnautopilot, all seems to be functioning just fine, I’m happy to report.  All the tweeks and adjustments seemed to have worked !!

Traffic in and around Vancouver's harbor was BUSY … especially in light of the fact that tonite is FIREWORKS NITE!!  Lots of crazy boaters out there ….

... AND lots of freighters in the harbor.   We followed this baby in, under the Lions Gate bridge, with two more on our tail.

So .... here we are.... back in  Coal Harbor & just one slip away from where we left on this GRAND ADVENTURE, 5 weeks ago. 

We’ve been asked many times ... what was our favorite part.  It’s difficult to pick ONE … every place had its own beauty , uniqueness & challenges – especially for us, as relatively "new" boaters. 

We anchored probably 3/4 of the time, which we enjoyed – and got quite proficient at.  Being at anchor provided a relaxing solitude.  But it was also nice to have the provisioning and interest of the various marinas interspersed with all that quietness.

Although we enjoyed both the inside route and the west side of the island,  the  west side  provided more weather-related challenges and was certainly more RUGGED.  I loved the contrast between the the quiet calmness of the little bays & sounds, and the rugged, wave-crashing shorelines .  The west coast of the island is beyond STUNNING....

We were very happy to be home to see family, and we look forward to catching up with friends, all of  whom we missed very much ..... but neither of us were the least bit anxious to get off the boat.  Sea Level II  is "a very comfortable ride" , and a sturdy, trustworthy, dependable vessel.

We LOVED our adventure, the places we experienced, and the people we met ….. and we’re looking forward to our next adventure..... whatever that will be.

July 30 - BIG WHEEL KEEPS ON TURNING ......

July 30-31, 2013 - … off to Tugboat

An early start out of Bedwell Harbor to time our passage through Gabriola Pass & the marine layer had not yet burned off ….

Damnautopilot (which has taken on a personality of its own … that of an obstinate child) seemed to be behaving itself ….  Fingers crossed …..

Spoke too soon, as we are now heading towards the rocky shore.

Damn ….

I guess we are back to “ripping the f’king thing out “ ….

Damn ….


As we worked our way up Trincomali Channel, the sun came out and its a GLORIOUS 23’ outside.

Eyes are peeled for any whale sightings … we are running out of days to see them!

And our obstinate child ??

A couple of tweeks to damnautopilot, and all seems to be running well – at both fast and slow speeds.  CAM + MANUAL = a good thing

Meanwhile, Anne enjoys her book & the sunshine on the back deck ….

 

Beautiful shorelines en route to Silva Bay ….

 

 

We arrive to a welcoming committee at Tugboat’s docks ….

“The last night before the last day” included a walking tour of Tugboat Island (the RVYC outstation in Silva Bay @ Gabriola Island) …..

 

 

Tugboat’s magnolia trees and rocky beaches ….

Looking through the trees to Silva Bay …..

Daisy, however,  prefers to stay & rest on her “lawn” ….

 

 

 

The tender was launched and we wove our way through all the sailboats anchored in the bay, over to the marina and a gallery on the shore of Gabriola Island … had a little wander around, then headed back to Sea Level for a little R&R in the sunshine, on the back deck. 

Our final evening included burgers for dinner, many bottles of wine and lots of laughs …. "crazy party games" included taking our blood pressure ... how's that for sad ?!?!   Holly noted our readings and I will spare you the details .... thankfully ..... but rest assured, we are all fine and will live to see another day !!

Luckily for Eleanor, because July 31st is her 78th birthday !!! 

We carried on until the sun went down .....

 

 

July 28-30, 2013 - Roche Harbor & Poet's Cove

July 28 - 29, 2013 – Roche Harbor

Roche was bustling, and quaint, as always. The town’s gardens, pots and hanging baskets were absolutely exquisite …

 

 

 

We wandered through the little market and the beautiful arbor- covered garden ….

 Dappled shade on moms and daughters ....

 

 

Pig War Martini’s were in order …. Complete with little plastic pigs.  These are name after the Pig War in 1859 that took place between the Americans and the British that both inhabited the island at one time.  The war got started because someone shot the other’s pig …. seriously ....

Boys will find ANYTHING to fight over, won’t they ??

The result ?? 

No human casualties … lots of bacon  …. And THESE beauties ….. (the drinks, not the ladies) …

 

 

 

… a few more pigs for Cam Cleveland’s collection !!

 

 

 

Holly and Su did a little kayaking and paddle-boarding in the bay …..

 

 

 

 

FABULOUS steaks from Holly and Su’s favorite butcher (Market Meats on W4th) were on the docket for  dinner …..  (and we can vouch for their lemon marinated chicken too.  It is “to die for” …. )

 

 

 

COLORS is Roche Harbor's flag lowering ceremony & is not to be missed … and our first timers even got an honorable mention at the end of the ceremony. 

 

And of course, no one does COLORS like Mother Nature …. a beautiful sunset ….

 

The next morning, we head back into Canada and Poet’s Cove.  The autopilot has been reset and is not behaving.  Cam’s solution, at this point, is to “rip the f’king thing out and replace it”.

So much for THAT birthday idea ….

July 29-30, 2013 – Poet’s Cove

 

 

 

Poet’s Cove was not as busy as we’ve seen it in previous visits.  We cleared customs at the dock in the harbor (no problems & not the same SILLY rules we had going into the US ….)  …  then headed to our slip, where we were met by the local welcoming committee …..

 

 

 

 

Daisy got LOTS of runs on the beach and she LOVED that ….

 

 

 

Another spectacular sunset ….. and another stunning view from our “back door” …..

 

 

 

 

July 25- 28, 2013 ... a little catching up to do on the BLOG !!!

July 25-26, 2013 – Sidney and a Crew Change

LOVE the Port Sidney Marina …. Great docks …. Great location!!  We arrived with no problems – weather was sunny and all was good…. 

AND we have arrived to an evening street market … LOTS of vendors and things to check out.

Brian will be disembarking in Sidney and heading off for a fun “guys weekend” on Gabriola with LONG TIME best buddy, Christopher Laity.   Before he left, we got a chance to wander around Sidney which Brian enjoyed because he has not spent any time enjoying this very quaint town.

A beautiful sunset at Sidney Marina ….

 

Also before he left, we got the boat all washed up ....

The boat is now clean.

The Captain is happy!!

Eleanor, Holly, Su and Anne joined us in Sidney on Friday and we’re heading to Friday Harbor.  Holly and Anne are taking the ferry over because Anne, as a British visitor to Canada cannot enter the USA via a private vessel ... Luckily we found out about this STUPID rule prior to heading off, thanks to a heads up from fellow boater, Alan.  We planned accordingly and will meet them in Friday Harbor in time for dinner !

July 26 – Friday in Friday Harbor

No more “peaceful and quiet waters” or "private little bays" …. Its summer and the waterways are BUSY with reservations required!!  Luckily the first (and only) mate was on top of that and had made all the necessary reservations.  Welcome back to "civilization" ....

Friday Harbor was a hub bub of activity … starting with clearing customs at the dock.  I PRIED Eleanor’s beefsteak tomatoes out of her hand and handed them over to the customs agent ….

The world is now a safer place.

 

No sign of the one-eyed seal, Popeye, the town’s mascot.  We asked at the dock and he IS still around, but comes, then goes for days at a time.  We were glad to hear he was just spotted in the last day or so ….

Holly and Anne arrived on the big ferry, NO PROBLEMO, and we were waiting for them with a cold beer and a hot dinner!!!

 

 

 

July 27^th – Rosario

You’ve got to love pulling up to a busy marina and have your auto pilot and all electronics totally fritz on you (given that you’ve spent a year and a half getting the damn autopilot working properly in the first place!!!!!!!!) 

DAMN !!

So … “hand steering” into our slip, with the big wheel was the only option ….

We arrived at the dock to Cam and Nancy Cleveland, ready and waiting to assist!!  It was GREAT to see them and after lots of hugs and greetings, we all grabbed our bathing suits and headed to the pool to sit and enjoy the sunshine before going to Christopher Peacock’s piano and pipe organ presentation inside the Moran Mansion. Its SO well done and SO interesting to learn the history of the mansion and the area .... then back to the pool for a Mai Tai before returning to Sea Level, where Cleveland’s joined us for dinner…. MANY laughs and a delish “team effort” dinner …. It was GREAT fun ....

The beautiful Moran Mansion at Rossario ….. 

 

 

Cam and Nancy join us for dinner ….. as you can see, we are having NO FUN AT ALL !!!

 

 

July 28, 2013 – Hiking to Cascade Lake then on to Roche Harbor
 

Up bright and early, feeling well-rested and in a GREAT mood, until we were nearly side-swiped by the tender accompanying a large boat named  CROWN ROYAL.   Holly (who was watching the whole thing from our flybridge) very appropriately pointed out that they were getting a little too close to our boat.  They assured her they were fine and inappropriately flipped her the bird.  (I'm not sure how they would even know  they were fine as they were travelling towards us, but looking backwards!?!)  The tender was thrown into a full reverse and narrowly missed us. 

Thankfully obnoxious boaters like these ones, are few and far between.

Luckily our captain was in the shower and missed the whole thing, until all was over ! 
 

After coffee and breakfast, Cam, Holly (with Daisy) and I, joined the Clevelands (with Sadie) for a hike up to the beautiful Cascade Lake.  It was as pretty as I remember, BUT I didn’t remember the start of the hike being as “vertical” as it was!  It provided us, our much needed cardio workout …

 

Sadie leads the pack …..

 

 

Up at the lake ….

 

Twin Cams .....

 

 

 

 

 

After returning from our hike, Cam got to work trying to sort out the “damnautopilot” (that’s its new name!)  After a total system reset, we were ready to head off … and with waves to the Cleveland’s, we pulled away from our slip, throttled up, started to weave our way through the traffic of boats …....... when the auto pilot decided to throw us right towards a floating sign !! 

YIKES !! 

(Well I said YIKES … I can’t print what the Captain said ….)  

It made for a bit of a tense departure, to say the least.

Cam is SO OVER this damnautopilot .... as you can only imagine !! 

(HEY !!! His birthday is August 14^th …. Maybe I can buy him a newautopilot ??  He LOVES getting things for the boat !!  hahaha)

Anyways … we are off to Roche Harbor to enjoy some Pig War Martini’s … complete with little plastic pigs (they’re baaaack  !!  YEAH !!) …. And the flag lowering ceremony in the evening !! 

 

And so continues on,  the "San Juan Experience" !!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

July 24/25, 2013 Victoria

July 24/25 - inVictoria


I LOVE Victoria... and what is not to love???  We are docked right in the inner harbor and here's our view from the back deck .....

 

 

 

 

We even shared the moment with Sue and Jon knowing how much Sue enjoys High Tea at the Empress ..

 

 



 

We had some lovely meals out, thoroughly enjoyed the hubbub of the harbor, and raised a glass (or two) of wine on the flybridge.  The view in the evening was gorgeous ….

 

 

On our bow, are two HUGE tall ships that are owned and operated by S.A.L.T.S. , an organization that runs interesting sail / life training classes.  They have been all up and down the coast, with 6 or 7 crew plus 30 students.  GORGEOUS boats ….. AND they are building another vessel here in Victoria !!

 

Behind us, are some VERY large,  VERY beautiful yachts.   

Sea Quell has a hot tub in the back cockpit area !!  AND staff …. (or crew ??)

I’ve decided Hayden and Bentley need little white polo shirts and navy shorts and they can “crew” Sea Level II …. How cute would that be ???

Sea Quell pulled out just ahead of us and we saw them with their sail out, in the strait …. Very impressive ….

While we were enjoying the sunshine this morning drinking coffee on the back deck, we saw S/V Catherine and S/V Solar Flair pull into the harbor.  We’ve been running into them on and off all the way around the island …. We went and said a quick “hello”.

We are now  underway and heading to Sidney (another favorite marina) where we will do a “crew change” before he head into the San Juan Islands for the balance of our trip.

 

PS ... I signed the "baby book" over at the Empress, for our new little PRINCE GEORGE !!  That wee little man has a city in BC named after him !!  How lucky is he ...  ???

Maybe he'll even visit there one day !!

 

July 23, 2013 - In to Victoria

July 23, 2013 – Through to Victoria

We pulled out of Bamfield as the sun was coming up, about 5:30 Tuesday morning.  The Strait of Jun de Fuca can be nasty but it was forecast to be relatively calm today. 

The first hour had BIG rolling swells but after that, it was VERY benign with generally 1.5m swells with long periods and 6 knot winds … Easy Breezy …  the visibility was POOR ( ¼ mile) … got to love that RADAR !! 

We did see some larger swells and the wind got up to 18-23 knots but the seas were relatively calm so we scooted through and have decided to pass by Becher Bay and go on into Victoria.

During our trip up, we passed through an area called WH (whiskey hotel).  It is an area designated as a US Military live target area.  A fellow traveller hailed us on the radio as we were both going through the area, that the radio report this morning had designated today as a day for “shooting practise” ….

… what … ???  WE MISSED THE MEMO !!!

Quick call to the Canadian Coast Guard and they confirmed it was “booked” for today, but given the limited vis, it was likely cancelled … check in with Seattle Traffic to confirm ….  So Cam did that and they confirmed that no one had been given clearance to use WH today.  PHEW !!

Cheated death again !!  But let me tell you … there is NEVER A DULL MOMENT !!!   YIKES !!

 

Pulling into Victoria “as we speak” and we have a spot for Tuesday and Wednesday nite looking out over the legislature buildings (I’m excited about that !!)

We have internet (YEAH !!)

We have telephone (YEAH !!)

We have SHOPPING (big YEAH !!)

We have an opportunity to CLEAN Sea Level !! (another big YEAH !!)                                                She has earned her bath !!

I’m ready for my “big city” fix …..

And while we are in Victoria, we will of course be signing the CARD at the Empress, for our new little royal, born yesterday ... I'm very excited for the new parents !!  BABY BOYS ROCK !!!!

July 21-22, 2013 Beautiful Barkley Sound and Bamfield with Bri

July 21/22, 2013 – In BEAUTIFUL Barkley Sound with Brian

Well we haven’t caught ANY crab, but we DID see some bears on the beach on our way into Barkley Sound … a mom and her two cubs !!  Good eyes Captain Cam !!

 

 

Our first night stay in Barkley was in a beautiful little anchorage at Bazett Island near Lucky Creek.  The kayaking around Bazett was beautiful, with clear blue-green (and warm!) water full of starfish and tons of oyster shells. 

 Bri and I took the dinghy out to check the crab trap (skunked again) and ran up to the end of Pipestem Inlet … stunning and very serene …. Not a soul around except for a man who had set up camp in a very secluded bay just off Pipestem.  We went in to "his" little unnamed bay and it was hauntingly quiet and beautiful ….

 

We got in to Lucky Creek for a picnic lunch at midday high tide on the 21^st … 2 other tenders were there both with people we had met previously at anchorages (Solar Flare and Catherine M).  We had a great time chatting and climbing around the rocky pools.  We're going to keep in touch with these people ... they are loads of fun !!!
 

 

 

Barkley has quite a different feeling to it than the deeply carved sounds and inlets we’ve been in so far.  Barkley is made up of a million rocky outcroppings covered in “Christmas trees” and it feels much more open than the tall tree-covered “walls” that surrounded us in previous sounds.  Its GORGEOUS but for our time here, a bit overcast.  (I haven’t warmed up in two days !!)  None the less, the overcast skies have their own charm and add a beautiful softness to the scenery ….

We anchored our second night in Effingham Bay – it’s a gorgeous anchorage with an interesting hike up the mouth of a river, through a THICK forest to the east side of the island ….

Luckily, we were able to follow the “markers” (which were basically anything someone found to tie to a tree … floats, red yarn, blue painters tape) until we came through to the beach …..  PHEW !!!

Bri “capturing the moment” on the beach ….

Cam “capturing our location on GPS” ……

Hayden and Bentley would LOVE these tidal pools …. FULL of starfish and anemone

Dusk at Effingham Island ….

 

The day we were leaving Barkley, we went EXPLORING.  We ran the tender in and around all the islands, finding a GREAT beach for a picnic…

 

Bri even spotted a deer on the beach where we were picnicking …..

And JUST as we pull anchor, the sun comes out !!!  Finally, warmth …. AND we can see the mountainous backdrop... they really ARE there .... and they are SPECTACULAR !!!

Off we head to Bamfield, where we will stay Monday nite and get ready for our run south past Sooke to Becher Bay tomorrow.  It will be a longish day (8-9 hours) through the Strait of Juan de Fuca.  Tomorrow looks like a good day to make the run as the weather is looking like it will cooperate!!! 

None the less … SCOPALAMINE ….

 

BAMFIELD

We pulled into the inlet at Bamfield and the houses are CHARMING.  The only connection between the west side of the inlet and the east side of the inlet, is by boat !!   The MacKay Lodge and Docks on the east side,  is where we stayed and IF you are coming to Bamfield, make sure to call ahead for a reservation for dinner here …. It is apparently DELICIOUS.  (We will have to take everyone’s word for it as we didn’t have a reservation and they were full SO ... Colibri and Malahide - if this is on your adgenda, call and "do dinner" at the lodge.  I'm anxious to hear how it is !! ) 

It was highly recommended that we do the boardwalk along the water’s edge AND make the trek out to Brady’s Beach …. So after hitting the pub on the west side, for a beer and burger, we headed off for a lovely evening’s walk.  Both the beach and the boardwalk were fabulous (I'm sorry if you're getting tired of me describing everything as fabulous, but ... everything IS fabulous ... I have never seen such amazing scenery as I have this trip.)

Brady’s Beach ….. absolutely beautiful ….

 

 

The boardwalk a most eclectic and interesting walk ….. flower boxes hang off the railings and neighboring houses and gardens are VERY funky.  The boardwalk reminded me of the one in Winter Harbor ....

There is a PENNY LANE …. With REAL pennies !!  (we thought about Penny & Lawrence & Malahide !!)

A KEY WEST … with REAL keys !!

And as always ….. a beautiful sunset !!

What can I say ??  Other than FABULOUS !!!!