Heading South
We knew this was going to be a rough trip so we left the dock at 6:30 am, as soon as we could safely see the water. Distance was 33 miles and travel time was four hours. Winds were blowing from the south at 15-20 mph and larger gusts. We encountered 4-7 foot nasty waves. It was brutal and we worked to get to calmer waters. As you can see in the graphic, we headed southeast past the island point to quarter the waves as best we could over to Hernando Island. When we got close enough to safely turn, we turned north and then around the tip. That provided some protected water but the winds were still strong, the waves were high, and then it started to rain. It was a tough morning.
Powell River is a first come marina and we had called ahead and knew there was some space on the dock, but would it still be available when we arrived - gratefully, it was. I think we all took naps after that run, we were exhausted.
Day two, same routine, off the dock at 6:30 and the wind was now blowing from the north, so we had it behind us, but at least there was no rain. We encountered strong following seas which has a different effect on our boats. Another four hour run and we safely landed in Secret Harbor, very tired again. Good thing we all had reservations, we weren't the only ones heading south and trying to get out of the wind. It felt great to get off the boat and walk on dry land in the sunshine.
After a restful afternoon, we all gathered on the dock and had a very fun happy hour as we invited several other boats to join us, all boats we had encountered along our journey. Betsy and Mark on Desiderata, Jane and Wilson on Luna from Echo Bay. Todd and Monique on Wings, and Mark and Kim on Ribbet from five different locations. How fun to actually get to talk and share our stories.
Day three, last and final day of this journey. Distance was 39 miles and travel time was 5 hours. Again we had following seas and crossing the Strait of Georgia can be a challenge in any wind. We had to travel through rapids at the end of the trip so we couldn't leave early to avoid the winds. This meant we got to sleep in a little and were all off the dock by 9:00. Just south of Texada Island, Grand Times headed more west to better quarter the trailing seas and came through Dodd Narrows. Little Wing and Lucky Penni continued more south and came through south of Gabriola Island. Again it was a long 4 hours of crossing. We all made the rapids just fine and then it was smooth sailing into Telegraph Harbor, even with an Orca sighting.
We had a fun surprise to meet Dahlfun on the dock to join us for a few days.
Just outside of Secret Cove, the sun made a stunning welcome to the day. The seas were still calm during this part of the journey as we hadn't hit the strait yet. It looks so deceivingly calm.