August 13, 2012 - German tourist tour

Good day to my fellow readers...

Today... providing a German tourist cruise for my brother's friend Peter. Peter's granddaughter (Leslie?) and her friend (Sophia?), came over from Germany to spend some time exploring the Canadian country side. Me, Tarka, was part of that exploration. We took a slow cruise to Snug Cove, motoring and sailing a bit. The winds were light, but enough to give them a taste what sailing was all about.

Most of the trip, the girls stayed on my bow seat, taking hundreds of pictures, while Peter was behind the helm. Needless to say Hank's brother Will,  was all over  my deck taking hundreds of pictures too!

We arrived at Snug Cove to find the place was almost empty of other boaters... looks like the tourist industry here too is affected. We pulled up along slip A11, docked safety and my passengers disembarked to have a relaxing lunch at Dock Morgans.

After lunch, we sailed towards Passage Island, on the hopes that we can sail into English Bay. Unfortunately, the winds died, making passage to English Bay impossible this time. Decision was made... going back to Horseshoe Bay for a beer for the men and a walking tour for the ladies.

resting now, for my next adventure...

Tarka out!

August 24-26 2012 - Bowfest days

 Well here we are again... Hank was gone to Newfoundland for a few weeks, visiting his friends made in Fort Nelson, so not much in the way of sailing... me, just laying around my berth waiting...

As soon as he returned home, he packed me up and headed to Bowen Island, Snug Cove. This was there "Bowfest" weekend... complete with a town parade, music festival, and amusements in the park right across from the marina. By luck, we got to berth in my favorite berth "A7". the best spot in the marina.

Hank and I had an easy sail across from Horseshoe bay to Snug Cove, just flying my jib... cruising at 6 knots. Hank settled me in, got the sunshade up, cleaned up my cabin, and restock my cooler with wine, beer and cooler... waiting for Caroline to arrive my ferry that evening.

Later that evening, our friends Bruce and Linda in their Yamaha "Smokey II"; berthing right next to me.
They all went out for dinner at Miska.

The following morning... the Bowfest parade was right on time (10:30am). Great parade... prehistoric days was the theme.

Music played all day long, ending with a battle of the bands in the evening. The band "3D" was the evening closure band, having people dancing the night away. From where I was moored, I could the music as clear as crystal; good music for sure.

The following day, Hank cleaned my deck, refilled my water tank, disconnected me from the power outlet, and sailed back home. No problem except for the minor misjudgement in berthing me in my slip... wind and current was the issue.

All unload now waiting for my next outling...I hear that I will be going in the fall stag race to Silva bay and back... should be good fun!

Till then... happy sailing.

Tarka

August 03, 2012 - Worked done

Humm, Hank just installed my intake silencer! Now no one can hear me coming. Hank stated that now my engine is almost as silence as a car engine... the loudest noise is my exhaust pipe! a 100% improvement!!

additional work done today...
Hank was up the mast tower, replacing my missing jennaker shackle. My old one fell out under sail, last time out.
He also replace the engine zinc and changed my diesel filter.

July 26 - 29 2012 - Gibson Sea Festival

Set sail again... this time to the town of Gibson

Hank's friend Robert, came over by ferry this Thursday morning... to sail with Hank back to Gibson, loaded up with food and supplies.

We stopped over to Elliott Bay for a lunch break and to stretch their legs; for me... it was nice just relaxing at the wharf.

Robert McDonald with the future dive site warship wreck in the background

The plan was for Hank to only have a day trip with Robert, but decided to call Gibson Marina, to see if there would be a spot for me (Tarka) to stay overnight, and possibility for the weekend to partake in the Gibson Sea-Festival. As luck would have it... there was a spot for me, only for one night at first, then the marina called back and stated they could fit us in the the weekend. :)

Gibson Parade - note the mini bus on the right (The Ukulele Bus - with Robert begin the lead singer and player)

Caroline on the government dock, just below Molley's Reach restaurant

The sailing trip to Gibson was the usual...arrived safety and on time.

Looking back towards Molley's Reach

Hank complained about a very sore stomach.. something he ate at Elliott Bay... we found out later that it was the cheese that Hank ate was off. (The cramps lasted for 5 days after). Needless to say, that Hank stayed aboard resting his stomach most of the time at Gibson.

Caroline came over by ferry on Saturday morning, just after the Sea-Festival Parade. Besides Hank's stomach problems, it was a great day... walking around the town, fine dining (at least for Caroline) and people watching. That evening there was a street dance and then the fireworks., a great display of colours and lights.

Crowd waiting for the fireworks to begin

Street Dance for the young folks - with a Rapper band in the background

The following morning it was back to sea, to sail Caroline and Hank home. As we left Gibson, we were treated by a four airplane formation display, doing their aerial tricks. A nice ending for a nice weekend.

Came home without problems...

That is it for now...

Tarka out.

July 25, 2012 - Wednesday night race

Racing last night with the WVYC... I haven't been to one for a long time, so Hank thought it would be a good idea to attempt it solo again. The winds were good, clear sunny skies... we're off to the races.

The winds were at 12-15 knots at our marina... perfect for an evening sail, right? Well by the time we arrived at the start line, the winds had died to 2 knots. I was sure they would cancel the race, but no, they decided to have them anyway, I assume they were hoping the winds would pick-up... wrong!

We did make the rounding mark, but drifted back to the start line... we crossed the finish line area, but drifted sides ways, just missing the mark; so technical, we did not finish.

Time was getting on, and winds were none to speak of... moving my 12,000 lbs (5,500 kg) in these winds would be a waste to time. Hank called in to withdraw from the race... no answer from the committee boat!
oh well, they can see me leaving, I'm sure.

Now heading for home; arrived at 9:00pm, too late for the BBQ dinner.

So ends a great night with Hank... at least the sunset was great!

Tarka out!

July 19, 2012 - Sail Home...

Well this is it... last day of this adventure... Caroline and Hank Vacation.

 

click on video link to see our movie across the Straits: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7DfhGPivVw&feature=plcp

I know I was going home today... crossing the Strait of Georgia... why?

1.) Hank was checking the marine weather report on conditions in the Strait.
2.) Front hatch closed and locked down.
3.) Reefing system was checked.
4.) Fuel was checked.
5.) Little Tarkie was hauled up onto my stern and mounted securely.
6.) Checked weather report again, just before leaving Silva Bay.

Just leaving Silva Bay, motoring out.

The weather was not too bad when we left port.. slight rain, calm seas and almost no wind. However, we knew the winds were to pick up on the way over.

Relaxed having breakfast

About an hour out and the winds came from the south-east; not the best angle as I would have close starboard tack all the way across. This means we would be most-likely heeled to my rails (20 - 30 degrees). yes you have to love my 1973 design eh!

Now under full sail, sailing alone nicely

Now sailing along nicely with my full sails flying...doing around 5-6 knots. Caroline was getting use to the heel, making a nice cup of tea for Hank.

After about 1/2 hr out, the winds started to pick up a bit, Hank commented to Caroline that he was going to head me up into the winds and reduce my jib by 50%.

Reefed main, 25% jib, all hatches locked down

About 10 minutes later, Hank commented again to Caroline that he was going to reduce more sail and reef my main sail as well. (Little did Caroline know that Hank seen a major storm front closing in... a bank of white / dark clouds at the water line ... almost like a fog bank). Within 10 minutes, the winds really picked up... now doing 6.5 to 7.5 knots... close hauled under reefed main sail and 25% jib. All is well! Piece of cake for this old lady, but concerning for Caroline for sure.

We made good time going home... left Silva Bay at 9:00, arrived home at 1:00 pm... average speed 5 knots.

Made is across, great to be back in my backyard!

Almost there... note the muddy waters! from the Fraser River

Getting closer - strong wind, low tide, ferry currents.

Upon arrival at my slip, we found a older 32' power boat from Washington USA berthed in MY slip!! With the winds, tide and current from the ferrys, Hank found it extremely difficult to reverse out of the marina and tie up to the break-water. Once docked, Caroline stormed off the dock to have a few words with the owner of the "stink pot". He stated that he paid for this spot and talk to the marina, not him. However, he decided to move his boat, as I understood our position. Hank docked me without further incident.

The following day, Caroline and Hank spoke to the marina, and found out that they do NOT rent out any slip when someone is away... this guy was "stealing" an overnight spot!

Well now at rest, waiting to be cleaned up for my / our next adventure...

Tarka....... out!

July 19 2012 - Kendrick Island

Had to motor the entire way to Kendrick Island.... Made to to Gabriloa pass on time (no current - slack tide).

One of the nices places to tie up to... extremely peaceful, with a constant flow of clean sea water flowing underneath me; just made sure you tie me up firmly!!

We arrived at low tide, so the stairs from the dock to the island are very steep! Caroline decide to make lunch while I explore the island, and avoid the climb for now.

As always, the island has many many treasures...from tide pools, limestone cravings, song birds, sea-lions and even  racoons!

We were going to be the only ones using the dock for the afternoon and evening if we wanted to, but due to short supplies and longing for a good shower... we opted to go to spent the evening tied at Silva Bay.

Now sitting at Silva Bay... hearing the wind warnings for tomorrows crossing...

Keep ya posted!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tarka.