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.

July 17-18 2012 - Telegraph Harbour

We sailed and then motored our way up to Telegraph Harbour... nothing out of the usual.

Arrived at our dock, and with help from our fellow yacht member... setting in nicely. Only three other members were there.

Caroline and Hank went for a long walk along the shore and ran into a neat little shop, offer baked foods, pop, home grown vegs, free range eggs, etc. However, there was no one around, and where asked to by by the trust system... just leave the money in the jar when you leave.You rarely see this system anymore... Caroline purchased some bread, muffins and free range eggs.

Leave your money that take what you need

All home made / grown foods and meats.

Pub down a short Tarkie motor away from me.

Later that evening, little Tarkie was taken off my back (about time!!) and took Caroline and Hank for an nice tour around the neighbor. finally stopping in at the neighboring pub for dinner and drinks.

The entire place was picture perfect! from the new dock, views, marina owners, food, facilities... prefect!

After a two day stop over... off again... now to Kendrick Island, another WVYC outstation..

July 16, 2012 - Maple Bay

We have arrived at Maple Bay Marina! Nice very remote rustic looking...a great place to kick back. Away from all the rustle and bustle of a busy marina... Not many boaters here, the norm it seems.

Just an overnight stay... Caroline and Hank showered, had a dinner, met a few more fellow boaters, etc.

On the way out, we stopped over to the Maple Bay Yacht Club... we have a reciprocal agreement with our Yacht Club, so it was only fitting, if we stopped in. WE where greeted by some very friendly club members... helpped us dock and showed us around.. Only $5.00 per night if we wanted to stay. Their club house was very warm and friendly... greeted by the Club house staff. Free coffee and a guided tour of the place... Great place to come back to... lots of dock space, and you can phone to see if space is available.... I must of next time!

Next stop.... Telegraph Cove... one of our Club outstations....




To be continued....

July 12 - 15 - Port Sydney

Well, we finally!! left Chemainus... we stayed for the two planned day! Me sitting there in the swamp! It was great meeting up with Aaron and family... Caroline and Hanhk catching up on their sailing adventure... running into rocks and all stuff.

We set sail for Port Sydney, going through Sansum Narrows at slack tide... the motor trip through the narrows was very picturesque and relaxing. Once through the narrows, the winds picked up nicely, allowing me to finally set my sails. The current and winds where with us... however, we wer now out on the water for 6 hours... time to take my sails down and motor directly to Port Sydney.

We arrived at Port Sydney, called in requesting our slip assignment. Their docks are not well, marked so it took a bit to find the slip. Once in, tied up, looking around... sitting amongst very large yachts and mostly brand new boats.

Caroline and Hank took many walks and dinner / lunch outlings through-out the town-site. Port Sydney is "picturesque and has great ambiance" so Caroline stated. We decide to forgo going to Brentwood Marina as to the comments we hear from other boaters. By this, Caroline and Hank decide to go to Butchard Gardens by bus fro that day. From the comments I overhear, they must of had a great time... lot of walking around.

Oh almost forgot to mention... good thing we stayed in Port, as we had a great thunder and lighting storm for two days. Sure is nice sitting in port through that storm!

Caroline and Hank made some new friends "Steve and Patti Wilkins" motoring aboard "Great Escape", great couple... I overhear Hank inviting Steve to come racing sometime with us.

Port Sydney is a great place to go, but 4 nights was too long... running out of things to do.

We set sail... leaving for Maple Bay Marina This was our lunch stop going down, but now it will be our port for the night.To get to Maple Bay, we would have to back track, going through Sansum Narrows again. The Narrows has a current of 3-4 kts with overfalls and ripe tides, so we have to plan going through near slack tide.  We had lots of time to get to the Narrows... leaving Port Sydney and 11:00 am... slack tide at 4:00 pm... a 5 hour sail. Only 18 miles to to the Narrows, means we need to maintain a little less than 4 knots.

Here we are actually sailing with full sails, enjoying the silence of only waves slapping my hull;with little Tarkie hanging off my stern. With the great warm breeze in a full sunning day, we were sailing at 7.8 knots (2 knot current with us).... way too fast!! We would make the Narrows way too soon. With the winds directly on my stern, Hank decide to go on board reaches, gybing down to the Narrows, to take more time. As it was, we reached the Narrows one hour to soon.

I told Hank that ya... we can do it! really! ... so Hank decided to go for it. We got to the Narrows with the overfalls... lots of waves... we rode the waves out. I could really feel the current pulling at me, twisting me around.... but hey.........no problem for this old lady!

Once through the Narrows, it was clear sailing to Maple Bay Marina...

To be continued...

Tarka... out!

July 10 2012 - going to Chemainus

The tide is right, no current through the pass!! We're off! It is warm out here, but not too hot, with light winds.

On route to Chemainus Marina

Going through the pass was a "piece of cake" no problems what so ever.

We motor sailed most of the way, with a lunch break along the way... there was a bit of wind now and then, but very little.

We arrived at Chemainus Marina. At first we did not think it was there, as it seems like a Ferry terminal station and sawmill with logs everywhere. Hank called on the VHF to confirm our arrival... sure enough... we have arrived!

The wharf manager was very helpful in helping us dock... nice wharf too... a bit low, but solid.

We were placed amongst many other motorboats... a few three stories high; great view eh!!

I make a long story short... Caroline's comments  "hell hole", " no sense of zen"," prison compound"

Great view of fiberglass

 Hank's comments " diesel swamp"... hummm I do not think we will be staying the two planned days. Here I am sitting, surrounded by green slime, in muddy waters, with diesel paintings on the water, needless to say it stinks around here.

Caroline had a bad sleep last night, tried sleeping in the cockpit... but with so many flood lights, made that impossible. She confirmed that it looked like Hogen's Hero's - a prison compound, even had people overlooking the marina... like prison guards.

Not sure if we are staying... time will tell....