#2013-07 Cape Caution today?

A little past 4AM, Alex was up listening to the morning weather forecast.  As expected the storm still has to blow some more with 20-30 knots expected.  The local weather observations were quite a bit different. At 4:30AM, Egg, Pine, and Herbert Islands, which we pass on the Cape Caution route, were reporting light winds, rippled seas and low swell.  Alex noticed the tug Henry Brusco just about 4 miles off Blunden and gave him a call on the VHF.  The Brusco reported flat seas, calm winds and 2 mile visibility.  We quickly pulled anchor and started north.

Soon we received a call from Alaskan Song about 3 miles behind us.  He too was attempting Cape Caution. The Song is an 80-foot charter boat with 4 guest staterooms. Built out of light woods for the military during WWII as a super fast attack boat, the Song is 59 years old.  It was converted into a fine yacht in the 1970’s.  Richard has owned it the past 6 years.  We see the boat in Alaska each year running week-long charters between Sitka and Juneau. Richard has to be in Juneau by May 15 for his first charter, so he’ll be rounding Caution today, come hell or high water!

Alaskan Song was anchored in Blunden next to us.

By 7:30, just a couple hours into our cruise, the large ocean swells drove us to anchor in Miles Inlet, just 2 hours short of Cape Caution.  Later Alex realized the large seas were probably a local effect of the large outflow from Slingsby Channel.  Had we continued a few more miles, the seas would have subsided.  We will repeat today’s routine and poke our nose into the Sound again early tomorrow.

We surfed the swells into Miles Inlet and anchored in the northwest finger.  Miles is one of the prettiest anchorages along the BC coast.  The Nordic Tugs 52 True North was anchored for a day previously.  The Nordic is regularly moored just across the finger from Wild Blue at Skyline Marina in Anacortes.

Beautiful Miles Inlet is tiny but secure.

Wild Blue and True North anchored in the peaceful Inlet.

#2013-06 Cape Caution or as Far as Comfortable

There is a change in the weather.  Environment Canada is forecasting strong winds this afternoon in Queen Charlotte Strait, Sound and the Cape Caution area.  We’re off the Lagoon Cove dock by 5AM hoping to make Sullivan Bay.  Last year we raced ahead of a storm and made it from Lagoon Cove all the way around Cape Caution.  The weather says it is not to be this year.

Leaving Lagoon Cove for points north.

We wind our way through many small islands entering the bottom of Queen Charlotte Strait with flat seas and calm winds.  By 8:30 we have passed Sullivan Bay with the same conditions.

Winding our way through the islands at the base of the Queen Charlotte Strait

At 10AM the wind was over 15 knots and by 10:45 we had begged off for Blunden Harbor.  We had our choice of anchor spots, and by evening 4 sailboats and 2 power boats had joined us.  The forecast was for 20-30 knots from the north by mid-night, but it didn't happen or Blunden is just a super-protected anchorage.  The best thing that happened today: Pat made a fresh key-lime pie per the Micky Field (Mrs. Field?) recipe.  Yum!

Speaking of cooking, a crisis occurred in the ship's galley.  Our brown sugar supply dried into a rock hard mass.  This happened once before in 2009 but crew Tina Semonsen shared her secret for making the brown sugar good as new. See the photos.

Hard bricks of brown sugar with apple core in plastic bag.

Leave in bag for 1 - 2 days then crush soft bricks into original sugar granules.

#2013-05: Lagoon Cove has Lost a Good Guy

Sunday, May 5: Lagoon Cove:  We already miss Bill Barber

It’s the standard Wild Blue routine and route:  Off the Gorge dock at 5AM, exit Gorge turning right, snake through Uganda Passage, cross Sutil, up Hoskyn, zip through Beazley Passage with +6 knots of push, bear left to avoid Tusko Rock, wiggle-waggle through Upper and Lower Rapids, up Johnstone Strait, U-turn in Vere Cove, anchor and take a 2-hour nap;  continue through Current Passage, up Johnstone, right at Port Harvey, up Havannah and Chatham, then through the Blow Hole and into Lagoon Cove. Whew!

Nicole Joye and Pacific Joye probably never shut down there engines as they are constantly hauling supplies and fish to and from fish farms all over southern and central BC coasts.  Go to marinetraffic.com to see where they are right now!

Northbound was busy traffic in Johnstone Strait.

Even southbound traffic was bumper-to-bumper.

Chatham Channel northbound.

Pat and Bob greeted us, but Bill was missed.  He usually took our lines and asked about our day.  The cancer got Bill at age 78 last month.  He and Jeanie have operated Lagoon Cove for the past 23 years greeting us along with thousands of boaters over the years.  He was famous for bear stories (and the one almost got him jailed) and for serving fresh caught prawns each day.  The Marina continues to be up and running year round under the capable hands of Pat and Bob.  Jeannie is supposed to be on site starting late May.

#2013-04: Boat Issues on the way to Gorge Harbour

Saturday, May 4: Gorge Harbour

The sunshine and Lasqueti nudists not only caused us to overheat, but also the engine manifold and stabilizers got hot too!  Yesterday the manifold was reading 167F while the engine was a steady 161F.  The engine temp is normal and has been 161F since commissioning.  The manifold probably shouldn’t be higher than the engine temp.  Alex got to thinking that maybe the engine’s raw water pump impeller was marginal and causing insufficient flow to cool the both the engine and the exhaust.  So before pulling anchor and leaving nudist-land, Alex decided to replace the impeller with the spare.  These big engine pumps have big impellers which can be difficult to replace.  If we couldn't get it replaced, we might have to stay yet another day at Lasqueti.  …….Sadly it all went well and we were on our way by 8AM.

Main engine raw water pump impeller compressed to fit into pump case.

The SeaMax pump impeller has a threaded shaft to make it easy to remove and install replacements.

On the way to Gorge, the seas were mostly flat but passing boats can generate big wakes that roll the boat, so we tend to leave the roll stabilizers on during our cruising, especially when Pat’s aboard.  A couple hours into this morning run to Gorge Harbor, a siren whine begins to sound.  Now there are so many different alarm sounds on our boat: anchor alarms, depth alarms, engine alarms, navigation alarms, generator alarms, Pat’s cooking timer, the smart phone Amber alerts, and auto pilot alarms.  Even the VHF distress alarm sounds continually through the radio.  It’s a puzzle that needs a quick solution.  Both of us turn ears to the various nooks and crannies aboard, trying to locate the source.  At last…. it’s the stabilizer panel.  “Oil Overheated” is flashing so we shut down the fins.  Apparently the hydraulic oil raw water cooling pump is not.  We continue while Alex examines the pump in the engine compartment.  The power wire has come loose from the pump.  After a quick repair, Pat, Alex and the oil all cool down.

It's the black pump (cylinder shape below the silver tank) that needed rewiring.

Last year we entered Gorge leaving a huge dark cloud and hail storm just outside. This year, after six good days of bright sunshine, it’s beginning to feel a lot like California.  We make it to Gorge for a late lunch and rinse the salt from the boat.  After a lazy afternoon we enjoy fresh cod, salad and chips at the Gorge Harbour “Float House” restaurant.

Sisters Island in the middle of the Georgia Strait provides vital weather info for boaters.

At the dock in Gorge.

#2013-03: Lasqueti Island Nudist Show

Thursday, May 2: Ganges Harbor and Clam Bay

The current was against us up the east side of southern Vancouver Island.  We eventually stopped in Ganges to buy the parts to plumb the water sterilizer.  After this pit stop we motored a few more hours to Clam Bay for the night.

Friday, May 3: Lasqueti Island Nudist Show

It was another bright, sunny and warm day in British Columbia.  We started early working our way northward through Dodd Narrows on a 5-knot push, past Nanaimo, past Schooner Cove avoiding the Canadian Naval Exercise Zone Whiskey-Gulf, then pointed the boat to Lasqueti Island.  Lasqueti is in the middle of the northern Strait of Georgia.  We dropped the anchor inside False Bay at the northwest end of the Island.

Fishing boats and windsurfers were out enjoying the sunshine.

Lasqueti residents are known for practicing “alternate lifestyles”.  We felt pretty insulated from all that, being out away from the shore anchored in the water.  Soon, however, inhabitants of the float home just off our stern exposed all their privates to bath in the bright sun.  It was a great show and Alex, who was feeling a bit “left out”, asked Pat if we shouldn't join in with the Lasqueti folks.  When in Rome, ….and all that.  Pat then pointed out that once disrobed, not only would we ruin it for the Lasqueti people, but all the birds, fish, and wild life would cover their eyes and flee the area!  Knowing Pat’s “wildlife first” philosophy, there was no changing her mind.

The nudist's home and stage in False Bay on Lasqueti Island. Of course we have the photos you want to see.  However this is a family oriented blog so those photos will be kept private.

The tiny town of Lasqueti: market, bar and inn.

These False Bay folks have a fantastic view of Vancouver Island.

#2013-02: Going south to Alaska: Friday Harbor, Brentwood Bay and Victoria

Sunday April, 28th: Friday Harbor

This morning Pat drove to Seattle to pick up our first guests of the 2013 season.  The crew for the next few days are Augi and Cindy Caimi from “Gundo”. The Caimi’s were our neighbors in Gundo for about ten years before we moved to SLO Town.  It’s great to get updated by the Caimi’s on what’s happening in the cool town of Gundo.  Augi explains Gundo for the layman a bit later in this post.

Pat toured the Caimi’s around the Skagit Valley tulip fields and Anacortes before showing up at the boat late in the afternoon.  We immediately loaded up and shoved off towards Friday Harbor, Washington.

The Caimi’s needed a bit of prodding to convince them to come cruising in the ocean. They were concerned about being unable to attain their “sea legs”.  After a couple years asking, we eventually guaranteed that the Wild Blue only goes out in calm winds and seas. And with that simple statement, the weather Gods smiled on our journey as sunshine, light winds and calm seas continually followed us around.

Around 6PM we arrived in a very quiet Friday Harbor. The empty city streets told us it was time to create a dinner aboard.   Light snacks and dip completed our day.

Monday, April 29th: Brentwood Bay via Tsehum Harbour

Although Environment Canada was calling for high winds, we left at Around 6AM so only calm seas and sunshine followed us into British Columbia.  We cleared Customs the usual way: cutting up Wilson into pieces and placing him in the trash.  As you may know, Wilson, a fescue grass, is our only soil plant aboard.  Wilson looks like the soccer ball in the movie Castaway.  He’s been aboard since the boat was commissioned.  He’s also been the target of Customs, which doesn't allow plants to enter Canada.  Customs agents have admonished us for bringing plant life across the border, so we “trash” Wilson each time we cross.  When asked by Customs about plants aboard, we say “we put our plant in the trash”. Within a few days Pat replants the Wilson parts in new Miracle Gro soil, and he thrives.

Wilson after a recent rebirth.

By noon we tied up at the Brentwood Bay Lodge. The marina is small so it feels almost private and the spa, Jacuzzi, pool, pub and restaurant are the best around.  It’s also almost next door to Butchart Gardens, so we called a taxi and entered the Gardens.  April is tulip time and brilliant colors lit up our feasting eyeballs.

Augi, Cindy and Pat enjoy the Gardens.

A hairy Tulip.

Tulips

Tulips

Japanese Garden

Even more tulips!

Pat says it's just like the Trail Ride.

Augi and Cindi are cowboy and cowgirl.

Tuesday, April 30th: Up and over the Saanich Peninsula then down to Victoria

We continued cruising in the sunshine and warmth around southeastern Vancouver Island to Victoria.  Other boats were out and about but the Selene boats once again had the numbers.  Wild Blue joined forces with Spirit-a Selene 55, Page Marie-a Selene 58, and Raindancer-a Selene 60 to almost complete the Selene 50’s line up.  It was cover photo material.

Canadian Coast Guard is checking out Wilson!

They may have to call in the big guns!

Even the ferries were out and about.

The new Selene 58 Paige Marie

The very nice Selene 60 Raindancer.

The Selene 56?

Victoria was abuzz with activity.  We moored just in front of the Empress Hotel.  The shining sun and warm air brought out the locals and tourists, a Chamber of Commerce dream day.  We had cocktails about Spirit hosted by Patrick and Miriam, and joined by the crews of Page Marie and Raindancer.  Then it was off to the best restaurant in Victoria: Il Terrazzo, fine Italian cuisine. And they have expensive wines too.  Veteran Wild Blue crew Vince and Marianne Fonte most always order a $350 bottle at Il Terrazzo.

The Selene 53 Wild Blue in front of the Empress.

We stayed on a second day while Augi and Cindy explored the museum, Imax theater, coffee and tea shops that Victoria has to offer.  Alex, with Augi’s help, found soil for Wilson’s rebirth; a 12V charger, and filled the propane bottles.

Pat's second favorite tourist boat: the Hippo!

Augi is an accomplished attorney who has loads of courtroom litigation experience.  To make their case, courtroom attorneys do a lot of listening, reading the jury, and a good bit of acting.  Augi really likes the acting part, so much so that he took acting lessons.   He had a few bit acting parts then in 2004 he starred in the Fox TV series called “My Big Obnoxious Boss”.  The show was a flop in the US after just 5 weeks running, albeit against the ever popular “Desperate Housewives”. Only 5 million household a week watched Augi.  The series has been a hit in several foreign countries where Augi is still recognized and asked for autographs.  Apparently they weren't watching in Canada.

I asked the actor to explain “Gundo” to the lay person.  Here is his videoed response.

We had fun times with the Caimi’s reliving our time in Gundo.  It’s nice to know all is well in our former hometown.

Thursday, May 2: Wild Blue is Northbound.

This morning we enjoyed eggs, hash browns, biscuits and gravy aboard Spirit, then exchanged goodbyes.  The Caimi’s are off via float plane to Seattle then back to Gundo.  The three Selenes will cruise southern waters and we point Wild Blue north to AK.  The weather continues to look good for a week and so we’re hoping for a smooth run up to Ketchikan.

#2013-01 Our 2013 Alaska Cruise Begins

It's Saturday, April 27th, 2013.  We're up early at San Jose Airport ready to fly to Seattle and Wild Blue.  It will be a busy day as our first guests arrive tomorrow and the we need to prep the boat. We'll split up: Pat will take the car to Trader Joes, Fred Meyer, fresh pie company, and local market; Alex will install the fly-bridge sides, stow the chairs, tables, fishing poles, ice chests, bedding, then inventory the pantry.  Early tomorrow we'll both take the boat to Cap Sante to fuel up then Pat will pick up our our in Seattle. Whew!

WINTER BOAT IMPROVEMENTS

This winter we added a few improvements to the boat including a water maker.  The unit is essentially like the Reverse Osmosis (RO) in a home, with the addition of some high pressure pumps and large filters.  No more taking on questionable water in some of these remote marinas. And now we can cruise to Mexico without having to drink the local water.

Wild Blue's new water maker extracts 60 gallons of fresh water per hour from the sea.

The filters and UV sterilizer insures we don't drink any living organisms!

The water maker produces crystal clear water.  No minerals and no chlorine.  If this pure water sits in the tank for a awhile, especially in a warmer climate, algae and organisms would grow, there not being any chlorine to kill it.  So we thought it best to install fine filters and an ultraviolet light water sterilizer.  This "Water Fixer" model runs on 12 volts and is plumbed to the cold water at the galley sink.

Another improvement is a full size toilet for the guest head.  Now we can take along our really BIG friends!  We also installed warm white LEDs in most light fixtures.  These dramatically reduce the power consumption and heat, and give off almost as much light as the old halogens.  Exterior, running and anchor lights are now all LEDs.

THIS YEAR'S ITINERARY

We plan to spend a good amount of time in Sitka then leave Alaska early to make time for extended cruising in northern British Columbia.


2013 WILD BLUE ALASKA CRUISE ITINERARY

Leg #1 SUN-APR 28 ANACORTES, WA TO SUN-MAY 5 PORT MCNEIL, BC.
Northbound BC cruising with Vancouver and small resort visits, prawning and crabbing. Vancouver, Gorge Harbor, Desolation Sound, Broughton Islands, Port McNeil – 8 days.

Leg #2 TUE-MAY 7 PORT MCNEIL, BC TO SUN-MAY 19 KETCHIKAN, AK.
Northbound BC cruising, anchoring at night with Prince Rupert and small town visits, prawning and crabbing. Port McNeil, Namu, Shearwater, Boat Bluff/Alexander Inlet, Hartley Bay, Northern BC coastal ports, Prince Rupert, Dundas Island, Ketchikan – 14 days:

Leg #3 WED-MAY 29 KETCHIKAN, AK TO SUN-JUN 9 SITKA, AK.
Northwest bound Alaska cruising, anchoring at night, visiting Craig, fishing, prawning and crabbing, El Capitan Cave exploring: Ketchikan, South Kaigani Harbor, Craig, El Capitan Cave, Port McArthur or Kell Bay, Port Alexander, Red Bluff Bay, Warm Springs Bay, Peril Strait, Kalinin or Fish Bay, Sitka – 12 days:

Leg #4 TUE-JUN 11 SITKA, AK TO SAT-JUN 22 SITKA, AK.
Local Sitka cruising with King Salmon fishing in waters, anchoring at night, visit to a hot springs and small town of Pelican: Sitka, Kalinin Bay, Piehle Passage, Ford Arm, Baker Cove, Ilin Bay, Mirror Cove, White Sulfur Hot Springs, Pelican, Double Cove, Sitka – 12 days:

Leg #5 MON-JUN 24 SITKA, AK TO THU-JUL 4 SITKA, AK.
Cruising the southwest coastline of Baranof Island with King Salmon fishing in local Sitka area, anchoring at night, hot springs visit, Sitka Firework show (JUL 3): Sitka, Goddard Hot Springs, Shamrock Bay, Jamboree Bay, Whale Bay, Secluded Bay, Scow Bay, Kidney Cove, Sitka – 11 days:
 
Leg #6 SAT-JUL 6 SITKA, AK TO MON-JUL 15 CRAIG, AK.
Cruising the southwest coastline of Baranof Island with King Salmon fishing in local Sitka area, anchoring at night, hot springs visit: Sitka, Goddard Hot Springs, Jamboree Bay, Whale Bay, Scow Bay, Kidney Cove, Redfish Bay, Little Puffin Bay, Port Alexander, Port MacArthur, Nagasay Cove, Craig – 10 days:

Leg #7 TUE-JUL 16 CRAIG, AK TO TUE-JUL 23 KETCHIKAN, AK.
South bound Alaska cruising, anchoring at night, with salmon and halibut fishing, crabbing, and whale viewing, visits to Craig, Hydaburg, Nutkwa Inlet, Hessa Inlet, Nichols Bay, Ketchikan – 8 days:

Leg #8 THU-JUL 25 KETCHIKAN, AK TO MON-AUG 05, SHEARWATER, BC
Northern BC Southbound, anchoring at night, Coho salmon fishing, crabbing and prawning, and a visit to Prince Rupert: various northern BC ports on the “outside” inside passage, Hartley Bay, Klemtu, Roscoe Inlet, Ocean Falls, Shearwater – 12 days.

Leg #9 WED-AUG 7 SHEARWATER, BC TO FRI-AUG 16 PORT MCNEILL, BC.
Central BC Southbound cruising, anchoring at night, fishing-crabbing-prawning, visits to small boat resorts, Namu, McNaughton Islands, Fish Egg Inlet, Pierce Bay, Rivers Inlet, and Port McNeil – 10 days.

Leg #10 SUN-AUG 18 PORT MCNEILL, BC TO WED-AUG 27 ANACORTES, WA.
Southern BC Southbound cruising, anchoring at night, fishing-crabbing-prawning, visits to small boat resorts, Port McNeil and Vancouver: Port McNeil, Lagoon Cove, Desolation Sound, Smugglers Cove, Vancouver, Anacortes – 10 days.

We're going to complete our boat prep so we can get going.  Weather looks awesome for the next week or longer.  Hope to carry this sunny streak through BC.