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Turning on the coast guard radio, it warned of gale force winds of up to 40 knts and heavy rain in areas North of Vancouver....right were we were buoyed. We opted to pull up the bow dock line and make the 9AM flat tide at "The Rapids". There was a stream of boats on there way already; all with the same intention.. to get the heck outta DODGE before the storm really hits. Passing through the Rapids was a quick trip and skiffing down both Princess Royal Reach and Prince of Wales Reach was a breeze, literally. With heavy winds and pelting rains at times we worked the sails reefing the main and tacking back and forth making best use of the wind. We had water over the bow and dish wear and general cargo spilling onto the cabin floor. Dressed in foul weather "yellow" rain gear and boots we were a sight for the sailing books and magazines.
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| We ducked into Secret Harbor just North of Welcome Pass at dusk with Beth at the helm and everyone worn out from a long wet windy day. As I brought all 43 feet of "Sail'N Lady" to starboard dock a gust of wind picked up and blew me from my target. We all look up and instantaneously felt like "Dumcoffs" by neglecting to bring down the Main sail. We all had a good laugh, especially the harbor master. He must of thought us a 'charter' or something. We were certain he has seen it all and was just amused by our forgetfulness. Aside from that, it made me look bad. |
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David and Brian spent some time with the charts that night plotting out the next days course. We needed 5 or so hrs to cross Georgia Strait again, and preferable with the tide. The real question was where to after crossing? We all decided to visit the "artsy-fartsy' village of Ganges on Salt Spring Island; another 3 or so hrs South and West of the Straits. Of course the REAL reason for stopping at Ganges are the ice cream shops! After 8 days at sea we wanted ice cream. And Brian got his fill with an Italian Ice, a Dairy Queen swirl, an Orange Julius and then, for dessert, ice cream sandwiches.
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