The SEA WEASEL in cruising mode.
Cheryl and "little-man" as we sail into Centre Bay.
The recent heat wave had reduced most Vancouverites to motionless panting wrecks. We're designed for cool drizzle not mid-thirties temperatures. After over a week of sleeping in a apartment that was 34 degrees at night we decided enough was enough and we were going on a cool down holiday to Howe Sound on the SEA WEASEL. It was one of the best ideas we've had in a long time.
As usual Dave was the only one without a social life.
We extended the invite to the usual suspects and as usual the only one without a life was available. So Dave, Cheryl and I loaded up our gear and Kingsley (the Boston Terrier) and set off for our ultimate swimming hole. Saturday morning Dave had just got off a night shift and after getting the boat loaded went down below and crashed in the V-berth leaving Cheryl and I to deliver him to our final destination, Centre Bay on Gambier Island.
The trip was a pleasant one with light breezes in the bay and little action around Point Atkinson. We sailed out of the Bay and found ourselves trying to over take a sluggish Hunter 33. We would get in its lee and then slow to a crawl. It didn't help that we were dragging a dinghy. Still we got ahead of them but not before getting panicked calls from the crew of the Hunter for getting too close to them. Funny when two boats are on a starboard tack and over lapped I assumed the leeward boat had right of way. But what can you expect from a crew that didn't even put tell tales on their sails (man I am a snob).
With the wind shutting off we fired up the engine and motored around Bowen where we found a stiff breeze blowing in from the strait. We hoisted the sails again and took off and made good time sailing to the mouth of Centre Bay. We found our prized spot North of the islet at the North West corner of McKenzie Cove vacant and set about anchouring on the shelf (see the last blog post on this anchouring job).
The stern line made it possible to anchour in this location.
Our stern line at low tide.
The SEA WEASEL at anchour at high tide.
Cheryl and I soon realized we were going to need a hand. Dave awoke for shouts for him to get into the dinghy and row the stern line ashore. Not a pleasant way to get up I imagine. In the end all was well and the WEASEL was tied up protected from the prevailing inflow with a stern line run to the island.
Time to bust out the hammock.
Now it was time to relax. We spent the next two days eating like pigs and swimming in the ocean. This island was perfect; with its rope swing and high cliffs we spent much of the day throwing ourselves into the water. When we were tired of that we snorkeled around the island watching the abundant undersea wild life. I hardly wore a shirt the entire trip and was never too hot or too cold. I was so glad to be out of the sweltering city.
"Pass the sun screen!"
I am graceful like a butterfly.
Kingsley is now a boat dog.
Too much sun and fun for this little puppy.
Kingsley, our 14 month old Boston Terrier was becoming quite the little yachtie. He now has the complete run of the boat and is able to scale and descend the companionway. In the dinghy he proudly stands on the bow like George Washington crossing the Delaware. He was not so graceful during one of these rides when he slipped and fell off the dinghy head first. He shot up to the surface with a panicked look in his eyes and we hauled him aboard. He took solice in Dave's arms for sometime after before recovering his nerve.
Cheryl rowing the dinghy Niko lent us.
We were not totally alone although our snagging of the best spot limited the proximity of others who attempted to anchour near by. A succession of power boats came by fort short stops and carried on. On the last day we were joined by two sailboats. While on the island we even had a visit from a rather forward stout young man who told us that the island was (he thinks) owned by WVYC and is for the kids. We were polite and carried on. After radioing for back up and probably finding out he was wrong he hopped on his dinghy and rowed away. All in all it was quite peaceful.
Dave reading Pacific Yachting after an epic breakfast.
Meal's over time to go.
On the final day we had another epic breakfast packed up and headed back home. The wind was blowing in our face and the tide against us but it was one of the most pleasant sails I have done. We beat back and forth making excellent time despite dragging the dinghy. This time when we got home I was not exhausted but pleasantly satiated. It was a great trip.
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