flyingeagleblog

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To a fitting end...

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The last day of August we eagerly departed Friday Harbor for Sequim.  Due to pea soup fog the going was slow while we worked our way out of the San Juan Islands at reduced speeds, however Sequim’s blue hole prevailed as we moved into the straits.  We are happy to be home and thankful to live in such a beautiful place.

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Back In the USA

We arrived in busy Friday Harbor on Aug 30.  A combination of Labor Day weekend and a 150 ft sailboat from Malta that occupied the entire customs dock, (we had played leap frog with this boat beginning in Auke Bay, Alaska) made this day challenging at best.  After clearing  customs, we got to chores, dinner, and listening to the welcome band: The stress of the day melted away as we watched these musicians share their gifts with passers by.

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The sun was shining on Saltspring Island, and the day was warm! We decided to rent a car and do a “Tour de Swim.” After visiting a goat farm, Saltspring Island Cheese with all different types of goat cheese to sample, we found two lakes and one warm ocean beach to swim in. It was pure heaven, and the only problem was having to stop swimming in order to go to the next destination. We ended our day with a lovely dinner at The Treehouse Cafe.

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After a walk around the island Lucia enjoyed the evening’s sunset on the bow.

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From Hornby  we made our way south skirting the Whisky Gulf (WG) military exercise area where the Canadian navy was out in force testing something.  At the end of our daily travels we found ourselves in Clam Bay where we anchored.   A short dingy ride took us to Telegraph Harbor a cute little marina on the south end of Thetis Island.

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After an uneventful day traveling to Ford Cove on Hornby Island we did a little exploring.  We walked across the island to town which was a handful of little shops and a COOP grocery store.  We then made our way down to the main beach on Tribune Bay a favorite anchorage during fair weather.  We were a bit surprised at how popular the place was.  So of course we joined in and went for a swim in the bay!

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Sunrise in Kanish Bay as we leave safe harbor for Seymour Narrows and Campbell River.  We had intended to travel south to Hornby Island but had to stop and spend the night in Campbell River due to a high wind warning in the Strait of Georgia. Sidelined again by weather, we made the best of it by enjoying the day exploring Campbell River.

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The Flying Eagle chased another sailboat out the harbor at sunrise to make a long run down Johnstone Strait to position ourselves at Kanish Bay for an early morning slack at Seymour Narrows the next day.

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On further exploration we walked the trails of the ecological reserve. The reserve trails are just a small part of a large trail network on the island, well worth more exploration on another visit.

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After a quick respite at Port Hardy following the crossing, the Flying Eagle ventured to Alert Bay on a blustery morning.  We explored this charming First Nation town filled with friendly people eager to share their culture.  The totems marked the resting place of the tribal people.

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Queen Charlotte Sound

The next day, with some trepidation, we crossed Queen Charlotte Sound. Thanks to our “Mission Control” and lots of prayers, we encountered little in wind waves and a 4 to 5 foot swell, which was much less than the 15 foot swell reported  the day before, however, the 5 foot swell was still enough to fling things across the salon in the Flying Eagle. 

The Crimson Seas and the Flying Eagle parted ways. Tim and Donna headed for home.

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It was such a relief to put our feet on solid ground and take a hike through the Hakai Institute, a remote marine science research center. What a treat! Our souls were calmed and we were ready to continue moving south . Homeward bound!

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Surfs Up!

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We finally got a moderate break in the weather and made a run out Lama Pass and down Fitzhugh Sound.  We anchored for the night in Pruth Bay.  Tim finally got his pancakes and sausage for dinner!

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While waiting out the storm, we made good use of the time taking care of at least one of the hairy things!

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Southbound from Bishop Hot Springs we intended to go to Klemtu for the night. A storm was brewing that we were not fully aware of. We ended up having a marathon day trying to outrun the storm, motoring through tumultuous seas and finally ending up at Shearwater well after dark. Rick certainly showed his expertise and skill as a ship commander as we got in to tie safely up at the dock as the wind began to howl. We were forced to stay in this safe harbor for four days as this storm continued to rage . Our internet coverage here was slow, at best, so son Dan was our “Mission Control” and sent us satellite pictures of the storm so we could safely move on when it was time to do so. Thank you Dan!