June 19, 2019 - Nanaimo, BC

We pulled anchor in Clam Bay yesterday in light winds.  As we exited the bay and headed north we were greeted with 20+ knot winds for the entire trip to Dodd Narrows.  Dodd Narrows is a tiny passage between two larger bodies of water.  As a result, the currents can really move through here at certain tide levels.  This is a location to be transited only when the currents are not running.  We timed our arrival at Dodd Narrows for slack water, and we were right on time.  Lot's of boats heading in both directions at slack.  Once through, we encountered some rougher water.  Kevin started feeling a little uneasy, and our cat Reebok started howling.  No sea sickness for either, but not an enjoyable experience.

Entering Dodd Narrows

One of several boats that followed us through Dodd.  It was rough on the north
side.  Blowing 20-25 knots.

Busy Nanaimo.  Also, windy Nanaimo.

We set the anchor off Newcastle Island and then Alex and I dinghied over to Nanaimo to hit the grocery store.  The restrictions at the boarder are such that most fruits, veggies, alcohol, and many other items are forbidden, or only allowed in very small quantities.  We stocked up on those items that we could not bring across the boarder.  The wind has been blowing about 20-25 knots all day.

Re-provisioned, we parked the dinghy at the fuel dock in Nanaimo.

There are not too many boats here at Newcastle, so there was no difficulty finding a spot to anchor.

After putting all the groceries away the 4 of us hopped in the dinghy and went back to Nanaimo to meet Phil, Deborah, and their niece Jill for dinner.  How unexpected it is to see Phil and Deborah!  Alex and I are marveling at the fact that we are all here, in British Columbia, at the same time.  Alex and Paulo live in San Francisco.  Kevin and I in La Conner.  Phil and Deborah have been cruising the South Pacific for years.  What are the odds that all 6 of us would be right here, right now, and also that we would figure this out and get together for dinner?  Today would be a good day for one of us to buy some lotto tickets, and lots of them!

We spent several hours with Deborah and Phil catching up.  We heard about other boater's we all know and what those folks are up to now.  We had a few rounds of Tequila shots to celebrate (just like old times in Mexico).  Awesome time.  Too bad the rest of our families could not be here.

Jill, Deborah, Phil, Alex, Kevin, Steve (Alex taking photo).

The forecasts are calling for good conditions starting Thursday around noon.  And then excellent conditions in Johnstone Straight Saturday and Sunday.  Johnstone Straight is the biggest hurdle for most boaters headed to Alaska.  It stops most boaters from ever venturing further north than Desolation Sound.  The currents can be strong there, so you want to catch the current when it is headed north so you are not slogging along against the current while making very little progress.  But, the winds typically flow southward, and are usually quite strong.  The winds are opposite the direction of the current which makes the waves very short and steep.  These conditions are extremely uncomfortable.  Johnstone Straight is long and takes all day to transit.  With winds forecast to be light Saturday and Sunday, and the current going our direction  most of the day, we are feeling extremely fortunate.  This doesn't happen very often in Johnstone Straight.

Alex and I spend Wednesday evening in the pilothouse looking through all of our books and reference materials and reviewing weather forecasts forming a game plan for our next few days.  We all head to bed feeling good about our itinerary, and the lucky break in the weather.