First Full Day

June 12 - up at 0400. That is the same as 4:00 AM. We were underway by 0430. I am sure the other boaters slept through us warming up the motor and sneaking away. Our goal today is to be in Henry Bay. This is a very small bay at the top end of Denman Island. This was nearly 90 nautical miles - a very long day for us.

Our departing time was determined by the slack water at Dodd Narrows. This is the narrow channel of water between Vancouver Island and Gabriola Island. The water can ebb or flood at a speed of up to 8.8 knots. Our boat will only go 8 knots under power - full throttle. The idea is to avoid the ebb or flood flow and go through at slack. Slack means there is little or no current.

When we motor, we cruist at 3000 RPM so that is an average of 6 knots depending whether we are running against the tide or with it. This morning we will be going against the tide so we must allow extra time to reach Dodd Narrows by 0947.

It was a very peaceful morning; not many boaters out as early as us. The seals in Samsun Narrows were out in droves. Their little heads were popping up everywhere.

There was not much wind. We motored past Crofton Mill about 0700. With the tide against us, we thought we had better punch up the RPM's a little to ensure we made Dodd Narrows on time.

Since we started out so early in the morning, Ron and I took turns having cat naps. We knew we would be on the move until 1800 (6 PM). That means a 14 hour day and the longest for Ron and I in our boating history together.

We got to Dodd's a few minutes early. Let me tell you, every minute makes a difference. We were running with 2 knots of current and 10 minutes later it was completely slack. We entered Northunberland Channell. This channell is where you can find the Duke Point Ferry and a lot of industry for Nanaimo. Dead ahead is Newcastle Island. We chose to stay on the outside of Newcastle to make the shortest route possible. As usual, the wind started to freshen up as we motored past Nanaimo but soon calmed by the time we got to Ballenas and Winchelsea Islands.

Hornby Island was now in sight... and Denman lies next to it. Hornby Island is more prominant because of Mt Geoffrey. Denman is relatively flat. We were getting closer to our destination of Henry Bay.

We said a hearty hello to Deep Cove for our Westbay neighbours, Tim and Tara. They used to live aboard in that neck of the woods. Motoring through Baynes Sound, there is always something to look at; homes on Denman Island waterfront, fish farms, the Denman Island ferry and local boaters.

Ahhhhh, Henry Bay is in sight. We are very tired now and looking forward to stopping. We were boat number four. We set anchor, took Winston to shore and just enjoyed the quiet except for the eagles in the trees. Peace and tranquility in a beautiful little bay. It is a bay that Dad and Honey used to frequent when they finished their commercial fishing careers. Now I know why they liked it so much; sandy beach, mountain views, and the wild life (eagles, herons, and seals). Time to get some much needed sleep.