June 16

Up bright and early at 0600. Ha! The weather report is calling for 25 -35 knots of wind late in the afternoon. We have decided to head out because we have a plan A, plan B, plan C and plan D! We have decided to motor on up to Blind Channel before the wind picks up to gale force.

We met some nice folks, Larry and Faith aboard MV Northern Comfort. They too, had the same plans as us but wanted to get further north. Both boats set out at 0700 to catch the slack water in Seymour Narrows. This stretch of water can be daunting if not approached with caution and at the correct time of day. The current can run up to 14 knots, maybe more depending on Spring tides.

Ta Daa is equipped with AIS - automated identification system. If you go to marinetraffic.com and see us, it is because of the AIS. For you to see us we need to have it turned on - something we do only when we are underway. We are usually on the go in the morning to early afternoon so that is a clue of what time to look for us on marinetraffic.com.

As we are making our way to Seymour Narrows, we have Northern Comfort in front, the US Coast Guard cutter to starboard, tugs with tow coming towards us and a big cruise ship on our stern. We were travelling against 2-3 knots of current so not moving too, too fast. The cruise ship, Nippon Maru, hailed us on the radio to share their course plans with us. Baiscally they said they are taking centre channel and would we stay to their starboard. Yes, sir! You darn rights we will stay to your port... we will do anything you ask. On the water, the first rule you learn is that might has right of way. We were not going to mess this this ship!

Being the skilled and prudent sailors we are, because our timing is impeccable, the ride through Seymour Narrows was uneventful. Now come the plan A, B, C and D. Plan A, if it is really ugly and rough out there we would duck into Konish Bay do take refuge in a Small Inlet. Plan B was to travel a bit further and head to Okilsollo Channel to take refuge in Owen Bay, Plan C was to see what was happening at Chatham Point - the entrance to Johnstone Strait where the wind are to rise to 35 knots. Plan C was to turn right down Nadales Channel and head to Cadero Lodge and Plan D was to continue past Chatham Point to Mayne Passage and head into Blind Channel Resort. We chose Plan D as the winds were blowing but it was not a rough ride.

Yes we are a sailboat and do like wind but not directly on the nose where we have to tack back and forth, doubling our distance to get to our destination. That kind of sailing is find if you have all the time in the world... We needed to get out of the wind before it peaked. As it was, it reached over 30 knots and at that point was very rough. Having said that, Johnstone Strait looked spectacular with the dark blue water decorated with bright white caps.

Since the sun is shining this trip, we have the luxury and delight of actually being able to view the hill tops and mountain tops. Beee-U-T-Ful!

Hilary, thank you very much for your email. Ron and I found it very entertaining.
Bud and Momma Dougan, remember to wear your hats for July 1!

Must be off now. We are going to go for a walk in the woods to a famous tree - not sure why but I will find out and let you know.

Until next time - may the wind fill your sails!