Captain BrewSea's Blog Log - Justavacation: Day 11

Day 11 – 29 June 2009

Departure – Blind Channel @ 1230

Destination – Octopus Islands
Arrival Time – 1500

State of The Sea – 3 Foot Chop
Wind – NW 10 – 15 (Gale Warning for Johnstone Streight

Weather – Sunny and Bright with a very few clouds

Captain / Admiral’s report:

This morning we went for a short hike along the water front. We were witness to some pretty amazing views and a few remnants of an industrial past of the area.

We were underway at a cruising speed of 22 knots for the Octopus Island by 1230ish. As we left the calm protected waters of Blind Channel we thought the days journey would be an easy saunter.

BUT... after rounding the turn into Johnstone Strait, we experienced the fetch of a 20 – 30 knot wind build up and an opposing tide. By the time we made it to Discovery Passage, our boats were bathed in the grime of dried Sea Spray. We can now quite literally say we are old Salts.

After heading into Okisollo Channel from Discovery Passage, the water flattened out and afforded us smooth cruising for the rest of the trip to the Octopus Islands.

The Octopus Islands are a wonderful spot! They are well protected from most winds that may try to find their way in. If time had permitted, we would have enjoyed another day or two here. Maybe next time!

After anchoring the mother-ship (Justavacation) as Tom likes to call her, the 4 of us set out in Maresia to drop crab and prawn traps and try our luck at some Salmon Fishing. Our luck with the Salmon fishing was not quite as exciting as our exit from “Hole In The Wall”. By that I mean... we were enjoying a 2 knot troll inside Hole in the Wall when, seemingly, without warning the tide had shifted to about a 6 knot Ebb and had Maresia heading for the rocks. Good thing our captain Tom was on his toes and was able to recover just in time to safe the vessel and crew from our impending doom. ;)

We went to harvest the crab trap and found that we had trapped 4 undersized Red Rock Crab. We sent them back to their watery home until they get it right for next time. Our intent is to pull the prawn traps tomorrow on our departure for Heriot Bay.

This evening’s meal was hosted by Sheila. Tacos...yummy.

You may notice in some of the pictures we have adopted a new mascot. If you want to know the details, you will have to ask the creator, Tom about the name and origin. My lips are sealed. (I could be bribed).

Chatham Point

Okisollo Channel

Entrance to hole in the wall.

Octopus Islands

Breaker Breaker 19

Narrow entrance to Octopus Islands

Maresia entering Octopus Islands

Discovery Passage

Johnstone Strait

Fishing at Hole in the Wall

Look at me..I am fishing!

Crab vs Crab

Catching the UFO...

Arrrge Maitee !!
(playing dress up with the admirals wine glass charms)

“I knew I should have been flossing”...

There is some clandestine origin to this UFO, of which you must seek the wisdom and clairvoyance of Captain Tom for the secrets to this unusual phenomenon.