Captain BrewSea's Blog Log - Justavacation

2010-03-24T21:40:00.005-07:00

The Captain is Baaaaack!

2010-03-23T17:23:00.000-07:00

View from the Water aboard Justavacation - Feb 2010

The torch from the water

The Admiral with the Russian Tall Ship in the back ground.

The Olympic Torch in Vancouver. (I can't believe we live here!)

It has been a long not so cold, not so white winter. The Admiral and I have enjoyed a couple of trips to Europe and Mexico since out last entry into the Captains Blog Log.

We have enjoyed a few nights out on Justavacation over Christmas, New Years and during the Vancouver 2010 Olympics. I will post a few pictures in this entry from those outings.

We have a very busy summer already planned. We are looking forward to a couple of fishing trips to the Queen Charlottes, a trip to Quebec City that will extend into New York City, a 3 week cruise to the Discovery Islands, several shorter cruises into the Gulf Islands. And of course a weekend land cruise to Buffalo Flats, Alberta, (Now know as Leavitt) to attend a weekend Leavitt Family Reunion.

Stay tuned…

Day 17 - Going Home

2009-07-05T18:33:00.001-07:00

Note to viewer... If you are interested in reading the entire 17 day cruise, I suggest that you scroll to the bottom by clicking on older posts until you find day 1. We had a wonderful time making this journal, I hope you enjoy the journey.

If you want to view the pictures in a larger format just double click on it.

Day 17 – 5 July 2009

Departure – Tribune Bay
Destination – HOME (Reed Point Marina)

State of The Sea – 0.5 meter chop
Wind –W10
Weather – Overcast, visibility 10 nautical miles

Captain / Admiral’s report:

Justavacation weighed anchor shortly after 0800 this morning and slipped quietly out of Tribune Bay.

The morning was a little breezy, but very pleasant.

We love cruising early in the morning as it seems the world is just awakening. There are very few boats on the water and we get the opportunity to witness the seas as Captain Vancouver may have.

What a glorious opportunity we have enjoyed these last 17 days!

Great weather, Great seas, Great food, Great vistas, and especially our Good Friends:
Pat, Claudine, Tom & Susie; thanks for sharing this with us.

...and to our friends and family who may have been along vicariously, we hope we were able to share a small glimpse into the fascinating and rewarding cruise into Desolation Sound and beyond.

...To all, we end this portion of the Captains Blog Log with tired bodies, but invigorated minds and spirit.
Love Captain BrewSea and Admiral Heidi

The final sunset of our cruise, last night.

Casting off and bidding our good friends, Adieu

Pat, Claudine, Susie and Tom...thanks for sharing this experience with us.

how very fitting...

Early morning view of Sisters Is. Reporting station.

Hornby Island

Leaving Hornby

The beginning of Lasqueti Island

Lasqueti Island

Texada Island

oh buoy!

Is this what Captain Vancouver has seen?

or maybe this?

Welcome Passage from the unwelcome side... ;)

Leaving it all behind us.... ;(

Day 16 - Tribune Bay

2009-07-05T17:00:00.000-07:00

Day 16 – 4 July 2009

Departure – Rebecca Spit
Destination – Tribune Bay

State of The Sea – calm waters
Wind – NW10
Weather – Sunny with a few clouds

Captain / Admiral’s report:

The pictures tell of our awesome trip to Tribune Bay. Justavacation broke off from the other two boats to make a short sojourn to Mitlenatch Island, which is a bird sanctuary.

The weather and the water were perfect for cruising today.

This evening as we arrived at Tribune Bay, the wind has come up out of the NW 15, the boats are rocking and the waves are slapping the sides of the boats. Maresia has her ground tackle out, but it may not be enough for the three boats to ride out the night, so we have decided to break off and set our own anchor for the night.

Our plan is to leave earlier than the others tomorrow morning. We know what lies ahead!!! The big 4 hour Clean!!!

This is our last night of the trip.

We have enjoyed our selves immensely and have learned a lot about travelling with another couple.

We have had some great experiences! We have shared light hearted and serious moments with each other. We have even shared some very personal moments as we experience the almost spiritual environment we are so lucky to be immersed in.

This captain has once again been the pupil! When it comes to gleaning the subtle nuances of running a boat; Captain Tom and Captain Pat have many years of experience they have vicariously and unknowingly shared to this novice Captain. Thank you “Gentlemen”!

Ahhhh!

Campbell River in the distance

Is that Mount Washington?

Mitlenatch Island...

Mounds of white bird poop...

Cormorants

Nesting Cormorants

“Pecking Order” ?

The Admiral is pretty good with the old telephoto, right?

Seals

Lazy Seals checking out Justavacation

More Mitlenatch

bye bye Mitlenatch...

Cardinal Buoy at the reef near Comox.

Can you tell the Admiral which one it is? N, S, E or W?

Kingfisher Lodge.

We stayed here for one of our wedding gifts. Thanks Brighter Mechanical.

Sandy Island Park off the North end of Denman Island

Chrome Island Light House Station

Nice shot Heidi!

Seals on rocks - South end of Hornby Island

Can you find the Iguana in the rock?

hint.. look for the forest, not the trees...(no that does not mean look in the forest or trees)

Tribune Bay

Day 15 - Rebecca Spit

2009-07-04T00:30:00.001-07:00

Day 15 – 3 July 2009

Departure – Octopus islands
Destination – Rebecca Spit (Taku resort & Marina, Quadra Island)
State of The Sea – calm waters
Wind – none
Weather – Sunny and Bright not a cloud in the sky! HOT

Captain / Admiral’s report:

What a great day... AGAIN...

We woke to an awesome bright and sunny day.

The admiral has staked her claim to her own island... albeit underwater at high tide. (see photos below)

We had a community breakfast hosted by the Admiral and crew of Justavacation. As you can tell from the photos below, it was a good old Alberta pancake breakfast.

As we weighed anchor, it was with some trepidation that we leave the Octopus Islands. We have come to love these islands for its peaceful beauty and sense of belonging here.

The short cruise to Rebecca Spit through the Surge Narrows was both calming and exciting. The trip through the narrows was exciting because they were running at a flood tide combined with our boat speeds of almost 30 knots SOG. (According to Pat’s calculations).

The water on both sides of the narrows was glass like and afforded us some exploration time along the shore lines at cruising speed of 23 knots.

Our destination was Taku Resort and Marina next to Rebecca spit. This too, is a jewel for anyone with an adventurous spirit could fall in love with.

We enjoyed a prawn feast on the dock followed by buffalo burgers; all compliments of Pat and Claudine. ( Bootlegger)

Pancake Breakfast

Admiralty Island partially under water...

The Admiral "stakes" claim...

The Admiral made me post this one....

Minivacation at anchor on her new "anchor buddy"...

Rebecca Spit

Port Handy Boy

Rebecca Spit

Going out fishing off the outside of Rebecca Spit.

leaving the dock to go fishing....

glass like water for Salmon fishing

supper on the dock...

the end of day 15

Day 14 - Octopus Islands (again)

2009-07-03T23:43:00.000-07:00

Day 14 – 2 July 2009

Departure – Octopus islands
Destination – Octopus Islands

State of The Sea – calm waters
Wind – NW 5
Weather – Sunny and Bright not a cloud in the sky! HOT

Captain / Admiral’s report:

We spent the day in the Octopus Islands, fishing, crabbing, sun tanning, gossiping and just generally relaxing!!! What a great day! What an awesome location!! We will be back!!!

The boys depart for a day of fishing.

The hunter gathers leave the poor farmers home to tend the homestead...

The bounteous harvest from the Sea...good boys!

Enough Crab for everyone...

Appetizers in the hot afternoon sun, before supper...

We invited another couple who were anchored near us for an afternoon, “tea party”)...
Steve and Jeannie from Comox

The afternoon Tea Party

Everyone is on Justavacation

Admiral Sheila and Claudine

Pat extolling the “fish story” of how he harvested the crabs for supper...

Our newest friends Steve and Jeanie from Comox

A small portion of the left over crab shells....

Day 13 - Happy Canada Day

2009-07-03T21:06:00.000-07:00

Day 13 – 1 July 2009
(we finally have internet after 3 days)

Departure – Gorge Harbour
Destination – Octopus Islands

State of The Sea – 1 Foot Chop
Wind – NW 5

Weather – Sunny and Bright not a cloud in the sky! HOT

Captain / Admiral’s report:

HAPPY CANADA DAY!

The winds have subsided a bit on the southern coast. And so there is a window of opportunity for Pat and Claudine to make the run north to rendezvous with us.

The rendezvous was to be in Octopus Islands. And so, we made the 30 minute run back north.

The area here is so well protected from the winds and the scenery is beautiful. The area is pretty good for fishing as well.

After a leisurely Canada Day morning we were off on our short 30 minute cruise back up to the Octopus Islands. The cruise was as expected... another spectacular run.

The water was mostly flat, the sun was hot, the winds were light and of course the scenery is breathtaking.

As we arrived at the entrance to the Octopus Islands, we were hailed by “Bootlegger”. It was Pat and Claudine. They were right behind us! Talk about coincidence. They had left Sechelt at 0530 this morning and just happened to arrive via Hole in the Wall at exactly the same time as we arrived.... Ahhh, serendipity at its finest.

After setting anchor and rafting up, we spent the afternoon getting acquainted again. Good times, good people and good vistas.

Then it was time for the aqua ballet. We took to the “tender to’s” and set off for a little choreographed exploration.

Pat & Claudine provided an awesome salmon supper tonight, complete with Pat’s own smoked salmon appetizers. Well done guys!

After the lighting of the ‘Pink Flamingos”...it was time to turn in from another “ ho hum day in Paradise”

Canada Day on the dock in Gorge Harbour

It is only 0900 and Captain Tom is passed out!

Hoskyn Channel dividing Reed and Quadra Islands

Pat, Claudine, Susie (behind camera) Tom, Captain and the Admiral.

Polish games??

Tom on top of the world...

the 3 flamingos?

Pat & Claudine

Susie in T/T Maresia

Water Ballet

Pass navigable with high tide.

Day 12 - Heriot Bay (Gorge Harbour)

2009-06-30T22:05:00.000-07:00

Day 12 – 30 June 2009

Departure – Octopus Islands;

Destination – Heriot Bay (changed to Gorge Harbour, see below)

Arrival Time –
State of The Sea – 1 Foot Chop
Wind – NW 10 – 15

Weather – Sunny and Bright not a cloud in the sky!

Captain / Admiral’s report:

(We have not had internet or cell connection for a couple of days now)

What a beautiful day. Other than the wind it is a perfect day. Sunny, hot and dry.

Last night’s sky put on a dazzling display of extraterrestrial spheres!

We took “Minivacation” for a tour this morning to enjoy the many coves and possible anchorages of the Octopus Islands. This area is definitely on our will return list! See pictures below and we are sure you will agree.

After an early lunch compliments of Susie, we set out to gather our crab and prawn traps from yesterday and then be on our way to Heriot Bay.

The crab trap yielded 10 (too small) red rock crabs. All had to be returned to the Sea.

The Prawn traps had a far more interesting yield. In all, we collected:
2 – Star Fish
2 – Shrimp
1 – Prawn
1 – Sea Cucumber
1 – crab
4 – scallops
1 – squat Lobster
All of which was returned to the Sea. (see pictures below)

After cleaning up our tools, we were off to meet Pat & Claudine in Heriot Bay.

The short cruise of 13 nautical miles was very pleasant with a following sea and 1 foot chop.

As we approached Heriot Bay the wind had picked up and made Rebecca Spit and even the docks at Heriot Bay would be very un comfortable for an overnight stay.

Tom contacted Pat to find out when they might arrive. Pat and Claudine have not been able to get out from Secret Cove for a couple of days now. The winds have been too strong for them to come North.

Because of Pat and Claudine not being able to join us and the state of the Sea at Heriot Bay, we made the decision to make a run for cover into Gorge Harbour for the evening. You may remember our stay in Gorge Harbour from a few days ago.

We arrived without incident at Gorge Harbour for a comfortable stay at the dock.

Tom & Susie out for a "stroll"

Octopus Islands

Birds walking on water?

Octopus Islands

Crabs

Sea Cucumber

Advertisment for Trotter & Morton

So much for the big Prawn catch...but we did get this smorgasbord...

4 – scallops

Heriot Bay

Rebecca Spit

View looking East from Rebecca Spit to Cortes Island and beyond

Day 11 - Octopus Islands

2009-06-30T17:12:00.000-07:00

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

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

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.

Teaching the finer techniques of the “flipper crotch”

A quick study...

Good form Susie!

The grasshopper leaps past the master!

Old winch..

Blind Channel shore line hike.

Day 10 - Blind Channel

2009-06-28T21:25:00.000-07:00

Day 10 – 28 June 2009

Departure – Von Donop Inlet 1130

Destination – Blind Channel
Arrival Time – 1430

State of The Sea – Calm

Wind – very light winds

Weather – sunny and bright with a few clouds

Captain / Admiral’s report:

We woke to bright sunshine this morning. (that would be the bright and cheery smiling faces of Tom and Susie) The sun in the sky was pretty impressive too!

We took our time getting ready to leave Von Donop this morning. The reason for our lackadaisical meandering was because we had to time the tidal currents for a comfortable pass through the Yuculta and Dent Rapids.

This morning we witnessed Turkey Vultures competing with Bald Eagles for a salmon carcass on the beach. (see picture below)

We had a wonderful cruise to our destination today... BEAUTIFUL SCENERY, WATER, SKY AND COMPANY.

We arrived in Blind Channel to a stunning vista of mountains, sea and sky.

This is our 10th day out ... the awesome experience of this breath-taking scenery seems new and fresh every day.

We are very lucky people to live in this great Province and have the opportunity to experience it like this.

The Admiral and I often have commented that we wish each of you could experience this with us!!!

Turkey Vultures competing with Bald Eagles for a salmon carcass on the beach.

The Stand off...

Two old buzzards come face to face....

Sutil Channel

Maresia passing infront of Whiterock Passage.

One of the many hazards we encounter on our cruises...

Birds sitting on the water is a good clue that there may be something a “bent prop” can do without...

Lewis Channel

Calm Channel (an obvious fitting name for this stretch of water)

Sea Lion Rock - near Big Bay on Stuart Island

Big Bay Marina (fishing lodge)

Yuculta Rapids at Big Bay

Dent Island Whirlpools

Cordero Passage

Blind Channel Marina

The Admirals flanked by Captain Tom and Captain Bruce

Justavacation and Maresia nuzzling on the dock...

A salute to Alberta

Flutter-Bye

Day 9 - Rainy Day in Von Donop Inlet

2009-06-27T16:30:00.000-07:00

Day 9 – 27 June 2009

Departure – The plan was to depart for Blind Channel, but the rain settled in around 1000. With the forecast promising sunny skies and low winds, as a group we decided to stick out this “relative humid” day here at Von Donop.

Destination – Cabin fever....
Arrival Time –
State of The Sea –
Wind – very light winds
Weather – Rain all day... it is supposed to clear off tonight and be good for the rest of the week.

Captain / Admiral’s report:

Not a lot to report today.

Played games with Tom & Susie.
Read Books.
Played Sudoku... I dare any one to challenge the admiral to a match.... I have been dethroned ;(
Ohhh ya... and of course we overindulged in too much food and “Dr. Pepper”.

Amazing Chef Susie!

Rock on Tom...

Excellent Friends... Tom & Susie

NEVER MIND!!!

For our American Freinds.

Cooking up something???

Sue(sie) Chef Tom...

R a i n... (falling rain)

A good day to be under cover...

Day 8 - Von Donop Inlets

2009-06-26T23:16:00.000-07:00

Day 8 – 26 June 2009

Departure –Gorge Harbour - 1100
Destination – Von Donop Inlet
Arrival Time – 1300

State of The Sea – Flat glass like conditions
Wind – very light winds

Weather – Sunny c/w very few clouds

Captain / Admiral’s report:

This morning dawned a beautiful sunny day.
After procuring our provisions for the coming week, we departed under bright blue skies for Von Donop Inlet.

Our cruise this morning took us through the beautiful Uganda Passage and around Shark Spit on Marina Island. The pictures that follow will attest our claim.

We arrived at the head of Von Donop Inlet around 1300, where we anchored at the hook of the inlet.

At 1700 Tom & Susie Scottnicki arrived from Gibsons aboard Maresia. Pat and Claudine are havening some issues with their boat, and will try to rendezvous with us in a day or so.

One of the most amazing sights we have ever seen, is the sheer numbers of Jelly Fish in the bay.
There must be millions of them. We have tried to photograph some for the blog. Hopefully you will be able to see what we mean.,

Departure from Gorge Harbour

Departure ...

Indian paintings from hundreds of years ago...

Indian paintings from hundreds of years ago...at the entrance to Gorge Habour

Shark Spit at Uganda Passage

Sutil Channel - on route to von Donop

Entrance to Von Donop Inlet

Cool lines - Admiral Sheila...

Louseal having a ball ... lou - seal

One Jelly

One million jelly....

Super Supper

The goils keeping warm.... what ever works, I always say!

Blogging from the bowels of the mother-ship

Day 7 - a day on the dock relaxing

2009-06-25T17:00:00.000-07:00

Day 7 – 25 June 2009

Departure – Stayed put for the day in Gorge Harbour
Destination – Relaxation
Arrival Time –
State of The Sea –
Wind – light winds
Weather – Partly Cloudy

Captain / Admiral’s report:

Today was a day to relax on the dock, have naps and go for a hike.
“No comments on what goes on in the cabin for relaxation”

We took a hike into Whale Town.
The pictures tell all there is to say about this infamous, historical, must see destination...

Tomorrow...we are off to Von Donop Inlet, where we will rendezvous with Tom & Susie Scottnicki aboard “Maresia” and Pat & Claudine aboard “Bootlegger” (you will remember them from our day one blog)

Beautiful setting in Gorge Harbour

sign sign everywhere a sign...do this don't do that...

There was an actual floating Dentist office...

little church in the woods...

Bruce is on his way to Sunday School...

This one is for Sheryl Eldridge ...the local Library

Sheryl...how do you like these hours...? (click on the pi to enlarge)

I looked around for the “pony”, but Larry must have taken him for a run...

Good news kids....We got a great deal on this Ocean Front Condo...

not sure what this is..

Day 6 - A very good day to be tied to a DOCK!!

2009-06-25T09:13:00.000-07:00

Day 6 – 24 June 2009

Departure – Squirrel Cove - 0940
Destination – Gorge Harbour “Secret Prawn Hole”
Arrival Time – 1330
State of The Sea – Very Rough – 4 to 5 foot swells. Opposing tide and wind made for a very slow and rough trip

Wind – Strong Wind Warning in effect. Gusts well over 25 knots
Weather – Rain and more rain

Captain / Admiral’s report:
We enjoyed a restful night swinging on the hook in Squirrel Cove. Around supper time, the rain started up until about 2100, then cleared off and offered a very peaceful tranquil evening. We were able to photograph some pretty amazing images. See the images below.

The rain started in pretty heavy around 0400 and continued heavy as we departed Squirrel Cove to pick up our much anticipated mother-load of prawns. YUMMMM

Well...it appears we were a little over confident with our outlook. We harvested 3 prawns! So we sent them back to their deep abyss until they can get it right!

As we set off for Gorge Harbour the winds were light... (for now) ... but as we rounded the southern tip of Cortes...all HELL broke loose.... The winds were as they had reported on the weather channel... STRONG WIND WARNING...

We thought it would not be that bad going about 7 knots and hugging the shore line. “Buoy” wuz we wrong. Justavaction was bobbing like a buoy that had just lost its moor.

We stuck it out and have more grey hair to prove it. At one point a low flying seaplane flew overhead. I am sure they wanted to get a good look at the boneheads who were out in this stuff.

After a 3 hour bob, we landed at the gas dock in Gorge Harbour. We think we will wait out the weather here for a couple of days.

rough seas - a dark and dreary world

South of Sutil Point off Cortes Island

hanging in there...

not too sure if that is rain or some other "fluid" on the windows...

keep the bow into the waves captain!!!

great visibility

Entrance to Gorge Harbour

Getting close to Gorge...the sea is a little more forgiving

Squirrel Cove

Squirrel Cove – Calm Evening.

Squirrel Cove

Can you guess what this is??

Squirrel Cove

View of some places we have been from Google Earth

2009-06-23T18:39:00.000-07:00

You can go to Google Earth to see some of the locations we have visited.

Day 5 - Squirrel Cove

2009-06-23T17:36:00.000-07:00

Day 5 – 23 June 2009

Departure – Refuge Cove 1000
Destination – Squirrel Cove via “Secret Prawn Hole”
Arrival Time – 1130

State of The Sea – 1 ft chop
Wind – 7 knots SE
Weather – Over Cast - Warm

Captain / Admiral’s report:

After over-nighting at the dock (no power), we went for breakfast in the “so called restaurant.
We are not impressed with the marina facilities. This will likely be our last visit to Refuge Cove.

We went (secret direction) to our secret prawn spot... Good news this time. We doubled our catch from the last 2 days.

We re-dropped the freshly decorated lair of sweet prawn effervescence back in the same
clandestine spot with baited anticipation of a repeat performance for tomorrow morning.

We cleaned the tasty crustaceans and put them in the freezer for future consumption.

After being closely monitored by the local pawning fishermen, we slipped quietly into Squirrel Cove Public Dock.

Squirrel Cove is not the most metropolitan area we have visited, but it did have its own personal charm. All of which we enjoyed for approximately 30 minutes. After stimulating the local economy we were soon on our way to the anchorage.

The anchorage is pristine; the water is clean and warm. The weather is a bit overcast with a few light showers promising for later today.

Once we dropped anchor, we took a little tour aboard “Minivacation” (our dinghy...) have a look at the photos to see the many creatures of the intertidal zone.

We have had a few sprinkles this evening, but the sky is starting to clear with a promise of a bright day tomorrow for our cruise to Gorge Harbour.

Good news kids...we bought a new boat!

Prince?

Stream from salt water lagoon

good news kids... we bought a cabin with Ocean front beach.

Remember to wear your shoes on the beach... those oysters are sharp little buggers.

star fish and friends..

not sure what they are doing...but we are sure there is SIN involved.

I built a floating bird feeder...so far no takers... ***sigh***

What’s in store for this prairie oyster eating sheep herder turned mariner...

not so shrimpy prawn...

ps... I can't find my razor

front porch view (actually off the swim grid) from inside the cove ...

are you bored of seening Justavaction yet... we are not!

Day 4 - Desolation Sound

2009-06-22T18:02:00.000-07:00

Day 4 – 22 June 2009

Departure – Laura Cove 1030

Destination – Refuge Cove via cruise up to Cassel Falls via Teakerne Arm and Lewis Channel

Arrival Time – 1430

State of The Sea – calm

Wind – none

Captains Comments:
We set off from our tranquil anchorage of Laura cove late morning.

Our first stop was to retrieve our prawn traps from the unyielding sea. (Well ...at least not very yielding to date). To our surprise we caught a few more than yesterday, which will make for a very nice addition to the Admirals homemade clam chowder.

We spent about 4 hours going 7 knots on very calm waters to various spots in Lewis Channel.

The time went so fast. We were so relaxed and at peace with our environment.

On our final leg of the day to Refuge Cove, we picked a “secret spot” off Cortez Island and lowered freshly baited prawn traps... let’s see how yielding the sea is over there...

We arrived in the quaint little Cove of Refuge.

Passage between martin Island and West Redonda Island

Matin Islands

Seals basking in the summer sun.

The Admirals gold

looking back down desolation sound from lewis Channel

Talbot Islet - Tekerane Arm

Cassel Falls

ditto

Refuge Cove

Morgan's Life Ring

Justavacation at rest in Refuge Cove

Day 3 - First Day Summer.... NO Kidding!

2009-06-21T21:22:00.000-07:00

Day 3 – 21 June 2009

Father’s Day and the first day of Summer....

What a glorious day for the first day of summer.

We spent the day pulling our prawn traps that we set yesterday and cruising the local waters of Desolation Sound.

First the Prawn report... all we can say is we caught enough for our supper... somewhat short of our expectation of filling the freezer for our first meal with the Swain’s and Scottnicki’s.

The Day was absolutely perfect for cruising.

Very little wind and glass like water!!

Unbelievable!!

The pictures that follow do not do complete justice to the spectacular splendour of these waters...
In fact..we have only posted about 5% of the pictures we have taken.

Our main destination was Pendrell Sound, which branches off from Waddington Channel and nearly divides East Redonda Island in two. It has the warmest waters of the Sound with temperatures reaching as high as 25 C (80F) all summer and is ripe with oysters and mussels.

If picture tells a thousand words, we hope these will dictate 2000.

This mother is giving her kids swimming lessons, and apparently one was too tired to swim...

This is a typical picture of our day today....

Just out side Laura Cove

Dinner...(Supper for us Albertans)

The admiral giving her daily marching orders to the Captain..

Oysters lined the entire inlet in Pendrell Sound

Pendrell Sound looking South toward Wadington Channel

Entrance to Roscoe Bay

Roscoe Bay

YUM!

The Captain, Crew and Poop Deck Cleaner....

Catchin some of the first rays of summer...

Special Feature Edition for Father’s Day

2009-06-21T08:42:00.000-07:00

Special Feature Edition for Father’s Day

As we start Day 3; we wanted to pay a little tribute to our Fathers.

Murray Clark and Ray Leavitt
We miss you.
You are always in our hearts.

Murray Clark and mystery guest???

Captain Ray?????

Day 2 - Desolation Sound 2009

2009-06-20T21:14:00.000-07:00

Day 2 – 20 June 2009

Departure – Secret Cove Marina @ 0950
Destination – Laura Cove, Desolation Sound
Arrival Time – 1600

State of The Sea – 2 to 3 foot Chop with occasional 4 to 5 foot swells
Wind - North West 9 knots

Captains Comments:
The trip from Secret Cove to Lund took approximately 2.5 hours of travel time. Average Speed 20 knots.
The weather at departure was overcast with some sunny breaks as we got closer to Lund.
We stopped in Lund to fuel the vessel, the Captain and the Admiral.
Once we left Lund and set out through the Copeland Islands, the seas got calmer, the wind subsided and the scenery is absolutely stunning...

We arrived to a secluded private anchorage at Laura Cove.. spectacular anchorage..

Homfray Channel

Grass Islet

Stunning Homfray Channel

Exiting Laura Cove

Inside Laura Cove

Laura Cove

entrance to Prideaux Haven

The lone vessel in Laura Cove

Attempting the stern tie manoeuvre..

We did it!

it's your move...

The Admiral... waiting for her tea...

Sunset to a beautiful day at sea...

Day One - Desolation Sound Cruise

2009-06-19T23:37:00.001-07:00

Day 1 – 19 June 2009

Departure – Reed Point Marina @ 1120

Destination – Secret Cove, Sunshine Coast
Arrival Time – 1400

State of The Sea – 1 foot Chop, Wind – South 5 knots

Captains Comments:
The trip to Secret Cove took approximately 2.5 hours of travel time.
Average Speed 22 knots.
The weather at departure was overcast with some sprinkles.

Once out of Burrard Inlet and departing the Wet Coast, the clouds started to break up with a promise of brighter days ahead.

During the cruise, we were witness to a May Day distress call. A ship called Alice B was taking on water and their bilge pumps were already not keeping up with the incoming water. The Alice B was in imminent danger of sinking. The Coast Guard and other private boats responded to the MAY DAY. We don’t know the final demise of the Alice B.

Pat Swain met us at the marina and escorted us to their humble "Palace by the Sea". We enjoyed some delightful seafood “Cuisine by Claudine”...

We very much appreciated their kind “Southern Alberta” aka Sunshine Coast hospitality. Thanks Claudine and Pat for a great end to our first day at Sea.

Departing Reed Point under cloudy skies and a few sprinkles.

The Admiral at the helm.... steady as she goes...

Leaving the Wet Coast behind...

Warp Speed....

Welcome Passage – Sunshine Coast

Pat and Claudine with the Admiral...

Northerly view up Sechelt Inlet from near Pat & Claudine’s home.

2009-06-18T08:44:00.000-07:00

Home Port of Reed Point Marina - Port Moody, BC

The long anticipated departure is imminent.

The vessel is prepared, provisioned and ready to set sail... (well, actually no sail, but rather, 740 horse power of fuel injected gidd-ee-up)

The weather forecast for tomorrow is a bit iffy with light rain in the forecast and a strong wind/wave warning for Friday afternoon. We plan to leave our home port of Reed Point around 0900 while the winds are still light to moderate.

Our intended destination will be Secret Cove near Sechelt, where we will have moorage and an evening out with our good friends Pat and Claudine Swain. (originally from Drumheller AB) Pat and Claudine will be joining us in the Discovery Islands for the last half of our cruise aboard their vessel “Bootlegger”.

Secret Cove, Sunshine Coast, BC

2009-06-15T07:07:00.001-07:00

The Admiral has commissioned the intended Route for our 2009 Summer Cruise from Port Moody up the Sunshine Coast to Desolation Sound and on to the Broughton Archipelago. The RED line on the map above is an approximation of our route.

We will be traveling for 17 days.

We will try to post pictures and a log of what we find the most interesting and worthy of sharing to you our friends and family.

On this the 14th Day of June 2009, We set sail on a new voyage in the uncharted (at least for us), waters of blogging... watch out for the logs!

2009-06-15T06:46:00.000-07:00

The Mother Ship. Sea Ray Sundance 340

Hats off and skirts lengthened... ta ta ta da! Introducing ...Her Majesty the Admiral ..."Sheila"or as sometimes in some circles called "Heidi"...(that's another blog... ;)

Captain BrewSea

Our initial intent of this blog is to provide a venue whereby we can share some of our boating travels and experiences.

The Admiral (my beautiful wife Sheila) and I have unexpectedly taken to the world of boating and cruising like Seagulls to Tourist lunches at Grandville Island Food Courtyard.

I have no doubt that this blog will evolve.

I quite suspect that there will be some silliness.

There may be opportunity for some insightful reflection and candid dialog...

Our main intent is to have some fun, so let’s see where we go...

Bon Voyage!