My Adventure May Continue!

May 24, 2016

I just got a promising call from Vaughn!  He wanted to update me about the S/V Our Tern and find out if I was still interested in continuing the journey.  I am!  We won't be going to Alaska but we will be sailing for another three weeks.  At the end of this trip there was talk about possibly going into the Broughtons in Canada when the boat was repaired.

The current news about the sailboat is it will be pulled out of the water on Tuesday, the 31st of May, to be worked on.  Depending on what needs to be done, it should be ready within a few days.  He was anticipating leaving that weekend.  My daughter Alyssa is coming home from Los Angeles that very weekend to sail with Mark and me.  Vaughn said he was willing to delay the trip to accommodate me. 

I just unpacked everything yesterday.  There were many clothes I didn't even wear because I over packed.  This time I have a better idea of what I will need. 

Wow!  My mood has improved dramatically in the past few days!!!  First our daughter Sarah surprises us on Saturday afternoon with a visit, Alyssa plans on coming home next week for a sailing trip, and now I get to go on another sailing adventure.  Life is good.  I'm so fortunate that I have the opportunity to do this.  My husband Mark is so understanding and supportive.  Is there any doubt why I love him so much?  J

Our Adventure Concludes

May 23, 2016

Latitude 48°03′06″ N
Longitude 122°10′37″ W

Marysville, Washington, USA

The quest for my Alaska adventure, for the time being, has come to a conclusion.  It was not the one we signed up for, but was still an adventure.  I’m now sitting at home in Marysville, Washington cozy and warm. 

We left Nanaimo on Wednesday at 0450 (4:50am) with high hopes that all our engine problems were now behind us.  A week and a half of precious travel days had been spent waiting in Nanaimo.  We had provisioned the night before at the local grocery store with enough food to last weeks.  We had even stopped at the liquor store to buy gin and vermouth.  We were going to have martinis and gin and tonics in the evening at our picturesque anchorages.  

Crossing the Strait of Georgia towards Texada Island was different than last time.  The winds and waves were much calmer.  Making our way north through the Canadian military Whiskey Gulf missile launching area was our top priority.  We had to be out of there by 0700 when it closed to civilian traffic.  The S/V Our Tern, with its crew of three, made it out of there just in time and didn’t become cannon fodder for the Canadian military. 

Mary put her fishing pole out for the first time! We were hoping for a salmon dinner.

Vaughn

Mary

This time we were traveling on the west side of Texada Island

It was decided that we would continue north along the western side of Texada Island this time.  Our trip up and back on the eastern side had given us the view of Texada Island and we felt like we needed to see something new.  Everything was going swimmingly until 1130 or 1200 when Mary had noticed a new rattle in the engine.  She called Vaughn up from the cabin to investigate.  After indications determined it might be the transmission, all of us knew the trip was ending. 

Disappointment was the word of the day.  Texada Island had turned into the Bermuda Triangle for our sailboat.  Believe it or not, we had engine problems in almost the exact same spot on the eastern side of the island.  After checking the chart plotter to confirm, Mary said it was within a half mile.  The engine was turned off and we turned the sailboat around to head southeast.  The sails were already up because we were motor sailing.  The north western wind was at our back so we were in a prime position to sail back to Bellingham.

 

Since the trip was now over, I decided I wanted to ride in the dinghy being towed at the back of the sailboat.  I had been eyeing it since we had left Nanaimo.  The dinghy had been transported on the deck of the sailboat until we sailed back to Nanaimo the first time.  Since we had encountered engine problems, we had decided to tow it behind.  It could be used for an auxiliary motor in an emergency. It had already proved its usefulness for this purpose.  The dinghy ride was a lot of fun as I relaxed and took pictures.  I was probably in it for a few hours.  When the winds and waves increased and the sky darkened with threatening clouds, it was time to get back into the sailboat. 

The northern tip of Texada Island.  We were so close!!!

"Running" back to Bellingham

Vaughn and Mary

Relaxing in the dinghy

Making lemonade out of lemons

Vaughn and Mary had decided the best course of action was to sail through the night.  Due to the strong winds predicted, sailing back to Bellingham was the prudent move.  If we stopped anywhere for the night, the winds might calm down and it would take us days to get back home.  Vaughn was going to take a nap for the first shift.  Mary and I were going to be on the watches together.  I’m so happy I didn’t have to stand a watch by myself.  I still don’t feel I have enough experience for that. 

The first shift Mary and I stood was uneventful and seemed to go by quickly.  Vaughn was up for his shift and I wasn’t tired so I stayed up in the cockpit for part of his shift too.  I think I headed down into the cabin about 2200 to get some sleep.  Mary and I started our shift around 0230.  By this time it had been raining a while.  We were both bundled in our “foulies”, our foul weather gear.  It was a cold wet night sitting in the cockpit.  The wind and rain were at our backs and we drank hot tea to stay warm and alert.  We watched for ships in our path and used the vhf radio to let them know we were there. 

Around 0430 sunrise started to lighten the night sky and our job became easier. It was still cold and wet but you didn’t have to strain your eyes as much scanning the horizon for obstacles.  I stood watch with Mary until 0830 when Vaughn got up.  I then laid down for an hour or two to rest. 

While I was sleeping Vaughn had called US customs and checked us in.  We were able to clear customs by phone because all of us had previously obtained an I-68 boaters form.  It was lucky for us we had this form because we would have had to make an extra stop somewhere else to clear customs without it.  Bellingham Washington is not a port you can check into.

We smoothly sailed into the Bellingham public dock around 1230 (12:30pm).  Our adventure to Alaska was over.  Vaughn is talking about possibly taking the boat out again for a couple weeks to the Broughtons in Canada when it is repaired and I will be able to go along so who knows.  But for now, Alaska is off the table. 

I had an adventure!  It wasn’t the one I thought I was going to have but it was definitely an adventure.  I learned so much and am so thankful to Vaughn and Mary for sharing their knowledge of sailing with me.  What a gift I was given to be part of the crew of the S/V Our Tern.

Tuesday, May 17th

May 17, 2016

Latitude 49°10’00.64” N
Longitude 123°56’04.96” W

Nanaimo

Yippee Skippee!  It looks like we are leaving tomorrow morning.  The fuel injectors have new tips on them and the dinghy motor has a new water pump.  Picturesque Nanaimo was fun to visit, but a week and a half here is a bit much!  We are all looking forward to continuing north towards Alaska. 

Vaughn doesn’t know where we will end up now.  When the engine problems started, there was talk of Ketchikan becoming our new destination.  Now who knows?  I’m just along for the ride and learning experience.  All this is new for me.  We went on a Holland America cruise to Alaska five years ago but the terrain looks much different from a 40 foot sailboat.

Just this morning I went to Starbucks and uploaded pictures from this past weekend to my blog.  Starbucks had a lightning fast internet connection which was welcomed after struggling through the molasses connection at the Guest Dock.  I wish I would’ve discovered the Starbucks at the beginning of last week.  I know there probably won’t be too many more days of having even a slow connection.  Mary told me I will lose cell phone service soon as we inch our way up the Canadian coast.  I’m going to continue to write entries for my blog and will upload them when I can.  My picture taking has ceased the last few days because I haven’t seen anything new.  Excepting Starbucks, of course!  J  I will start taking pictures again tomorrow when we leave. 

Mary is on her way back to the boat and should be here in a few hours.  Vaughn and I did a test drive on the dinghy and sailboat.  He had me start the motor and steer the dinghy saying he couldn’t keep driving me around everywhere.  I hope walking the plank isn’t in my near future.  ;)  I was told to pack a compass!  This was my first time driving a dinghy.  The dinghy motor passed with flying colors.  Next we stepped aboard the sailboat and took it for a spin around the harbor.  It too, passed the test.  I was able to dock the boat in the marina with Vaughn’s expert guidance.  I’m thrilled to be behind the helm during docking because each time I’m less scared.

 

Our next provisioning stop will be at Port McNeil.  After that, it sounds like we won’t be anywhere near civilization for a few weeks.  I can’t wait to see how everything looks and to experience being off the grid.  It is definitely a new adventure for me.  I’m looking forward to seeing a lot of wildlife.  Perhaps the Northern Lights again too.  Dare I wish to see it twice in my lifetime?  

Monday, May 16th

May 16, 2016

Latitude 49°10’00.64” N
Longitude 123°56’04.96” W

Nanaimo

Another day in Nanaimo.  The injectors are fixed and supposed to be installed on the engine tomorrow.  We are also waiting for the outboard motor of the dinghy to be repaired.  It needed a new part and that’s supposed to arrive tomorrow morning.  We are going to take the boat out tomorrow, for a few hours, after it is repaired to make sure it is ready to go.  Our newest time of departure is Wednesday.  Hopefully, the S/V Our Tern will be ready to continue our adventure.

Mary gave me another lesson about chart reading before lunch.  Who knew there were so many different symbols on a navigational chart?  I’m fortunate that I had my oceanography class before I started this adventure.  Otherwise, almost everything would be foreign to me.  She touched on teaching currents and I’m sure that will be another day.  

Mary took the ferry back to the mainland this afternoon and is visiting her home in Bellingham for a few days.  She said she can be back in four hours and will be when the sailboat is ready to go.  I already miss talking to her. 

Vaughn and I went for a walk around downtown Nanaimo before dinner.  We then had a simple dinner of cheese, crackers, and smoked salmon.  The entertainment for the evening was looking at the blog Natalie, Vaughn, and their two daughters wrote while sailing for two years down the coast of the Americas. 

Hugs to all of you reading this.

Sunday, May 15th

May 15, 2016

Latitude 49°10’00.64” N
Longitude 123°56’04.96” W

Nanaimo

I woke up this morning bright and early and not sore from kayaking, yeah.

Yesterday I had looked up Catholic Churches in the Nanaimo area and found one within a few miles of the waterfront.  I decided to go to the 10:30am Mass.  The walk to St. Peter’s was mostly uphill.  When I got there I realized the name was Mount St. Peter’s Catholic Church.  LOL Going back to the sailboat was going to be a breeze.  The church building itself was very beautiful with stained glass.  The priest was originally from Poland and had a thick accent.  At the beginning of the homily I had a hard time understanding him but as time wore on I didn’t even notice his accent.  The service was pleasant and the parishioners warm-hearted.  I always enjoy going to Catholic services in other countries.  The mass itself and prayers are the same with a slight variation, no matter what language they are in. 

On my way back to the boat, I stopped at a specialty food shop I had spied on the previous day.  I wandered the aisles and decided to bring some cheese back to the boat.  They had an appealing selection of gourmet cheeses to choose from.  I selected a medium flavored Bleu Cheese and a Brie.  These will work with some of our meals or snacks.

Mary and I went to the dockside Penny’s Palapa for lunch.  Vaughn was again trying to get a troublesome screw off from the windlass so he can install the new one.  This screw is turning out to be the bane of the boat.

Today’s fun agenda was to explore Newcastle Island.  This is the other island across the bay.  We kayaked over in the late afternoon.  There were stronger winds and waves than the previous day so kayaking was more difficult.  I also think my muscles were tired from the exertion on Saturday.  What another charming island this was.  The entire island is one huge forested park.  We hiked around the entire tranquil island and then kayaked back. 

All in all, another wonderful day.  Tomorrow hopefully, the engine will be repaired.  If everything goes well we will leave on Tuesday morning.  

Kayaking

May 14, 2016

Latitude 49°10’00.64” N
Longitude 123°56’04.96” W

Nanaimo

Dinghy Dock Ferry to Protection Island

Today was a play day.  First of all, Mary and I caught the first Dingy Dock ferry to Protection Island, across the bay to see the Great Blue Heron rookery.  We saw about eight nests and only one great blue heron.  He was borrowing nesting material from a neighbor’s nest and adding to its own.  We then walked through Pirate’s Park and down to the dock.  An oyster bed was awaiting us in the water.  I really wanted to go in there and pick up some oysters.  Unfortunately for me, I didn’t have a Canadian fishing license and we weren’t sure the oysters are in season.  Next we took another path, up a large wooden staircase, and down some quaint country streets until we reached another park.  This waterfront park was called Smuggler’s Cove.  It had a delightful beach covered in sandstone rock and driftwood.  There were picnic tables and benches to enjoy the scenery of a passing sailboat or ferry.  We even saw an outrigger canoe pass by. 

Great Blue Heron

Oyster Bed

Downtown Nanaimo from Protection Island

Getting some steps in today!

Tai Chi Class on the beach.

After a while I decided to take the Dinghy Dock ferry back to Nanaimo.  Mary wanted to enjoy the solitude of the island.  When I got back to the sailboat Vaughn was readying the kayaks for us.  He demonstrated how to get in and out of the kayak and then had me paddle around the harbor to get used to it.  After I demonstrated I knew how to paddle, we were off to Protection Island.  What fun it was to kayak!  I hadn’t kayaked since I visited Alyssa in Alabama at Auburn University. At that time it had been 30 years since I had been in one. 

Seastars!

We caught up with Mary on the island and spent a few hours at the beach.  Vaughn did a beach clean-up while Mary and I visited and then we explored on our own.  I even went wading up to my knees.  Afterwards, Mary came back on the ferry while Vaughn and I kayaked some more.  We kayaked along the island out to the navigational beacon.  I’m sure my shoulders and arms are going to be sore tomorrow.  It will be a good sore.  I love kayaking.  Stranded in Nanaimo is an awesome adventure! 

Kayaked out to the navigational beacon!

Waiting in Nanaimo

May 13, 2016

Latitude 49°10’00.64” N
Longitude 123°56’04.96” W

Nanaimo

Tuesday was a relaxing day for me.  We took showers and did laundry at the Nanaimo Yacht Club.  I was able to download a couple of the blog entries.  Vaughn took Mary and I out to dinner at the Dinghy Dock restaurant.  This time we made sure we were there with time to spare.  On the way back from the unique dockside restaurant on Protection Island we saw a Yawl, Schooner, and Ketch sailing vessels anchored right next to one another.  The difference was explained to me but I can’t remember now.

Nanaimo Bay

Seaplanes take off frequently

 

 

Nanaimo Bay between Protection and Newcastle Islands

Cannons outside the marina.  They shoot them off during the summer. 

On Wednesday we decided to pick up groceries on the other side of the marina to test out the engine.  It didn’t go as planned.  Luckily Vaughn and Mary had a contingent plan in place if there were problems.  The dinghy was being towed with the engine in place.  Our short boat trip was going fine until we were close to the guest docks.  All of a sudden we heard a noise and the engine quit again.  The day before it had ran 1 ½ hours without any sign of stopping.  We were hoping to leave after picking up groceries.  As soon as the engine quit Vaughn hopped into the dingy and used the dinghy as an auxiliary motor.  He and Mary guided the boat into an available slip and this is where we are now.   We had dinner at Penny Palapa.

The Guest Docks

Dockside Restaurant

Yesterday a boat mechanic was called and diagnosed the engine problem.  It is the fuel injectors.  We are hoping the diagnosis is correct and we can be on our way on Monday.  Vaughn also had him take the dinghy engine to get it serviced.  Right now we are at the Nanaimo Guest dock waiting. 

We had lunch at the Trollers Fish and Chips.  Now we have eaten in all three dockside restaurants.  It’s funny because I was looking at a visitor’s map of Nanaimo and The Dinghy Dock restaurant is advertised as the only dockside restaurant.  I guess they forgot about the other two.  LOL

Another dockside restaurant

Vaughn has worked on projects on the boat he wanted to get done but didn’t have the time.  Mary and I have both walked around this charming city, visiting a few shops, and taking pictures.  Tomorrow there is talk of kayaking and visiting Protection Island to see a Great Blue Heron rookery.

Dragging the Anchor!

May 10, 2016

Latitude
Longitude

Nanaimo, BC, Canada

We were awakened when informed that our anchor had dragged during the night and we were headed toward a reef.  Well it was a very fast morning wake-up call on the S/V Our Tern.  By the time Mary and I were outside Vaughn was getting ready to deploy the dinghy.  Mary and I lowered the dinghy engine and Vaughn set it into place.  The plan was to use the dinghy to tow the sailboat.  Due to the strong winds, Mary had hailed a passing motorboat and asked for assistance.  A marine debris patrol boat came out to assist us.  They towed us back to the anchorage.  After a few more attempts at anchoring, where we came close to swinging into other boats it was decided a mooring buoy would be our best option.  Yeah! What a start to the day after the finish of the day before.  The adventure continues!

Vaughn said it is the first time the Our Tern has ever dragged an anchor.  

 

The rest of the day was fairly uneventful.  Mary and I stayed on the boat throughout most of the day.  We talked and relaxed.  Mary even got a short nap in.  Vaughn was busy trying to find information about boat mechanics and trying to identify what the problem was on the engine. 

Dragonboat 

In the early evening when the winds were fairly calm it was decided that we would use the dinghy to tow Our Tern to the Nanaimo Yacht Club reciprocal dock.  Mary was in the dinghy being our motor and Vaughn was at the helm.  I was in charge of dock lines.  Towing or pushing the sailboat was uneventful.  It was quite nice to have everything go as planned. 

After tying up at the dock and getting ourselves situated we had a cocktail hour.  Smoked salmon, crackers, and apples paired with a Sauvignon Blanc wine was our fare.  We then got into the dinghy and headed to the cutest little restaurant called The Dinghy Dock on Newcastle Island.  Unfortunately, they had just closed the food service at 8pm.  We then dinghyed over to the other side of the bay to the waterfront of Nanaimo to look for another restaurant.  Alas, they closed at 8pm too.  We came back to the boat and had leftover curry chicken and rice.  Another adventurous day!

My first dinghy ride of our trip!

Engine Problems

May 9, 2016

Latitude
Longitude

Anderson Bay, Texada Island, Canada back to Nanaimo, Canada

Yesterday was eventful to say the least.  We pulled up the anchor at the enchanting Anderson Bay, Texada Island, where we saw the Aurora Borealis at 0815.  The weather out in Malaspina Strait was windy.  There were gusts up into the 30 mph range and the waves up to 6 feet. 

I was behind the helm for a couple of hours when we first left the cove and steered the boat through some of the big wind gusts and waves we had.  I’m thrilled to be able to experience the different aspects of sailing.  Each time we go out I become more comfortable and confident behind the helm.

Yesterday everyone was on their own for breakfast.  Lunch consisted of a delicious pasta salad and dinner was a cup of Clam Chowder.  We really didn’t have a lot of time for meals yesterday.

We have two additional crewmembers along who I haven’t talked about.  Wendy, the Monitor Windvane and Otto, the autopilot.  They like to give us breaks when we are sailing or motoring.  Yesterday we engaged Wendy periodically to help us tack our way up the strait.  

Sailing happy

Around 1730 (5:30pm for the landlubbers) the engine seized and stopped.  Vaughn went below and checked on a few things but determined it was beyond his skillset.  Our captain decided the best course of action was to sail back to Nanaimo.  Since we had been heading into the wind all day tacking up Malaspina Strait had taken us 9 hours to sail three-quarters of Texada Island.  We were “running” (with the wind at our back) back to Nanaimo.

Bundled up!

We arrived in Nanaimo harbor about 0215 (2:00am).  It was a bit dicey sailing through the channel separating Nanaimo and Newcastle Island.  Vaughn and Mary did an awesome job sailing and navigating.  I helped when needed by pulling in or easing lines and spotting navigational markers.  I think we did an excellent job!  We anchored the boat and thought everything was hunky dory as we each fell into our bunks.

 

Things I learned today, sailing terms, come up or head up, and falling off or bearing away.  

Aurora Borealis aka Northern Lights!!!

May 8, 2016

Latitude
Longitude

Nanaimo, BC, Canada to Anderson Bay, Texada Island, BC, Canada

Yesterday we left Nanaimo, British Columbia.  We weren’t sure whether we were going to be back for one more night or not.  Gale warnings were predicted for the late afternoon and evening. 

Nanaimo was a beautiful port.  We were able to secure a reciprocal through the Nanaimo Yacht Club.  Our first showers in three days.  Believe it or not, it is not as bad as it sounds.  Baby wipes can do wonders!  TMI, I know.   Mary and I also did a load of laundry.  All three of us walked to the grocery store to do some more provisioning for the boat.  There are certain things you cannot bring into Canada likes fresh fruits and vegetables and no more than two bottles of wine.  There were also things that we decided we would like for meals along the way.  Apparently this was our only provisioning stop for a long time on our way to Alaska.  The walk was a little hike and more exercise than we had seen in days.  We walked along a path through the charming and picturesque waterfront park to get to the store.

 

We put up the sails and turned off the motor for the first time yesterday.  It was heaven to be under sail and not listen to the hum of the motor.  Due to the winds being against us we had either motored or motor/sailed since we left.  Yesterday I started to learn more about how to read the winds and adjust the sails.  I have so much to learn.  Both Vaughn and Mary are wonderful teachers and very patient. 

Windsurfer in the Strait of Georgia

Another one!

We sailed across the Strait of Georgia and anchored in a lovely cove called Anderson Bay on the Southern tip of Texada Island.  After a dinner of Crab Cocktail and Chicken Curry over Rice, Vaughn and Mary plotted on the chart where we hoped to go the following day.  I looked on as I was about asleep!

Anderson Bay, Texada Island, BC

Anderson Bay, Texada Island, BC

 

As all of us were getting ready for bed, Vaughn went outside and discovered something unusual in the night sky.  The Aurora Borealis!!!  Never in a million years did I think I was going to see the magical lights of the Aurora Borealis on this trip or any other time!  We were so excited!!!  It was quite bright and appeared almost like a white rainbow across the starry sky.  When it finally decided to break up it looked even more mystical.  We tried to get pictures but our cameras were not set up for the conditions.  What a rush it was and we all felt so fortunate to be able to see it.  This is truly the adventure of a lifetime!

May 6th

May 6, 2016

Latitude
Longitude

Bedwell Harbour, South Pender Island, BC, Canada to Nanaimo, BC

We headed out early to get a good day of traveling in.  We had to time our travel through Dodd Pass so the current would be at slack water.  Dodd Pass is smaller than Deception Pass but the water looked to be as turbulent.  I again stood on the bow and took pictures.  I can't imagaine what happened but the pictures I took from today seem to have disappeared from my camera.  What a fun ride through the pass it was.  

I’m learning a lot about navigation and charts from Vaughn and Mary.  They are both excellent instructors.  Mary is a retired sailing instructor and has even won a national award from the ASA!  Could I be any luckier than to be crewing on this sailboat? 

Today I got to dock the boat in Nanaimo.  You can’t really call it that though, because Mary was right there guiding me in each step.  Afterwards Mary explained in detail why we did everything and how the winds and currents affect docking.  I hope I get more practice doing this but the majority of places we are going we are going to be at anchor. 

Nanaimo Yacht Club Marina

We walked to the grocery store a few miles away by following a paved waterfront path called the Queen Elizabeth II parkway.  It went through a lovely park that you could spend a lot of time in.  There were shops and a few restaurants along the way.  We filled our shopping basket with items we thought we might need until our next provisioning stop.  The return trip wasn’t as much fun because of the groceries.  Vaughn was the pack mule for our group, carrying most of the heavy items.  Mary wore a backpack filled with lighter items.  I carried 3 bottles of wine in front of me due to my back.  I’m sorry to not be able to help more but I didn’t want to injure my back again.  I have to be very careful and not lift heavy things. 

Nanaimo is a charming city that I would like to come back to.  There is an island called Newcastle Island across the channel that looks beautiful and fun to explore.  I’m told it is filled with walking paths.

Loon

Dragonboat Racers