May 3, 2016Our 0500 planned departure for Princess Louisa Inlet was delayed since we were all tired and the wind and rain made a departure before daylight less than appealing. Several hours later we checked the weather forecast, which had deterio…
Tag Archives | Selene
Vancouver to Pender Harbor
May 1, 2016
The skies were clear and the winds light as we decided what to do. Spirit needed rinsing from the crossing the day before, oysters needed to be purchased on Granville Island at “The Lobsterman”, and some specialty spirits awaited at the Coal Harbour Liquor Store, close to the finish of the Vancouver Marathon. We also planned to partake of “Tappy Hour” at Provence Marinaside later in the afternoon.
The weather continued to be clear and sunny, with just enough breeze to keep the temperatures comfortable, so snagging an outside table at the restaurant was a pleasant choice.
Supper later on was in courses between rounds of Mexican Train, and we had the ray oysters purchased earlier in the day, along with shrimp and salad and a fresh baguette.
May 2, 2016
Another sunny day greeted us as we filled the tanks with water and cast off the lines at 0800. Heading out False Creek we prepared to put the Grady White in tow outside the Granville Street Bridge and realized we had not returned the key fobs, so at 0820 Patrick ran back to the marina in the tender while Miriam, Ted and Lisa continued on course to Pender Harbour.
Patrick’s round trip took about 45 minutes due to the 5 knot speed restriction in False Creek, but shortly after 0900 the tender was back alongside and Spirit continued north to Pender Harbor under sunny skies and calm seas.
Entering Pender Harbour we brought the tender back alongside and anchored in Gerrans Bay at 1442, having covered 46 nautical miles. Following a tour of Pender Harbour in the tender, under warm sunny skies, we then grilled pork chops marinated in pineapple habanero sauce for our main course.
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| Rainbow over Pender Harbour before the rain began |
Later that evening, the wind shifted to the north and the rain began, sometimes hard.
2016-07 Fish Egg to Codville Lagoon
Wednesday, May 4, 2016We scurried around this morning in the tender enjoying the sunshine while hoisting crabs and prawns aboard. we processed all seafood and refrigerated all for future dining.By late morning we were finally on the way to Codvil…
2016-06 Across Queen Charlotte Strait, Around Cape Caution to Fish Egg Inlet
Tuesday, May 3, 2016We always enjoy the hospitality of the North Island Marina. The Jackman family are great hosts and offer their transient moorage tenants use of a vehicle for airport drop-offs and pick-ups. Yesterday evening we picked up…
Roche Harbor to Vancouver
April 29, 2016
With only a relatively short day ahead of us, we departed Roche Harbor at 0950 and transited the short distance across Haro Strait and into Port Sidney Marina where we cleared Canada Customs by phone. At 1135 we cast off the lines from the customs dock and headed to Ganges. Our plans to see Miriam’s cousin Dean Sevold were changed when he had to cancel, but since we were already close to Ganges, but too late to divert to Vancouver, we continued on.
The wind suddenly increased to nearly 20 knots as we pulled the Grady White alongside and moored at Ganges Marina. We were pleased to see Frank and Kathy Montgomery also there on the Selene 55, Rendezvous, so plans were quickly made to share our chicken enchiladas with chile verde with them in an informal potluck on Spirit.
We did some basic provisioning in Ganges, saving the major items of produce and meats until we reached Vancouver.
April 30, 2016
We had planned for a relatively early departure from Ganges to ride the morning flood tide to Vancouver, so at 0730 we departed quietly under sunny skies. Heading up Trincomali Channel to Porlier Pass we entered Georgia Strait at 0940. The calm waters of Trincomali were replaced by 10-15 knot winds from the northwest and 2-3 foot chop from the same direction, putting the seas nearly on the beam for the 22 nautical mile crossing to Burrard Inlet. The stabilizers got a workout as we altered course to stay clear of the Vessel Traffic System lanes. With the northwest wind, Burrard Inlet and English Bay were exposed and choppy as we pulled the Grady White alongside and threaded our way through the windsurfers, sailing races, kayaks and paddleboarders and people ferries into False Creek
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Spirit was alongside the dock at Quayside Marina with the engine shut down at 1339. We have traveled 99 nautical miles since leaving Anacortes. After checking in, the four of us walked to Costco and reprovisioned before returning to Spirit where we enjoyed the balance of the day soaking up the sun. We capped off the evening with a Danish open faced sandwich smorgasbord, served in courses starting with pickled herring, then meats, followed by shrimp and avocado and finishing with a selection of cheeses, all done on buttered pumpernickel bread. Each course finished with a “skol” of aquavit. Finally,we then ended with a marathon game of Mexican Train.
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| Ted Marx serving the Aquavit for the first course of pickled herring |
2016-05 Up Johnstone Strait to Port McNeill
Saturday, April 30, 2016The Johnson Strait forecast for Saturday was 15-25 knots. We had a nine-hour motor to Port McNeill ahead of us and because our crew needs to fly out Sunday, we needed to be in the Port. So at 5AM’s first light we were off …
2016-04 Up the Salish Sea, into Discovery Passage and Johnstone Strait
Wednesday, April 27th, 2016: Comox to Small InletOnce again this morning we got started early, leaving Comox in our wake by 7AM. Once across the Comox Bar, we turned towards Cape Mudge, Campbell River and Discovery Passage. We had a date wi…
Alaska 2016 – The Voyage Begins
After a shakedown cruise attending the 2016 Selene Owner’s Rendezvous in Roche Harbor, we returned to Anacortes and put on the last few items of gear and food for the first part of our trip north. We have our friends Lisa and Ted Marx joining us for the first several weeks as we make our way to Port McNeill.
At 1145 we cast off the lines in Anacortes Marina and headed to Cap Sante Marina to top off the main fuel tank and spare fuel for the tenders. Once again we are towing the 18 foot Grady White, now making its 4thtrip to SE Alaska at the end of a towline. By 1230 we had added 370 gallons of diesel fuel, so with the Grady White in tow we set off westbound in Guemes Channel, riding the ebb tide to boost our speed.
By 1615 we had the lines attached to a nearly deserted “G” dock in Roche Harbor, our destination for the evening. The four of us had a pleasant dinner at McMillin’s Restaurant, the only choice in Roche Harbor this time of year.
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| Nearly Deserted G Dock at Roche Harbor |
2016-03 Heading Northward
Sunday, April 24, 2016: Anacortes to Vancouver
On Sunday at 6AM we exited Anacortes’ Skyline Marina for Vancouver, BC. It was nice going for most of the morning with flat seas but building light breeze. The run is around 8 hours or so. By 11AM as we entered Canada just north of Tawassen, the winds and seas built causing an uncomfortable pitching motion. At the South Arm of the Fraser River, a vast wall of whitewater was the barrier keeping we Americans at bay. After a rough and rocky ride through the River’s outflow for 500 yards or so, we turned to starboard following the coastline towards Point Grey. Now the sloppy seas pushed by 25 knot gusts, were blasting into Wild Blue’s port side serving up a rolly ride. We were happy to clear Point Grey by 2PM for the final leg into False Creek. After clearing Customs, we tied up at Quayside Marina with a spectacular view up Davie Street into Yaletown.
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| Entering False Creek, Vancouver, BC |
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| Moored at beautiful Quayside Marina |
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| Wild Blue’s boat deck view up Davies Street into Yaletown. |
On Monday, we enjoyed the sights, sounds and tastes of our favorite city. We bought local fresh-baked French baguette’s at Wholefoods in Cambie, provisioned at Urban Fare market and BC Liquors, then added food specialties from the Granville Island market. Later we dined at the Tripadvisor #1 ranked Vancouver restaurant….. Blue Water Cafe. The experience was special and lived up to everyone’s expectations.
We dined with our crew Sid and Virginia Findley, longtime friends from San Luis Obispo, and Mike and Susie Miner, boating friends from nearby Shell Beach. This was a fine dinner and a fun way to celebrate Pat and Alex’s 35th wedding anniversary.
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| Seeker, Mike and Susie’s Selene 50, prepares to moor at Quayside Marina, Vancouver |
Tuesday, April 26, 2016: Vancouver to Comox
A little past 5AM it was just light enough to see, so Sid and Alex disconnected from Quayside moorage and headed outbound from Vancouver. By 10AM the ride was a bit bumpy with 27-knot winds from astern with lumpy seas. At 11 in Sabine Channel the winds softened to 10 and the seas flattened for the remaining three hours into Comox. The Comox Bar was only slightly ruffled and we tied up at the Harbour Authority’s east floating breakwater.
We entered the quaint town of Comox which is mostly a retirement community in search of the Filberg Park. At the heart of the Filberg site is the 1930’s heritage lodge, the former home of local pioneers Robert and Florence Filberg. The park features 130 varieties of trees, seasonal gardens, and hundreds of rhododendrons. Pat, our garden guru, said the grounds reminded her of the various gardens she has visited in England.
2016-02 Prepping For Out 8th Alaska Cruise
We’ve been here in Anacortes all week preparing for another cruise northward. This will be our 8th three-month cruise to AK out of the last 9 years!
It’s been fantastic weather week so far….70’s and 80’s all week with no rain. Our boat neighbor and fishing celebrity Jay Field (see Jay’s latest fish story here) says we always bring the California sun.
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| Jay always chefs a tasty BBQ. |
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| Jay prepped tomato and Mozzerella with fresh basil, BBQ prawns and veggies. Yum! |
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| Ms. Micky, the namesake of Jay and Micky’s new 33-foot North River. We plan to rendezvous in Sitka this summer. |
Our prepping includes provisioning at TJ’s for frozen goods, Costco for engine oil, auto parts store for ISO 32 hydraulic fluid, North Harbor Diesel for Cummins special coolant, and Starbucks for wifi. Boat tasks include oil and filter changes, canvass top assembly, and power panel back-light replacement.
Pat is not aboard just yet. She flies in with our guests, Judge Sid and Ginny Findley on Saturday. Wild Blue is missing the Selene Rendezvous this year, however Alex plans to take in the Saturday seminars by traveling to Roche Harbor.
We’re looking forward to another great cruise. If all goes well we shove off early Sunday morning toward Vancouver. Here’s this year’s itinerary.
2016 WILD BLUE ALASKA CRUISE ITINERARY
Leg #1A SUN-APR 24 ANACORTES, WA TO SUN-MAY 1 PORT MCNEILL, BC. Northbound BC cruising starting from Anacortes to Vancouver, Comox, Broughton Islands and Port McNeil – 8 days: To boat fly www.AlaskaAir.com to Seattle. From boat fly www.PacificCoastal.com from Port McNeill to Vancouver then home. Crew with Alex & Pat: Sid and Virginia Findley.
Leg #1B MON-MAY 2 PORT MCNEILL,BC TO TUE, MAY 12 KETCHIKAN, AK. Port McNeill, Queen Charlotte Strait anchorages, Shearwater, Kynock Inlet/Culpepper Lagoon, Hartley Bay, Prince Rupert, Dundas Island, Misty Fiords, and Ketchikan – 11 days: To boat fly www.AlaskaAir.com to Seattle. From boat fly www.AlaskaAir.com from Ketchikan to home. Crew with Alex & Pat: Roger and Maureen Larsen.
Leg #2 THU-JUN 2 KETCHIKAN, AK TO SUN-JUN 12 SITKA, AK. Cruising from Ketchikan to Sitka with King Salmon fishing and crabbing, anchoring at night. Ketchikan, Nina Cove, Jackson Island, Craig, St Joseph Island, Port MacArthur, Port Walter, Patterson Bay, Hanus Bay to Sitka – 11 days: Fly www.AlaskaAir.com to Ketchikan. Fly www.AlaskaAir.com from Sitka to home. Crew with Alex only: Roger Larsen, Sid Findley and Sean McNamera.
Leg #3 TUE-JUN 14 SITKA, AK TO FRI-JUN 24 SITKA, AK. Local Sitka cruising with King Salmon fishing, anchoring at night. Cruising and fishing on Baranof Island’s South coast including Whale Bay, Sandy Bay, Bryon Bay and Redfish Bay. Rendezvous with new the brand new Ms. Micky operated by Jay & Micky Field – 11 days: Fly www.AlaskaAir.com to Sitka round trip. Crew with Alex & Pat: Dick Squire, Denny and Lori Haythorn
Leg #4 SUN-JUN 26 SITKA, AK TO WED-JUL 6 SITKA, AK. Local Sitka cruising with King Salmon fishing, anchoring at night. Cruising and fishing on Baranof Island’s South coast including Whale Bay, Sandy Bay, Bryon Bay and Redfish Bay – 11 days: Fly www.AlaskaAir.com to Sitka round trip. Crew with Alex only: Willie Benedetti, Joe Cebe, Mike Celentano, Brian Jorgensen.
Leg #5 FRI-JUL 8 SITKA, AK TO MON-JUL18 PETERSBURG, AK. Cruising from Sitka to Kake, AK with salmon and halibut fishing, crabbing and prawning, anchoring at night. Parts of this route will be in open ocean, cruising Baranof Island’s South coast including Bryon Bay and Redfish Bay, around Cape Ommaney, up Chatham Strait, fishing east Baranof coast including Port Walter, Deep Cove-Patterson Bay, Gut Bay, Red Bluff Bay, arriving at Petersburg. – 11 days: Fly www.AlaskaAir.com to Sitka. Fly www.AlaskaAir.com from Petersburg, then www.AlaskaAir.com to home. Crew with Alex only, Pat joins on 7/14 at Kake: Gerard and Peggy Ages, Drake Ages, and Hans Tanner.
Leg #6 TUE-JUL 19 PETERSBURG, AK TO WED-JUL 27 CRAIG, AK. Southbound cruising via Rocky Pass and El Capitan Passage with visits to Big John Bay, 3-Mile Arm, Port Beauclerc, Louise Cove, El Capitan cave tour, Sarkar Cove, Singa Island, Warm Chuck Bay and Craig. – 9 days: Fly www.AlaskaAir.com to Ketchikan, then www.flyalaskaseaplanes.com to Kake. Fly www.IslandAirX.com from Klawock to Ketchikan then www.AlaskaAir.com to home. Crew with Alex & Pat: Vince & Marianne Fonte, Chuck and Carolyn French.
Leg #7 FRI-JUL 29 CRAIG, AK TO FRI-AUG 5 KETCHIKAN, AK. Southbound cruising from Craig, AK along the southwest side of Prince of Wales Island crossing Dixon Entrance to Prince Rupert, BC with visits to Hole in the Wall, Soda Bay, Coco Harbor, Rose Inlet, Kaigani Harbor, Hessa Inlet and Ketchikan – 8 days: Fly www.AlaskaAir.com to Ketchikan then www.IslandAirX.com to Craig (Klawock). Fly www.AlaskaAir.com from Ketchikan to home. Crew with Alex only: Vince Fonte, Marvin Dee and Lee Hollister.
