Weather: Initially overcast becoming sunny and warm. Winds: Var 0-15, mostly S. Waves: <1ft.
The beginning of our summer trip to Desolation Sound and our initial destination was going to be determined by the winds. Could we go straight to Vancouver? Could we make it to the Gulf Islands? Or would we overnight somewhere in the San Juans?
1015 departure.
Motored out of the marina at and west through Burrows Channel raising the main heading into Rosario. SW winds were up on the Rosario and we sailed for about 15min until the winds died east of Thatcher Pass. Motored to the south end of Cypress Island where S winds picked up. Made 6.5kts under the main and screacher to Lawrence Point on Orcas Island when the winds died. Still thinking we might make Vancouver, we motored north along the east side of of The Sisters and Clark Island, checking out the mooring buoys on Clark. There were several open buoys and Clark would have made a nice stop. But, it was only early afternoon and stopping now seemed too soon. However, looking north into the Georgia Strait, the seas were dead calm indicating it would be a very long motor to Vancouver.
We made a left turn then and continued to motor past the south side of Matia and Sucia Islands intending to go somewhere in the Gulf Islands. The winds picked up briefly just west of Sucia and we sailed at 8.5kts directly towards Plumper Sound in the Gulf Islands. Winds died and while still on a heading towards Plumper, motored past Waldron Island. Winds again picked up while crossing Boundary Pass and we made 8.5kts decreasing to 6.5kts as we entered Plumper.
Winds continued to decrease and we motored past Port Browning on North Pender Island. Once past Port Browning, winds again picked up and we made 7kts under the main only. Called the CANPASS line and made an appointment for Horton Bay. Past Lyall Harbour and Winter Cove, the winds died and we motored through Georgeson Passage between Lizard and Samuel Islands and into Horton Bay at 1745.
Why Horton Bay? First, there is a CANPASS customs dock there. Second, it was someplace new for us. Third, looked like a nice place in the guide book though it warned of potential anchoring problems.
Ever notice how one is an expert at the end of a trip but manages to forget everything over the winter and is a complete novice the next year? We got to the customs dock early and gooned the docking. Not being used to docking with the amas out, I smacked into the dock, leaving a little paint on the starboard ama bow. Second attempt was better, though still not pretty. Once on the dock, ate dinner while waiting the required time for a customs official. After the time expired, we went searching for an anchorage.
Attempted to anchor first in the west end of the bay. The area is filled with private buoys. Got the anchor down and set, but a comfortable scope was not possible without potentially drifting into another boat. So we next tried a tiny cove to the left of the customs dock. Very shallow and we were warned about drying flats. Even though shallow, there was too much rode and we were too close to the customs dock.
Location number 3 was on the east side in the vicinity of Curlew Island. There was one other boat over there so we thought it would be good. However, there was a lot of current moving through there and I never felt the anchor was truly set. Pulled it up and found a lot of kelp, but no mud. Off to spot 4.
4th time is a charm? 4th spot was on the SE side of the bay, directly in front of a cottage, upsetting their dog, but not the owners. The water was clear and we could see sand between bunches of kelp. Chose a spot and dropped the anchor into a sand patch where is set right away! It was now 1930ish and we were tired. But apparently not the kids about 100yds away who were in the water splashing and laughing until well after dark. Did I mention the water temp was 55F? Personally, I won't get into water less than 66F and then reluctantly. These kids were crazy!
Grabbing a bit of Pusser's with an ice cube, we sat down for a pleasant evening of R&R in a peaceful anchorage.
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