Life is hard?... Life is good?... At least it's different!.... In 2010.

We will try to update the blog each day, hangovers allowing! Remember we are on a boat, and as such we may not have internet connection for much of the time. We will update as circumstances allow.

Latest post is in blue type.

23 August 2010

I have been brought to book by the British connection for not updating my blog... i plead mea maxima culpa. Why? (I hear thousands of voices). Because we have been doing what we were supposed to be doing...... Sailing!

"Since July 4th?" I hear. Yes.

Where have we been? Everywhere.

Are you sitting comfortably? Then I'll begin.

On July 5th. we left Sidney with friends Derek and Rhoda, who were sailing their Islander 30 and headed for Pugit Sound. "Not again!" I hear... but we like it there, and the Dunwoodys were delightful company.

Nothing drastic happened except as we left Oak Harbor in dense fog and sailing under radar, we heard this sound, sort of like the local Vicar clearing his throat before calling hellfire and damnation on the congregation. It started a panic. What was it. I checked the engine alarms, and the cell phones. Nothing..... there it was again... this time like an emaciated weasel being strangled by a rabbit. Finally, we figured what it was. I had been sounding the fog horn from the masthead, as required in colregs., so Derek, who was following, did the same. Only this was like no sounder that I had ever heard. Like the plaintive wail of a solitary banshee as it slowly drowns in some far off Irish peat bog. At least he was sounding. Note to Derek.... get a new fog horn.

As we were tied up in Longbranch, just north of Olympia, and as far south in Puget Sound as one can get, this absolutely gorgeous motor yacht came in. Totally restored, it was amazing. Year built? I think 1928 and could have been yesterday.

 

 

 

 

 

Right, is a nice picture of Derek's boat "Wyndham" cruising Thatcher Pass in the early morning mist.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After cruising with Wyndham, we had to do our stint for the Club and so we played National Park Hosts at Bedwell. Those of you who have a memory longer than mine, will remember that is where Mount Norman is, and you will remember that we climbed it, and you will remember that we regretted it! Well, Splash and her deck slave David came over for a visit.

"You have to climb Mt. Norman we said. "Great view, only an hours stroll". "And they swallowed it... hook, line and sinker!!!!" Off they went, so we sat back and waited, and waited and waited. Finally, through the binoculars, we saw this figure descending the stairs to the beach. Not like a normal person, but like one of those windup soldier toys popular in the 1950s. The whole body rotated around a central point. They dinghied over to us. "Never again! One hour stroll!" .... If looks could kill.

 

We rafted with Tenbears, (only 15 months to go), in Bedwell, and had a relaxing couple of days, and I had to show him the base theory of retirement once again. When we left Bedwell, we had a good blow going, and on the understanding that two sailboats going in the same direction automatically constitute a race... it was on. Full spread of canvas... 7.5 to 8 knots, and I couldn't catch him. Finally, as the wind increased to 25 - 30kn. I took in a reef. He was still drawing away from me. This has to be the fastest 33ft. cruiser I have ever seen. His hull speed is 6.5 kn. mine is 8.5 kn. and still he was leaving me. I played with the sails and managed to get another 0.2 kn., and still he was leaving me.

"I'm going to shake out the reef" All I heard was "You're not!"......Just then.... the cell phone rang.

"What you doing?" said the familiar voice.

"I can't catch you".

"That's because we're behind you, clown".

I looked back, and about two miles astern was Whiskey Girl. In the scuffle to race, I had passed him and not noticed. I had just spent the last two hours trying to catch a 60ft. clipper under full sail!

Any how, we pulled into Winter Cove, dropped anchor and had a beer.

 

The next week, friend Joe from Edmonton came for a visit. He brought his girl friend Inga from Denmark. Inga does not speak English, except when she wants to. She understands every word. Joe celebrated his 84th. birthday on our boat.

One thing you never do is jump off a sailboat at the dock, especially when tying up and making fast..... Especially if you are 84!

We pulled into Maple Bay Yacht Club in a bit of a blow with about a two ft. chop. Inga stayed where she was. Joe had to help. The result... a torn achilles tendon. Back to Sidney and hospital.

Never jump off a boat!

Talking about injury, it is amazing how things can go wrong so quickly. I was just raising the dinghy onto it's davits, as I have done many, many times, when the line fouled on the winch and in an instant.... BANG, something hit me on the side of my head. The force was enough to make me see stars and involuntarily sit down. Ginette rushed up from below, having heard the bang.

I sat there holding my ear with blood running down my face. The result, I now have a piece missing from my left flap and a whole new respect for power winches.

The pix show the remnants of the winch, and the winch as it should be.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We just returned from a trip up north. Over to Pender Harbour on the Sunshine coast. This trip was memorable for three things,

1. The huge seas which flung us about on the Strait of Georgia.

2. The magnificent sunsets, and

3. An amazing display of over 100 Pacific Porpoise who played around Twowowie and rode our bow wave for over 30 mins.

None of the pix are photoshopped, all colors are natural. I'll just let you look at them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just because you think you can do a job, and you have convinced yourself that you can do it, does not necessarily mean that you can or are competent! Sooner or later, you will fall on your fat ass! (himself on a rant about fools and horses).

4 July 2010

Well, we are back, and after a brief respite the loonacy can recommence.

Tomorrow, we are off to one of our favorite haunts, Puget Sound, along with our friends Rhoda and Derek Dunwoody. We decided not to leave until the fourth of July celebrations were over. Too many drunks and idiots out there, we like to sail in a safe way.

However, at times we have been in the U.S. over fourth July. It is a strange feeling to be the "Token Limey" during the festivities, quite strange to sit there while everyone else celebrates kicking one's ass out of it!

What have we been doing for the last little while? Some day sailing, and a weeks stint at Beaumont National Marine Park as "Park Hosts". We were there to had out information and direct visitors along the trails. A very pleasant and quiet week. We also manage to sail from Sidney to Ganges on just two tacks, and back again on four.... probably never happen again.

Our friends Dave and Linda (also known as Splash, for obvious reasons) spent three weeks in the area and we managed to spend some time with them. Linda finally managed to learn the basic kayak stroke. Despite always having my camera at the ready, and she did do some teetering and tottering, she did not manage to live up to her name... pity, it would have made a good picture.

18 May 2010

In the past, I have received comments, generally from Landlubbers, about the dangers of sailing.

How do you survive in those 40 ft. waves? Answer, "I don't go out in them. I stay at the dock or on a sheltered anchorage".

What do you do when it is pouring down? Answer, "I stay inside, just like you".

What if you start to sink? Answer, "I try not to". Usually I float, it would be Twowowie who would have the problem!

All seemingly silly questions and comments from people who do not understand or just haven't thought about life on the water.... It's not their fault, they just haven't thought about it, after spending their whole life walking on dry, firm land.

The dangers of sailing come not from the obvious, but from where you would least expect them.... the boom swinging across and clouting the side of one's head a mighty blow causing several Anglo-Saxon expletives, or worse still, a clout and a quick bath! Last winter, I slipped on ice while stepping into the cockpit, causing (the following being supposition as I can't remember it,) my head to make contact with the spaghetti pot which we had placed in the cockpit to catch drips. The pot is now dented and I named several new stars and constellations.

Take a look at the picture on the right. Just another sailboat with a tarp to protect the house from the rain... O.K.

Look again... do you see the bucket at the top of the mast? That bucket is what was left after a young man, who was washing the mast with the help of his mother, fell the full 50 feet to the deck, hitting his head on the boom as he fell.

What happened? Just a miscommunication, a momentary lapse of concentration, and his safety line slipped causing the fall.

The good news is that the emergency services were fast and efficient, getting him to hospital in record time and he is now well on the way to recovery.

As I said, it's when you least expect it........

 

24 April 2010

Some people get to do it! Our friends, Heather and Jonas set out today for the journey of a lifetime. They are going to cruise the Mediterranean for the next 12 months in their Bavaria.

They have spent the last six months outfitting her for the transatlantic crossing and generally getting their lives in order for 12 months away. Jonas has a leave of absence from his job for 12 months.

They are sailing over to Bellingham, then trucking "Sea Otter of Canada" down to North Carolina and setting out from there. They they will sail across the Atlantic and hope to make landfall in Portugal and so into the Med.

We wish them "Bon Voyage". We will miss them at the dock, along with their "Rat on a Rope" dog, Stormy.

Pic 1, Heather and Jonas clear the slips. Pic 2 they sail off into the wide blue yonder.... well sort or gray today, actually.

18 April 2010

We just returned after a very pleasant weekend anchored out on Sidney Spit. Now most people will say this is not exciting news, and I agree, but it was a quiet relaxing couple of days in the rain. Normally, the Spit is crowded, but wet weather keeps them away, and personally, I haven't managed to dissolve yet.

We were joined by wannabe wharf rat Kevin "Ten Bears" Crawford with his Bavaria "Whiskey Girl". Now his boat name might sound appropriate, except he doesn't drink whiskey. Instead he consumes cans of "Light Ale".... training beer. He needs to be educated! Kevin is not a real wharf rat, he has 20 months, 15 days and 4 hours to retirement, then we may allow him to join the club. In the mean time, we'll do our best to get him into a real drink.

Not much else to say about the weekend, so I'll leave you with a couple of pix. Whiskey Girl" and "Twowowie" rafted up and "Ten Bears" practicing for retirement.

15 April 2010

I've been a little remiss in updating the blog recently. My apologies. We have been rather taken in with the weather which has not been as warm as it should have been. However, we have managed to get out on the water for a couple of days.

On monday, 12 April, we set off determined to use the boat as a boat and not a floating gin palace. We left Sidney at 1000 and motored, there being no wind as usual, to one of our favorite places, Todd Inlet, 48 33.620N 123 28.339W. When we arrived, we were surprised to find that we were the only boat there! I think the weather had kept the rest in doors. Either the weather or last week's storm had scared everyone. In July, there won't even be room to drop anchor. In the evening, we were joined by two other sailboats who anchored well away. No, we weren't flying the plague flag! They were just like us, all we wanted was a quiet evening.

Tuesday saw us at Todd doing nothing, just veging out and reading. In the evening, we were surrounded by millions of small jellyfish, all fanning away as they swam past. They were everywhere. Quite a remarkable sight.

On wednesday morning, we left Todd and headed all the way down Saanich Inlet to the bottom and Goldstream Marina. This put us next to Highway 1 and only a short distance from Victoria. There was really nothing to see except I wanted to say that we had been all the way down Saanich inlet.

As usual on Saanich Inlet, there was no wind, so we were forced to motor back to Sidney. Nothing special, just a relaxing couple of days. Very pleasant.

3 April 2010 Storm update.

Latest on yesterday's windstorm. We now have two more boats aground on rocks in the harbor. The previous ones were pulled off at 0900 this morning at high tide. There is apparently one boat sunk in the harbor.

Poet's Cove Marina in Bedwell Harbor is trashed, with one dock sitting on top of the other. Ganges harbour is in much the same condition and are asking boats not to come. Mill Bay Marina is no more.... totally trashed, with boats from the marina on the beach along with debris from the docks.

At this moment 1945 GMT or 1245 local, the wind is steady at 5 - 10 Kn. with about 18 Kn. out on Haro Strait. The forecast for tomorrow is more of yesterday, only from the SW this time.

This email is from a friend in Washington.

A tug towing a barge with 6.3 million gallons of refinery residue Heavy Oil, ....Has ..Declared a "Safe Harbor" request to enter the Columbia River Bar.
Currently she's waiting 20 miles off shore. Permission is supposed to going to be given this afternoon.

Bar Conditions this morning was "22 to 24 foot breaking " This afternoon lowering to around 18 feet with an EBB .... Yikes !

The tug has an Overheating issue with it's Tow Gear plus water has entered the emergency generator compartment.

Yesterday is being called "The storm of the century", with gusts to 90 in Bellingham and 144... yes, 144 in places. This is classed as Hurricane Force or force 12 on the Beaufort Scale. Where we were, was classed as storm force 10.

2 April 2010

Little bit of a blow this morning. I had awakened a couple of times during the night as I rolled around on the bunk. I didn't worry, we are securely tied to the dock. I checked wind speed and found a steady 30 knots with occasional gusts to 45.

We were supposed to go on a club cruise to Bedwell Harbour this weekend, one look across the strait at the whitecaps, and I'll pass, at least for today.It always amazes me, as soon as there is a little wind, boats are drifting everywhere. Why can't people learn to secure their boats properly.

 

There was a loud rapping on our hull. It was David asking if we had any spare dock line. A fishing boat had come adrift and was banging into other boats at the dock. I found some line and went over to find what at best could be called a derelict. It was taking on water and looked as though no-one had been on board for years. I had caused some damage to one of the yachts at the dock. David had called the coast Guard, and they shortly showed up with their fast patrol boat. They took details and said they would be back later to pump out the fishing boat.

The Coast Guard told us there were two commercial tugs adrift in Ganges. Now that does provide a problem, these tugs are not small. While we were talking to them, they received a call to a sailboat going aground on rocks in the harbor.

We looked up and saw a black hull 40 footer on it's way to shore. It had one person on board. The Coast Guard took off and got to the sailboat, but not before she had struck, I think not too badly. She belongs to friends of ours and is steel hulled. She was pulled off by the coast Guard.

Other debris washing around is a 38 Bayliner aground about 50 yards from Twowowie, and a powerboat on rocks within the harbour. All in all, the breeze has done quite a bit of damage this morning.

23 March 2010 N48º 45.047 W123º 14.059

The weather was nice so we decided to take a few days out and try the new anchor. Now we had dragged with the CQR, which is supposed to hold anywhere, we had dragged with the Bruce, which was made to hold North Sea platforms and I wanted a decent night's sleep when on the hook, without the constant lookout to see if we were moving.

I chose a Manson anchor, made in New Zealand. There are two of these strange looking anchors of very similar design, the Manson and the Rocna. Instead of being a traditional plough shear shape, they are more of a scoop, with a roll bar. They are supposed to always roll into the grab position. The Manson is several hundred dollars less than the Rocna. I bought a Manson.

We left Sidney and actually sailed over to Bedwell Harbor. Being able to find some wind is a bonus of boating at this time of year. It was a very pleasant 4 to 6 Kn. with all three sails flying. Why is that when we have a full rig of canvas, there is never anyone around to take a photograph?

However, at Bedwell, we dropped the hook and it bit immediately. I backed down hard, Twowowie swung quickly but didn't move. Looks like this anchor works.

For those interested, we have 200 ft. of 3/8" G40 with 150 ft. of 3/4" rode. The anchor is a 45 lb. Manson with swivel. This is quite heavy ground tackle. It works.

It was a beautiful evening, and we spent it in the cockpit reading and watching the wildlife.

24 March 2010 N48 53.199 W123 23.605

As you can see by the coordinates. we didn't move very far, in fact from Bedwell to Montague, one of our favorite anchorages. We left Bedwell at 0930 and sailed through Plumper Sound and Navy Channel, past Active Pass and into Montague. We were hoping for whales, but didn't see any. We dropped anchor in the SouthWest corner of Montague, away from the National Park mooring buoys.

I started to back down when suddenly, thunk.. Twowowie stopped dead. No slowing but a sudden stop, all 22 tons just stopped as though she had hit a brick wall. Damn, these anchors are good! I snubbed the rode, had a quiet evening with not a breath of wind, and had a good nights sleep.

25 March 2010 48 53.199N 123 23.605W

When I awoke, we were still where we should be. A miracle.....

Rain. The weather had turned. No wind, but rain, lots of it. The forecast said rain for the next few days, so rather than sit on the hook, we decided to head back to our slip and a decent pint at the Clubhouse bar. So that's what we did, safe in the knowledge that our ground tackle works as it should.

Now I can sleep soundly.

17 March 2010

Now we have he truth regarding the attempted boat tipping, surveillance cameras caught the perps. in the act. Retribution will be swift and final.........

 

5, 6 and 7 March 2010

Let's try this again.

We set out to attend a get-together of an email list, "Cascadia Sailing Association", to which we belong.

We left the slip at 0700 to catch what we could of the tides. The sea state was dead calm and we had to motor. In fact we had to motor all the way to Anacortes. What happened next is best left to the email I sent out after the weekend:-

For those of you with enquiring minds, or just plain nosey, here is a brief account of the Anacortes get-together. At least this is my account. Other more inebriated ramblings may be had from other suspects.

We arrived at Cap Sante on friday about 1400 to find ourselves the first at the dock. There was a little apprehension in case nobody else turned up. However this was soon dispelled when a Hunter 27 steamed into the marina backwards and made a multi point docking. This was a brilliant maneuver if it had been intentional.
Scott and Diane arrived on Destiny, Mitch and Lori Brown, Sandy and Randy Smith on their boats all of which made fine approaches. This could have been due to actually being sober at the time, but this would soon change.
It didn't take long for the rum, beer, gin and martinis to start flowing. Diane who said that she really didn't want a drink just yet, downed two large hot toddies and decided she did want a drink. Others boat hopped and deserted boats when they drank them dry. Two bottles of rum disappeared from Twowowie. Rat was hoisted on board, actually drank rum instead of martini, and despite there being two dogs on board, managed to stay devoid of poop.
I think it was at this point things started to get a little hazy. I remember we all packed into Rat's van and headed down town for supper. Anacortes was hoping with not a seat to be had at any restaurant, but eventually we found a bar with excellent fish and chips and passable ale. The Ladies, mainly Ginette, became fascinated with the sign announcing "Duck Farts" for $5. Everyone decided "Duck Farts" were something which had to be tried.... and they were. The evening became a little hazier.
Ralph, who had managed to stay moderately sober, drove us back to the marina. There was a feeble attempt at boat hopping, but soon a gentle snoring was all that could be heard.
Next day, dawned, as next day will, to find a few of us proper ill!

A diver was hired to remove the crab pot from Trumpeter and Mitch produced more beer from his endless supply. Those who weren't too sure about beer, tried their best to reduce the unending supply of wine. And so it began again.

Drive-ins from the email list started to appear on the dock and joined in the disposal of wine and beer. Too soon, it seemed, it was time to head out to the Majestic for supper. We put the tables into one long line so we could all be together. (Isn't that sweet?) We drank some wine and beer, had supper.
Later, Rat began yelling, "Pigs in Space, Chickens in Space, Cows in Space, at the same time launching soft toys down the table with a length of purportedly "Pam's knicker elastic". No, I don't know where he got it! This act was followed with the marshmallow gun. This cunning device launched mini marshmallows at high velocity, seemingly in all directions. A highlight was when one of the waiters tried to catch them in this mouth.

The Ladies, and a couple of dubious disposition decided that once again it was "Duck Fart Time", and lined up for a group photograph with the aforementioned items. There was some speculation that this would become to be known as "The Duck Fart Rendezvous".

Eventually we all made our way back to the boats. Some people had questioned why we were assigned slips right at the end of C dock.. Simple answer... rowdy lot.
Now, I had not had too much to drink on Saturday, having a relatively high alcohol count left from the day before, but I was tired, so went to bed.

 

The rowdies were still prowling the docks when suddenly at about 0230 they ceased with the racket. There was much shushing and giggling, then a bang on the side of Twowowie. He-he-he.... quiet... shush..... bang shush....he-he-he. We looked out of the port to see the kids at play. They grabbed the spinnaker halyard and proceeded to heave it over on to the next dock, causing Twowowie to heel at about 15º. There was a lot more hooting, shushing and giggling, then the flashes popped. What they did not realize was that we watched the whole circus from the ports. They could not see us because of the mosquito covers, and they thought we were asleep. Soon, quiet prevailed.

Now Ginette and I were happily ensconced in the V-berth. A 15º heel was nothing. However, Kevin who was staying on Twowowie and sleeping on a pullman, decided to answer the call a nature at about 0400 and promptly fell out of bed on to the floor.

Sunday morning, I felt great, however others emerged from boats blinking like bears in spring sunlight. Several had to resort to sunglasses to stop the bleeding.

And now, enquiring minds, you know the rest of the story. All in all a good weekend. To the "perps".... I will be back!

 

4 March 2010

Sometimes I just have to wonder at my lack of brainpower.

We set off for Anachortes at 1200. The sun was shining, there was a fair breeze and the tides were with us. All was well with the world. Until.... we passed Sidney Spit and headed out into the strait. "Hey Ginette, do you have the Nexus cards so we can clear into the States?"

"No".

"Passports?"

"Got mine!"

After a quick U-turn, we are back in our slip, computer case is retrieved from the van and we will be legal when we clear tomorrow!

It took one hour to go out and come back, but that is enough to run us out of time for the U.S. Border Guards,...... so tomorrow it is!

2 March 2010

Now the Vancouver Winter Olympic Games are over, perhaps I can make a couple of comments. In the past I said that I wanted nothing to do with the games, not since professionals were allowed to represent their countries. I tried to stay away. I generally managed to do this, but this time I couldn't. It was our Games, right on our doorstep.

Right from the magnificent opening ceremony through to the boring speeches of the closing ceremony, Canada did it right. Once again we showed the world how it should be done!

I have now watched two Canadian Winter Olympics, one in Calgary and one in Vancouver. Each was a magnificent showcase for Canada. Each came out on budget..... that's worth a gold medal on it's own. Each had it's hero. Calgary had Eddy the Eagle and Vancouver has Jon Montgomery the crazy skeleton slider. He will be remembered for his stroll through Whistler chugging a pitcher of beer with a RCMP on each side.

Who could fail to watch when the total commitment of the athletes came through so clearly. Every single one of them should be proud to have taken part. And who wasn't on the edge of their seats with those two great hockey games. NHL players actually playing hockey and not trying to out-thug each other, and the Girls showed everyone. I normally find curling as exciting as extreme snail racing, but that last Gold Medal match.... wow!

Only two things marred the Games. One was the unfortunate death of slider Nodar Kumaritashvili to whom the Games were unofficially dedicated by the Athletes. The second was the negative, supercilious, arrogant, attitude of the British press. I used to be one of them. I am ashamed. The 2012 London Olympics had better be damned good! After all, they tried to tell us how to do it. Let's see if they can put their money where their mouths are.

A friend emailed Ginette and asked who was I cheering for, U.K. or Canada. No contest.

Now back to sailing.

I am a Proud Canadian.

14 Gold. 7 Silver. 5 Bronze.

 

25 February 2010

Reading about the Trainer who was drowned supposedly by an Orca in Seaworld, Orlando, I felt I had to write to a couple of British newspapers. The papers used the term "Killer Whale" as often as they could and sensationalized at every opportunity.

Only the BBC related poor Tilikum's sad past, all the others relying on the word "Killer" to promote their story.

Here is what I wrote, short but I was restricted to 1000 characters. Not my best bit of writing, but it got the message across. Who published? Daily Mail and The Guardian.

Living on Vancouver Island, I see Killer Whales, correctly but less dramatically named Orcas very often. They swim within 20 ft. of my boat. There are two types, Itinerant and Resident. The first eat mainly seals and migrate, the second eats mainly fish and stays within its territorial waters. Neither eat people. To see a pod feeding or just moving along is an awe-inspiring sight. They are magnificent mammals, they are not fish! They are family orientated. They are highly intelligent. They hold rudimentary conversation within groups. Each group has it's own accent. How would you like to be imprisoned in a 6ft x 6ft room with your only interaction being when another species appears occasionally and throws a ball for you? Wouldn't you go a little loopy? It is sad that the human species has not been able to progress for the past 1000 years and we still use Orcas for our own petty amusement. We used to use humans for that, so I presume we have progressed a little, but not much. Poor girl, poor Tilikum.

24 February 2010

Guess what? The weather forecasters were wrong. Amazing! We should be sitting in pouring rain from a deep Pacific low. Instead, we have beautiful sunshine, admittedly after a few lame showers overnight. I'm becoming more and more convinced that the best way to forecast weather is :- 1. Stick your head out, if it gets wet, it's raining. 2.If the rain is sort of solid and cold, it's snowing. 3.If you think you need sunglasses, go sailing! Apart from that the most accurate weather forecast is to throw a handful of chicken bones on the ground and ask the local Shaman to read them. I think this is what the CBC does.

One of the organizations to which we belong is the Cascadia Sailing Association. This is a loose group of layabouts, wharf rats and dental surgeons, all having the luck to live on the Vancouver Island / Puget Sound area of the North American Continent. I am careful not to say Canada or U.S. because we live on Cascadia. This is what the area was known as before Politicians and Bureaucrats stuck their long pointy noses in, caused people to start arguing, and then broke things up.

I was asked to take over the email discussion list for Cascadia, as Lyndon, the previous Admin. had decided enough of the loonacy, and needed to get a life. Now, the "List" as I will call it, usually generates about 20 emails per day, these being forwarded to our 140 or so members. Pretty sedentary really, no politics, no religion no stinkpot powerboats. (They won't even let me hold a sedate impartial discussion on those over paid, over pensioned, pompous bureaucratic, self opinionated twits who run our Governments)..... Please, don't inundate me with emails in support of them.

However, threaten loss of the List, and all Hell breaks out. Two days without the Cascadia List.... couldn't fathom it sport! No more discussions about Pintles, Ralph knots, rollocks or monkey balls. Too much for the mind to take. The result? Floods of email, all saying "Testing... testing". "Is the list working?".... If it wasn't, you wouldn't get the email!

I made a small joke by putting out a test email, (I'm allowed, I was setting up the server), I said, "if you don't get this email, let me know". Six people did!

For the two or three who read this blog, the List is up and running. Back to the discussion of figurehead knockers, crab pots, stink pots, tea pots and rum. All is well with Cascadia. (By the way, join us at sailcascadia.org we're not a bad lot..really! And it's free!)

20 Spring 2010

O.K. Guys, it's here! Spring I mean, and with it the start of another blogging season. Sorry I haven't updated too much, but when you are stuck in the cave playing Troll, there isn't too much to write about.

We have just had a few of the most incredible days of good weather imaginable. The trees are in bud, the cherry is in full bloom and the daises are out. The eagles are soaring on the look out for the odd stray cat, and the tops are down on the convertibles. IT'S HERE..... SPRING. Time to go sailing! Soon the Olympics will be over and we all will be able to use the ferries again. The play cops will all disappear back to wherever they came from, the streets of Vancouver will be opened, we will be able to travel again. The only thing remaining will be who is going to pay for this fiasco. The answer is us, for the next 20 years.

 

The daisies are out!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The cherry blossom is out!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jack is cutting the grass!

 

 

Today we removed the winter cover, put the dinghy on the davits and all without the new Wallas heater running. Kevin was on his Bavaria, and twisted my arm to accompany him to the Club for a beer or three. Peter, Peter, Alex, and Steve were there..... we had a few, it felt like Spring. Then Tim appeared, and we had a few, and it felt more like Spring.

Ginette cooked Snake and Pigmy Pie for supper.... two large helpings! Spring is here and all is well with the world.

Time for bed said Florence........Boiiiiing said Zebedee!

 

I emerge from the winter cover blinking like a hedgehog in April!

22 January 2010

We are back on Twowowie after enduring the wiles of Northern Ontario over Christmas. I have worked with steel for a long time, but this is the first time that I've seen a depressed steel town. The shopping malls are empty, literally empty. How can the shops keep functioning when the mall is deserted. Many of them don't, "For Lease" signs everywhere. On the main street, every fourth shop boarded.

Enough of the morbidossity. After five weeks at the Outlaws, I am still alive, retained moderate sanity and am five pounds heavier. Time to get back to the gym.

Twowowie endured one of the worst winter storms in several years while we were away, came out with flying colours, fenders still inflated and the mast still standing. The new boat cover, crafted by warf rat Frank, shrugged of the storm as though it was a light rain shower.

Can't say the same for the electrical system. I am gradually replacing the wiring, a section at a time as it burns out. Years in the Caribe take their toll on systems. Today was the turn of the shore power input to flame it's way to that great power grid in the sky. Again, we were lucky there was no fire. All safety systems worked.

Ain't the iPhone a great little toy...... more another time.

1 January 2010 46 31.9N 84 17.55W

Those of you who are observant, will notice that it is now the year 2010 and we are located in a very landlocked area of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. No, we haven't trucked Twowowie over the North American Continent, and no, we haven't defected to the Dark Side. We are spending some time with Ginette's mother in De Soo.

I am updating this blog in retalliation for the emails asking what has happened to the daily comment. I'm astounded, people actually read this ****.

I you really want to know about Ontario weather, it's minus God knows what and has an unknown depth of snow. I don't know which is worse, it's raining in Sidney.

No, we didn't get plastered last night. We have to behave or Memere will have at us!

I'll talk to you all later when I actually have something to say...... Happy New Year!

19 November 2009

This is a cautionary tale for all who wish to upgrade equipment.

I recently, seven days ago, I acquired an iPhone along with all the data plans, wi-fi and blue tooth. This little wonder made my second generation iPod Touch redundant. So what to do with the iPod? Common sense says pass it on to "she who must be obeyed". Easy eh?

Setting up the plan for the iPhone, I discovered that I had unlimited texting. This is good if I could find someone to text. "Let's try your phone, Ginette", I said in a moment of insanity. It worked.

We delved into the confusion that is Telus, and, waist deep in Plan 60s and Evenings (but only after 9 p.m.) we eventually discovered that she too had a texting plan. Now we don't talk, we text.......

The iPod is now carried everywhere with Ginette, constantly searching for a free wi-fi spot. She found one today at the laundromat of all places.... "and it isn't locked". How did she find out about locked wi-fi?

"Can you download some audio books for me?"

"Download your own", I replied....... and she did.

All this innovation is O.K. and I believe in emancipation, but I used to be the resident Geek, along with all rights to fixing and setting up equipment. It was one of the things that made me useful, as a man. It's been like that for centuries..... hunt, shoot, fix equipment. Women cooked, cleaned the cave and watched in awe as man fixed the cave stereo.

Downloading audio books and texting is the thin end of the wedge, my boys..... the thin end of the wedge.

16 November 2009

The first decent winter storm is here. It is deluging. It is dark. It is very windy. It is a day for staying inside and cranking up the Fab-All heater, sitting in front of our fireplace and just reading a book.

I really ought to take the dinghy from the davits and put it up on the foredeck, but I would get wet, and we wouldn't want that..... now would we?

15 November 2009

Owwww. Aaaargh. Quiet will you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Can someone stop this boat rocking?........ Now!

Late 14 November 2009

Well, we're back from the shindig. Both still vertical. We didn't fall in. We didn't make utter fools of ourselves. Half of Derek and Rhoda stayed sober. The food was good. The wine flowed.

The Dunwoodys appeared at Twowowie at 1800 for cocktails. I convinced Derek, or rather he convinced us that the whole exercise was to combat scurvy because there was a good dash of lime in the drinks. The majority of the concoction came from Jamaica however. We staggered up the docks to the Club in time for the champagne reception and horses dervres.

Soon it was time for dinner, and the Rev. Dunwiddy was asked to say grace. Derek took the mike, did a little jig, gave the blessing, and so the evening began.

To be fair, we all behaved ourselves and sort of played nice!

I was a little disconcerted as this woman insisted on accompanying me everywhere. I have to admit that I didn't mind too much. Whoever she was, she scrubbed up really well. She had this glittery top and great legs. I have no idea where Ginette went to, but it was very pleasant to be hit on by this sexy siren with the great legs. I know I'm going to pay for this tomorrow when Ginette finds her way home!

The best way of describing the evening without getting into too much trouble is to add a few pix. so I will and keep my trap shut. After all, we don't want Ginette finding out, now do we?

14 November 2009

Tonight is the Commodore's Ball at S.N.S.Y.C. I have to wear a monkey suit and Ginette will be in a slinky, sexy, sequined ball gown. Hope I'm good enough to be with her! Isn't it strange, for the whole year, we have supped ale with, drank gin with, fallen in the water with, swapped dubious jokes with and been seen in a dirty unshaven state on the docks with other members of the club. Suddenly we all not only have to look good, but have to be on our best behavior with other members. Who are we all trying to impress? I know all these clowns! They know me! I think it's just to prove that we can. Sunday, it's back to scrubbing decks, cleaning engines, telling risque jokes and generally being real people. In the mean time, Cindyrella, it's off to the Ball.......... (pix will follow, just to prove we can)

10 November 2009

Wow, that's been a while since our last blog. Nothing much has happened except it's finally winter, and as can be expected at the start of the cold weather, the heater decided to quit! That heater hates me. It just wants to sit there and do nothing. When I ask it to come out of retirement and actually do some work, it rebels. (Sort of like me!) It sneaked up on me and did the same thing last year. Then it was $800 for a new circuit board. Now it is $850 for a new control unit. For the mathematically challenged, that's a total of $1650. For $2500 I can buy a new unit. So grandpa Espar has been consigned to that great heat duct in the sky. (Maybe it would be a downward journey for a heater).

Now heaters are always installed in the most inaccessible places. Boat manufacturers bring in their 3'6" 55lb. children to install them. They are the only ones who can fit into the purposely designed tiny access holes. I say holes, because these are not lockers. A real person can fit into an access locker, but an under nourished ferret would have a problem fitting into these places.

I am a normal size, perhaps a little portly some say, so it was quite a feat to squeeze into the very bowels of Twowowie to remove the old and install the new. Nobody has been in there for years. I found cave paintings, or they could be scribbled notes left on the hull by the builders. There were generations of dead spiders and half a fossilized sandwich..... I know, don't ask!

To cut a long story short, out with the old and in with the new. Not too much cussing, only two bruises and no blood on the deck. The result... we now have heat. The Wallas is great. The old Espar was either on or off, but the Walls has a control panel! We can tell it to come on at 0600 and shut off at 0900. We can tell it what temperature to maintain and if we want sausage with our eggs for breakfast. I'm now going to lay back and read a book in the warm, secure in the knowledge that Mr.Wallas will keep the winter chills away..... for $3500 in total that is!

14 October 2009

Everyone has at some time been embarrassed, either by one's own actions or the actions of others. Like the time your parents found you holding hands with your first girlfriend, or in later life, the office secretary who walked in while you were making a real time photocopy of your butt on the new Xerox! Maybe it was the time ........... oh, well, you have the idea.

Two days ago was my 65th. birthday. I thought that I had got away with it. I am used to the decade birthdays. That is to say paralytic drunk at the Legion on 1944 + 40 years. The surprise in the restaurant at 1944 + 50. Sixty was a no show due to my having surgery..... I got away with that one, but what a way to do it!

This afternoon, we were at the Yacht Club for the usual 5 o'clock meeting over french fries and red wine. Things were calm with the only agitation being from Sue who was apoplectic over a misplayed card at some Bridge game.

Suddenly the temperature started to climb and before you could say "Fire", a large birthday cake appeared with enough candles to require a scientific calculator to count them... and, they were all lit! The heat was enough to melt steel. The carrier, Lynda, used oven mitts to avoid the heat. The light given off was enough to power Turn Point Lighthouse.

"You have to blow them out", said Ginette.

"What, all of them", I gasped.

Now, it is a funny thing not appreciated by the young, but one's breath diminishes exponentially to the number of candles requiring to be blown out! I did manage the feat, just before the North Saanich Fire Dept. arrived. They had been tipped off by an old lady who said she had seen the devil rising from a bed of flames at the Club.

After subduing the flames, the candles were removed. The cake looked as though it was a refugee from the Somme, there were so many holes. However, it did taste good.

Seriously, Ginette, Lynda and all the other usual suspects who took part part in my unexpected birthday celebration, a big "Thank You".

The next big one is 1944 + 70. I think I'll go and hide for that.

5 October 2009

Back at our home slip. This morning, the wind had dropped and we were back in the centre of a high pressure area. In other words no wind. Derek had to get home for an appointment, so, we turned on the engine and just motored home.

All I have to do is wash the caked on salt from the boat, and we are ready to go again. I have to admit, I have come to have a liking for 20+ winds. This boat really sings along. Now, the only problem is to get Ginette into the same frame of mind. Honest Hon. 30º list isn't all that bad.... honest.

4 October 2009 48 33.658N 123 28.371W

That was a pretty horrible night. Neither Derek nor I had much sleep with the gale crashing the waves onto the boat and Twowowie rocking and rolling at the dock. Both of us were worried how we could get away in the morning as the high wind was blowing us straight onto the dock. However, we managed to leave and headed out into about 20 kn.

We motored down Sansum Narrows with the wind at our backs, and into Satellite Channel. Putting up the sail we ran across Satellite and into Saanich Inlet. We gibed our way down to Todd Inlet and dropped anchor in dead calm. Todd is very protected. Burgers for supper.

3 October 2009 48 48.154N 123 36.108W

Sitting at Maple Bay after another great day of sailing in 20+kn. winds. We left Montague and sailed to the top of Saltspring Island. It is amazing the channels which appear wide at 4 kn. suddenly shrink when the speed hits 8 kn. Too much tacking in this wind, every five minutes. So we turned on the motor and headed into the waves with them breaking over the bow.

Rounding the top of Saltspring, we found ourselves on a sleigh ride down Stuart Channel, hitting 7 - 8kn. at times. With the wind it was quiet and very still. The only sign that we were making that speed was the foam from the bow disappearing into the distance. We managed to sail right into Maple Bay Yacht Club after another great day. Now, fish and chips at the Boatyard Pub.

Back from the Pub..... now I really have seen it all, Derek refused a nice cup of tea, saying that he is too full!!!!!!!!

2 October 2009 48 53.731N 123 24.095W

Yesterday was a rain day and we spent it at Ganges, but today was a great day for sailing.

We sailed off our moorings at Ganges and with the wind at our backs ran out of the harbor wing on wing and into Swanson Channel. We reached north towards Active Pass as far as Navy Channel and then headed up northwest around Prevost Island. We close hauled tacking along Trincomali Channel with 15 to 20 kn. winds on our nose. We were double reefed and still made 7.5 to 8 kn. with the rail nearly in the water. It's a good job Ginette wasn't with us, there would have been finger marks left on the dodger rails. She do not like it when the boat heels! After about four hours of sailing Trincomali, we ran into Montague from the northwest and took a mooring buoy for the night. A great day of sailing. Time for a wee dram!

30 September 2009 48 50.774N 123 29.359W

We left Sidney, Derek and I, Ginette is still in Ontario,at about 1200 and headed where the wind would take us. We had a good southerly and a great sail. We finally ended in Ganges Harbor at 1700 having sailed all the way. We only ran the engine to get us into the slip.

We were sitting quietly demolishing a glass of red wine when an amazing sight motored past. It was a pontoon boat full of people. There is nothing different or unusual about this, except the accessories it sported. An inventory would go as follows. One large crocodile, three small crocodiles, several palm trees, several large arm chairs, two or three garden ornaments. Two or three large flower pots, two stacks of beer cases. This was topped off with a full garden gazebo. I haven't seen it all yet, but this comes close.

 

20 September 2009

It's done! At Last!!!!! The windlass is finally installed and finished. The fiber glassing is finished. The wiring is finished. The bedding is finished. I am finished! What should have been a simple job, turned out, in the end to be a comedy, a Whitehall Farce..... Expensive too. I show the following pix,just to point out how easy it should have been. This definitely goes down on my list as something never to be undertaken again.... Have you noticed, that just when you get to the tricky bit of any installation, the heavens will open and do their best to turn the boat into an arc. I was upside down, (normal boat procedure), connecting the wires which are thick and generally object to being bent, when I was deluged upon, not rained upon, but positively deluged. Of course, I was stuck in the locker and had to do a fair amount of maneuvering to get out, by which time I was lying in an inch of water and soaked. I contemplated stripping off, but decided it would have been too much of a shock for our neighbors. Still, all is finally finished and she looks very pretty. Should be no anchoring problems now.... maybe.. just maybe it was all worth it. (First pic. holes in the foredeck, but the glassing is finished. Second pic. All finished and having a quick gleam in the sunlight. Impressive, eh!).

14 September 2009

O.K. I know it's been a long time, but let me tell you the saga of our lives.........

We received a phone call saying Ginette's mother had been in a bad car crash. After several other calls, Ginette decided, understandably that she needed to be with her Mom. To cut a long story short, it was ferry to Vancouver and Air Canada, Vancouver, Toronto and Sault Ste. Marie. I was on my own, forlorn and missisless, and I still am. Leonie, Ginette's mom, will be O.K. just a broken foot and very badly shaken. Most damage was done by the air bag, but I am still on my lonely own until October. (Are you feeling sorry for me yet?)

The windlass...... When it arrived, I took one look and said, "no, that won't fit", and it wouldn't. Despite ordering a direct replacement with the same part number, the windlass was different. I ordered a different one. The heavy piece of chrome arrived. We checked the chain size, rope size and all was well, except it wouldn't fit. Nothing left to do except cut a four inch diameter hole in the deck, fibreglass the old hole apply gel coat and fit the new unit...... sounds easy don't it? This my dear friends is a boat, not a straight line on it in any direction...... that's what makes them lovely to look at.... but evil to work on. Everything has to be done whilst standing on one's head with both arms outstretched and preferably whistling "Hearts of Oak". This little exercise took over one week, what with the hardening time for the resin, UPS for the delivery, the odd downpour etc., back and forth to the chandlers. Finally it's done. At least it will be in two days from now when the gel coat submits to final polishing! (I have to say a big 'Thank you' to Elaine at Jensen Marine for her infinite patience in making sure that we had all the right bits... not an easy task).

Last weekend was the Sceptre Rendezvous in Bedwell Harbor. I think 13 Sceptres were there. It was a chance to look at other people's boats, their modifications and to have a good chat. Lots of stories about the summer exploits and hopeful yarns about what they are going to do next year.

I single handed over to Bedwell, not being able to con. anyone into coming with me. There was much whispering behind hands along with furtive glances. Being basically just a dumb man, I didn't think too much of this... until Henri sidled over and asked. "Have you and Ginette broken up?" Well, you could have knocked me over with a 45Lb. CQR.

At the gam session in the morning, I had to explain that all the nasty furtive glances were of no avail, and Ginette was not with me because she couldn't stand the way I handled the boat! Nobody believed me and I had to tell the truth...... not half as much fun. However, all the ladies felt sorry for me and insisted on feeding me. It was a good weekend!

Two more days and the windlass will be finished. Time to head out again. I'm sitting here at 1910 hrs. and it is starting to go dark. I need to make the most of what summer is left... but where to go? Stay tuned. (Tony.... Sleepless in Sidney... and missing "La Rana").

29 August 2009

Joe caught the 9 o'clock ferry this morning, so we are now on our own until Spring next year. Time to get some sailing in with the autumn winds. EXCEPT the windlass finally decided it had hauled one too many anchors an gave up the ghost. New windlass arrives on tuesday. I took the old one off this morning and cleaned all the grease from around the mount. I can't do any more until the new one arrives and I can see how much fibre glassing I need to do. There always seems to be something that needs fixing for thousand or so dollars!

Now up to the Club for a pint or three.

28 August 2009 48 45.140N 123 14.133W

That was one good day. We left Montague Harbor and turned left towards Active Pass. Suddenly we had a pod of Orcas feeding alongside Twowowie. There seemed to be about ten in the pod, and they were very close. I shut down the motor and the whales seemed to take absolutely no notice of us. They just continued to feed on the salmon which were leaping out of the water trying to get away from those huge teeth. Eventually after about 30 minutes, they headed up Deception Pass and out into the strait.

We turned into Navy Channel and eventually into Plumper Sound. We put up the sails and had a great sail through the sound and into Bedwell Harbor.

Joe got to see his whales and Ginette was jumping about like a three year old. It's not too often that one gets that close to a pod. At times, we were only 20 ft. away. They are amazing animals.

27 August 2009 48 53.679N 123 24.201W

What a hot day. I don't think we did anything but sweat, but we did. We motored under this Pacific High which has been over the islands all summer..... no wind.... to Montague Harbor. We sat most of the day and tried to keep cool. I found out that if one drinks enough cold beverage... beer.. one doesn't care if one is cold or hot!

This evening, we took a ride on a 1972 school bus converted into a "Pub Bus", slightly dented, slightly worn but sort of working, over to the Hummingbird Pub. This is a tradition on Galliano Island. Dinghy to the dock, bus to the pub, and back. It was interesting that on the trip to the pub, everyone was quiet and very proper. The driver was playing "Yellow Submarine" over the speakers nice and quietly. The return trip consisted of 15 drunks and two dogs singing to Fats Domino's "Blueberry Hill" at the tops of their voices. One of the passengers kept firing off her camera flash, she said by accident, but we knew she was just trying to flash us! And yes, we did make it back to the boat without falling in!

26 August 2009 48 45.005N 123 24.658W

I'm tired of going up the mast to fix lights, those festoon bulbs seem to last only microseconds. So I splashed out and bought a LED bulb for the steaming light. Cost an arm and a leg, but now, at least, the light should be good for 50,000 hours. It will outlast me!

Ginette's brother Joe has come over for a visit, so we are off on a watery road trip. We took off this morning and are currently anchored at Russell Island just out of Fulford Harbor. It's a nice quiet spot and well sheltered. Tomorrow? who knows. We'll go where the wind blows.

9 August 2009

Out of Westcot Bay at 0730 and motored again in dead calm and fog, over to Sidney, clearing customs, and back to our permanent slip. Just a couple of days for Bob and Ruth to get their act together and then they are off to U.K. We hope they enjoyed their little trip in the Pacific Northwest.

Now for a good sleep. This early morning to catch the tide gets to the soul after a few days. I'm staying put until I recuperate!

8 August 2009 - 48 35.743N 123 09.430W

Left Port Townsend at 0730 to cross the strait. There was as usual no wind. It was like sailing on warm oil. One bonus was that we managed to spot a pod of Orcas just south of San Juan Island. Bob managed to get a few photos of the whales. We anchored in Westcot Bay at 1315, a long day.

7 August 2009 - 48 06.446N 122 46.357W

Well, the wind is not in our favour, in fact it is not in anybody's favour..... it isn't there. Too much motoring and no sailing.

Today, we motored up to Port Townsend and moored at the Boat Haven Marina. Very pleasant people who helped us find the way into town and generally were very helpful.

This evening, the power went off on the dock, so we called the harbor office.........

"The power is off on the dock!" Ginette said to the girl.

"Generally when the power is off we tell people to try the next plug and if it still doesn't work, call us back." The girl said.

"Still no power." I said on the second phone call.

"We generally try to tell people to try the next plug, if this doesn't work it must be your boat or cable". Was the reply.

"I could see that this was one of those conversations that go nowhere. "I tried both sockets with a multi meter and the meter read zero. The power is off at the dock."

"Have you tried the next plug?" she offered again.

"Yes, there is no power to the plugs!"

"Then it must be your cable......... have you tried the next plug?"

I said "thank you," and turned on the genset!

Tomorrow, we tackle the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Twenty four miles of open ocean. Now we'll see how well Ruth's anti sickness spells work!

 

6 August 2009 - 47 43.546N 122 38.695W

Managed to sleep in until 0600 today, then a motor in dead calm to Poulsbo. Still recovering from the chocolate birthday cake. Managed to walk off a few ounces around Poulsbo.

5 August 2009 - 47 19.907N 122 34.806W

Left Longbranch at 0500 and had a good run with the tide to Gig Harbor arriving at 0745. Our guests are still asleep. It is Ginette's birthday, the 15th. anniversary of her 39th. birthday........ work it out! Chocolate cake for afters!

4 August 2009 - 47 12.571N 122 45.297W

Eleven o' clock start to catch the tide and a steady run down Colvos Channel, Tacoma Narrows and into Long Branch on the Key peninsula. Early start in the morning again for tide.

2 August 2009 - 47 32.652N 122 38.181W

Up bright and early, well early, to leave Oak Harbor at 0500 in order to catch the last of the falling tide and make it out of the harbor. We left in pitch dark, running on radar and GPS. Thanks for radar. Some of the boats anchored out were not carrying any lights but they showed well on the screen. This is why I always use my anchor light when at anchor, even though it isn't required in a designated anchorage.

However, after a cold start to the day and little fog, we headed south and crossed the Pugit shipping lanes with no trouble. We could just see some of the skyscrapers of Seattle off the port beam. We passed five native war canoes on their way to a major gathering at Kingston. It's not very often that one sees a sight like that.

Finally, at 1300 we tied up in Port Orchard. On to the ferry tomorrow for a day in Seattle. (Tony)

 

1 August 2009 - 48 17.052N 122 38.145W

Well, we managed to navigate the Swinomish without going aground! We fueled up in La Connor on the channel and went on to Oak Harbour, a Naval Air base, lots of F16s flying around. Tomorrow, we will head down to Port Orchard and take Bob and Ruth on the ferry over to Seattle. Spent last evening at the Oak Harbor Yacht Club and were entertained royally as usual with these great people.(Tony)

29 July 2009 - 48 30.906N 122 36.271W

Left Spencer Spit this morning and motored in dead calm weather to Anacortes on Fidalgo Island. Ruth said she liked the warm weather..... finally she had to admit that it is too hot... 43ºC with no wind. I have been forced to drink rum and coke with ice to stay cool!....... it's true!!

We thought that we might have seen whales in Rosario Strait, but no luck. We still have time. We will stay here for two days, then head down Swinomish channel to Skagit Bay. That's where we went aground. Do you think I'm pushing my luck? (Tony)

You've been pushing your luck for a long time! (Ginette)

28 July 2009

Sailed from Friday Harbor through Thacher Pass and anchored at Spencer Spit on Lopez Island for the night. Nothing really to report except the weather is very hot and the water very cold! Sorry, I forgot to record the coordinates.

27 July 2009 - 48 32.339N 123 00.992W

We put our friends Bob and Ruth on the 1800 ferry from Sidney to Friday Harbor in Washington. They had to do this in order to get their visa waiver for the States. We sailed over to Friday and met them from the ferry. They are now legal for the States.

We took a slip in Friday, very tight but I got in to the slip. Not sure if I get out though, we'll see tomorrow.

26 July 2009

Well, we waited and the gale warnings continued. As we could not guarantee to get Bob and Ruth back from Desolation in time to catch their plane, we decided to head south instead. As we stuck our nose out of Nanaimo, we were met with 20 - 30 Kn. on the nose against the tide. The result was square waves three to six feet. We headed for home.

Tomorrow, we will put the guests on to the Anacortes ferry to Friday Harbour and I will pick them up there. This is necessary due to US regulations. Then we will head down to Puget Sound. The gale warnings are still in effect for the north! We did the right thing.

21 July 2009 - 48 48.207N 123 36.151W

For those of you who met our lovely golden retriever K2, we have the sad news that he is no longer with us. We will miss him greatly. A photo tribute to him is on this site. I don't know what else to say, Ginette and I are devastated. He has been with us for 12 years, 12 years of companionship and genuine, pure love, asking for nothing but a few hugs and a bowl of food in return. Both of our beautiful puppies are now gone. D'Fer Dog left two years ago. There is a big hole in our lives. Sleep well faithful Toodles.

Our friends from England, Bob and Ruth have arrived and we are finally off the dock. We have minus tides at the moment and we had to wait until 1400 to leave. I was voted down on a 0400 departure time!

It is now 1700 and we are tied up at Maple Bay Yacht Club. It could be the last time that we are tied up and not anchored for a couple of weeks.

We are aiming for Princess Louisa Inlet and then on to Desolation Sound. We heard this morning that there are gales on the Strait of Georgia, which we have to cross, so a weather watch is going on. We will leave in the morning for Nanaimo and then we wait.

09 July 2009

We are back at our slip for the time being. I have installed a new VHF radio as the last one was not too good. The new Standard Horizon is crystal clear and we are transmitting a good 30 miles.... whooo hoooo! Now we can be heard.

I have been challenged by a friend who spent half his life writing two hour sermons, which he droned out every Sunday, to write a 200 word blog about nothing. Now my friend is expert at this after all the practice he had. Me? No, I just say what comes to mind. How can anyone write about nothing, an abstract entity, a vacuum, in fact nothing. Nothing does not exist, it is like infinity which can never be reached. (Unless you happen to be Dr. Who). I don't know if I'll take his challenge, but if he can rant on for two hours, then I think I can write 200 words! I don't know what caused him to issue the challenge, we hadn't even been into the Scotch, or Irish in his case. Maybe it was because I hadn't added to the blog for a few days, and he checks it each day.

Just looking at the above paragraph, it is about 150 words, that can't be too difficult to come up with a block of text just a bit longer than that. But writing about an abstract idea would be quite difficult. However, I think I'll give it a try!......... And that Derek is 201 words about nothing....... your round!!!! (Tony)

 

23 June 2009 - 48 45.174N 123 14.114W

The old fisherman who told us about Mt. Norman was adamant. "About an hour up and an hour back. Nice little walk, not too tiring". So this morning, with plenty of water and some snacks, Ginette, K2 and I set off to add another mountain to our portfolio. We beached the dinghy, climbed the steps from the beach to the trail. It was a typical rainforest trail, tall trees, low bushes and very quiet. The sun was shining through the treetops, not too hot, not too cold. All was right with the world. This was what we had come to Twowowie for, mornings like this.

The sign announced "Mt. Norman, 3.6 Km." Should be a nice walk. We slowly climbed on the track until we could see Twowowie about 200 ft. below us. We had been watching a group of turkey vultures circling the hills for a few days, and now they were putting on a show of gliding skills like none ever seen. They circled, dipped, rose up again, and never once did we see so much as a flicker of their huge wings, let alone a full wing beat.

The track started to get a little steeper, and then a whole lot steeper. In fact it was bloody steep! K2 was sliding with all four wheels at some points. The sweat (in Ginette's case light perspiration) rose on our faces, soon on our backs and chest. Underpants felt as though we had a childhood accident. We stopped to drink water and watch the turkey vultures for a time. The track got steeper and Ginette's perspiration turned into real sweat! K2 lay down each time we stopped to rest. At one point, we were passed by a family group from New Jersey. "We don't have hills like this at home", they said as they merrily strode off up the cliff face!

Now I was really beginning to feel the effort, legs ached, feet were sore, my breath came in short gasps, the sweat flowed and still those bloody vultures wheeled.

Finally, we made it to the top.... was it worth it? Absolutely. A magnificent view across Bedwell Harbour, the gulf Islands and out to the snow capped Olympic Mountains in Washington State. We admired the view, drank water and recuperated for about an hour, with not a vulture in sight.

Finally I ventured "time to go?" There was much groaning, twisting of faces and K2 just stayed where he was. After some persuasion and stating that the dinghy would float away and maroon us if we didn't get back, we finally creaked our way back onto the trail. Now, anyone who says going down is easier than going up, hasn't scrambled up Mt. Norman, more to the point, they haven't scrambled down! Don't let anyone fool you, 60 year old springs are not as springy as twenty year old.

At one point, I took a trail with a sign pointing to Beaumont. (Where we started). After 200 vertical yards, it was decided to be the wrong trail, so we turned back. K2 just sat down and refused to move. He gave me the look. I've mentioned the look before. No dog does it quite so well...."You fool, dolt, don't you know where you're going. I do! And I'm only a dog!" Eventually, he was persuaded to join us for the rest of the stagger down.

We finally fell into the boat and collapsed onto chairs. Fatal! Don't ever do that! We are currently locked onto the chairs unable to move until our legs begin to work again. Could be days! Might have to order in pizza!

The old fisherman rowed past. "Enjoy your walk?" he asked cheerily. "Stupid old sod!", I thought.

"Yes very much. How long is it since you were up there? I was just wondering about your hour up and hour back".

"Ooooh! It was in 1946, just been demobbed and I took Doris up there to propose".

"And how old were you?"

"I was 22. Don't think I could get up there now", he offered.

Stupid old sod..... where's those vultures?

20 June 2009 - 48 45.174N 123 14.114W

Yes, any of you who care to look up the co-ordinates on Google Earth, will find that we are in Bedwell Harbour tied up at the Parks Canada dock. We are helping out as Park Hosts and showing visitors around the park.

This morning, I fixed some railings on Pam's boat and Ginette went to the bakery boat with Pam's father, Glenn. She came back with large quantities of muffins and sticky buns. We took off for Bedwell, where we are now, about 1230 and arrived at 1530. Now we are here for the week.

19 June 2009

At 1230 we had a call from Pam to say that she was in Montague Harbour and why don't we join her. So at about 1500 we set out, arriving at about 1800. Pam was in Montague for the "Bakery Boat". This is a boat anchored out which runs a full bakery service. Get your orders in by 1800 for the next morning. The sausage rolls are very good.

17 June 2009

We're just sitting here at our slip, doing a few jobs before we head out again.

Something happened on our docks over the weekend, something which I never thought could happen, even in my wildest dreams...... there was a robbery. Yes, a robbery from one of the boats. Nobody locks their boats, but I guess they will now. Details are, someone boarded a power boat and just cut the instruments out of the dash! They cut the fibreglass around the instruments and took the whole thing. So not just the instruments have to be replaced, but the whole fibreglass dash has to be rebuilt. Estimated cost $10,000! At least the poor guy was insured.

It's time to remind K2 of his place on the boat... he is supposed to be the ultimate deterrent to thieves. Anyone who knows K2 will be shaking their heads at this. (Tony)

They don't bother me... I won't bother them! Is it supper time yet? (K2)

11 June 2009

Back home in our slip at Sidney North Saanich after just about a month out. Time to fix a few things then we head north, possibly up to the Broughtons. Need to fix the short wave radio, the VHF radio, the watermaker and condition the batteries.

7 June 2009 - 48 24.097N 122 34.211W

We finally did it! Now we can be classed as real sailors. "You can't be a real sailor until you've done it", we were told. What did we do?..... We ran aground. Not hard aground so that we needed three tugs to pull us off. Not on hard rocks so that water poured into the bilge. We very gently ploughed a long furrow in very soft mud. We hardly felt it, just a gentle slowing. What happened next caused us to be stuck. The current which was four knots against us, grabbed the bow, swung is around and held us fast against a mound of underwater mud. We heeled over about 15º and stopped dead.

I tried backing out, no luck we were here for the duration, or until the tide rose enough to slow the current and let us off. "Now we are real sailors", said Ginette. K2 just gave me the look. Anyone who has lived with a dog knows the look..... "You ran us aground you dolt! I could have done better and I'm only a dog!"

Nothing to do but sit and wait.... about an hour I calculated. Time for a nice cup of tea. Most passing boaters were very courteous and offered assistance, but the current was too strong and all we could do was wait. Finally, the boat was nearly upright and with a growl, the Yanmar hauled us off. The current was still strong and I couldn't turn the boat in the narrow channel, nothing for it but back out into the bay. I can now say that we have done 9.5 kn. backwards.... no mean feat! K2 realized the fun was over, turned around and went to sleep.

Where did we go aground... the Swinomish Channel, a very narrow channel, in places only perhaps 40 ft. wide. It wends through Fidalgo Island and is a short cut across the Strait of Juan de Fuca, especially in bad weather. We had gale warnings out so we decided to use it.

We have used the channel many times and had no problems, but the current moves the mud and changes the bottom contours. "How did you manage that?"said one sailboat owner as he motored past. "There's all sorts of depth here!" and he was only 15 ft. from us. I guess that we'll just have to watch the tides very carefully if we use the Swinomish again. We headed north and anchored at Hope Island. We will spend the night and catch the slack through Deception Pass and into the Strait in the morning. (Tony)

4 June 2009 - 48 17.051N 122 38.142W

Today, we called in at one of our most favorite places, the small town of Langley on Whidbey Island. It is a quaint fifties kind of town. They roll up the streets at 1800hrs. The bar does not take credit cards or debit cards..... "just cold cash boy!"

We pulled into the tiny marina expecting to stay he night, but had quite the shock. It is no longer Langley Marina, but has become "Port of Whidbey" complete with all the garish signs and bureaucratic claptrap. We could have put up with this just to visit Langley, that is until we found out the cost...... a buck a foot!!!!! Yes dear reader, just about $50 for us to tie up for the night. Where do they think they are, the Mediterranean? Most of the slips were empty, not surprisingly. Let's hope the loons, who thought up the ridiculous charges, loose a lot of custom. I know they have lost ours. Pity, for Langley is a gorgeous little town.

We moved on up to Oak Harbor and took a free slip at their lovely spacious marina. Charge... nil, electricity included. (Tony)

1 June 2009 - 47 43.559N 122 38.705W

Gig Harbor was a blast for the weekend, with Bubba, Bubba and his other Bubba partying on the dock, blasting out a strange mixture of rock, Bob Dylan and blue grass. All drinks mysteriously disappeared each time the local cop motored past in his powerboat. As soon as he went around the corner..... party on!

Today we left Gig Harbor about 1030 and motored up to Poulsbo against a 25 to 30 knot wind. Finally changed all the filters in the watermaker. Made quite a difference.

Poulsbo is touristy town founded by Scandahoovians, and it still likes to push the Old Country, especially in the souvenir shops.

29 May 2009 - 47 20.335N 122 35.334W

Back to Gig Harbor for the weekend. We are slowly heading back north to Canada.

28 May 2009 - 47 15.479N 122 44.229W

Sitting at Penrose Point State Park looking out at Mt. Ranier. The weather is very hot, about 35ºC today. We should start heading back north if we want to go to Desolation Sound before July.

27 May 2009 - 47 12.556N 122 45.283W

Moved to Longbranch, just around Devils Head. Longbranch is a beautiful little spot located on the Kitsap Peninsula. No store, no bar, no nothing, just peace and quiet and friendly people. We sat on the dock with Jack and Judy from Majendie, a beautiful Lancer, and Pam from Spirit of Freedom. We drank Ranier beer while looking out on Mt. Ranier, a still active volcano. Ranier is not bad beer for two bucks a bucketful! We spent some time to flush out the watermaker and finally have her running, as much good water as we can use! (Tony)

Happy birthday, brother Joe. Love you. (Ginette)

24 May 2009 - 47 19.784N 122 49.092W

The day before yesterday, we moved to Jarrell Cove, thought it might be nice and quiet. Jarrell Cove is on Case Inlet, right at the bottom of Pugit Sound. It started off nice and quiet, for about 30 seconds. We hung on until this morning, mainly because there were lots of good walks for K2. Finally it got to us, we moved to the NE corner of Stretch Island. This has to be quiet. No such luck, powerboats, speedboats, seadoos, in fact just about anything that makes a large amount of noise and a large amount of wake. All we did was to swap Chester Zoo for Whipsnade! Hopefully, some of these children with their seadoos will be tucked up in bed soon....... then again......

 

21 May 2009 - 47 20.335N 122 35.334W

We have taken a short trip across the harbor and are now tied up at the Gig Harbor Yacht Club recip. dock.

This weekend is Memorial Day in the U.S. and just about every harbor will be a zoo. So, we are off in the morning to find a nice quiet cove, anchor and hide until tuesday. Probably no more updates until then.

19 May 2009 - 47 19.917N 122 34.831W

We took a short trip from Blake Island to Gig Harbor. The weather forecast was not good with heavy rain predicted. We took a moorage at the Town Dock in Gig to wait out the storm. At about 2100 it hit. Not too bad, just heavy rain. his morning we have sun and moderate wind. We'll stay here for the day and do a little provisioning.

Last night we attended an information evening at Gig Harbor Yacht Club. It was aimed at the First Mate and was a safety course entitled "Could you become the skipper in an emergency?". Very good presentation and a very warm welcome for us from the Gig Harbor members. Many thanks for your hospitality.

Now off to the dreaded COSTCO to play landlubber for a time.(Tony)

17 May 2009 - 47 32.849N 122 29.327W

Left Port Orchard and moved over to Blake Island, a Washington State Park. Very rolly anchorage. We will stay here for tonight and leave early in the morning.

The last weekend with the Cascadia people was something else. Nobody wanted to get wine on their boat, or to get it scuffed with black shoes, so we all partied on Spirit of Freedom, after all Pam was supposed to be the host, even if she was sick and couldn't attend. Really good party!!!!!!!! I think we beat the record for the most people ever to be on Spirit. (Ginette)

16 May 2009 - 47 32.670N 122 38.161W

The work party is busy cleaning Spirit of Freedom before Pam gets here. Anyone have a good recipe for removing red wine stains from fibreglass? Great party 'though! (Tony)

15 May 2009 - 47 32.670N 122 38.161W

We left Port Ludlow in the pitch dark at 0400 in order to catch the tide. Ran on radar down the shipping lanes until it started to become light. Then we hit the fog bank. We stayed on radar almost up to Bremerton Bremerton is a U.S. naval shipyard. It normally has several aircraft carriers and subs in dock. We are moored at Port Orchard which is across the bay from Bremerton

The Cascadia mob dribbled in until we had a good party going by about 2200. Tom produced the scotch and that really got us going. We all moved onto Pam's boat for the main party. We have to clean it in the morning before she finds the mess. Poor Pam missed a good party due to sickness.

14 May 2009 - 47 55.297N 122 41.080W

Left Friday Harbour at 0900, took the direct route across Juan de Fuca. Little wind, so we ended up motor sailing most of the way to Port Ludlow. Currently at the recip. dock. After torrential rain at Friday, Port Ludlow is sunny and the forecast for the weekend is warm with sun. This is more like it should be.(Tony)

I had to hang on all the way across the strait. Peed like a donkey when we finally reached Port Ludlow... it's a dog's life. (K2)

13 May 2009 - 48 32.356N 123 00.926W

Off the dock and sitting in Friday Harbour on San Juan Island. Have to wait until 1400 to have our new NEXIS cards cleared. This means we have missed the tide in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, so, we will stay here for the night, maybe go and have a few drinks, and leave for Port Orchard early in the morning. (Tony)

12 May 2009 - 48 40.463N 123 25.194W

That's it! We are shined, polished, K2 glistens, the new radar is working and we are ready to go at last. Tomorrow, 0600, off to Friday Harbor then Port Orchard. After that, let's just see where the wind takes us.(Tony)

6 May 2009 - 48 40.463N 123 25.194W

Where have we been I hear you ask. The answer is Edmonton in landlocked Alberta. I actually had to go and do some work.... nasty stuff, needs to be avoided if possible. We'll be back on the water pretty soon, then south to Puget Sound.

1 May 2009 - 48 40.463N 123 25.194W

A happy Mayday to one and all. Spring is sprung and the grass is ris, and I do know where the birdies is!...They is all on the top of my mast dropping various crab and fish parts onto my deck, and relieving themselves whenever they feel like it.

In response to "Perplexed" of Wigan Pier, (and who wouldn't be!), and "Embrouillé" of Aix-en-Provence, I would just like to clear up the following.

We are eight hours behind U.K. time, British Daylight Saving time and nine hours behind La France! So by the time one is ready to take one's Geritol and go for one's afternoon nap, we are just getting out of bed! Now, I can just hear the yells..... "They always were behind us!".... Very true, but when we are sitting with a cool beer in hand, enjoying a beautiful sunset, we will have the satisfaction of knowing that you are completely in the dark! And furthermore, we will live eight hours longer than you....... so there!!! (Tony)

Happy Birthday Cookie. (Ginette)

They took me to the Vet and stuck needles in me. I'm going to pout now for at least two days. (K2)

24 April 2009 - 48 40.463N 123 25.194W

What a shambles. Eight hours trying to feed a silly little cable down a mast! Finally took off a cover plate and found foam in the mast. Yes, FOAM! No wonder we couldn't feed the cable. We drilled holes in the foam and at about 1900 hrs. the cable was in place. Ten minutes to couple wiring and we now have instruments.(Tony)

22 April 2009 - 48 40.463N 123 25.194W

The new radar cable is in place!!!!! I have to modify the antenna bracket to take the new unit, I will do that in Edmonton next week. The cable still has to be run for the annimmommiter. It has started to rain with a vengeance, so that has stopped play and the covers are on until tomorrow. Not a good day, but a better one. Time for a nice cup of tea and a piece of Wensleydale.(Tony)

21 April 2009 - 48 40.463N 123 25.194W

Bad day! Bad day! Spent a lot of time swinging on the end of a rope from the mast top. Finally managed to get the corroded bolts out of the radar antenna and get it onto the deck, only to find the bracket won't fit the new radar, the fog horn is badly weathered with it's electrical connections corroded and the TV antenna is toast. Still can't coax new cables down the mast. Have to get this sorted soon, we are off to Edmondchuk for two weeks and then have to head out to the San Juans for a rendezvous. Oh the joys of owning a boat. Bad day! Bad day!

17 April 2009 - 48 40.463N 123 25.194W

Off to Victoria boat show today after breakfast with the four o' clock crowd. We'll take a look at the $3m plus boats. Who actually buys these things. They may look pretty, but you can't go anywhere in them. You need gas! The owners of these giant slabs of fibreglass make the 10 a.m. dash each morning from one overpriced marina to the next, just like some depraved F1 race. For true freedom, you need a sailboat. Twowowie will take us anywhere in the world we want to go..... without gas! Cruising range is always one of the first things on a powerboat's specs.... never on a sailboats.

We looked at the megathings, decided that we were happy with Twowowie, put our money away and sauntered over to see the insurance agent.

Now, I hate and distrust any insurance guy. Their tongues are so forked, they can hold simultaneous conversations with themselves. Having said that, I found a Company that writes it's policy in clear plain English! It is not cheap, but I don't want minimum coverage, after all, Twowowie was not bought with back pocket money. I'll take a good look at their offering, and maybe change over to a policy even I can understand! (Tony)

17 April 2009 - 48 40.463N 123 25.194W

Well, it looks like the weather has finally broken, sunshine and +25ºC. Summer is here at last. Just a few more things to do and then we are off for the summer. I have to visit Edmonton next week, so our departure has been delayed for two weeks.

First trip will be to a rendezvous at Port Orchard on Puget Sound. From there, we will go on to visit friends at Olympia. After that, who knows? I fancy a trip to the Broughtons and the Octopus Islands....... look then up! (Tony)

13 April 2009 - 48 40.463N 123 25.194W

Today's little missive is on a more serious note.

Last evening, we were invited to our friend's house for supper. We have known Derek and Rhoda for a number of years and count them among our best friends.

Earlier in the day, I had treated a small infection at a miniscule scuff of the skin at one of my knuckles. The knuckle was red and swollen, with a small area of puss below the skin. I pricked the skin, squeezed out the puss and treated the tiny wound with peroxide. That should have been the end of the story.

As we sat enjoying a cool one before supper, Rhoda commented on the red "tracks" running up my arm. I had noticed these earlier in the day and had put them down to scuff marks from working on the boat. As soon a Rhoda mentioned them, Ginette chimed in saying "I told you so! Go to see the Doctor". I hesitated, saying that it was nothing. Then the nagging began, from both Rhoda and Ginette. Stereo nagging. Eventually I gave in and Derek drove me to the clinic.

The doctor took a look. "Swollen knuckles, swollen elbow, red tracks, classic septicemia.... blood poisoning. You are lucky you came in before it became any worse! It will get worse before it gets better. If it isn't getting better in three days, come back and we'll get you into the hospital". This got my attention. I found out that septicemia is not to be trifled with. I had been treating the whole episode a little too lightly.

After picking up a small bucket of antibiotics, dosing myself and a good nights sleep, I can report that the red tracks are fading, and I will probably live. Thanks Ginette, thanks Rhoda.

Sometimes, nagging, even in stereo, can be a good thing.........(Tony)

12 April 2009 - 48 40.463N 123 25.194W

Easter Sunday morning and the heavens have opened. We still have a few things to do before we can take off for the summer. One of those is to change the anemometer sitting at the top of the mast. That is 60 ft. from the water. Yesterday, I tried to do that.

I was hauled up the mast (great view, left, long way down, below) by the Admiral using a large power main, (Winch), with trusty friend Derek running safety on a second halyard. Suspended there like someone on a medieval gibbet, I tried to remove the old unit. I hit the boaters nemesis, corrosion! Swinging gently in the wind, I managed to break my screwdriver, bang my elbow, bang my knee and twist my stomach muscles. What a clown! What was achieved? Nowt! (Canadian translation.. Nothing) I decided the old unit was not going to stay there, waving in the breeze, mocking me. Out came the wire cutter and with a quick snip, I had the vane. It was frozen, wouldn't turn. Could be that's why it wouldn't work.

Derek during this time was running around the deck trying to avoid the imaginary screwdriver that he imagined I dropped. He could at least have caught it and avoided it hitting the deck and leaving the imaginary hole in the real fibreglass. But, he is a good friend, and I felt much better for having him there on safety watch. He wouldn't even take a Eccles cake in payment, guess I'll just have to eat them myself.

So, what's the end result of this lunacy, Tuesday morning we are off to Blackline to ask them to please get their lift and power tools and do the job! From now on, I'll restrict my mast swinging to cleaning the spreaders, changing light bulbs and looking over the islands to admire the view.(Tony)

 

8 April 2009 - 48 40.463N 123 25.194W

Yes, Petunia, there is an Easter Bunny...... we are back on the water. Initial trial run suggests that all the work and inconvenience was worth it. No vibration right through the rev range, no transmission rattles and everything as smoooooth as a lounge lizard's jacket, with the added bonus of a clean bottom and an easy 8.25 Kn. Now, calibrate the instruments and everything will be as it should be.

7 April 2009 - 48 40 45.87N 123 24 44.95W

Same position as yesterday, but only until 1700 hrs tomorrow.

Poor start to the day, we thought that the new drive plate had not materialized for another day, then mechanic Gerry appeared with the plate. The result is that we splash back tomorrow afternoon. Finally........

6 April 2009 - 48 40 45.87N 123 24 44.95W

Hurry up and wait.

New pix on the photo page.

5 April 2009 - 48 40 45.87N 123 24 44.95W

No, we haven't moved.

Summer... Summer... at least for a few days. The temp. is currently 22ºC and sunny.

The cables are laid, my back aches, my knees ache, my shoulders ache plus any other parts you can think of. At least it's done. Now all the remains is to run the cables down the mast. I'm not looking forward to that.

Tomorrow, new drive plate and we should be off..... fingers crossed. (Tony)

4 April 2009 - 48 40 45.87N 123 24 44.95W

I once started to replace a rotten board on my deck. I took off the board and found that the next one was also rotten. One week later I had a new deck.

We had been getting a little vibration at about 2500 r.p.m., so I decided as we were "on the hard" to investigate. The prop shaft has now been straightened, the coupling faces realigned, the strut straightened, and a new cutlass bearing installed. Machinist Rowan has a smile on his face after relieving me of a few large denomination bills. Oh, by the way, we are awaiting a new drive plate for the transmission.... I'm told it will stop the rattle.

On the good side, the bottom is painted, (two gallons of antifouling at $200 per gallon!), the Admiral has waxed and polished the hull, all by herself, (no mean feat), and the sun is now shining at last! Finally, I can see the light at the end of the shaft!

The drive plate is on it's way from Vancouver, and should be here monday. We could be splashing back on tuesday, with any luck.

Tomorrow, I will run cable for the new instruments.... a job I detest almost as much as cleaning out the holding tank with a toothbrush and a Dixie Cup.

Here's a question for the scientifically inclined.

Antifouling paint is ablative. It gradually sloughs off in the water thus discouraging the growth of nasties such as mussels, limpets and weed. In that case, why the **** can't I wash or scrub the crap off my hands, arms, watch, glasses or face? (A very nackered and spotty Tony)

2 April 2009

48 40 45.87N 123 24 44.95W

If you just copied the Lats and Longs into Google Earth, and came up with dry land, then you got it right. We are high and dry on the concrete right next to Al Kelly's shop, and it isn't raining. So the work begins. More to follow.

Stop Press.... Pix of Twowowie on the hard at Photo of the Day. (Tony)

1 April 2009

48 40.462N 123 25.190W

No April Fool jokes on this site. The happenings in London cover all that more than adequately!

Tomorrow is D-day. The big haul out for bottom painting, prop greasing, zincs and new transducers. 1000 hrs. Pacific Daylight time, will see us at Westport Service docks come rain, shine or tsunami. We will not be partaking of the latest Twittering fad, instead, we will be working to get back in the water as soon as possible. For those of you who like to see girl's bottoms, pix will be posted at a later date.

Just can't wait to get this done, then we can be off into the wide blue yonder. (Actually the yonder is a dirty kind of gray today). The locals keep telling me that Spring is right around the corner. The corner in question must be several hundred miles away, at least, I can't see it.(Tony)

I'm tired of being called a smelly wet dog. I think I smell O.K. even if they don't! (K2)

22 March 2009

48 40.462N 123 25.190W

The name has changed. This is in response to the flood of both emails asking "What happened to Ginette's Blog?" I decided all the crew should be able to blog, including K2. If we combined the blog, we could each take a turn, hence new format.

It won't be long now before we are off the dock. The haulout is scheduled for 2 April. Once that is done, then we are off, hence the gibberish at the top. Those of you wishing to know where we are can find us on Google Earth by typing in the day's co-ordinates. Just highlight and copy the co-ordinates, and then paste them to the search area of Google Earth. (Tony)

18 March 2009

Ahh!.... the simple life of boaters. You can tell it's a simple life when the highlight of the day is giving Charlie a guided tour of the new crapper...... not only that, but allowing him to flush!

News Extra!....... The downstairs Maid just quit....... Brenda?

17 March 2009

This is getting ridiculous! It's still raining and it is freezing on the docks, making it difficult to stand up. K2 is doing four wheel drifts in all directions, then he just looks at me as though I can fix the problem. Perhaps I can. We could head south to the Sea of Cortez. It has to be spring soooooon. Still, it does give me a chance to do a few repairs to Twowowie, just small jobs that I've been putting off for too long. The problem is that once you have started the small job, it invariably turns into a large job.

15 March 2009

The haul out scheduled for tomorrow is cancelled. We currently have snow, rain, hail, locusts and frogs falling from the sky. The glass is so low that I have to go into the bilge to read it! Poor old Twowowie will have to wait for another two weeks to have her bottom painted and powdered.

It is currently blowing a steady 20 kn. gusting to 35 kn. (37 km/h to 64 km/h).

This is ridiculous weather for the middle of March in the Gulf Islands...... Global warming.... Does anyone still buy into that?

14 March 2009

Here it is! For those of you who said that it would never happen, I present for your amazement and eddification the self flushing, self cleaning all electric head, bidet and foot scrubber. The top is left down deliberately, the shock of seeing the internal workings would be too much for some of our more genteel readers! Glistening in polished vitreous china, it is the pinnacle of the lavatory engineers art!

Delivered last week, it took two days to coax into position and for the sensors to be fitted and calibrated. Despite numerous setbacks, it finally went into place. Ginette had the honor of christening the new throne this morning.

For those of the British persuasion, it is so comfy, that sitting time can now easily be extended to a complete edition of Warwickshire Life... and two Sporting Pinks!

Just think, no more pumping, dial twisting and ducking as the contents blow back. The only problem is that the Downstairs Maid is complaining because she doesn't have one. Remodeling the servants quarters wasn't on my plans for this year, maybe next. She'll just have to wait.

 

 

7 March 2009

1545 hrs. Well, I'll go to the foot of our stairs..... it's snowing!!!!

Friday 6 March 2009

Not a lot happened this week, except we had a very fast drive-by visit from Ginette's relatives, Clare, Italo and Michael from Ontario. Let's see Vancouver Island in 24 hours! Michael, who teaches sailing in Ontario, would have liked to stay longer, I think. We didn't even have chance to take Twowowie out.

I just thought of something. I read the Daily Telegraph obituaries each day. Is it because I occasionally see someone who I once met, or am I just checking to make sure that mine isn't there???

For those poor souls still rolling in the latest blast of snowy winter, this pic was taken in Victoria yesterday.

Tuesday 3 March 2009

It's pelting down, wet boat, wet towels wet dog!...... nuf said!

(A little later in the day) It's stopped at last. We now only have a damp dog!

Monday 2 March 2009

We are back in Sidney after a great weekend at Anacortes in Washington State. The weather finally decided to give us a break, and sunshine prevailed, although this morning, it is pelting down.

We were in Anacortes for a get-together of the Cascadia Sailing Association, that rag tag mob of sailors and sometime semi-professional wine drinkers..... and the odd martini.

It is strange how an animal can take over a complete group of people. In this case it was five animals who stole the whole show. Penny the beagle and her four pups. Penny is a rescue dog from one of those hated "Puppy Mills". She is a sweet dog and didn't deserve her past. Hopefully now, she will be looked after well, and the puppy mill will remain closed! Scott, Diane and Taryn from Destiny2 are to be congratulated for caring.

Saturday afternoon saw the mob on board Destiny. There was talk of calling in security for crowd control as Destiny gradually sank deeper into the water. Scott, Diane and Taryn were gracious hosts and very, very patient, although Scott kept looking at his transom as it gradually descended below the water, and the splashes of red wine on his white fibreglass.

Saturday evening and we all piled into land yachts for an evening at the Majestic Hotel. Good food, good conversation and good booze. Ralph wearing his feather boa made a speech, Pam made several speeches. Sunday morning, last goodbyes and back to Sidney. We are looking forward to the next meeting in Port Orchard in May.

Thursday 26 FEB 2009

Well, that was a different day! We currently sit at Friday Harbor on San Juan Island, Washington State. There is snow all around us, the docks are covered, the boats are covered. The ducks and geese are hiding their heads under their wings, probably in shame. The fruit trees are supposed to be in blossom, but there is nerry a pink petal in site!

The trip through Spieden Channel had K2 ducking for cover with 25 to 30 on the nose and breakers over the bow with Twowowie doing her best to imitate a submarine! K2 is fine until the waves pick up, then he turns into the biggest wimp you could imagine... we still love him though.

I know the answer!!!!!!! It's global warming.... that's it!!!!! Anyone remember the 70s, I think it was, then the fear was that we were all going into a mini ice age. That's the answer, the 70s scientists were right. Better edification system in them days, rite, whot!

This evening, we decided to brave the delights of Friday Harbor for supper. Considering they roll up the streets at 1800, we thought that this was adventurous. Most of the joints were empty, except Herbs an the main drag. On the assumption that if there are people in, then it must be good, we tried it. Our waitress or wait person, Gail, was prompt, pleasant and friendly. People were drinking and eating. We ordered Fish and Chips. In all my time in North America, I have never managed to find a real Fish and Chip place, until now. The fries are North American, too thin and too crispy, but that's how they like them. The fish, on the other hand, was superb. Thick cod in a light beer batter. Incredible. If Herbs in Friday Harbor can do it, Why not everyone else? I think the answer lies with the chef, Josh. He has the trick! If you are in Friday, find Herb's (on the main drag), and try the fish and chips. Ask for Gail and say Tony sent you. You won't be sorry........ Blatant advertising for good product and service.

Wednesday 25 Feb 2009

I wish that I'd never started the Latin comment! (Ginette's blog page)Derek now insists on communication in Latin. As he spent 30 odd years as a Church of Ireland Vicar, I am at a distinct disadvantage. I speak French, some Spanish, moderate English and am fluent in the Cheshire - North Staffordshire dialect. So, just for the Reverend Old Codger.......Subsisto is. Subsisto narro in latin. Ego tribuo in. Vos es optimus latin scholasticus hodiernus. I just know that he's going to come back and correct my Latin grammar!

Today is a day for getting Twowowie ready for our trip to the Cascadia get-together at Anacortes. Tomorrow morning, we will sail over to Friday Harbor on San Juan Island. Clear Customs and probably anchor out in Blind Bay. Friday, a sail across Rosario Strait and into Cap Sante at Anacortes. A weekend of eating, drinking and tall tale telling should follow. I'll let you know what the best tall tales are about. We should be back in Sidney on Monday.

Tuesday 24 Feb 2009

When I started this blog, it was meant as a bit of fun for family and friends, and a means of letting people know where we were and what we were doing.

I run a program called "Google Analytics". This tells me all kinds of things about the web site. Not only if it is efficient and downloads fast, but also the number of hits, where they came from, the time and the name of the ISP who sent the query.

So far, we have had the most hits from Canada, the U.S. and U.K, (expected). The surprise is that we have had hits from Australia, Germany and Mexico! I think these must be search engines. Any ideas?

Now, I'm off to discuss prices for heads...... if you're not nautical, look it up!

Friday 20 Feb. 2009

What a beautiful day, bright sunshine, warm and absolutely no wind, so no sailing. Yesterday, we motored over to the old fishing village of Ganges. (Now a tourist destination). We spent the night tied up to the Saltspring Island Sailing Club docks. Took a dinghy ride to Ganges, warmed up in the loungers in front to the fire at the Oystercatcher while enjoying a glass of pale ale...very nice, could do that again. Today we woke to a glorious sunrise but very cold, cast off and headed over to Montague Harbor on Prevost Island. We tied up at the Provincial Park dock and walked K2 through the park. Then a leisurely motor back to Sidney, a couple of Boddies in the Club and back to Twowowie for supper. What a great day! Actually managed to get a little sun burn.

For those of you who are of the female persuasion, and of Limey origin, the new head is on order. It is not the large economy sized one, as this will not fit. I have ordered the standard size....... so start slimming with a more rigid regimen!

Thursday 19 Feb. 2009

Went into our local watering hole last night and requested one of my favorites... a pint of Bass. Imagine my dismay and the feeling of betrayal when the waitress said. "They don't make it any more!" I informed the good lady that if that were so, the BBC and CBC would be carrying the news on their first comment. It would have been of such importance that emails would have been sent and the news flooded across the world. She retreated. Returning about five minutes later, she told me that Bass was indeed still in business, but Labatts no longer carried it. Ah well, what else can one expect in the colonies!

Wednesday 18 Feb. 2009

Charlie dropped by...... "Don't say anything to Tony", he said. "Before you know it you'll be on that blog!".....So Charlie, here you are!!!!!!

Tuesday 17 Feb. 2009

It just occurred to me that most of the pix we have on the site are from Puget Sound in Washington, good old U.S. of A. I promise that we'll have some Canadian content soon..... we need to go sailing!

 

Monday 16 Feb 2009

We finally made it. We are on the Google search engine list. Not only on it, but top. You can now search for Twowowie and find us. But why would you? You're here already!

I was standing on the deck playing with things in general, trying to get Twowowie ready for the summer, when one of the Wharf Rats happened by.
“Why you playing with your sheet?” (Rope)
“Need to replace it, it’s old and stiff and about six feet too long.”
“Wish mine was.” he grinned.
I was leaning casually against one of the lines which hold up the mast.
“See you have rod shrouds”, (Rope)
“Yup”.
“Your running rigging (rope) does look a little frayed”, he commented. “Look at the out haul (rope), bet that won’t last long, and your spinnaker halyard (rope) don’t look too good. Look at your springers (rope), Won’t last another winter, neither will those mooring lines (rope). Your dinghy painter (rope) looks frayed too. You need to go to Albay and buy some new... “Rope!”, I said.
“No, cordage”.

Saturday 14 Feb. 2009

Valentines day... Wished the Admiral "Happy Valentines", and brought a cup of hot chocolate for her after walking K2. Should be good for two or three brownie points.

I now have to stow all the tools scattered around after yesterday's fiasco with the main sail system. Just walked away from them last night and went for a beer!

Today I worked on the head. Have to get this in a civilized state before the Limey contingent appear this summer. Couldn't understand why it would not flush as it should. I finally managed to sort it out, but there is always a trade off.... now dogs yelp when I pass, vultures veer away and the bar emptied in three minutes of my entering. Ah well.........Mañana es otro día! Or, just for Derek....Cras est alius dies!

Friday 13 Feb. 2009

Spent the day trying to fix the in mast furling system. Anyone who is thinking about this fancy innovative system, all I can say is DON"T. What a cleverly thought out cock-up! No doubt it works superbly on the brand new boat from the dealer, but if the sail is the least bit baggy, then down below will be in a rapid cool before it works properly. Well, we sort of got it fixed..... need to get the main recut so that it's totally flat..... that will reduce our sailing efficiency somewhat! Three Boddingtons later, and tomorrow is another day!

Tuesday 10 Feb. 2009

This is a day for sitting inside and reading a book. We have horizontal rain and a howling gale.... well at least a lot of wind. Twowowie is sitting in her slip just rocking and rolling to the symphony of the weather. (Poetic eh!) I had planned on doing all kinds of things today. Instead, I'll just pull the blankets up higher and sip on another cup of tea, or maybe a scotch, and just let this storm blow itself out.

I don't believe it! It's snowing... yes, SNOWING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Saturday 7 Feb. 2009

Today started out grey and miserable, but turned into a beautiful warm sunny afternoon. The sun is out, the birds are singing, at least the geese are honking. Took the dinghy off the foredeck and hoisted it onto the davits. The outboard fired first pull. We are ready to go. Just need to pay a few bills and we can disappear for at least the next month. But will we?????....Don't miss tomorrow nights exciting installment of..... Twowowie.... the Dragon Ship.

Friday 6 Feb. 2009

Now that the site is getting a little better, Celeste has congratulated Ginette on her Latin text, and Ruth has corrected the Latin Grammar, all I have to do is redesign the site on a dynamic platform...... how do I do that? But that's O.K. I'm on Island time now. Tomorrow... tomorrow! Or as they say in Coundon..

Replaced two belts on the alternator yesterday. Why is it that two half inch belts cost $45, these are engine belts not the chastity type!