Around Vancouver Island 2013

Day 22 - July 26, 2013 Friday

The day started out slowly. I got up about 7:00. Of course, Moe had been up for some time already. When I crawled out of the wheelhouse, he was busy setting up the sheets for the spinnaker in the event we could do some light wind, downwind sailing. Sheets, for those who don't speak sailor language, are the lines that control the sails. The spinnaker is the very large and colourful sail that is flown in light wind.

I made some coffee and set about doing my journal. Soon the crew from `Marissa Ann`, who were rafted up to us, started stirring and we ended up having a great visit with them. While we were talking, along came Endurance! They rafted up to Porpoise. Unfortunately, we didn't get much chance to speak with them as we were preparing to leave.

I had a quick breakfast of Corn Flakes and my skipper chose to have a java. By 10:05 'Marissa Ann' had let loose from us and we had left the dock with about two feet to spare as we passed by 'TS Farley'. Moe, very expertly, threaded the needle of a tight exit from Walter's Cove on low tide. I never doubted for a moment that he could navigate this wee space. By 10:38 we were cruising through Nicolaye Channel which did have some rocks that had caused me concern as we planned our route out of Walter's Cove. Ha! This was like driving through a football field compared to the tight exit out of Walter's Cove. No need for me to worry.

Our trip to Dixie Cove on Hohoae Island in Kyoquot Sound was relatively uneventful. Our entertainment was provided by Transport Canada who kept hailing boats on the VHF who were in their view to ask their identification, what their cargo was, their last port and where they were going. We couldn't hear the responses, but each transmission ended with Kim (we had heard her identify herself to a boat she knew) telling everyone that it is illegal to discharge any pollutants into the water. We wondered if this was the same aircraft that had buzzed us as we left Columbia Cove a few days earlier.

At 11:40 we had the Rugged Point light on our starboard bow. This is a long sandy beach that many kayakers and surfers go to. We chose to bypass it for the time being and head straight to our destination. We did dip the fishing line into the water for awhile but only nothing more than a wet hook. No bites.

As we neared Dixie Cove, we spotted another boat leaving and learned it was 'Splendid Mane', a boat that we had seen first in Bull Harbour and then in Columbia Cove. We have yet to meet the crew officially. When we arrived in Dixie Cove the tide was quite low. Dixie Cove really has two coves, the outer and the inner. We wanted to go to the inner. We could see there was already a sailboat anchored there. We had seen them pass us as we transited Kyoquot Channel. We found our spot and dropped the anchor at 1:18. We had a restful afternoon to ourselves. I sun tanned and read. Moe did a few chores and then napped.

I did spy a lone sea otter at the end of the cove that I kept my eye on. Mostly he was just swimming and rolling. About the same time that Moe was napping, so was Mr Sea Otter. He simply lay on his back and floated with the light current in the water.

I serenaded the trees and ocean with my ukulele for awhile. I think I did my best interpretation of `Long Black Veil` by John Cash! Then it was time to get dinner on. Tonight is spaghetti and garlic toast night. Moe got up just as I was cooking. He noticed that `Porpoise` had anchored in the larger outside cove.

After dinner we went on a little putt around to check out the cove. The water here is amazingly clear and it isn`t as cold as one would expect. Not that I`m tempted to go swimming in it. It`s not that great. We toured around, passing by `Porpoise` on our way. As we passed the other boat that was anchored in the inner cove, we thought we might stop by to say hello. We did see a head pop up from the cabin, but it didn`t stay up long at all. We had seen no sign of life since the time we anchored and decided that this boat simply was not a friendly one so we continued on back to Reborn.

After I did the dishes, Moe cleaned out the stove. It does collect soot when it burns so needs regular maintenance. Soon after he found his way back into his bunk. I stayed up awhile and watched as Mr Sea Otter came home from doing his rounds. He was quite entertaining as he swam home, twirling himself in the water, scratching his head, nibbling his paws and, as it appeared, doing general personal hygiene. I made my way back to the galley to make some sandwiches for tomorrow. We anticipate a long day to Queens Cove in Esperanza Inlet. When I was putting the sandwiches away in the deck fridge I spotted Mr Sea Otter. He was laying on his back and appeared to be sound asleep. Good night, Mr Sea Otter!