Travels of "Emma B" (JD powered Helmsman) - Page 44

Durant F · 02-16-2021, 04:42 PM

After pulling myself away from the Orcas, next bend was at Thompson Sound and the wind was just whistling down! Simply beautiful but was quite the ride until I made the turn.

Conrad · 02-16-2021, 06:21 PM

You're having way too much fun Frank!
I saw a couple of Alaskan Transients (they had Alaska plates...) heading north last week and was wondering if they were the same ones you saw but no, there were only two of them.
Looking forward to catching up in a few days; there is a table in the Riptide with our names on it!

Durant F · 02-16-2021, 08:26 PM

Haven’t saw another cruiser for quite a while now...
See ya sooner than ya think 😄

Durant F · 02-16-2021, 10:48 PM

Dah....
Just realized what you meant by transients...
Needed more coffee... ��
Yep, there were at least 5 in the pod I was with...
Not sure if they were resident or not...

Durant F · 02-17-2021, 11:21 AM

Underway towards Lagoon Cove on Tribune Channel, that stretch from Kwatsi Bay, past Bond and Thompson down to Knight Inlet is always beautiful but even more so late season. After the highervseas at the Trafford Point turn by Thompson, I was expecting some seas on Knight Inlet and there were. It’s only 2 miles across to Chatham Channel but it’s a long 2 miles in a quartering sea. Waves never look as big in pictures do they...

Durant F · 02-18-2021, 11:52 AM

With the coldest nights of the year forecast, I was happy to be at Lagoon Cove Marina, plugged in, electric heaters going. It was beautiful clear blue sky’s and yes... COLD! Got down to -11 Celsius one night.

Durant F · 02-19-2021, 08:29 PM

Had a very good window for an entire passage on Johnstone Strait in 2 days but couldn’t time Chatham Channel to be out early so I kept a day early to anchor near Port Harvey. Always smile at the ride through Chatham Channel booting along with the tide. Passed by a Tug, “Inlet Ranger” towing a boom right before the narrows. Good chat on the VHF going by. Once out, I anchored in my favourite spot. It’s a snug, albeit tight spot that saves going all the way into Port Harvey, so quicker out in the morning and offers a view of the Strait as well. Acthad one bar of cell this time so kept watch on the weather. Me and Johnstone Strait don’t always get along...
Awoke to snow at the little anchorage. Quite pretty! Reminded me of up river back home...

Durant F · 02-20-2021, 11:58 PM

I was patient waiting for this window and if all worked out.... would head right down the Strait to the Okisollo channel, time the rapids and anchor in Octopus Islands before dark.
I’ve come to not trust forecasts for the Strait, but ended up with a very nice run down!
Being passed by a very large “NOAA” boat as well as a large Coast Guard cutter reminded me Johnstone Strait is a major connector.
I was blessed as the Strait was calm the entire trip!
Anchored out at the Okisollo entrance between Cinque Islands to wait for things to settle in the rapids...
Love Octopus islands!
Was surprised to find a “cruiser” anchored in there!
Guess I’m not the only crazy person out here...
Chart screen shot shows where I anchored on Johnstone Strait (red) at the entrance to Okisollo Channel (Green) which leads to Hole in the wall rapids.

Durant F · 02-21-2021, 09:23 PM

Went through upper hole in the wall rapids a bit early without issue and was anchor down in my favourite spot in Octopus islands before dark.
The folks aboard the sailboat are “liveaboards” and it was an extremely well set up vessel. I stopped to chat going by in the morning stating “I thought I was the only foolish guy this late”. They love it too!

Durant F · 02-25-2021, 10:29 PM

Quiet night and an awesome sleep! Nice to catch up...
Was a beautiful morning
Headed out mid day and pushed through Beazley a bit early “against”...
Was running about 2.5... wouldn’t have wanted too much more...
Once through, had a nice quiet run up to my little anchorage beside Bold Island.
Have anchored there several times before. Sometimes simply to wait to time Beazley, other times overnight to wait for the Strait of Georgia to settle down before heading to Heriot Bay. Today was simply to overnight as it was getting late and it’s a snug spot with cell (bonus). Had a nice quiet night before heading out in the morning.

Pics
Morning at Octopus
Heading out
Anchorage
View from Bold anchorage

Durant F · 02-28-2021, 11:44 AM

It was a beautiful morning for my last run of this season. The trip around to Cambell River was very pretty with the clear sky’s displaying all the snow capped mountains. Tide was “with” as I rounded Cape Mudge on the bottom of Quadra Island for the last few miles up to the marina. Sort of a sad run knowing I’d be prepping for haul out and storage. It’s been quite the cruise this year though. Many new anchorages for me both in the Gulf Islands and up north. Lots of whale sightings and the scenery has been spectacular. Makes those cool, rainy days and windy nights worth it.

Wayfarer · 02-28-2021, 05:49 PM

Thanks for taking us along!

rochepoint · 02-28-2021, 06:02 PM

Frank, really enjoyed tagging along vicariously with you & Emma B, thanks!

Nomad Willy · 02-28-2021, 06:11 PM

Wonderful time you had and great pics to share w us.

Anchorage guide per your trip?

Not recommending you become a publisher ... just on this thread when you get time.

Island Cessna · 02-28-2021, 08:45 PM

Thanks for taking us along on another epic cruise Frank. I
This year was especially poignant as we have been confined south of the border.

You have achieved the unimaginable......... I am looking forward to the end of the 2021 boating season! Emma B will emerge from storage and take me on her next cruise!

Thank you Frank!

Bill

Durant F · 03-01-2021, 12:08 AM

Thanks for the comments lads....
I’m often concerned that I post too many pictures...
So glad some enjoy them.
Look forward to next year and meeting more of you!😄🤣

rochepoint · 03-01-2021, 12:31 AM

Frank, I for one would like more photos..........

koliver · 03-01-2021, 12:45 AM

Frank
Thank you so much!
In season, there are several contributors who can brighten our days with their travelogues and lots of pictures.
In the off season, there are no others. Only you! We cherish the few posts that you make. We love the photos. Those of us who go to the same places in the summer wonder at the beauty in the winter and wish we were there.
Those of us who haven't been there wonder at the beauty of our coast and wish they could sail here.
You give us all the incentive to keep our boats up and go again to the most beautiful places on the planet.
Enjoy your off season and please, please come back next fall for another great cruise.

Frosty · 03-01-2021, 01:41 AM

Thank you so much! Your posts have been like a gift in previous seasons -- and even more so this year.

No way are there too many photos! But then too, I really enjoy your descriptions. It's the perfect balance of both.

Also, as a smaller boat person, it's fun for me to know you are doing it in a 28-footer (but I would enjoy it no matter the boat).

Frosty

(Already looking forward to seeing your Shark canal cruiser conversion again, if you post about it.)

IRENE · 03-01-2021, 08:38 PM

Thanks again for taking us along. Excellent photos and narratives, just right. Two more winters we will enjoy your cruising, then on to do some ourselves...

See you next fall.