Travels of "Emma B" (JD powered Helmsman)

[Nomad Willy]

Gonn’a be cooler now.
I our area (Skgit) high temps next 15 days all in the 50’s. No 60’s at all.
Lots of rain today upriver. We use the heaters in the cars and house.
I’ve been wearing hats and not my straw farmers sun hats.
JD powered dosn’t mean it’s summer in winter.
And it wasn’t your camera that chased all the people away.

 

[BandB]

Gonn’a be cooler now.
I our area (Skgit) high temps next 15 days all in the 50’s. No 60’s at all.
Lots of rain today upriver. We use the heaters in the cars and house.
I’ve been wearing hats and not my straw farmers sun hats.
JD powered dosn’t mean it’s summer in winter.
And it wasn’t your camera that chased all the people away.

Wifey B: Where we are at the moment, highs around 80-81 and lows 72-75. Nice fall weather. At home it's a little warmer, highs mid 80's and lows mid 70's. I don't like that 60's and 50's stuff. Have to get out winter clothes and bundle up and all, wear my ski jacket and a tobaggan hat and sometimes even pants.

We have heat in our house. Some years have to run it for a few days. Heat on boats when we go to colder places. Heat in car when we go to NC and SC in winter. Don't like it. Dries things out and makes you stuffy.

I enjoyed our trip to Alaska but really got tired of wearing so many clothes.

 

[Durant F]

I’m from northern Ontario.
Hate real hot weather! Bad for working or anything physical really.
To me and a ton of others, Spring and fall are the best times.
Sure, fall cruising isn’t for everyone and I get that.
All boats and types of boating are compromises.
You sacrifice some heat up here but gain empty anchorages, off season marina rates, a ton of wildlife and as mentioned ... even better scenery as the mountains aren’t all green but will soon be almost all snow capped.
Espar and Wabasto are your friends... as is a down comforter.

 

[NorWyn]

I’m from northern Ontario.
Hate real hot weather! Bad for working or anything physical really.
To me and a ton of others, Spring and fall are the best times.
Sure, fall cruising isn’t for everyone and j get that.
All boats and types of boating are compromises.
You sacrifice some heat up here but gain empty anchorages, off season marina rates, a ton of wildlife and as mentioned ... even better scenery as the mountains aren’t all green but will soon be almost all snow capped.
Espar and Wabasto are your friends... as is a down comforter.

Yup....and a toque. ?

 

[Durant F]

Nuff said.
Next subject....


??

 

[Durant F]

In Lund the last few days waiting on weather to settle. Tomorrow will head over to Gorge Harbour.
There are worst places to be stuck a day or 3. Nancy’s bakery for breakie, the “Lund Loop” for a nice walk a few times a day, the Boardwalk restaurant for dinner off the boat and all at .74/ft.
The leaves are changing and there are a few “leafy trees” here to get a sense of colour. And yep, although only 10 or 12 miles from Sarah Point and Desolation Sound, there are those Palmetto Palms growing along side turning leaves.

_/)

 

[LowNSlow77]

In Lund the last few days waiting on weather to settle. Tomorrow will head over to Gorge Harbour.
There are worst places to be stuck a day or 3. Nancy’s bakery for breakie, the “Lund Loop” for a nice walk a few times a day, the Boardwalk restaurant for dinner off the boat and all at .74/ft.
The leaves are changing and there are a few “leafy trees” here to get a sense of colour. And yep, although only 10 or 12 miles from Sarah Point and Desolation Sound, there are those Palmetto Palms growing along side turning leaves.

_/)

Did you buy a Pollen sweater in Lund to go with the fall cruising? Great sweater and locally made.

 

[Durant F]

Nope
But bought a seals head from the gallery a few years ago.
Resides on my dash

 

[Northern Spy]

Pollen sweaters last virtually forever. The seal heads chip...

Nope
But bought a seals head from the gallery a few years ago.
Resides on my dash

 

[Durant F]

Wind is down and sun is out so took off headed for Cortes
Such a nice day I turned right instead!
Beautiful fall weather!!

 

[Durant F]

Full sun
Solar panel making over 9 amps
Beautiful view!
I’m anchored out front in Prideax Haven
One sailboat back in Melanie Cove
Life’s good
Feeling blessed

 

[Durant F]

Anchorage with a view.....


Quick note on solar
Had panel flat yesterday afternoon and when I returned from fishing it was making 4.6 amps. Low for full sun...
It was later afternoon and the sun had dropped so I tilted the panel aft for better angle and amps went to 8.3
Earlier when sun was high it was as over 9 at times.
Moral of story is an adjustable panel mount is pretty easy and worth the effort.

 

[Durant F]

It was cool this morning but the wabasto took the edge off quickly.
The sailboat in Melanie Cove left mid morning leaving the entire area to me alone! A far different setting than summer season.
Taking a slow putt over to Cortes.
Sunny and flat calm... fall cruising at its best.

 

[AKMary]

I love it! I anchored in your same spot about 3 weeks ago and shared Prideaux with about 10 other boats. There were 3 more in Melanie. What a difference.

Thanks for the details about your solar production. I'm thinking seriously about adding a panel. I'd so love to reduce the amount of time I run the generator. The unit works great but I could do without the noise.

How much longer do you think you'll be out and about?

 

[Durant F]

I’m out until early December.
Haul the 2nd by memory.
Heading north (ok...further N) next week if plans and weather work out.
Wifi is spotty here
I’ll “PM” you more solar info once a better connection

 

[Durant F]

I’ve been running solar for over 10yrs now on different boats. Well worth the investment and prices have came way down in that time!
My thoughts...
-One large panel. Mount out of the way of shading and adjustable to tilt towards the sun fore-aft. Far simpler and easier than multiple panels. I used simple “rail mount clamps” bolted to 2x3 oak. Aluminum bar would work well too.
-my 165 watt panel will make over 9amps at full sun. There are many in the 250-325 watt range available now at decent prices. Shop!
-use heavy wire for the entire installation
-use a MPPT controller. Well worth the extra &$. Mount controller where you can easily see it and as close to batteries as possible

Super simple to wire. If you could hook up a turntable and speakers to an old amplifier... you can do these.

Pics show my extremely simple adjustable mount and MPPT controller

 

[Durant F]

Anchored out last night behind the spit at Uganda Pass. Beautiful, calm, full moon evening.
Awoke to a cold morning... blessed the Webasto ?
Smooth, short motor into Gorge Harbor. Such a nice marina!
Awesome docks and simply beautiful grounds!!
Did the 40 minute walk over to the Whaletown docks.
The last pic is from there and reminds me of “down east”...
Nice to get off and stretch your legs.
Heriot Bay Inn/Marina tomorrow...

 

[BruceK]

Anchorage with a view.....
Quick note on solar
Had panel flat yesterday afternoon and when I returned from fishing it was making 4.6 amps. Low for full sun...
It was later afternoon and the sun had dropped so I tilted the panel aft for better angle and amps went to 8.3
Earlier when sun was high it was as over 9 at times.
Moral of story is an adjustable panel mount is pretty easy and worth the effort.

If theoretical max from 165 watts of solar panel is 13A, your 9A is quite good. There are reports here of panels producing half or less of claimed output so it pays to be careful, looks like you chose well. Surprising how much panel prices have dropped since I bought 180W of panel several years ago. Ingenious mounting too.

 

[Durant F]

Dull but calm day to putt over to Heriot Bay Inn/marina.
To me, its beautiful on dull days too....

 

[AKMary]

Dull days are the best. I never get tired of dropping the kayak and poking about the shoreline or just lazing in the sun. Next year I hope to stay out later and enjoy some off-season cruising, Emma B style.

If you could hook up a turntable and speakers to an old amplifier... you can do these.

You've inspired me to start doing some serious research on adding solar. I'm no accomplished handyman, but I can read and follow directions and I'm excellent at sleuthing out how-to videos.

Thanks for the gorgeous pics. Enjoy those dull days!

 

[Nomad Willy]

AKMary,
Indeed “dull days” “are the best”.
I was born in Juneau in December and probably didn’t see the sun till I was 4 months old.

 

[Durant F]

Good to hear as after the great weather that’s been had, tomorrow the rains a coming...
I don’t think 40 days and 40 nights but no sunshine in the long range forecast.
Can’t complain... it’s been great!

Willy, I sent you a PM

 

[Durant F]

Yes....
Even “dull” is beautiful....

After a fuel and supply run to Cambell River, I'm back at Heriot Bay Inn.
Will hang out here figuring out the weather to leave northward. Wind n rain moving in starting tomorrow...

 

[Conrad]

Hey there Frank....stopped by the Emma B yesterday but missed you. We'll be out cruising for the next few days so we may see each other. We're heading north through Seymour and beyond; gale warnings in the gulf preclude going around the bottom of Quadra.

 

[Durant F]

Awesome
I’m looking at tidal timings to head up...
Hope to see you along the way.
My earliest at Lagoon Cove “IF...IF IF” all goes well is Friday or Saturday.
I’ll look for the big blue boat ��
Keep your eye out for the little yellow/cream one ��

 

[Durant F]

Well Conrad...
I left HBI headed to Octopus Islands with intentions of heading up Hole in the Wall tomorrow.
Even Calm Channel has 25+ forecast on the beam and once through Gillards... hard on the beam again...
So, I did what every old guy would... I’m back at HBI having dinner and wine ��
Where are you?
What’s the weather-seas like there?

 

[Durant F]

Still waiting on weather to settle so I can head N
There are worst places to be stuck...
Heriot Bay Inn-Marina is funky. No other way to put it.
An old inn with rooms, cabins, a locals bar, nice restaurant, camp ground and marina.... it’s a super casual, laid back and friendly place.
Bonus is a nice grocery store complete with beer and liquor is just up the hill out back.
Always felt “at home” here...
That alone says it all.

 

[Doug N]

Hello Frank. Just got a message from my brother and he asked me to pass on his location to you. Conrad is in Cameleon harbour until Saturday morning and then back to Campbell river. Poor cell connection. Doug

 

[Pack Mule]

Man you’re killing me with all these cool places. Thanks for taking us along. Sail on brother.

 

[Durant F]

Hello Frank. Just got a message from my brother and he asked me to pass on his location to you. Conrad is in Cameleon harbour until Saturday morning and then back to Campbell river. Poor cell connection. Doug

I’ve been stuck at Heriot Bay with this blow. Headed to Octopus tomorrow so doesn’t look like I’ll be seeing the big blue boat ?
Say hello for me. Hopefully I see him late November at CR