23ft in the PNW

[Frank]

I timed the Yukata rapids for the last of the Ebb (my direction) for a bit of a push. It was shortly before slack but still got a ride!

Throttled back to 1500rpm (about a 2.7 knot speed) so I had steerage and rode though.

An hour earlier would be serious trouble.

[Frank]

Safely tied up in Big Bay, ready for timing the Gillard and Dent rapids tomorrow.

The Gillards are about a mile directly behind the boat..that channel between the islands.
At peak....it can run over 10 and throw your boat around

Dent rapids can be crazy! There is a sunken island just after them that at full flood creats a huge whirlpool. People have died in that one...

At slack...you can canoe through....for a very short time


Of note....I caught the last of the Ebb, tide up and after a very short time, watched a sailboat come through in the other direction. Thats how quick they turn.
As usual....I had wind on the nose today but today and the next 3, the tide is really in my favour!!!

[Norman]

The Potomac R. Looks like that after heavy rains!

Around here, fog and wind do not occur together, so fog usually means motoring.  Even a light breeze seems to lift the fog off the water.

Did you have enough wind to sail after the fog lifted?

I have really enjoyed your pictures and narration of the voyage! 

[Frank]

After 2 days of gales...I was thankful for calm  :)

Later a breeze did pick up....but "on the nose"

Just checked the weather...will freeze tonight and possible snow tonight and tomorrow morning!
Winds will be from the right direction tomorrow...but very light :-(

My ole trailor sailing buddy Rick kayaks on the Potomac daily as long as it doesn't freeze.
He lives in Putnim Valley

[Frank]

Earlier on I had mentioned that Doug and I bought our 1st sailboats the same year (1980) and he brought out an old photo to give me.

I had a blue Siren 17....Doug liked it and bought an orange one. We took them out in just about any weather. Youth......

This must have been 1st launch of his. Picture was probably taken by his girlfriend of 8ys back then (gosh she was HOT!!!   Sorry Doug)

I'm the lean tanned guy with dark hair and a beard.

That was then.......... :o

[Frank]

It's 9.14am here

Just passed 2nd tidal Rapids....soon the 3rd

Was treated to 9  sea lions going through Dent Rapids

No wifi for days shortly

PS....yes CJ.....it is cold  ;)

But beautiful

[Tim]

Yep, looks like a little white stuff up on that hill.  8)  :D

[Frank]

Pic is to the right almost at Dent

Yep....froze last night. Great sleeping bag...thank goodness

CJ would love this  ;D

Sure ain't Texas.  :D ;D

[SeaHusky]

Looks absolutely great! Like sailing and mountain hiking all in one.
I heard there are two kinds of states in America, Texas and TAFT (this aint f**n Texas).

[Frank]

Amazing day!!!

Sun came out, nil for wind and very easy going!
Been running with the tides...RPM way back...5 1/2hrs now...still showing full.  "heat tonight" !!

Ran The "Gillards", "Dent", "Green Point" and shortly..."Whirpool" rapids!

Have seen amazing scerery and wild life!

[Frank]

Sealions at Gillards, Porpoises visited later on and even a Sea Lion came by mid channel    ;D



Will be entering Whirlpool Rapids shortly.....good timing...just before slack.
Anchoring in Douglas bay....just after the pass. Looking forward to a celeboratory rum....this has been one of my better days on the water.

[lance on cloud nine]

I have been checking in here daily. Thanks so much for taking us along!

[Frank]

6.40am here, Sipping coffee after a very calm night anchored.
Cold morning...love the Espar!

After a very long "wet n windy" period, I just checked Port Neville weather

SUNNY AND LIGHT WINDS FOR A WEEK!!!

Feeling very blessed !! Although beautiful anytime....this will be a treat!

Pull anchor 8.30 to time tides....will have "free push" again today.

[Frank]

Underway.....but had an aweful scare

Went to haul anchor
side deck was fine...cabin heat I guess...
Almost fell in off fore deck!!! ICE
Scared the poop out of me...I went down on deck, but held on

Just checked....water is 4.7C here

Brought home how remote and vulnerable I am here

On the lighter side...sun just came up and it's a beautiful day
Pic is beside and in front
PS....those aren't all clouds in front ;)

[Frank]

Today reminded of me of the saying:

"wanna make God laugh....tell him your plans"

Incredibly beautiful start to the day! Calm and great forcast.
Port Neville was in the 5-8 MPH range, Johnstone Strait reported
5kt at 7am, 7kt at 8am, back to 5kt when I left around 9...good to go.

By the time I actually got on Johnstone Strait..timed well for the tide push N,
there was a 18kt-gusting 22 NW....against the tide.  Yep....washing machine again.

So...I'm tucked into a little bay, rocking around but secure. Tomorrow is calling for a SE so will be pushing "with" the tide. Should be a fast fun ride up.

At least it's pretty  :-)

todays high is 40....tonight about 28.   I'll be far more careful weighing anchor tomorrow morning!

[Frank]

Dinner will be intesting tonight. Calling for a 180 wind shift (great for tomorrow) so I hauled anchor from the lee side of the bay to reset here. Well hooked in mud and will sleep better knowing I'm OK with the shift....but sure "rockin n rolling". A sandwhich will be safer than cooking...

Took this from here about an hour ago...    (west coast time)
Kinda makes it all worthwhile.....

[Tim]

Gorgeous shot Frank. Hopefully things will settle down between the shift

[CharlieJ]

Fantastic visiting with you on the chat tonight, as you rocked and rolled, and fixed supper.

Stay safe my friend

[Frank]

up early to get a start before the typical later morning Johnstone Staight winds kick in.

hugging shore to play the back eddies...

finally...wind is NOT on the nose

sails up....havin fun

[Frank]

well... Guess I made God laugh again with my plans.  ;D

After a really good 8 mile run...the wind kicked up!
At least it was pushing! Quite the sleigh ride for the last 4 miles to the turn.
Made Havannah channal at 10am.....

I'm here!

Nice and calm inside....

Pics are just before the turn...