Long Day

And just like that, it was gone!

We started early today with the intent of reaching Allison Harbour before the strong NW winds started up. We motored with a very slight SE following wind (not enough to sail with) and reached Allison by 8:30 AM, so with the conditions so benign, we decided to press forward and attempt the dreaded Cape Caution today.

Once we were out of Queen Charlotte Strait and into Queen Charlotte Sound, we were completely exposed to the Pacific swells coming in from Japan, and they made their presence known, rocking and rolling the boat in every which direction. The crew made it almost all the way to the Cape before feeding the fish (first time on this trip). The winds stayed away and we continued on past the cape until we were back in the protected waters of Fitz Hugh Sound, shielded by Calvert Island, before anchoring for the night in Fury Cove on Penrose Island. 9-1/2 hours altogether with all but 1-1/2 using the engine - a total of 46 miles. This is a long day for us as we are used to little 15 or 20 mile days.

Shortly after getting settled in the cockpit with our sun-screen on and drinks in hand, we were treated to a tail-thumping exhibition by a humpback whale, just outside the entrance to our bay. Talking to the people on the other 2 boats in the anchorage, they tell us that the whale was right in the bay earlier in the day - maybe he will come back at high tide to let us get a closer look.
Weather is spectacular right now, about 25 degrees and calm with lots of blue sky. Not sure where we will go tomorrow - just follow the wind I guess.
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