Another week has flown by

Gore Bay was fun!  Alison and Rod (LEADING EDGE) did arrive, as did several other boats so on Thursday afternoon they all piled onto SONADOR for happy hour.  Then, Alison, Rod and I went to see Kinderkids at the local theater -- a very powerful play about the German children who were evacuated before WWII to England, and the impact it had on their lives -- well done by the local talent.

Friday, the farmers' market and more fresh veggies and baked goods -- a beautiful morning with gusty winds and bright blue sky.  CLASS ACT and LEADING EDGE leave for anchorages east.  After the market, I trundled over to the local art gallery building and visited my favorite Gore Bay artist, purchasing two prints from her larger originals.  Then back to the boat.  

Early afternoon, we had some excitement as a float plane crashed on take off in the outer harbor.  The pilot was unhurt, but for several minutes no one knew exactly what was going on.  Prompt response from the boating community, several dinghies roared out of the harbor and soon we could see them returning dragging an upside down float plane with them.  Fascinating to watch, and so happy that no one was hurt -- although I imagine the pilot has some explaining to do to his insurance company.

Saturday dawned as another bright day -- I was considering staying at Gore Bay for a few more days but the forecast of high winds beginning later that afternoon and continuing for several more days changed my mind.  So by noon, I was over at the fuel dock and ready to head out.  

CLASS ACT was moving to Eagle, so that became my destination.  It was a bit rocky, but not as bad as it has been, so I was anchor down in Eagle by 3 p.m.  In addition to CLASS ACT, OKAGA (Ann and Bruce), TEAM ZOOMA (Chuck and Linda), and GANESHA (Scott and Nancy) were anchored there.  We, of course, gathered for happy hour each of the three nights we were there -- watching the winds swirl around us -- and the anchorage fill as more boats sought refuge.  In fact, on Monday the 25th it was so windy that I was doubtful about leaving SONADOR for fear she would drag -- but the desire for good company beat out my fears -- and she didn't move an inch.

Tuesday, the 26th, CLASS ACT and I depart heading west a little before 8 a.m.  TOO MUCH EXCITEMENT!!  As I was heading up to the McBean Channel through the Boyds Island mark, ms Sophie cuddled between my legs with the rolling seas only to have my coffee -- luckily not hot -- spill on her.  Panic!  Then real PANIC on my part as I see her on the rolling, pitching bow of the boat.  If she went over in those seas I'd never get her back.  So, boat into idle and I crawl forward, grab her harness and drag her -- literally kicking and screaming back into the boat (actually there was no screaming except the pounding of my heart)  Pour girl, didn't like the coffee, but really didn't like the motion of the boat for the next fifteen minutes until we were able to turn into the wind and progress through Little Detroit and into the Whalesback Channel.  Around the end, and into Long Point Cove with anchor down by 11 a.m.

When we arrived there were only three other boats there -- but by late afternoon a total of fourteen boats had sought refuge from the winds and waves.  Two quiet evenings in the protection of that great harbor, a couple of short dinghy explorations, and even a swim (shower and hair wash) in the water.

Yesterday, the 28th we left early again heading west with our destination being the town of Thessalon -- normally my point of arrival in Canada.  The winds were out of the north east so I was literally pushed along the full forty one nautical miles -- CLASS ACT sailed most of the way.  Laundry, shopping, showers, etc. and a quiet dinner on board CLASS ACT.

Today, after breakfast in town we plan on heading over to Beef Island -- at the south east end of St. Joseph's Island and still in Canadian waters.  We'll meet up with Ann and Jarma on BASIC BOAT.  Planning on spending two days there before heading back into US waters and to Harbor Island for the Wilderness Rally.