We headed out by 9 am yesterday. First stop, Mill Bay for a pump out and some fuel. They also topped off our water tanks. Doing a load of laundry a day, along with dishes uses a lot more water than one would think! Although it was windy, we had following seas, so pleasant cruise. We were worried (needlessly) about getting onto the fuel dock. It was well-protected and not windy at all in the marina. There was a fishing boat fueling behind us; we left at the same time and he waked us BAD!! Because we’re American? He hates other boaters? We were headed to Genoa Bay but decided at the last minute to head to Ganges. Jim was looking at the satellite photo on Google Maps and worried that it would be full of private moorings and nowhere to anchor. The wind was not favorable when we got to Ganges, so we took a little tour and headed over to Prevost. We didn’t like the spot available at James Bay so we went next door to Selby Cove. Anchor set first try. YUSS.
This is ferry central around this island! We noted a ferry passing, the wake was not uncomfortable, so we don’t plan on moving. There is some more wind coming, it has a tinge of orange to it. Our anchor is set well, so this will add to our confidence in winds. The flotilla is not going to wait for us if we are scaredy cats! That’s how you eat an elephant, one bite at a time.
The ferry on this route about took us out! This route was not marked on Navionics – and they usually are – so we did not know how to get out of his way and thought we were. Every way we turned, he turned to run us over. We were pretty much on his route at the mouth of the harbor. We have AIS, so he could have hailed us. OR he could have blasted his horn 5 times to let us know we were in danger. Did he not see us? Does he also hate Americans? Lesson learned. Consult Google Maps before heading out, maybe there is a ferry route missing from your charts. TRULY TERRIFYING.
We always set an anchor alarm so we will be rudely awakened in the middle of the night if our anchor is dragging. We’re staying in a tight little pattern right now. Since it was our first night here, I put the phone near me so I could look at it if I woke in the middle of the night, worried. The winds calmed down and we had a good sleep last night. I never needed to look at it.
This view is a nice change after Tod Inlet. It is expansive. We are looking straight at Salt Spring Island. It has over 10k folks on it. We’re going to head over to Ganges and check out the town. We just missed their big Saturday market. We’ll have to plan to do that sometime. I don’t think we will hang out here a week. There are two parks on this Island. I’d like to check out the hikes at each. After that, we’ll probably move on. Have to consult with the Captain. My sister is taking a spring break on Vancouver Island and we’re supposed to meet up. I imagine on their way home on the 12th. So, in my mind, I’ll call the Port of Sidney Marina tomorrow and see if they have a slip for a couple of nights.
There are some blue skies around, let’s hope they stick around for the day.
We had a relaxing evening. We had an Atticus waiting for us. We finished all The Chosen that are available to stream right now, so went back to Resident Alien. It is campy ScyFy which we enjoy.
Shoot. I was going to pick up some grape juice and crackers for communion on the hook, and forgot 🙁 I know it is Communion Sunday at Anchor today (our online church of choice). I’ll just have to remember to pick up some for next time. Better get cracking if I want to be ready on time!
Talk Soon.