Wednesday, April 26, 2006 - We finally got the last of the critical items aboard and left Queen City Yacht Club at 11:00 am under grey overcast skies, typical Seattle weather. We had the good fortune of no rain and very little wind. The yachting gods were smiling upon us and we were able to get through the locks with very little wait. We were unsure of whether our course would be through Possession Sound and the east side of Whidbey Island or the shorter route north on the west side and through Admiralty Inlet. The decision would be made as we approached Edmonds. The seas were relatively calm and we took the shorter route and arrived at Port Townsend at 4:15pm.
Thursday, April 27, 2006 - We got an early start to catch the minimum currents and slack tides when crossing the Strait of Juan De Fuca. We departed Port Townsend at 7:35am and hoped the the crossing would uneventful. Previous experiences had the cats heading for their travel carriers and not to be seen for hours. Much to our surprise, the seas were relatively smooth and we had very little need for the stabilizers. We were feeling pretty smug about how well the voyage was going and called the Port Sidney Marina and booked a two day stay. During our crossing, we had heard a "thumping" noise and Bob periodically checked the engine room and every thing looked fine. It was about 1:00 pm were about two miles out of Sidney Harbour when we heard another loud thumping. Bob checked again and the shaft seal had broken and the cooling hose had snapped and we were taking on water in the engine compartment. NOT GOOD!!!! We shut down the engines and Bob assessed that the bilge pumps would keep us afloat but we would need to find boatyard that had haul out facilities for this type of repair. I opened my trusty Waggoner Cruising Guide, and found an ad for Philbrook's Boat Yard and gave them a call explaining our situation. Not only did they say they would be able to take us, they sent out a small boat with two mechanics to help us into their facility. Talk about great customer service! We then proceeded to Tsehum Harbour and their facilities at Van Isle Marina. I also called Canadian Customs as we were CANPASS holders and explained our situation and needed to clear customs by phone. Just as I was about to receive the clearance number (critical for continued passage through Canada) the call dropped. Isn't wireless wonderful.
This definitely was not in our plans, but we were thankful that it happened where it did. We were in walking distance of Sidney, not on any set schedule and the sun was shining. The source of the damage was a rag left by one of the mechanics we had servicing our stabilizers on Monday before we left. It got pulled into the shaft and around the cooling hose causing it to break. We would check with the yard in the morning to schedule the haul out and get the needed parts ordered.
Friday, April 28, 2006 - The good news was they were going to get us on the lift with the evening high tide. The bad news was the parts would not be here until Monday. We spent the weekend out of the water, on the lift with the boat at a slight list to the stern. We had 50 amp power and water and the stairs down to the ground were not as intimidating as they first appeared. We had projects to keep us busy and internet connection and the weekend passed quickly.
Monday, May 1, 2006 - The majority of the work was completed but due to other conflicts they could not get us off the lift until tomorrow (having again to wait for high tide). I cannot say enough about how courteous and professional everyone was. We were so impressed with the quality of the personnel and the work performed we would not hesitate to use their facility in the future.
Tuesday, May 2, 2006 - Off the lift this evening and into a slip at Van Isle Marina. It felt good to be back on the water rather than suspended in the air.
Wednesday, May 3, 2006 - Sea trialed the boat and every thing was working well. Said good bye to Van Isle at 4:00 pm and were on our way again - a short distance to Montague Harbor where we were able to grab a mooring buoy for the night. Had a quiet peaceful evening "on the hook". It was hard to believe that we were one of three boats moored in the harbor an there were vacant buoys available.
Thursday, May 4, 2006 - Departed Montague Harbour at 11:00am heading for Nanaimo via Dodd Narrows. We cruised at a leisurely 8 knots as we needed to hit Dodd narrows at slack current. Arrived at the Nanaimo Yacht Club at 4:00pm and were planning on staying until Saturday. The club dock is a lot quieter than the Port Authority Dock but with no internet and somewhat of a hike into town. At least I am getting my exercise. It is a lovely walk along the Queen Elizabeth Trail.
Saturday, May 6, 2006 - Storm front is forecasted and winds are picking up, decided to stay another day.
Sunday, May 7, 2006 - Today is the Nanaimo Yacht Club Sail Past which is somewhat like our opening day. Boaters are in full dress and opening ceremony with Canadian coast guard and bad pipes. Parade of boats followed. Wind has shifted from the north and it is clear but cold.
Monday, May 8, 2006 - Woke up with the winds howling, 20-30 knots outside of the harbor. Have decided to walk to town with my computer in search of internet to send this off. We may never leave Nanaimo.