It’s only Wednesday, technically I’ve only been ‘off work’ for 3 days and yet I just had to check the phone to see what day it was. That’s a nice but strange feeling, to lose track without agenda or pressing time.
Today we’re off the Hornby island. Looking forward to that though it’s not the typical destination of most heading to Desolation. Most cross over to the east of the strait as it’s prettier (apparently) and there are popular stops like Pender and secret cove.
But many years ago when we owned our first boat we trailered it all the way to hornby island. A little 18 ft ski boat trailered to BC, a ferry across to Vancouver island, a long drive up the island and then two more Ferries island hopping to Hornby. Hornby was supposed to be a sunshine spot. Warm water. Sandy beaches but for the one week we were there it rained nearly all week, even though it was August. The locals said it was unheard of. Our, pain in the ass to get there, ski boat broke down on day one. We spent two days getting it fixed and it broke down again. Despite all that we enjoyed the trip, loved the hippy island and even though it rained, tribune bay had a beautiful beach. So I’ve always wanted to go back and make amends with the island and it’s weather.
So we left Nanaimo after a lazy start to the day. Afra was up at some silly time and went for a run. I slept in!! First time since we left. We left around noon, Supernova is running great. The weather is cooperating with a few clouds but lots of sun and as I write this I see Hornby Island the distance probably 20 miles away.
Leaving Nanaimo..
As you make you way up the strait there is a designated zone called WG (Whiskey Golf) its an active military zone in the water used for military testing. I think they fire torpedos through it. I’ve read about boaters unaware that have entered the zone and been buzzed by the Navy Helicopter with the PA system telling them to leave.
We passed right by it to our port side. And they confirmed over VHF that it was active today. You could see a couple of large navy ships way off to the west and a copter hovering above. We survived without being torpedo’d
90 minutes to tribune bay now. We plan to drop anchor there which will be interesting as it’s unprotected to southerly winds which is exactly what the forecast is tonight. Not strong so think we’ll be fine but might be a rocky night. Better get the whiskey ready.
Will update on Hornby island later.