Day 15:

Leaving Campbell River we had a slight current behind us so we were able to reach 10 knots over ground with very little RMP on our engines. The flotilla leader suggested that we sail past Mitenatch Island, because there is a colony of sea lions that hang out there. About a half an hour out from the island, I spotted whale spouts and alerted the group. We happened upon a pod of whales that were very actively jumping and playing, or so I thought at the time.. One of the members of our group is a Northwest wildlife specialist, who explained the whales were chasing a sea lion for their lunch. She said the process sometimes takes three hours to complete, because the whales have to “wear down” their prey, by continuing to chase and bump them. It was really amazing to see all the flips and spins! The whales came completely out of the water when jumping. We watched for 45 minutes, but then needed to move on, as we have 42 miles to travel today to Ballet Bay at the mouth of the Jervis Inlet. We went by Mitenatch Island where indeed, the colony of sea lions was huge. It looked like hundreds of them, and you could hear the barking. I took a video but we will see how it turns out. We found a great anchorage in Ballet Bay that was through another small opening that narrowed even further. It was difficult to see from outside that there really was a passage through to a small private bay. There are many vacation houses on these little islands with only access by water. The families that enjoy them must have great moments together in these waters and woods. Our group is now down to 5 boats, so two of them entered first and anchored with stern ties to trees on the shore. We were the last to be put in place between two boats on each side, and they wanted us to back into a space only wide enough for our boat. The catamaran is very maneuverable so I was not worried (I know Jeff Irvine & Stephanie Spurr are doubting that based on my experience at home :)) I have gotten very used to how this boat handles. As I was backing in Dianna made the comment for all to hear, “this is like getting into last years jeans”. Everyone got a kick out of that, as I smoothly “threaded the needle”. Yea, I know, it sounds like bragging, but it is fun to get better at this, especially with so many witnesses.

Tomorrow we will head up the inlet into Prince of Wales Reach that eventually takes us to the famous “Malibu Rapids” where the passing must be carefully timed to enter and depart, because the tides are very strong at their high and low. I suggest searching “you tube” for video on the rapids at high and low tide. It is quite remarkable. Our final destination is the waterfalls at the end of Princess Louisa Inlet, where we will spend two nights. It is likely we will go for another dingy ride or two, and there are hikes to the surrounding mountains where pictures can be taken of our boats and the waterfalls. It is a very remote area where the internet may not be available.

Today we sailed downwind for a couple of hours with a “wing on wing” sail configuration, and Mike, our flotilla leaded, put up his spinnaker. It was beautiful and I will add to the pictures if internet allows later today.

Last night we went out to lunch and dinner at the Riptide restaurant in Campbell River, and it was really good food. By 7pm it was completely packed with people and the wait was 90 minutes. I posted a picture this afternoon. Going to bed last night knowing that we had fresh clean clothes, food and drink for seven days, and eight hours before we had to get up for our 8 am departure was wonderful. We took care of all the business in Campbell River and we were now ready for week number three.

Tonight is Chicken Enchiladas that we bought at Costco before we left Bellingham, and hearts of romaine. We found some fun wine yesterday that is local, so I will be sharing the fun labels for those who are interested.

Today was amazing with the whales, sailing, and all the sunshine & blue skies. We just keep remarking on how lucky we are to be actually doing this trip! What great memories we are making………I love that!

Cheers