Wednesday July 19, 2023
Our day started out early (as usual) and after a really good nights sleep anchored in Coghlin Anchorage near Hartley Bay we were pleased to see that the rain and fog was gone, and we entered our cruise with overcast skies and calm seas.
We had originally planned on anchoring again in Bottleneck Inlet, but as we cruised South the water was literally like glass and the sun came out so we decided to continue on to Rescue Bay and shorten our cruise tomorrow. Again, we were looking at all the options for a possible crossing of Cape Caution potentially as early as Friday, but the reality of trying to get to a point South were we could set up for a crossing faded quickly as we looked at our options in terms of cruising time and available anchorages.
With that in mind, we focused on enjoying the beautiful day with NO FOG, NO RAIN and lots of glassy water! We determined that it would be wise to get closer to Shearwater (our intended destination tomorrow) so we forged on through a 10 hour cruising day, finally putting our anchor down at 4PM in Rescue Bay. As we crossed over Finlayson Channel we had a TOTAL WHALE encounter as we enjoyed the two Whales shown above playing, spouting and diving into the water. AMAZING!!
For those of you who do not cruise through the San Juan Islands in Washington, a 10 hours cruise day would be unheard of. Up to this point in our boating lives, I think the longest cruise we have had is about 6 or 7 hours getting up to Desolation Sound. However, in the waters of Northern BC and Alaska long cruises become normal and taking advantage of the great weather and sea conditions made the journey beautiful and pleasant.
It was such a calm and comfortable cruise that Marlene even found time to get in some sewing.
We continue to be in conversation with Chris Parker our professional Meteorologist. Attempting a crossing of Cape Caution on Saturday, as we had planned, still does really, really not look good. So, we will head to Shearwater tomorrow and then plan on hanging out in Northern BC until we get the OK for a window to head South.
This evening is absolutely beautiful, and we feel beyond BLESSED to be experiencing this amazing place.
This is Rescue Bay. (The boat in the distance is a beautiful 72 foot NordHaven).
The problem with whale encounters is , you stop the boat to watch and you might still be watching an hour or more later unless the whales leave first and you realize you have a place to reach before sundown. I could watch them forever.
Loving this flat water. Be safe crossing.