Sunday May 18, 2025
We left Comox at 7:00 am for our departure to Campbell River. The resident eagle bid us adieu. Just before we untied the lines the gentleman in the sailboat in front of us came running up.
”Are you going out now?”
“Yes, why do you ask?”
“I got up at 4:30 this morning and Environment Canada is posting gale force winds”
Both Marlene and I smiled. “Environment Canada is practically useless. Their forecasts are over dramatic most of the time and seldom accurate. Both Predict Wind and Buoy Weather—and Windy for that matter—are forecasting 2 to 3 knot winds with mild waves. You are heading to Campbell River, right?”
”Yes,” he said.
”Just follow us out. You will be fine.” And we were, and he was. It was a very smooth 4 hour cruise to Campbell River with a wave height of just under a foot. The sea conditions don’t get any better on this part of the Strait of Georgia.
We got in just after 11:00 am this morning, tied up, and headed out for a walk and groceries. One pleasant surprise was running into the Sunday market.
We are planning a 9:00 am departure tomorrow to time the crossing at Seymour Narrows. From there we will either cruise to Blind Channel or Port Neville. At this writing we are not sure which destination we will end up at. As always weather, sea conditions and slack tide timing will determine the outcome.
Nice Job bringing the sailboat along. Was he shocked that the forecast was so wrong??
Hoping Marlene is getting better every day.
Dave, he was quite surprised. His comment was something like, “hmmm, I guess I need to buck up and pay for a weather app like Predict Wind.” Ya think? Your boat, your wife, and your life could depend on it. As to Marlene’s hearing, no good news. She still has greatly diminished hearing with no improvements(:
Sorry to hear about Marlene’s hearing problems..hope it improves over time. Looking forward to your postings. Have a wonderful trip.