We rise early to walk Kyra. Then we untie from our delightful stay. Dense fog covers Cousin's Inlet. As we look back, there the town lies in shrouds of fog and clouds. Our imaginations run away as we think of all kinds of far-fetched plots of intrigue we could write about this ghost town. Ocean Falls disappears into the fog and mist as we ride the ebb south.
It's just as smooth as can be, and we are making good time. Across from Hakai Passage, we encounter a large die-off of herring. We later learn from a Coast Guard radio transmission that it is a natural occurrence. Thousands of of fish with destroyed bellies appear in the current lines along the shore of Fitz Hugh Sound.
Other boaters from Ocean Falls are traveling the Inside Passage south with us, so we share the "road." From Shawn:"I've adjusted the stuffing box serveral times again, and I seem to have it in the right place, as it is now running cool, as it should. Knock on wood; the heat of the stuffing box has been our summer nightmare, but it's all part of the learning curve that will keep us safe and wise in our future boating experiences."
The other boats from Ocean Falls pass us. Silver Star, Celtic Blue, Tranquility, Blue Mist, and the list goes on, as we all fall south. During the Tonie O years, we were the ones passing everyone. Now we are enjoying our new-found (and very fuel-efficient) 6-knot pace, as we watch everyone else go by.
|
Calm conditions and orcas in Fitz Hugh Sound |
|
One of a few cruise ships we've seen along the way. Over the years, we've become adept at identifying the individual cruise lines and ferries. With our slower boat, we are even more mindful of staying well out of their way. |
|
The diesel stove works best in cool weather, as it also heats the cabin. In my opinion, this beats a microwave, even if it's more work. Slow, heavy-pot cooking is really the best way to cook rice, or simmer a pot of beans. The small oven works well, allowing us the luxury of baked potatoes or a small batch of scones. The tea kettle also doubles at a hot shower for the aft deck. (Don't overheat the water, though!) The galley on this boat is extremely functional, and a pleasure to cook in during cool weather. |
