Ocean Falls to Shawl Bay

July 20, 2011

The rain continued overnight with winds to 34 knots as we stayed safely at the dock in Ocean Falls.  The rain was heavy and we now know why the local residents call themselves the “Rain People”.  We checked the prawn and crab pots before the wind really increased, and had moderate luck in the prawn pots.  It was movie night on Sea Jay, but I doubt any of us can even remember the title.

July 21, 2011

The rain decreased overnight and the wind also subsided, so Patrick pulled the prawn pots, which had nearly 4 dozen nice prawns.  We decided to head out, with Duncanby Landing in Rivers Inlet as our goal.  The weather cooperated, and by 1715, after going down Fisher Channel into Fitzhugh Sound and then across Rivers Inlet to Duncanby Landing, we were tied to the dock and ready for someone else to cook dinner.  We joined Jim and Cheryl for a good dinner at the resort.

July 22, 2011

This morning Patrick got up to hear the 4:00 AM weather broadcast and it looked favorable, so at 0600 we departed and headed out Rivers Inlet and past Cape Caution in 3-5 foot swells with no wind.  The wave direction gradually moved to our starboard quarter as we headed past Egg Island and then to Pine Island, where the waves were directly astern.  The skies were clearing and the temperature was increasing so we could finally put on shorts.  By 1435 we were docked in Port McNeill, having travelled 429 nautical miles since Ketchikan.  We celebrated Cheryl’s birthday with a dinner at a local restaurant and then cake and ice cream on board Spirit.  Miriam baked the cake underway and the wave action did not seem to affect it at all.

July 23, 2011

Under overcast, but dry skies we departed Port McNeill at 1035, taking a scenic tour of part of the Broughton Archipelago.  With no destination in mind, we ended up in Shawl Bay, where we docked at 1515 under mostly sunny skies.  There is an evening potluck social on the dock, with appetizers and your own beverages.  Another RHYC vessel, “Gold Duster” was there also.  Shawl Bay has internet, but no phone service and the internet has limited bandwidth, so no pictures. July 14, 2011

Jim and Cheryl Celebrate Cheryl's Birthday!