2013 Summer Cruise Part 1

July 22, 2013

The cruise begins with a sea trial to check out a “stumble” in the Cummins QSL9 engine which has bothered us for several months since it occurs at the engine RPM that we wanted to cruise at.  We have been in discussions with Cummins Northwest since spring and they had replaced the harmonic damper and taken some data from the engine computer.  Today’s sea trial was focused on injectors, sensors and also checked out the engine mounts.  What was decided is that we just happened to pick an RPM/load combination that coincides with a timing shift point for emissions control.  So, the solution is just to avoid that RPM.  Cummins also updated the ECM firmware to the latest revision.

By 1030 we completed the sea trial and after a final run to West Marine we cast off again under sunny skies at 1225.  By 1520 we were anchored in Echo Bay, Sucia Island, between two tall ships, “Lady Washington” and “Hawaiian Chief”.  Later, the schooner “Adventuress” also arrived and anchored a short distance away.  After launching the tender, we visited two other boats also anchored, and enjoyed the warm weather and views of the tall ships.

Lady Washington

SchoonerAdventuress in Echo Bay

July 23, 2013

We pulled the anchor at 0705 and headed out of Echo Bay northbound for Vancouver.  Although the wind was light, the current was more than 2.5 knots against us.  The Strait of Georgia was clear, but there was fog near Rosario Straits behind us.

We pulled into the customs dock in False Creek at 1345, about one hour slower than last year due to the current.  After waiting until 1415, we headed to Quayside Marina at the foot of Yaletown and tied up.  We found there is a Costco just six blocks away, so we finished up the provisioning bothe there and at the BC Liquor store two blocks away.  The weather is glorious, high of 80 and clear skies.

After provisioning we headed up to “La Provence” restaurant at the head of the dock and had fresh oysters and cocktails, as well as several small plates (Piquillo peppers stuffed with Saltspring Island goat cheese) and Gnocchi (sautéed crispy with pepper, arugula and green beans).  The weather is still warm at 2100.