As it turned out, we stayed an extra day in Blunden Harbour waiting for better conditions for rounding Cape Caution . . . and we found them. Although we couldn’t catch a break from the current, the wind built once we passed Cape Caution from four or five knots from behind to a 10 to 15 knot beam reach – the perfect conditions for a sail. I kept waiting for David’s to start raising the main. And when he didn’t, I knew something was wrong . . . his shoulder.
It’s obviously bothering him again and he doesn’t have the confidence in it to sail right now. Truth be told, neither do I. The last thing we need is a repeat of the previous season if we want to go down the West Coast of Vancouver Island. If his shoulder isn’t strong enough, we just can’t do it. Cambria’s a wonderful boat but she carries a lot of main and it’s too much for one person to handle. It’s not hoisting it that’s the issue. It’s getting it down: It’s definitely a two-person job.
Without help from the sails, or the current for that matter, it turned out to be a very long day, and we slogged it out for 10.5 hours and 66 nautical miles – an average speed of 6.2 knots, much slower than we’re used to. To add a little salt to the wound, we saw a boat approaching our port side quarter under full sail. When they passed, we realized it was Quoddy’s Run, a couple we’d met last week in Rebecca Spit and, after a quick chat on the VHF, learned we were both headed to the same place – Pruth Bay on the northern end of Calvert Island.
Quoddy's Run getting a good sail in up Fitz Hugh Sound
Shortly after leaving the open ocean and entering Fitz Hugh Sound, the wind picked up and the clouds started to grow darker, but we made our destination in time. Not long after setting the anchor we could hear thunder rolling in the distance and could see lightening flashing nearby. Soon afterwards, it started to rain and we were quickly reminded how much water can fall here in just a short period of time. But as fast as it had begun, it ended.
And so here we are, once again, anchored in Pruth Bay – our final destination along the Central Coast last year and our first this one for year, which seems only fitting. As far as anchorages go, it’s nothing special. At the head of the bay there’s a former fishing lodge and resort that was sold four years ago and now houses the Hakai Institute. It’s what lies on the western shore of the island that we’re here to enjoy – a white, sandy beach nearly as beautiful as any you’d find in the South Pacific. But that will have to wait until tomorrow.
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