Johnny was back at the boat before lunch installing a new solenoid, a cheaper and simpler solution than the battery isolator, while David put in the new alternator. Within an hour, the engine was running and the alternator was putting amperage back into the batteries. With eleven more days before we need to be back in Poulsbo, we decided to treat ourselves to a few days in Princess...
The electrician came out this morning and discovered that the battery isolating blocking diodes on the boat are shot which caused the original alternator to blow…and the second. He took everything back to the shop and ordered a new alternator which will arrive tomorrow. They’ll repair the first (new) one so we’ll have a spare aboard and install the second (new) one so we can re-generate power. If...
Boat Systems
the Strait of Georgia
the Sunshine Coast
Dog Days of Summer!
Wednesday, July 29, 2009TheCambrians We arrived in Westview first thing this morning and David removed the alternator and walked 5 km to Vanderkemp Sales & Service LTD where they tested it on the bench. Unfortunately, it’s shot. The windings are gone and the diodes and rectifier bridge have been blown. Basically, the whole thing’s cooked and not worth fixing. Fortunately, they had a replacement on the shelf that they were able to...
David lost the battle with the generator and it’s beyond repair at this point, so we motored back to the marina in Van Anda for the night to plug in. They don’t have the facilities to fix our alternator here but Westview, a larger town five nautical miles across the Malaspina Strait, does. The marina there was fully booked for the night, so we’ll motor over tomorrow morning...
We had a nice evening last night in Teakerne Arm. After heeding advice from Gerri Lee and Rich, we anchored in the bay south of the waterfall and had the place virtually to ourselves – the peace and quiet a welcomed change from the hustle and bustle of Gorge Harbour. The heat is becoming unbearable, so we spent most of our time on deck in the shade of...
We’re sitting at anchor in Gorge Harbour after making our way up from Van Anda yesterday morning in hopes of seeing Gerri Lee and Rick, a couple we met at the docks in Princess Louisa, again. We managed to find them and had a good time catching up but, as we’re on a schedule, we’ll be moving on this afternoon with the the tide for Teakerne Arm in...
Jervis Inlet
the Strait of Georgia
The Harmony Islands Marine Park
Friday, July 24, 2009TheCambrians In desperate need of a place to dump our trash, we decided to make our way across Malaspina Strait to Texada Island and the town of Van Anda yesterday where we could also buy some provisions. But, as we came out of the protection of Dark Cove, the wind was blowing 18 knots on our nose, so we turned north into Hotham Sound and tucked into the Harmony...
After spending six wonderful days at the head of Princess Louisa Inlet exploring the area in our kayaks, bathing in the waterfalls, and making new friends over cocktails along the friendly dock, it’s time to move on. It’s been a magical experience for us both and we’re reluctant to leave. Every step we’ve taken so far is more beautiful than the last overwhelming us with options – do...
Today we put the 8 hp outboard motor on the dinghy and travelled up the inlet to Malibu Lodge, a Young Life Christian summer camp for teenagers, for a tour and to take a peak at the rapids as they were running. As we pulled up to the dock, we were greeted by one of the many volunteer staff members who guided us through parts of the camp...
This morning I hiked to Trapper’s Cabin by myself knowing the trail would be too difficult for Sally and beyond David’s interest as it’s described to be nearly impossible, not well-marked or maintained, and primitive. A couple of years ago, a man in his 20’s attempted the trek, fell down, broke his leg, and subsequently died. I wasn’t exactly sure what I was getting myself into but had...
We left Dark Cove around 9:30 this morning to time our arrival through Malibu Rapids which guard the entrance to Princess Louisa Inlet with currents running up to nine knots during maximum flood and ebb tides creating white water and large overfalls. The 30 nautical mile trip up Jervis Inlet was beyond any and all expectations we could have possibly had as we travelled further inland and approached...
We left Howe Sound yesterday afternoon with the tides and had a nice passage up to Secret Cove along the BC mainland coast – not so secret, by the way, with hundreds of boats berthed and anchored there. The next day, we left for Jervis Inlet arriving late in the afternoon and began our search for an anchorage for the night passing on two before finally settling on...
David spent the past three days working on a series of diagnostic tests on the regulator and alternator. End result: the alternator is shot and needs to be rebuilt. Needless to say, it’s been a difficult weekend aboard Cambria. Under normal circumstances, we’d make arrangements to have the work done before continuing our trip north. But because I’m flying out of Seattle in August to attend my niece’s...
As it turned out, one night in Gibsons was enough. The anchorage is deep and exposed to the wakes of the busy marina entrance, but it served its purpose. Sally and I were able to take care of the provisions first thing in the morning, leaving the afternoon for David and me to explore the town who’s claim to fame is the filming of the Canadian TV series...
The passage to Gibsons Landing and across the infamous Strait of Georgia went well. Known for getting “snotty”, we had a light southerly breeze and current pushing us over flat seas. As we approached the mouth of Howe Sound, mountain tops rose out of the sea as majestically as they do in Tahiti and Fiji. The Pacific Northwest is reputed to be the best cruising ground in the...
We checked in Canada Monday afternoon without incident. They had all of our information stored on the computer, so it was only a matter of answering a few simple questions over the telephone – how much alcohol do you have onboard? any fresh produce? any pets? – before we were given our new clearance number. We chose an anchorage just outside the custom’s dock and Poet’s Cove Resort...
the San Juan Islands
the Strait of Juan de Fuca
Port Townsend to Orcas Island
Monday, July 06, 2009TheCambrians We left Port Townsend last Saturday and made way for Orcas Island in the San Juans where we spent the week visiting friends and exploring the island. Our short time there was filled with sharing wonderful dinners with our friends and seeing the sites. Bill and Sylvia lent us their Jeep, so we were able to make our way back and forth between Moran State Park, where there's...
