WHAT A DAY!! This is what it’s all about…
Ken and Tanis arrive before 11 bells and OMOO is pretty much ready for a day under sail. Forecast is NW winds to 25 knots on the Strait S of Nanaimo, which means roughly 15 knots in the Southern Gulf Islands. Perfect for the first trial of sailing again after a long winter slumber. The boat’s been out a few times under power so we weren’t expecting any surprises. But we were awesomely surprised, thank you Mother Ocean.
We drifted through Samsun Narrows under the jib into lunchtime so we made the turn into Genoa Bay to drop a hook in the shallows by the community of float homes. So delightful in 12 feet of water where the breeze kept us cool and OMOO dancing as it caught the top of the mast.
The sound of the increasing wind beckoned us out into Satellite Channel as we hoisted the anchor and headed back toward Cowichan Bay. The backdrop is astounding with the distant snow covered mountains, clear blue sky and diamonds rippling on the water. SIGH….
Up goes the main with no problems and out comes the jib. The sails fill and off goes the engine. Pure bliss. The decision of when to turn back was decided for us by the approaching view of Mount Baker. The mountain peeked around the point on Saltspring Island, standing proud and magnificent. The other sailboats in the Channel included a 50 foot Bavaria,long and sleek, tempting us to a race till she slid past us swiftly leaving a wake of envy and photo ops. Heading back to Maple Bay was a blast as we tacked, close hauled into the wind. OMOO luvs to sail this way.
Now we are ready to head north to the Great Bear Rainforest and explore the Fiordlands. YIPPEE!!
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/fiordland/
