August 10th

Sorry for the delay.  We have not had internet for a while.

THE SHIP BOARD LIFE OF “OCEANARE 1”

Peaceful Queen Charlotte

OPERATIONS NORMAL

August 10^th it is time to strike a course to the big city of Port McNeill.  On departure from the Storm Island area it is clear skies and flatter than finish on OA varnished dining table.  Even at this early hour the eager beaver fishermen from Port Hardy and from other far flung harbours are out to kill fish.  We thread are way through their lines and now clear to navigate to the destination of McNeill. The clear sky’s now obscured by a building fog bank.  In the old days when we had small boats with only paper charts, depth sounder and VHF radio, we would be shitting bullets.  Now we watch the little green boat on a video screen dogging along on a course line.  WE turn on the green one eye monster that we call radar and set up an arch of defence on it to warn us of any intruder on a collision bearing.  Such is the hardship (wrong) of navigating in thin fog with the sun directly overhead burning a hole in it.  Now doing this in storm condition, in freezing sleet in the pitch black is like the feeling a fluffy little bunny with coyotes on its tail, just plain scary.

We have pre-registered with Harbour Authority to be assured a berth.  Before we tie there it is time to replenish the fuel. We have enough to return home but it would be a mighty hit in the wallet all at once.  The fuel bill came to about $1500 not bad considering a Gilligan 21 day tour. Port McNeill has terrific Ship shopping facilities.  A modern Harbour Master office, Tourist (maned) information, two competitive chain supermarkets, as good as it gets marine parts and outboard and engine repair depot and fishing supplies.  Almost at the top of the ramp is Gus’s PUB ,a steakhouse, coffee shop, Chinese food,  hotels, hospital, propane, large truck and car parts store, (3 GUYS at the front desk), gift shops, barber shop, etc.

Port Hardy has all these good facilities, but they are a car ride from the marina at. On previous adventures when moored there they have been very gracious and lent us there older company vehicle to go shopping. We would top of the gas return and thank them profusely.  They do have a hotel with restaurants within walking distance and a large public dock, a fuel dock with competitive fuel prices.  Both towns share the same airport that has daily flights from Vancouver.  Both towns feed the Broughtons but McNeill is closer and yachty.  Where Hardy is the supply for commercial craft, near the areas closer to Cape Caution. There is frequent water taxi to points beyond Cape caution. Both are the avid fisherman’s dream for the jump off point to tease a salmon on their lines.

SS "Maple Leaf"

 

MV "Teal"

MV "Far Neinte"

 

 

If you are a keen dock walker, looking to come upon some jewel of a perfectly restored classic yacht, they come and go almost daily here in Pt McNeill.  On this port visit we were rewarded with visions of varnish teak ships, joinery to perfection, classic and timeless lines of the 1927 “TEAL” and  the charter sailing vessel “MAPLE LEAF” (similar to the Blue Nose ) .  The one vessel that was outstanding was a steel vessel.  It looked to be of European decent “FAR-NIENTE” registered in San Francisco.  I love our boat as she is as good as it get for being an old wood go north vessel.  It’s like Penny says about looking at a good looking lady walking, you can look but NO TOUCHY.  It would be the same thing with the “FAR-NIENTE” no touchy.

Docking Tugs

ENOUGH WITH LUSTING AFTER ANOTHER PRETTY VESSEL.  The weather window is right for crossing to the Broughtons about thirty miles away.  The fog is lifting and it’s another spectacular north coast day. Not a breath of wind and towering snow caped peaks piercing the blue ice sky above on the horizon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ENOUGH ABOUT LUSTING AFTER ANOTHER PRETTY VESSEL. 

The weather window is right for crossing to the Broughtons about thirty miles away.  The fog is lifting and it’s another spectacular north coast day. Not a breath of wind and towering snow caped peaks piercing the blue ice sky above on the horizon.