Day 434 Back in civilization.

We've moved far enough South that I can reconnect to the internet via my Verizon WiFi card.  This way, anywhere I can get cell phone service, I can get on the internet.  With luck, there will be a lot fewer delays on getting our posts posted.

We left Millbrook this morning at 0500 for the trip around Cape Caution after being stuck there for three days waiting for the weather to be better for the crossing. Cape Caution has a reputation--hence it's name for being a nasty place to cross.  Today's forecast for West Otter Buoy(how you gauge the weather for the area) came back at 1.1 meter seas and 10-15 knot winds.  The winds were less than that but unfortunately, always from the South so we couldn't sail at all.  On with the motor all over again.

We saw several dozen boats headed North.  From fishing to power cruisers to sailboats, everyone was  headed the other way.  We've seen many more boats, especially sailboats over this past few weeks.  The word has gone out and everyone is finally heading North.  This late, I'm not sure how far they will get unless they have a lot more speed than we do and that will eliminate most of the sailboats.

Being Monday, the same day we passed by here back in May, we saw the same three cruise ships(Norwegian Sun, Celebrity Mercury, and Statendam all headed North.  In our travels, we have seen these ships many times.  Add them to the other boats we saw and it was a busy day at Cape Caution.  It's good to be past it.

We arrived in Blunden Harbour(50 54.423N  127 17.813W) just about 12:30 after a relatively easy 42.4 miles.  Some rocking and rolling from side to side but with proper planning and watching the waves, we managed to avoid the worst of it by a simple change in directions--more into or off of the waves.

We're now covered 631 miles since we left Juneau.  If we hadn't had to stop for three days in Foggy Bay and Millbrook, we would have been in Port Townsend by now.  We lost 6 days but that is alright.  Our plan is still to be back there by July 15 if at all possible.  As we have said before, we have more things to install on Zephyr.  Plus, I have to go back to Colorado.  We will not miss the weather window to head South this year.

It rained most of the afternoon so we stayed below and read and rested.  The kids were not impressed but being dry had it's advantages.

Now, on to Pearse Island tomorrow and then South in the Johnstone Strait.  The biggest obstacle we have left is Seymour Narrows just North of Campbell River.  Currents can get pretty nasty through there but we have our schedule all worked out for the trip.

Stay tuned, there's more to come and now faster than before.