summer: comox
Date: July 31, 2018
Time Start: 6:40 a.m.
Time Finish: 12:15 p.m.
Cruise from: Laura Cove, Desolation Sound
Cruise To: Comox, Vancouver Island
Engine Hours Start: 852
Engine Hours Finish: 857
Weather/sea conditions: Sun with smoke haze, S.E. winds, choppy water, 80 degree day
At six a.m. it is already 70 degrees and the sun hasn't even reached Laura Cove yet. Today we begin our cruise toward home, planning to take a week or more before reaching Olympia. All is still and quiet in Laura Cove at this early hour. Boaters are still asleep, and the sun rises over the mountains behind as we leave.
Time Start: 6:40 a.m.
Time Finish: 12:15 p.m.
Cruise from: Laura Cove, Desolation Sound
Cruise To: Comox, Vancouver Island
Engine Hours Start: 852
Engine Hours Finish: 857
Weather/sea conditions: Sun with smoke haze, S.E. winds, choppy water, 80 degree day
At six a.m. it is already 70 degrees and the sun hasn't even reached Laura Cove yet. Today we begin our cruise toward home, planning to take a week or more before reaching Olympia. All is still and quiet in Laura Cove at this early hour. Boaters are still asleep, and the sun rises over the mountains behind as we leave.
We cruise into the Strait of Georgia, passing Hernando Island, and then, as we near Mittlenatch Island, we spot the spouts of whales. They turn out to be humpbacks. One gives us a fin wave, and another does a full breach. Magnificent to see! Unfortunately, we are in rolling and choppy waters, making attempts at photography impossible. We simply enjoy having seen these magnificent animals of the sea.
You know you have reached Comox when you see mountains and sailboats! After a semi-rough crossing of the Strait, we are happy to be here. Winds were around 15 knots this morning, and we cruised at around 12 knots for a smoother ride. Sea cadets from the training camp at Comox are out in the bay as we arrive conducting practices with life boats.
You know you have reached Comox when you see mountains and sailboats! After a semi-rough crossing of the Strait, we are happy to be here. Winds were around 15 knots this morning, and we cruised at around 12 knots for a smoother ride. Sea cadets from the training camp at Comox are out in the bay as we arrive conducting practices with life boats.
After a fuel stop, we tie up on the docks of Fisherman's Wharf operated by the Comox Valley Harbour Authority. In front of us is "Wild Rose", one of the new R23's, with Veda and Marita aboard. They are on their way home to Oak Harbor after participating in the Ranger Tug flotilla to Gorge Harbour, and report that it was a fantastic experience.
NORTH STAR gets a bath, and after looking at the weather forecasts, we make plans to extend our stay here for a total of three nights. Small craft warnings are posted for strong winds in the Strait of Georgia for the next few days. We will stay tucked in here to wait out the winds. "Wild Rose" and lots of other boats are making similar plans.
Heading to shore, we note a parade people with camera gear heading to the public dock. We learn that there is an Orca whale in the harbour that has been stranded there for several days. The whale is visible from the public dock, and is causing quite a stir in the community. It even made the newscasts when it latched onto a moored sailboat and gave it a tow! For now, we are ready for a shore walk.
Heading to shore, we note a parade people with camera gear heading to the public dock. We learn that there is an Orca whale in the harbour that has been stranded there for several days. The whale is visible from the public dock, and is causing quite a stir in the community. It even made the newscasts when it latched onto a moored sailboat and gave it a tow! For now, we are ready for a shore walk.
The waterfront park next to the marina has undergone some changes since our last visit. There are new pavilions for gatherings, and a new colorful playground for kids. The park is a colorful and lively place!
Dinner is at Black Fin restaurant, and we give it five stars! A wonderful spot, and we have a view of the marina from our table.
We are ready to check out the whale watching crowds. The whale is at the far side of the harbour and not easily visible tonight, but it is nice to be on the dock and enjoying the evening.
Date: August 1, 2018
Comox layover day
Weather/sea conditions: Strong winds, sun, upper 70's
The winds are blowing from the S.E. at 20 knots in the Strait of Georgia today. Fortunately it is somewhat calmer here in the harbour. And crowds are still gathering to see the whale.
Comox layover day
Weather/sea conditions: Strong winds, sun, upper 70's
The winds are blowing from the S.E. at 20 knots in the Strait of Georgia today. Fortunately it is somewhat calmer here in the harbour. And crowds are still gathering to see the whale.
We enjoy a visit to the park for fish and chips, and get entertained by seals at play. They are jumping from the water onto the docks and in and out of a dinghy. We're glad our dinghy is up on davits right now! People watching is fun, too.
Heading out on the pier promenade to photograph the sunset, we become part of the crowd watching for the whale and enjoying the boats on the harbour. And, we meet a friendly local, May, who shares her enthusiasm for Comox with us. It is a beautiful evening! And we see the whale!
Date: August 2, 2018
Comox layover day
Weather/sea conditions: Clouds and cooler, low 70's, windy
We have another layover day due to strong wind forecasts and are happy to spend more time in this great small town. Dan has a business report to prepare, so this gives him time to get it done. The whale is still here, and small sailboats are out enjoying the winds in the harbour.
Comox layover day
Weather/sea conditions: Clouds and cooler, low 70's, windy
We have another layover day due to strong wind forecasts and are happy to spend more time in this great small town. Dan has a business report to prepare, so this gives him time to get it done. The whale is still here, and small sailboats are out enjoying the winds in the harbour.
Several Ranger Tugs are tucked in at Comox with us. "Tug O'My Heart", "Ilio Kai", "Blue", and an R31CB are all here. Tugs seem to be scattered throughout the marina, great PR for Ranger Tugs! On shore, the town is getting ready for a holiday weekend to celebrate British Columbia Day. There will be an outdoor festival that draws large crowds.
Seals at the end of our dock entertain us, and then some rain starts to fall.