June 11th, 2018 - Day 10: Hartley Bay to Prince Rupert

June 11, 2018

Another long day:  77 miles and 10 hours of cruising.  Highlights: we conclude our run through Coastal British Columbia reaching Prince Rupert, a major seaport and the northern-most city in British Columbia.  After almost two weeks in Canada, we will spend the next month in Alaska.

A new experience today was taking turns taking pictures of each boat in front of one of many waterfalls we have been awed by.  This one was not the largest waterfall, but the currents and lighting were generally favorable so we gave it a shot (actually numerous shots).  It is a bit of a trick to get the "subject boat" into position in front of the waterfall, and have the operators come out on the deck so no one is controlling the boat while the outflow from the waterfall is pushing the boat (and assuming there is absolutely no wind or currents also pushing the boat, which never happens).  Meanwhile, the boat with the photographer has to get in position, and while maneuvering the boat also be ready to grab the camera and shoot quickly, perhaps even realizing the need to change camera lenses.  Any movement by either boat will substantially change the angle at which the "subject boat" is seen between the camera and the waterfall.  A lot of moving parts!  These shots came out reasonably well, but it was good practice as we expect to have more chances in the weeks to follow.

Peggy & Mark on Seaquel:

Ollie and Pam on Beyond:

Glen on Journey:

Low tide at the fuel dock at Hartley Bay upon departing at 7 am:

Typically nice smooth water early in the morning.  On this day we deliberately departed no earlier than 7 am to ensure favorable currents in long, narrow, Grenville Channel.   Water conditions, which includes waves caused by wind, as well as currents based on either ebb or flood tides, necessitate daily strategy sessions to optimize our cruising.   Gaining favorable conditions not only helps with fuel economy (range), but also minimizes the beating that the crew takes during critical periods.  These factors provide strong motivation to get up early.  Besides, the anticipation to see the next sights is a very strong pull not unlike the moon's gravitational pull causing our tides...

Not as much to see along this narrow fjord as you lose the expansive vast views due to the steep, tall, and narrow canyon walls.  A few smaller waterfalls, and the only noteworthy wildlife being the constant presence of Bald Eagles, with their white heads periodically dotting the dense green forest canopy.

Approaching Prince Rupert, the views quickly change from wilderness to industry.  The first sign is increased fishing boat and barge traffic.  Then come the mills and grain processing plants, fuel docks, marinas, homes, and yes, even a Walmart...

Pillsbury Cove, two miles across the channel from Prince Rupert, provided surprisingly good anchorage with plenty of room to swing off the anchor, beaches and tide pools for Moxie to explore, and nice sunset views back to the city...

The forecast for the next and last big "gate" to Alaska, Dixon Entrance, looked nasty further out at sea, but calm winds closer to shore.  We had considered holding up for a couple of days awaiting better conditions, but the experienced skipper of this beautiful Kady Krogen that was also anchored in Pillsbury Cove (below) suggested conditions were perfect for the run tomorrow AM.  We went to bed with decision to go for it, pending no change or worsening of conditions in the morning.

Next blog: we will share conditions we faced in Dixon Entrance, which were by far the most challenging seas we faced to date.

~Mark