tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57349181504657447072024-03-21T08:23:45.213-07:00MV GjoaGJOAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03457152029560224931noreply@blogger.comBlogger294125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5734918150465744707.post-82001513151473559762023-10-10T11:42:00.000-07:002023-10-10T11:42:45.185-07:00Our new Skipper<p>Our new puppy quickly became the skipper, of both our boat and life when she joined us earlier this year. Now, at eight months old, she has become very efficient and vocal about taking charge and giving us Skipper's orders. One bark to go out, one bark to come in and don't be too slow about opening the door either, or, she'll let you know you're not fast enough. </p><p>As is typical for a miniature English Bull Terrier, she is very intelligent, strong, active, stubborn and some might say, obstinate! We are glad we were able to move her off the boat and into the house when she was four months as she needs lots of floor space for all her toys and balls, especially balls. She must have 2-3 available at all times. One, sometimes two, in the mouth and another one or two to bat around with her front paws at the same time. She's really got her soccer moves down to a science. Hopefully, she'll remember her early days as a 'boat dog' in time for our next cruise.</p><p>Training is ongoing, she's been through two rounds of obedience classes. It's still a work in progress but she is improving. House training and sleeping through the night were easy wins. Belt chewing, clothes-tugging, play nipping weren't. As she matures, her activity level is slowing a bit, but, when she gets her hyperactive 'zoomies' on, look out as there's no stopping her then. </p><p>It's been a challenge but we're enjoying her immensely. Hope you enjoy these pictures.</p><p>At 6-1/2 weeks, she's the one in the middle of the row...</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip64iUtsWrCbeF7eF3f5-pxZD2pmqPal8M9GP5Z-2LN6ksf0luToiwNJgDHBvVwW5HIXt8y9-w59vhZSDnKxqw9jWgUJuzog2c7NUrQiRUC2EAhxQIQ8E3qtQYMVhba0e6OQ1P3QnVdZOa1BqPwcys2lQ9pVzGaNRWeJGLg9XEtC1QS1djSdK7gV9mI1dx/s885/Skipper_6.5Weeks_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="885" height="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip64iUtsWrCbeF7eF3f5-pxZD2pmqPal8M9GP5Z-2LN6ksf0luToiwNJgDHBvVwW5HIXt8y9-w59vhZSDnKxqw9jWgUJuzog2c7NUrQiRUC2EAhxQIQ8E3qtQYMVhba0e6OQ1P3QnVdZOa1BqPwcys2lQ9pVzGaNRWeJGLg9XEtC1QS1djSdK7gV9mI1dx/w640-h520/Skipper_6.5Weeks_3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Photo Credit: Axelbelle Kennels)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p>At two months: Pickup at YVR, she flew in from Ontario.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW1mtBAP5vhT8kWVC59Ih4-9gkkYotWAOnH-vM7XoafUgu-8LIzIAMdvF4_4DWBcyLYxugFVD8R7LZea48gsH0AfBOZIRjFtolbXFSGb9k0MZ_s6eZ9UkCJnecGhJZ8Zgt8Hw7CTtt6glGWgiDBn5PqQeonEzgmef8M5QuogrnxmBn7AxFsSwLtw9yIknO/s1440/20230329_152359%20(Large).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW1mtBAP5vhT8kWVC59Ih4-9gkkYotWAOnH-vM7XoafUgu-8LIzIAMdvF4_4DWBcyLYxugFVD8R7LZea48gsH0AfBOZIRjFtolbXFSGb9k0MZ_s6eZ9UkCJnecGhJZ8Zgt8Hw7CTtt6glGWgiDBn5PqQeonEzgmef8M5QuogrnxmBn7AxFsSwLtw9yIknO/w480-h640/20230329_152359%20(Large).jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p>At 2-1/2 months: First hike.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9sewjuVVUbD-mUUq7zmZLDxsMUItLfqBkT7nFQygtd2NjOKTlgbbAqU9KHkqbHu9iWZ3LcRXsLzBL8kCu1dCDD73DgpQ1yyOgQoH07HUsilOy1UhLEjaUEdTNMAvvEnoEe3leEFr1hTm6wef-8jTOJLNV6X26tHay1WXGQwuK-f2F7eZ6GEdpPE2HBZtV/s1440/SkipperFirstHike2%20(Large).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9sewjuVVUbD-mUUq7zmZLDxsMUItLfqBkT7nFQygtd2NjOKTlgbbAqU9KHkqbHu9iWZ3LcRXsLzBL8kCu1dCDD73DgpQ1yyOgQoH07HUsilOy1UhLEjaUEdTNMAvvEnoEe3leEFr1hTm6wef-8jTOJLNV6X26tHay1WXGQwuK-f2F7eZ6GEdpPE2HBZtV/w480-h640/SkipperFirstHike2%20(Large).jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>At four months: enjoying her first backpacking trip to San Josef Bay and discovering sand beaches!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWGjb1VnjsSAtjz4-O6iWfFi81wnCvmkdvfH0RV48V4T9rdYgEoh0VbWUKK_Z2mIW7XRrJH-Xl3kUqITKA1TxERLcKB52r6hlSJVh_rjir_480H9FnX4KJ_XVOY-9nChFzWm3rAiUbEI0P2-_OujzwcVGk9MzuALOjarh2LqE3k8W98FkCbqRAJRTlSWVL/s1440/SkipperMay29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWGjb1VnjsSAtjz4-O6iWfFi81wnCvmkdvfH0RV48V4T9rdYgEoh0VbWUKK_Z2mIW7XRrJH-Xl3kUqITKA1TxERLcKB52r6hlSJVh_rjir_480H9FnX4KJ_XVOY-9nChFzWm3rAiUbEI0P2-_OujzwcVGk9MzuALOjarh2LqE3k8W98FkCbqRAJRTlSWVL/w640-h480/SkipperMay29.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>At 4-1/2 months...</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNAfTWyGblMxW-pk15dSyUlAD9fPWKUXE1vamxZ_RIk21Jq2yDh71LvGCOVcehutl3VGAbdk3URnoNgL5TfnBHUSbnS0QdWNTMryVu5njnj2VUWtkeljXaAtwW8n4gsDj70clkuvOAsnO9OKfQ9Zj018foQfRutsHRrzMx4Zd-lMLphgxbdbBXEBSKg24k/s1440/SkipperJun9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNAfTWyGblMxW-pk15dSyUlAD9fPWKUXE1vamxZ_RIk21Jq2yDh71LvGCOVcehutl3VGAbdk3URnoNgL5TfnBHUSbnS0QdWNTMryVu5njnj2VUWtkeljXaAtwW8n4gsDj70clkuvOAsnO9OKfQ9Zj018foQfRutsHRrzMx4Zd-lMLphgxbdbBXEBSKg24k/w480-h640/SkipperJun9.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><div>At five months, loving Brady Beach at Bamfield...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtoS0DBfddFcqJglw-_d7GXMfMKOOHBSv7JkRDOe40Lw7YZ9tZiGj5PH3GId_8qVaK2pgnNe3rG9S_E14ONg8rfWGQc6UunGAMlEScfL_jBnWw1_KvQREXXVJPIOtH_Prbxi58X6ZflvT95KSds7yAJe6EA0rvhXqvIytzRaxLUBi_JEHeR8F2XCxW286Y/s1440/SkipperJun23.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtoS0DBfddFcqJglw-_d7GXMfMKOOHBSv7JkRDOe40Lw7YZ9tZiGj5PH3GId_8qVaK2pgnNe3rG9S_E14ONg8rfWGQc6UunGAMlEScfL_jBnWw1_KvQREXXVJPIOtH_Prbxi58X6ZflvT95KSds7yAJe6EA0rvhXqvIytzRaxLUBi_JEHeR8F2XCxW286Y/w640-h480/SkipperJun23.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>GJOAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03457152029560224931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5734918150465744707.post-86891767857340408832023-09-26T10:45:00.000-07:002023-09-26T10:45:48.913-07:00House Build - We are in!<p> I wrote this in my last house build post on October 29, 2022</p><blockquote>"...we do feel that the end is at least in sight now. Maybe three more months should do it"</blockquote><p>Ha! It took another <b>seven,</b> long, excruciating months. We finally moved in on June 1, 2023. We love the finished product, but, are we glad to see the end of construction. It took way too long and cost way too much. If we'd known just how long and how much we probably wouldn't have started.</p><p>We purchased the building lot in January 2021. As I wrote in <a href="https://gjoablog.blogspot.com/2022/03/the-phantom-house.html" target="_blank">The Phantom House</a> it took almost a year to get the project off the ground and almost 2-1/2 years start to "finish". Site preparation started in February 2022 and from there it was a fifteen month slog for the actual house build. The structure had many prefabricated components (wall panels and trusses). I'd still recommend this form of build instead of "stick-built" on-site as it offers quality, precision-built materials and theoretically anyway, a quicker build process.</p><p>Although we weren't "hands-on" that much during the structure build, most of which required skilled labour, there was much work of another kind that did take up most of our mental energies and time. Design, product research, budgeting, sourcing, purchasing/order logistics of the finishing materials was more problematic than expected as we were committed to building small (for North America anyway), energy-efficient and low-maintenance. After all, we've been living on boats for the last thirteen years and in just a 26 ft. boat (our Nordic Tug 26) for the last two. Anything larger than 250 sq ft would seem palatial to us (and it does). We learned that building small in North America is actually more difficult (and expensive) than building large (the norm). It took forever to source out "stuff" that would fit our design parameters. Most of our products ended up being of European design (think $$). We wanted to build quality rather than quantity and I think we achieved that. The main living area is just 922 sq. ft. with a lower-level guest suite of 250 sq. ft. The bonus is the attached double garage. The space suits us perfectly.</p><p>Rather than continuing to whinge, after all we have been very privileged to custom-build a house designed just for us, we'll let a few photos show the result. We are very much enjoying living in this central Vancouver Island location, close to the ocean and so close to nature yet with all the conveniences of urban life. It's nice to have a home base again, having an address makes life so much easier. As with any house there will be ongoing projects, the landscaping still needs major attention, but, it's nice to be able, once again, to think of future projects that don't involve house building!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc8v3Bgxw0W2NCAcLe_9LbuZC_GVMyutJhK_90RGZG1x_R9m2vIhZ2Dc7TvjEYMmIiBfzfBV6aSKpnHD4tCmhV2XXDmSp4PWvxm0AY0EJ_lpm4qWiKtkrFczoaRSvjkPzf1jlTHBAV9l3cdX8rSe4frIjy2IyrLbmPuy7_4xhzvUUxfScd4_Wi5l-T-89r/s1440/ExtFromC.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc8v3Bgxw0W2NCAcLe_9LbuZC_GVMyutJhK_90RGZG1x_R9m2vIhZ2Dc7TvjEYMmIiBfzfBV6aSKpnHD4tCmhV2XXDmSp4PWvxm0AY0EJ_lpm4qWiKtkrFczoaRSvjkPzf1jlTHBAV9l3cdX8rSe4frIjy2IyrLbmPuy7_4xhzvUUxfScd4_Wi5l-T-89r/w640-h640/ExtFromC.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Photo Credit: Oakehart Construction)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />The captivating view is ever-changing. Every few weeks a container ship arrives into Port Alberni's deep water port and we can see the logs being loaded. The small-craft marina where we keep our boat is just down the hill within walking distance as are some very nice shops and restaurants.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgETknWgZ4lNZxgJ52dNoLYZ-bxkZ2riMZM2cTO44xFiQ9WNqCtcHLplld6wXAw3VG4B1WGBF164BGl2H_Kf1mVeyiwNoeIxPe08J_kyUxkiEfJiLaeXvvidozv_97186PfmSfC_5SnPhuVGpXNksKEdG2C-LbOgoQUNKiFob5om1TAGQBE6FTgiKgXnAsU/s1440/IMG_0893%20(Large).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgETknWgZ4lNZxgJ52dNoLYZ-bxkZ2riMZM2cTO44xFiQ9WNqCtcHLplld6wXAw3VG4B1WGBF164BGl2H_Kf1mVeyiwNoeIxPe08J_kyUxkiEfJiLaeXvvidozv_97186PfmSfC_5SnPhuVGpXNksKEdG2C-LbOgoQUNKiFob5om1TAGQBE6FTgiKgXnAsU/w480-h640/IMG_0893%20(Large).JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0DYCkOXN0py82AdSFa-kCpmsp8dnqNcRzLk12H9704MfvOMl6SMcmm_zPK1ICJ98VD7cruwYpLFM_mYKyTMU6wyeW3FN-hkoG4_s1BEAV-G6fBw6K2aJWc4ULldE6YKF4LHL78umUoyBVxUaCW7aG3A2cFxdWtnVrIrH7NwVvyGFhzbQ6j67_EFRH6PCh/s1440/IMG_0896%20(Large).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0DYCkOXN0py82AdSFa-kCpmsp8dnqNcRzLk12H9704MfvOMl6SMcmm_zPK1ICJ98VD7cruwYpLFM_mYKyTMU6wyeW3FN-hkoG4_s1BEAV-G6fBw6K2aJWc4ULldE6YKF4LHL78umUoyBVxUaCW7aG3A2cFxdWtnVrIrH7NwVvyGFhzbQ6j67_EFRH6PCh/w640-h480/IMG_0896%20(Large).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEgPTnAU4tNbiMX9zeQMccxKePXpd9Ce0qXdsS6itda4KIXs1NgqW2nY9MILSWx0YTjeGRBeHgV2Td48UPd1nMeIxhElqMIBi2qnmJuPvRguAeKAJIk15CBzkHDI-Jdce9J-pVprdULbLycKWnBgnSjprGF5PxIL9253Vk2GmaRWcyCb9zdGSLzcMWni6O/s1440/IMG_0900%20(Large).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEgPTnAU4tNbiMX9zeQMccxKePXpd9Ce0qXdsS6itda4KIXs1NgqW2nY9MILSWx0YTjeGRBeHgV2Td48UPd1nMeIxhElqMIBi2qnmJuPvRguAeKAJIk15CBzkHDI-Jdce9J-pVprdULbLycKWnBgnSjprGF5PxIL9253Vk2GmaRWcyCb9zdGSLzcMWni6O/w640-h480/IMG_0900%20(Large).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Y3nO7dkrqdLS_meidDTjhUhryM2Kd1e6wo_N0jY8Iut-NMupLX2UtSVsoQ4v-3hFgoqjpnZ-jM96_Zt8qz5BvRNWrKyuiJPvj6Q0PVY1wMKCT4jbtCSymlnz-M1dLIGxNcqN8Kh-hNE7ARnMeeVki8gy1gbdYbC9mxacLqWH27l9lmITPlNFUUbgSQ65/s1440/IMG_0922%20(Large).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Y3nO7dkrqdLS_meidDTjhUhryM2Kd1e6wo_N0jY8Iut-NMupLX2UtSVsoQ4v-3hFgoqjpnZ-jM96_Zt8qz5BvRNWrKyuiJPvj6Q0PVY1wMKCT4jbtCSymlnz-M1dLIGxNcqN8Kh-hNE7ARnMeeVki8gy1gbdYbC9mxacLqWH27l9lmITPlNFUUbgSQ65/w640-h480/IMG_0922%20(Large).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-z3ggueb49ak55-odZHFhJdXcEtd9aILE_tsoWbdNl2E_jh8HdcNspNlQ_F4Xf5h7e690eYzn0auXRC5z7bSf-8LnSxxsmYB8u22_8JCVKoFO3K-yeHRk3y-WBsr7MtLPShQvl6qLi3jk_7hqifS8s_PkBMediHNdogm2S8TRpMZGlBPBVkclbGjCJQ2V/s1440/IMG_0891%20(Large).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-z3ggueb49ak55-odZHFhJdXcEtd9aILE_tsoWbdNl2E_jh8HdcNspNlQ_F4Xf5h7e690eYzn0auXRC5z7bSf-8LnSxxsmYB8u22_8JCVKoFO3K-yeHRk3y-WBsr7MtLPShQvl6qLi3jk_7hqifS8s_PkBMediHNdogm2S8TRpMZGlBPBVkclbGjCJQ2V/w640-h480/IMG_0891%20(Large).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKEZ-u44gx4YD7h8PfENkOkQrrxeOBuXy1MxRCzWHPISssGzIvmFzofZmvkEx6mVRwFI9gRg9cZwzGq3RbeVNNugHneXyUIub1nGYEFRAkNNsUs4DKCVXWZRWPT6iluM7w0zqr0FmAvOwFymmS0FdhljkrmeQg24jSZFRwjoeQpVBmY_j67w6xYeB6vDKM/s1440/IMG_0964%20(Large).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKEZ-u44gx4YD7h8PfENkOkQrrxeOBuXy1MxRCzWHPISssGzIvmFzofZmvkEx6mVRwFI9gRg9cZwzGq3RbeVNNugHneXyUIub1nGYEFRAkNNsUs4DKCVXWZRWPT6iluM7w0zqr0FmAvOwFymmS0FdhljkrmeQg24jSZFRwjoeQpVBmY_j67w6xYeB6vDKM/w640-h480/IMG_0964%20(Large).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhExk86YTZVJiFMKPrfCO39VmOdZMKqEGGigVtm1Y9jAnrrKcsu9oXsAnTUaLVlDLTj2L5U-XVP8qAn2uzlp5WC5Dv06fJ8ClTS8yZllP_rkzTBd-bqQnFj9hiwT_kkscQ-PcmYuJy4_A2r7nSuetbYFpSe8HJcyqAgdO7QJEAuSsXa9jumfXTzw4NU90CT/s1440/IMG_0816%20(Large).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhExk86YTZVJiFMKPrfCO39VmOdZMKqEGGigVtm1Y9jAnrrKcsu9oXsAnTUaLVlDLTj2L5U-XVP8qAn2uzlp5WC5Dv06fJ8ClTS8yZllP_rkzTBd-bqQnFj9hiwT_kkscQ-PcmYuJy4_A2r7nSuetbYFpSe8HJcyqAgdO7QJEAuSsXa9jumfXTzw4NU90CT/w640-h480/IMG_0816%20(Large).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>The self-contained guest suite is approximately 250 sq. ft. and has a separate entrance.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh60lC7Yj_u0a1mn_IvYK7lDfWEtpBwGtLCBtRDarVnTvnXsG10ALvHyyGDYF6NAySXAXHUPe-I64auTGnx4qcxs39TkTO4Im_RjiJGttJbX0OysAWjSY4T6qo6dyhkY7aWH4SPdBZQvqb3_G9MGORD4WMbfi86X6m-Z4hf8MlH2pVEwh_LnlB-HTdb_SEC/s1080/SuiteCollage.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh60lC7Yj_u0a1mn_IvYK7lDfWEtpBwGtLCBtRDarVnTvnXsG10ALvHyyGDYF6NAySXAXHUPe-I64auTGnx4qcxs39TkTO4Im_RjiJGttJbX0OysAWjSY4T6qo6dyhkY7aWH4SPdBZQvqb3_G9MGORD4WMbfi86X6m-Z4hf8MlH2pVEwh_LnlB-HTdb_SEC/w640-h640/SuiteCollage.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p></p><p>This massive retaining wall, a necessary, unexpected cost was definitely a budget-breaker.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJL_SEEDF8cIs9_M5-RLWXL0aIwBgo7HeAMpfKv2UkL6YrWd8FoBxBS5KOjKFvZG23FU0V2_UnUUEVjOtmpI8xpMYl5_JljfZH4BWqowT3fUWj89382JuzhnAIbY-CGoe5qsB_XNBb9gQJuT6IIHxjANMsS5x5ktKhcuVNyKO14ouogIuqXtobouHlOV-e/s1440/IMG_0938%20(Large).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJL_SEEDF8cIs9_M5-RLWXL0aIwBgo7HeAMpfKv2UkL6YrWd8FoBxBS5KOjKFvZG23FU0V2_UnUUEVjOtmpI8xpMYl5_JljfZH4BWqowT3fUWj89382JuzhnAIbY-CGoe5qsB_XNBb9gQJuT6IIHxjANMsS5x5ktKhcuVNyKO14ouogIuqXtobouHlOV-e/w640-h480/IMG_0938%20(Large).JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />GJOAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03457152029560224931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5734918150465744707.post-87629650972501602022022-10-30T09:11:00.000-07:002022-10-30T09:11:38.106-07:00A Magical Mini-Tour<p>We spent the long, record-setting heat and drought-filled summer of 2022 on our Nordic 26 tug tied to the dock in Port Alberni. Week after week of glorious, dry, calm, sunny weather passed us by and we didn't go anywhere in the boat. There were a number of reasons for this, the main one being that we were so preoccupied with our ongoing house building saga that a clear window of opportunity to get away never presented itself. We were never sure when/if workers would be on the job site and might need a decision, or, information from us. There were also some design and purchasing decisions that needed to be made with associated shopping trips, sometimes far afield. We also put in some sweat equity trying to keep the jobsite clean and ordered along with completing a few low-skilled jobs that we could take on.</p><p>The enforced period at the dock did give us more time to continue to explore the local area. We did a lot of walking and on the hottest days we went swimming at a couple of nearby freshwater lakes. We also were able to knock a few jobs off the boat list. Over the winter we'd completed most of the interior jobs that made living aboard more comfortable, now it was time to start in on the mechanicals. We ended up rewiring most of the boat, removed/relocated a lot of old electronics and other stuff, added a new chartplotter, new led nav lights, built a new electronics console, replaced the headliner in the pilothouse and fixed some overhead leaks.</p><p>As usual, the boat jobs took way much more time and effort than anticipated and we were getting resentful of the time spent on them. The great weather went on and on, enough was enough and we were determined to get out for a mini-cruise. We also needed to test that everything still worked, especially the autopilot (we had relocated its compass) and the new plotter etc. We got to October and knew the weather would break soon. It was our last chance. So, four days over the Thanksgiving weekend saw us heading down the Alberni Inlet to Barkley Sound and the Broken Group of Islands. Anticipation was high, weather was forecast to be perfect, it was almost a full moon and there was very little boat traffic now that most of the fishing boats had left the area after salmon season ended in September. </p><p>It really was a magical mini cruise: the engine started easily and reliably, the batteries held a charge, the anchor didn't drag, nothing broke, everything we'd installed/relocated/rewired worked, the weather was superb, the anchorages were spectacular and we had them all to ourselves. Perfection! We even cranked up the bbq for the first time in over a year and enjoyed some great food. We're back at the dock now and it's been raining steadily for the past week. We're so glad we took the opportunity to finally get out there!</p><p>The moonrises and sunrises were equally gorgeous.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3jK6Tu4w7UGwRQHhvUohYyrB94-4YIJQotBrT0d8XF_YR_F8GNqmOtfrvwAFvrdTJJCYWK7L9kSHwJAEasLXlMvDQ1haFb8xJ6qMbbrzdFm3OQUulNKc0upkrZiX9UuC6v_MuJnmU6aBx3pVA6mWoBUK_CS1WKFHYpDjrkk5_Qns_gpEabzihBNZW4A/s1080/MoonSunRiseCollage.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3jK6Tu4w7UGwRQHhvUohYyrB94-4YIJQotBrT0d8XF_YR_F8GNqmOtfrvwAFvrdTJJCYWK7L9kSHwJAEasLXlMvDQ1haFb8xJ6qMbbrzdFm3OQUulNKc0upkrZiX9UuC6v_MuJnmU6aBx3pVA6mWoBUK_CS1WKFHYpDjrkk5_Qns_gpEabzihBNZW4A/w640-h640/MoonSunRiseCollage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Along the way, we had vistas like this. We also spotted many humpback whales in the Sound along with a few seals. It was a treat to see ocean seabirds again as well.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtU8fJliZjdq1hJx1Vqxarke5wjdhhlKmqNKjEfFiykfI_QQqUDu7jTI-8mIB9Ne6Lm20siujZdgnXRJyDDmLlZS3fdOddufBHkmIFQPupVod2QWNIq75WFsDsOkq1-6RzXIq1P1sowCa9YM1q_T7Pz24xc6NBbWes2et03hsJhl8R8Ur26vIHjg0Itw/s1440/IMG_0620%20(Large).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtU8fJliZjdq1hJx1Vqxarke5wjdhhlKmqNKjEfFiykfI_QQqUDu7jTI-8mIB9Ne6Lm20siujZdgnXRJyDDmLlZS3fdOddufBHkmIFQPupVod2QWNIq75WFsDsOkq1-6RzXIq1P1sowCa9YM1q_T7Pz24xc6NBbWes2et03hsJhl8R8Ur26vIHjg0Itw/w640-h480/IMG_0620%20(Large).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>Anchorages looked like this one at Effingham Island.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGtS8kiSotsJ2yzlu7YKlla-6wIxpOLQ_fesyhwWaQZ9GRAXbNFx67UlLkIneDByLf2EmcGZKEhkQdktozDHn6RroIRsluf0Oy6AtxqH1FVmoD33Uceo2VSISW66xIkodeZ_fX092XwfpEBOmn_lIxyfR8K3acLjb0BoAOt0nwHqt6BV9SEVXz8CCX3w/s1440/IMG_0600%20(Large).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGtS8kiSotsJ2yzlu7YKlla-6wIxpOLQ_fesyhwWaQZ9GRAXbNFx67UlLkIneDByLf2EmcGZKEhkQdktozDHn6RroIRsluf0Oy6AtxqH1FVmoD33Uceo2VSISW66xIkodeZ_fX092XwfpEBOmn_lIxyfR8K3acLjb0BoAOt0nwHqt6BV9SEVXz8CCX3w/w640-h480/IMG_0600%20(Large).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Mornings were serene and gave us time to row to shore for a walk on the beach.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjedgcKfBJdrGA05DqeUo76bAf7peW1CNZnEBF53MEZQiDfAJPaBOeRctMXykUo2AsvyQ9C0oBWdDWNyW4RqW1EMWgqgFQrWF6v-AX9NoVsDG6riXRaOqxtdcL7svVmxccY24zEjhtXS36QWS5w_a6xKJzOZCPu0Knq5B9nIAT0Qs5I1WY7R3jP4cNFDA/s1440/IMG_0606%20(Large).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjedgcKfBJdrGA05DqeUo76bAf7peW1CNZnEBF53MEZQiDfAJPaBOeRctMXykUo2AsvyQ9C0oBWdDWNyW4RqW1EMWgqgFQrWF6v-AX9NoVsDG6riXRaOqxtdcL7svVmxccY24zEjhtXS36QWS5w_a6xKJzOZCPu0Knq5B9nIAT0Qs5I1WY7R3jP4cNFDA/w640-h480/IMG_0606%20(Large).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Early morning mist on the water indicated that autumn really was on the way.<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7z2XmgS0mz0KEroCP-kquMQHvqNVdENC2wgxb8nnK16TncmMsQOEzwj_4wbnQh01yVZAUUpdhngruM3KT_I01acXPDkqt0GtSwXId-XDdjxEuCHK1Vqc73ZIgUlxwLlkTxM3FiONDtdg-wQZDssLPATTC2VuiE902TVAAEw9Boji61k3UYefnt8o1yw/s1440/IMG_0613%20(Large).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7z2XmgS0mz0KEroCP-kquMQHvqNVdENC2wgxb8nnK16TncmMsQOEzwj_4wbnQh01yVZAUUpdhngruM3KT_I01acXPDkqt0GtSwXId-XDdjxEuCHK1Vqc73ZIgUlxwLlkTxM3FiONDtdg-wQZDssLPATTC2VuiE902TVAAEw9Boji61k3UYefnt8o1yw/w640-h480/IMG_0613%20(Large).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>We'd actually planned to be out for five days, but, a storm warning came up and we decided to head back a day early. Four days was enough to feel rejuvenated though. It had been too easy to forget how enjoyable slow cruising can be. Now that we've been reminded we can start planning to do more of it soon.</p></div>GJOAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03457152029560224931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5734918150465744707.post-74331508331496356482022-10-29T15:20:00.000-07:002022-10-29T15:20:47.918-07:00House Build - Progress Report<p>It's been almost three months since I reported that the windows were now in at our house build in Port Alberni. At that time, we really thought we might be occupying the house by now. Instead, we are still waiting...waiting...and waiting. Sure, a few major hurdles have now been passed, but, there's still a very long way to go and we are frustrated. As we've experienced before, there is always a lot of waiting involved in house building, the general contractor only has a limited number of workers and most of the jobs are sub-contracted out to independent firms. This year, after Covid lifted, the pent-up demand for builders was enormous. A lot of contractors took on more work than they could possibly handle effectively. Staff shortages didn't help. Then, instead of concentrating on one job at a time, they tried to keep everybody happy by spreading themselves thinly. This doesn't work. It only leads to more frustration as, in a two-week window, maybe you'd be lucky if your job got one or two days of attention. To make it worse, you'd never know when they would be showing up, or, how long they'd be staying. Promised arrival and completion dates came and went. Weeks seemed to slip by and the occupancy date with it. Everybody was apologetic and seemed to be trying their best, but, nothing ever seemed to get done.</p><p>Having said all that, we do feel that the end is at least in sight now. Maybe three more months should do it, but, don't hold me to that! Until then, the days/weeks continue to pass, as they do and future plans (for cruising, or, otherwise) are on hold. </p><p>A few things did get done. Our electrical, water/sewer and gas services have all been connected. Perimeter and slab drains were installed and the slab (garage/suite floor) was poured. The weather was very hot at the time and before we could get these jobs done, we first had to evict a doe and two fauns (deer) that had taken up residence in the cool, concrete environs of the lower level of the house. They are still in residence, but, thankfully no longer inside the house. We'll probably end up hating them when they inevitably start to munch on our eventual garden, but, right now, we love seeing them around, so pretty. There is a black bear around in the neighbourhood too, but, we haven't seen it yet, just the evidence. We did run into a young one (not literally) on the Alberni Inlet walking trail the other day. Luckily, it took one long, squinty look at us and exited quickly off the trail and into the bush.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKbUSvadfvvXNzmITdjmMyoUWQFyVQNmX0LXR2-CB5HSkWwme7oHip5_ef4dpRs4gLl5s9a5a0dH0ifCNTwBv-mKvSRqTFj5UH9EPE3s3Z1hhSyMiYzgKWx4gm2MzE7Assq79dokQhpQ7jL4cPxz4SY6vvm7xCfh2vPmrVw10vfoAh629WcsqQxtv3pA/s1440/IMG_0652%20(Large).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKbUSvadfvvXNzmITdjmMyoUWQFyVQNmX0LXR2-CB5HSkWwme7oHip5_ef4dpRs4gLl5s9a5a0dH0ifCNTwBv-mKvSRqTFj5UH9EPE3s3Z1hhSyMiYzgKWx4gm2MzE7Assq79dokQhpQ7jL4cPxz4SY6vvm7xCfh2vPmrVw10vfoAh629WcsqQxtv3pA/w640-h480/IMG_0652%20(Large).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>In addition, the finished roof has been installed (standing seam metal sheets). Backfill to the foundation and exterior grading was completed. Exterior doors were installed (nice that we could lock up now). Both the plumbing and electrical rough-ins were completed. After not seeing anybody onsite for weeks, both trades showed up at the same time and had to work around each other, typical!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEincGWfONDE1N5q9GcIUEUu49BoX5AM6z2zsutyoxQnJCvXRLIojE4wGrO3b9QGPGar6RFAZHjtG4CNMqa30QWa5_-q4RcqD2sNIVPb8PE3bosPq0cgZolTJl1XEOrELfNgMRoKBRBQJu11Gx_0ITKOagk5IuKMsobheiWkU2hBtYTLWz1-6dM1CpLkyA/s1440/IMG_0693%20(Large).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEincGWfONDE1N5q9GcIUEUu49BoX5AM6z2zsutyoxQnJCvXRLIojE4wGrO3b9QGPGar6RFAZHjtG4CNMqa30QWa5_-q4RcqD2sNIVPb8PE3bosPq0cgZolTJl1XEOrELfNgMRoKBRBQJu11Gx_0ITKOagk5IuKMsobheiWkU2hBtYTLWz1-6dM1CpLkyA/w640-h480/IMG_0693%20(Large).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjczNVkgNzMBTNHyuw8T7mVXMtszssGm9mNexeAAV2LPGcfx08NzSyrJdgs43I91-tEr9kmravDIl9dX1FTPl2m6-2qJG6UfbOrsbuE4NFhlyKh27tt6PI_7i4X4ISkG_bNytF0ONnUovD3ZBZq6JjQSccf5BunhItyQ15dumL1GEna67a8fXnexTT6KQ/s1440/IMG_0683%20(Large).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjczNVkgNzMBTNHyuw8T7mVXMtszssGm9mNexeAAV2LPGcfx08NzSyrJdgs43I91-tEr9kmravDIl9dX1FTPl2m6-2qJG6UfbOrsbuE4NFhlyKh27tt6PI_7i4X4ISkG_bNytF0ONnUovD3ZBZq6JjQSccf5BunhItyQ15dumL1GEna67a8fXnexTT6KQ/w640-h480/IMG_0683%20(Large).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>The base for our radiant floor heating was installed. We're doing a Schluter system which requires the laying of styrofoam panels (Bekotec) into which the hydronic pex tubing is routed. A cement-based screed is then poured on top. Later will come the addition of an uncoupling membrane topped with ceramic tile, but, that won't get done until much later down the line.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZj9ocBkSDhaFtcFs1UovIOHtFJ_2z69tfLno2en8FvXtPYDjLTeopLHeAljK-2OUb5H4viA4yXY70ZyiUg5fYyDDCSVrW79x1SY2mliHCUxpZychB8vKR3e-X9fB69S_xH6slG3y9FP_mK1TGhjTZgV03HRlAzlIKBfu_7Y5gGgvaY2rEQVd__We0WQ/s960/WindowLR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZj9ocBkSDhaFtcFs1UovIOHtFJ_2z69tfLno2en8FvXtPYDjLTeopLHeAljK-2OUb5H4viA4yXY70ZyiUg5fYyDDCSVrW79x1SY2mliHCUxpZychB8vKR3e-X9fB69S_xH6slG3y9FP_mK1TGhjTZgV03HRlAzlIKBfu_7Y5gGgvaY2rEQVd__We0WQ/w640-h640/WindowLR.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Photo Credit: Oakehart Construction)</span><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGIQLbaJA4HonqYUuF-tGsnOeCZmb0H83_RyVuBehrln-fj35U_N5a-ue5HO6GlQaqHjAY-jcxhsO_0qKw_WnZx612TNscn5RhZUZ4_GFY7lc6cQxqBjm_wwiIhJHOAe0we0WGYbNIFBb9CaDE366C4n148IMIO6ZOymNQaJEztXZqXuXLQE2mTeNQcg/s960/ScreedPour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGIQLbaJA4HonqYUuF-tGsnOeCZmb0H83_RyVuBehrln-fj35U_N5a-ue5HO6GlQaqHjAY-jcxhsO_0qKw_WnZx612TNscn5RhZUZ4_GFY7lc6cQxqBjm_wwiIhJHOAe0we0WGYbNIFBb9CaDE366C4n148IMIO6ZOymNQaJEztXZqXuXLQE2mTeNQcg/w640-h640/ScreedPour.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Photo Credit: Oakehart Construction)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p>The critical path to completion now is: insulation->drywall->interior paint->floor tile->cabinets and fixtures/finish. Parallel to the critical path we also need to get exterior siding on and the heating system finished along with a bunch of other miscellaneous tasks. It doesn't sound like much, but, who knows when it will be done. We're resigned to the wait, what else can we do? Even though the waiting has taken any enjoyment we might have had from the building process, we're thrilled with the house so far. All the spaces feel right, actually better than anticipated. We're confident that we'll be very happy with the finished result, whenever that might be...stay tuned...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiM7B9WUj4-lxOblKhqs42dK_4iqWVK3DmgwUK_vDvs5w2skempOgejBW1ZeyGOQHJC4UI0Lb83g8nXRu6Cm4tg-14AGZA7HQz5q9RGe4Q2p9eTMmMdmHOiiWQvip7R_jLMzLRRA2yCh-FfNbKcnSryylVQDfBB7UBoNCavlBMT1UodGFKJ8GDnkSrOg/s1440/IMG_0702%20(Large).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiM7B9WUj4-lxOblKhqs42dK_4iqWVK3DmgwUK_vDvs5w2skempOgejBW1ZeyGOQHJC4UI0Lb83g8nXRu6Cm4tg-14AGZA7HQz5q9RGe4Q2p9eTMmMdmHOiiWQvip7R_jLMzLRRA2yCh-FfNbKcnSryylVQDfBB7UBoNCavlBMT1UodGFKJ8GDnkSrOg/w640-h480/IMG_0702%20(Large).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>GJOAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03457152029560224931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5734918150465744707.post-91040984138709178822022-08-04T08:14:00.000-07:002022-08-04T08:14:57.445-07:00House Build- Windows are In!<p>Our house build pace has been painfully slow, but, now that the windows are in, it looks like there has actually been some real progress. The recent heat wave hadn't been helping. The window crew was installing in temperatures of near 40C. Even our site's cooling afternoon sea breezes weren't enough to keep them cool and we really appreciated their hard work in uncomfortable conditions to get us to this stage. Weather has cooled a bit now, hopefully that will help to speed up the pace and our move-in date!</p><p>The house wrap and roof membranes are also on which means we are pretty much weathertight now. Once the concrete floor slab is laid and the doors are on we'll be at lockup stage and about 1/3 complete. Still a long way to go, but, we'll get there eventually.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3stI1r4-cojrvJ8auVo5vXOydSprBc61fgC-nmWKOV9Es1AiJvj-T9is0WS82e3h2NZkjNnZY9cmpa5k38SidtkegJyrC8-R05k3ArQ8srfwubABKwArYhmSumxjGFclMMrc8emg_LFLiVOn0F13BE8tzS44wrjwDrkN6LnZPeFW8iRaz3t5NDi7a5Q/s1440/IMG_0527%20(Large).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3stI1r4-cojrvJ8auVo5vXOydSprBc61fgC-nmWKOV9Es1AiJvj-T9is0WS82e3h2NZkjNnZY9cmpa5k38SidtkegJyrC8-R05k3ArQ8srfwubABKwArYhmSumxjGFclMMrc8emg_LFLiVOn0F13BE8tzS44wrjwDrkN6LnZPeFW8iRaz3t5NDi7a5Q/w640-h480/IMG_0527%20(Large).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The windows are by All Weather Windows, Apex Series. We're loving the look of the black acrylic wrap and wide trim on both inner and outer surfaces. We didn't actually see them before we chose them, so, we're happy that they turned out as imagined. The square, 'four pane' windows were tricky. We would have preferred an awning window, but, they were out due to egress requirements, so, we decided on a casement window with simulated divided lights and special egress hinges instead. We think they turned out well.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhirkw9g0Ylm7ooJfALM8QMfwnnDDgPEgJcllcyVhXT_R0pF4xstZKZmhIUxpEA9_HoTWy0Mk-Tj6FUW89RulC_flp_v6rbuZBczsheLg0QsHmlXsxq4-O5sJ7CwbBYx94sABmJn6FKmgcSD7hBtjdZKfMbJJQSAGXSqeMYToQ69a78ctGuUK_QA551fg/s1440/IMG_0514%20(Large).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhirkw9g0Ylm7ooJfALM8QMfwnnDDgPEgJcllcyVhXT_R0pF4xstZKZmhIUxpEA9_HoTWy0Mk-Tj6FUW89RulC_flp_v6rbuZBczsheLg0QsHmlXsxq4-O5sJ7CwbBYx94sABmJn6FKmgcSD7hBtjdZKfMbJJQSAGXSqeMYToQ69a78ctGuUK_QA551fg/w640-h480/IMG_0514%20(Large).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>The 'letterbox' window in the kitchen will be totally framed by cabinets. Hopefully, it will turn out as we imagined.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikl96kYMuhpr-OT9A_EH1lcsOWFeCyjbgXiOtE_AxsMd2KE0xYExeygIdKBdvx5BwVn8PKrXEGdvjmxmKZ58b4HulMkKibT7qWr_LylPvM8O8HlN0mFPCHY1h2H6kkkVYh6YixoZ7eM_kEUvSsVbibxGWXHU7i7yMx2G7wCQCuzOwoFQXAs507xmgsrQ/s1440/IMG_0520%20(Large).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikl96kYMuhpr-OT9A_EH1lcsOWFeCyjbgXiOtE_AxsMd2KE0xYExeygIdKBdvx5BwVn8PKrXEGdvjmxmKZ58b4HulMkKibT7qWr_LylPvM8O8HlN0mFPCHY1h2H6kkkVYh6YixoZ7eM_kEUvSsVbibxGWXHU7i7yMx2G7wCQCuzOwoFQXAs507xmgsrQ/w640-h480/IMG_0520%20(Large).JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>A sliding patio door (only five feet wide, but, functional) leads from the kitchen out to the elevated sun deck.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ9EKAqOVHUdqMfGOTgK0HwFT_69mLvCOJtbkexDbT5sAYLi1yVNB1xxslVQYGm11NuhAdDrp2sQcoHnmDQnl5AhBc6US5nRHKGCr9mt0AWOQw4Xhj9GR4fUkjC1fuiUG_SEr-6w4TX4CSS--6RVyUlpCk-Yj_YjSxAjd0GNmDpNwExnMpz8XswhXpRA/s1440/IMG_0524%20(Large).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ9EKAqOVHUdqMfGOTgK0HwFT_69mLvCOJtbkexDbT5sAYLi1yVNB1xxslVQYGm11NuhAdDrp2sQcoHnmDQnl5AhBc6US5nRHKGCr9mt0AWOQw4Xhj9GR4fUkjC1fuiUG_SEr-6w4TX4CSS--6RVyUlpCk-Yj_YjSxAjd0GNmDpNwExnMpz8XswhXpRA/w640-h480/IMG_0524%20(Large).JPG" width="640" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>The tall living room window is so long it had to be packed separately and the crew commented (more than once!) on how difficult it was going to be to hoist it into place, but, they did it and we love how it perfectly frames the view of tall trees adjacent to the deck and house.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixruB1kyjxH9SAYfVd4eEAPyNdkM9Laadw_oDICOeJY0Hfq0jDkd3Pd1YQm5ZSKrEy0ig-VkwM0hBdmRT7BvnGQeoMPx-dP8qLR8LOfv0Srwy0lLZ5yQriyg10eLGoUX8fbvJTYjfDHQae5ayDEjGr43cxRSKnhZ8lHAkRiEr_t1zZOinvNc_H468LBw/s1440/IMG_0519%20(Large).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixruB1kyjxH9SAYfVd4eEAPyNdkM9Laadw_oDICOeJY0Hfq0jDkd3Pd1YQm5ZSKrEy0ig-VkwM0hBdmRT7BvnGQeoMPx-dP8qLR8LOfv0Srwy0lLZ5yQriyg10eLGoUX8fbvJTYjfDHQae5ayDEjGr43cxRSKnhZ8lHAkRiEr_t1zZOinvNc_H468LBw/w640-h480/IMG_0519%20(Large).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div>The west-facing, floor-to-ceiling window wall allows us to see the sky, across the Alberni Inlet to Arbutus Ridge, north to the Beaufort mountain range (still with snow on top in August) and south down the Inlet. Sunset views should be spectacular.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpAdDtWmqwcxOxatW68ZpnQXw9Hz2j7AvsY8TRRMC6Xzaj8jIb0UFEM9qZT-Yl8MZy6AP7ahkxal9-piqW7Xz6VsC7PLRHc15-Uz2d-F08BSv0w7F1SUWKQ2QpojLQF_QRQQI9lU1lH-9bbG2E3eoUX5Yxhznd9E82ZuZPJHl1Ss0SWH46lU1Oh7GpbA/s1440/IMG_0521%20(Large).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpAdDtWmqwcxOxatW68ZpnQXw9Hz2j7AvsY8TRRMC6Xzaj8jIb0UFEM9qZT-Yl8MZy6AP7ahkxal9-piqW7Xz6VsC7PLRHc15-Uz2d-F08BSv0w7F1SUWKQ2QpojLQF_QRQQI9lU1lH-9bbG2E3eoUX5Yxhznd9E82ZuZPJHl1Ss0SWH46lU1Oh7GpbA/w640-h480/IMG_0521%20(Large).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>GJOAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03457152029560224931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5734918150465744707.post-79310814052272274722022-06-27T11:27:00.000-07:002022-06-27T11:27:42.316-07:00House Build - Structure is up!<p>After the footings/foundation were complete there was another week or so of effort to dig trenches, lay drainage tile and connect up our sewer/water lines. Then, we waited for the materials package to arrive so that the actual house construction could start. It had been a year and a half of effort to get this far and building the actual structure seemed to be almost an afterthought after all the work that had gone into the preparations to be able to receive it. </p><p>We'd hoped that purchasing a custom home materials package from <a href="https://pacific-homes.com/" target="_blank">Pacific Homes</a> with most of the components pre-built in an indoor production environment would pay off in both quality and weather-dependent construction time. And so it was. Only <b><u>ten</u></b> working days in the capable hands of just two experienced framers from Oakehart Construction (of Qualicum Beach) and there it was. It was amazing to see it come to life with the spaces and views taking shape, just as we'd imagined them in our heads for so long. From the living room, we'll have this great view of the <a href="https://ladyrosemarine.com/" target="_blank">MV Frances Barkley</a> as she makes her thrice-weekly journeys down the Alberni Inlet to Bamfield.</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDLNPMsAv3NCE1xGeukO0XXEs3UPh-DtvVXRy_hbTYvTtzLPs5l2bzf4GOuqSc2KENCwfksbCSHKNA0mSdif0T0TOq68Xi_abF8_JDEInCDCT0kBmwiAeK9hTlDrl5iMQM1G7-WxBUi_V5sfHRBYioQVR9sNa7tlqATpaPKUOH-Q4FDmNJzsqjlp7OgA/s1440/IMG_0463%20(Large).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDLNPMsAv3NCE1xGeukO0XXEs3UPh-DtvVXRy_hbTYvTtzLPs5l2bzf4GOuqSc2KENCwfksbCSHKNA0mSdif0T0TOq68Xi_abF8_JDEInCDCT0kBmwiAeK9hTlDrl5iMQM1G7-WxBUi_V5sfHRBYioQVR9sNa7tlqATpaPKUOH-Q4FDmNJzsqjlp7OgA/w640-h480/IMG_0463%20(Large).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>Here's a day-by-day photo sequence of the ten days of construction.</p><p><u>Day 1</u></p><p>It was an absolutely dismal day with drenching rain when the truck and crane pulled up one early morning. It was just another "Juneuary" day, part of the cold/wet/long spring we've been experiencing this year. It wasn't that cold though and it couldn't dampen our mood. Finally, it seemed like we were actually going to start building a house!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ycK8PBr11durH3D4myYVQv6YAJthqK0J49g6TOZRRTus_yVwKdpNW7dPukNwzZJwi_MJbfE1_ikGB4Tnk-MehJhslZ4RFqebj5iHMPHsYqdt3uNuFeECWGhIXDCVRpWO1M8q51fLpWvEGxoU_jbqVsushtPBE7LwLFYnRJIJ_3DfvxsOTI8iAtajmQ/s1440/IMG_0394%20(Large).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ycK8PBr11durH3D4myYVQv6YAJthqK0J49g6TOZRRTus_yVwKdpNW7dPukNwzZJwi_MJbfE1_ikGB4Tnk-MehJhslZ4RFqebj5iHMPHsYqdt3uNuFeECWGhIXDCVRpWO1M8q51fLpWvEGxoU_jbqVsushtPBE7LwLFYnRJIJ_3DfvxsOTI8iAtajmQ/w640-h480/IMG_0394%20(Large).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><u>Day 2</u></p><p>All the lower level walls are up, we couldn't believe the one day progress. Note that the wall panels are pre-insulated.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH37eR309-lmXRp6PujRfQGuEKfh11OWlQlt3GOain0VlBpxKtJm7ZmIm9tSs2AteNs-FXfXKZiz9COgHyfdBrj-eO9vJj-osQE43Z7VqlM8wwpofY_5k4H5WlAeq4sFaHt3ZZimwWODkhA04Bb-ufgjSGXhCJUYKkrxp_wSFMnSvrK4WcZJQ_l5ABBQ/s1440/IMG_0400%20(Large).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH37eR309-lmXRp6PujRfQGuEKfh11OWlQlt3GOain0VlBpxKtJm7ZmIm9tSs2AteNs-FXfXKZiz9COgHyfdBrj-eO9vJj-osQE43Z7VqlM8wwpofY_5k4H5WlAeq4sFaHt3ZZimwWODkhA04Bb-ufgjSGXhCJUYKkrxp_wSFMnSvrK4WcZJQ_l5ABBQ/w640-h480/IMG_0400%20(Large).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><u>Day 3</u><div>Subfloor joists constructed.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr8oCS_RE_c6aGaFIGge5NM6kAHeLgo08vT1IgO7TdR1KyfRWzPZrCO9U1nnd8xr9A7bCMq_vJUwM7Q8u6Sf4lyBjPbDfprZBVWBIs6_eIgRdk_xObl8KtSJMrByQ6E8ZRp_OS24NFtFOKWhqqFlK563Imbh9KAo94uGFTIswXjywuugzHARO4N-V_5Q/s1440/IMG_0428%20(Large).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr8oCS_RE_c6aGaFIGge5NM6kAHeLgo08vT1IgO7TdR1KyfRWzPZrCO9U1nnd8xr9A7bCMq_vJUwM7Q8u6Sf4lyBjPbDfprZBVWBIs6_eIgRdk_xObl8KtSJMrByQ6E8ZRp_OS24NFtFOKWhqqFlK563Imbh9KAo94uGFTIswXjywuugzHARO4N-V_5Q/w640-h480/IMG_0428%20(Large).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><u>Day 4</u></p><p>Another truckload of materials arrives and the window wall is standing.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh0cNbjeYpGC0NOVlaSIAO_iUMKyM8G05FRlv7m6-9H_xWpxgavMcI21oodpzCiAA4Xii9AC4LCO1E2KOce4ANr70BETnRD9RwKwA7Ck16hCWL8KI9UlKkucNdnXz3wYXFseF9N5T46_MterLMWWHRfLeSYJzPyZNmspA0IHg-QDXkyMtoYXExRFQa_w/s1440/IMG_0437%20(Large).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh0cNbjeYpGC0NOVlaSIAO_iUMKyM8G05FRlv7m6-9H_xWpxgavMcI21oodpzCiAA4Xii9AC4LCO1E2KOce4ANr70BETnRD9RwKwA7Ck16hCWL8KI9UlKkucNdnXz3wYXFseF9N5T46_MterLMWWHRfLeSYJzPyZNmspA0IHg-QDXkyMtoYXExRFQa_w/w640-h480/IMG_0437%20(Large).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><u>Day 5</u></div><div>Floor sheathing is on and interior walls are starting to take shape.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcOViOfzNDFPhEOxwRrRD1-r-hPTrvw7A1_h9zLTLH4uYbuxae2hpT-8ZcaTF3FE_7dXR72ZcfOUUVWFqFNOC_FSKv4ge0-3tzQP8h_ZRcvPDMx_RC9yTFlCMMjp3dBhZDH7pVdeBbMJM4cUk3MPxbtTsMqIZHBSbvbnRjE1nt_lvMkPXHE4eBcGTF8A/s1440/IMG_0447%20(Large).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcOViOfzNDFPhEOxwRrRD1-r-hPTrvw7A1_h9zLTLH4uYbuxae2hpT-8ZcaTF3FE_7dXR72ZcfOUUVWFqFNOC_FSKv4ge0-3tzQP8h_ZRcvPDMx_RC9yTFlCMMjp3dBhZDH7pVdeBbMJM4cUk3MPxbtTsMqIZHBSbvbnRjE1nt_lvMkPXHE4eBcGTF8A/w640-h480/IMG_0447%20(Large).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><u>Day 6</u></p><p>Mostly together, but no roof trusses yet.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDWwIpmJIkz_wAEqqJHEItTYWs2uAxCArZFAB6qZRUyfEDOCPGhe9_AXpfc6Y40-cJIX6_e9yZtz2M-7zAh_rjmVVk3fF5UKV0RP3QbMjFoxmVV7Yin42-IVflltehXKbIGkLnDAb9lQ_8-IuBsXnAsKCts9jN95UOtV3S-K4TLNZvHrN5kkfsx0fPuQ/s1440/IMG_0458%20(Large).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDWwIpmJIkz_wAEqqJHEItTYWs2uAxCArZFAB6qZRUyfEDOCPGhe9_AXpfc6Y40-cJIX6_e9yZtz2M-7zAh_rjmVVk3fF5UKV0RP3QbMjFoxmVV7Yin42-IVflltehXKbIGkLnDAb9lQ_8-IuBsXnAsKCts9jN95UOtV3S-K4TLNZvHrN5kkfsx0fPuQ/w640-h480/IMG_0458%20(Large).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><u>Day 7</u></div><div>Trusses are in.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV9qtbIzJBj8_QR6ToE7zbo1Sz2UJ6ROzJwqklfP_OkO4fSITFRbAIeIuAtvWY853d0wtGIYYOx00H874hssU73FKfluyXomTMZaMQufXah4c9nABJK0X3d-1Oju6F1dmfofZ_t9Tfli0eynxAYrQGLk9g_FEZygciDYx1ddAwItQyIe5oVH650_U4pQ/s1440/IMG_0461%20(Large).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV9qtbIzJBj8_QR6ToE7zbo1Sz2UJ6ROzJwqklfP_OkO4fSITFRbAIeIuAtvWY853d0wtGIYYOx00H874hssU73FKfluyXomTMZaMQufXah4c9nABJK0X3d-1Oju6F1dmfofZ_t9Tfli0eynxAYrQGLk9g_FEZygciDYx1ddAwItQyIe5oVH650_U4pQ/w640-h480/IMG_0461%20(Large).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><u>Day 8</u></div><div>Roof sheathing is on. It's not a large living space, but, the vaulted ceilings should make it feel spacious.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKAkTzgu4JiSJX1aEmnJB2mfP2J2_CbsQYEZT073y_TXrAYONI0AR_OKZcW2me9rQiy5NnLH7r-FADi9NoUD8fJzbyPB1pyLCUiiqGCwfqIeInIdzk11EitbGeNKTo5tBChxjqQYcu59lvujaPtTc6IAinS2oAjao1P-Qcxrq4GdJXa8vpXQNtTofDHQ/s1440/IMG_0469%20(Large).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKAkTzgu4JiSJX1aEmnJB2mfP2J2_CbsQYEZT073y_TXrAYONI0AR_OKZcW2me9rQiy5NnLH7r-FADi9NoUD8fJzbyPB1pyLCUiiqGCwfqIeInIdzk11EitbGeNKTo5tBChxjqQYcu59lvujaPtTc6IAinS2oAjao1P-Qcxrq4GdJXa8vpXQNtTofDHQ/w640-h480/IMG_0469%20(Large).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieA1WZLS-MMjsf_JwfIgy-6njUUpl2ayAxVwDYLvHTykcCF1VTvpc10ky6QKZco9L-SmBGecWsV604vItkXlqPOaYOeP-TCie3mCeY-ZEfWNY2aChFWW4z7Yy8VlVVIHbYRIx35THoxjXBcEgYD8HMzZ25VgDA3JQLPb4MYlUvvSivPemd9EvV6UIUhA/s1440/IMG_0465%20(Large).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieA1WZLS-MMjsf_JwfIgy-6njUUpl2ayAxVwDYLvHTykcCF1VTvpc10ky6QKZco9L-SmBGecWsV604vItkXlqPOaYOeP-TCie3mCeY-ZEfWNY2aChFWW4z7Yy8VlVVIHbYRIx35THoxjXBcEgYD8HMzZ25VgDA3JQLPb4MYlUvvSivPemd9EvV6UIUhA/w640-h480/IMG_0465%20(Large).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><u>Day 9</u></div><div>Lots of sunshine streaming through the west-facing window wall.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrbX0r4hKibJeOBga-LfDi8XPa2CRYgaOx2yGEesmPVV7U4xOvEN4FF40uHO2uibmXXgwJ1pHP5ZVMmw_ApG80qynMa5gE0DL35CKMFHeewYiDBvG4iDeHpYta8K0mClxEvd2XrPJzc64pJBsAKxymbfSR32W6ub4yqPlTZPxD0zqdvjC-pNw22eDGng/s1440/IMG_0472%20(Large).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrbX0r4hKibJeOBga-LfDi8XPa2CRYgaOx2yGEesmPVV7U4xOvEN4FF40uHO2uibmXXgwJ1pHP5ZVMmw_ApG80qynMa5gE0DL35CKMFHeewYiDBvG4iDeHpYta8K0mClxEvd2XrPJzc64pJBsAKxymbfSR32W6ub4yqPlTZPxD0zqdvjC-pNw22eDGng/w640-h480/IMG_0472%20(Large).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>In the kitchen, there'll be a large, elevated sundeck beyond this patio door. West and south exposure will give us lots of sun. It also catches the afternoon sea breeze that starts up every afternoon and funnels up the Inlet. It is delightfully cooling in the hot summer weather that has finally arrived.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdDDnRXMWvnzbYq3y_vPDCzj34PHvb67KGQixsNfdYZEEea4IQd-6D0FjPFAVP2NzefYPCZavV1dCfW5YOJsZfpfOChEkAntdjiZAnBp75uE8DA_IXTf-A0ijFsskXQ2Z9nS4l2JVCidy_AvrZyZ8RYOjeJU-tkVHg8V4W-dk0IKSLl6JCIt9IAPsb2A/s1440/IMG_0475%20(Large).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdDDnRXMWvnzbYq3y_vPDCzj34PHvb67KGQixsNfdYZEEea4IQd-6D0FjPFAVP2NzefYPCZavV1dCfW5YOJsZfpfOChEkAntdjiZAnBp75uE8DA_IXTf-A0ijFsskXQ2Z9nS4l2JVCidy_AvrZyZ8RYOjeJU-tkVHg8V4W-dk0IKSLl6JCIt9IAPsb2A/w640-h480/IMG_0475%20(Large).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><p><u>Day 10</u></p><p>Structure done. Next steps are interior stairs, windows, doors, roofing and siding. All materials are already on-site and it shouldn't be long before we're weathertight. Then, all the interior systems can be installed, a lengthy process with a lot of detail to work through. At this point, we're probably at least a couple of months from occupancy. That assumes immediate availability of sub-contractors and materials, a big ask in these days of labour shortages and supply chain issues. We'll see...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZQjoMJlYwJX8Pz8i24SzSQ2X6hgWv2u50fDbTfJzK7tjOan4MG0GrZOv_PF-kEmD3lMNeGvSNTPnRLABlKpeK7BV6uB_bU-4qMueI24AVUdsMJMjC_Zt-EaJyX9yjZr7hXRe7L7Ha8EFa80ETKvmNA7l2IENkcnYKPLCcYTu6Pa0V9VzgxKl-ow-tg/s1440/IMG_0467%20(Large).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZQjoMJlYwJX8Pz8i24SzSQ2X6hgWv2u50fDbTfJzK7tjOan4MG0GrZOv_PF-kEmD3lMNeGvSNTPnRLABlKpeK7BV6uB_bU-4qMueI24AVUdsMJMjC_Zt-EaJyX9yjZr7hXRe7L7Ha8EFa80ETKvmNA7l2IENkcnYKPLCcYTu6Pa0V9VzgxKl-ow-tg/w640-h480/IMG_0467%20(Large).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div>GJOAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03457152029560224931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5734918150465744707.post-48898233476506380312022-06-05T10:18:00.000-07:002022-06-05T10:18:26.337-07:00May - Out and About<p>While the house build is continuing, we've been keeping busy. Boat projects never end and there is always a long list of projects waiting for us. As we're living aboard until the house is built, the boat interior cosmetic changes were high priority. We've completed most of those. Now, we need to start the list of mechanical/electrical and exterior projects. As we're not going to be doing much cruising this year though, these have taken a back seat. </p><p>The house-build related workload, at least the part we can do, is also slowing down. We have two storage units stuffed full of all our recently-purchased cabinets, plumbing/lighting fixtures, appliances, fireplace etc. There will be flurries of necessary shopping activity as the house structure goes up, but, most of the work of designing, researching, choosing, ordering, purchasing and picking up 'stuff' is mostly done (we hope!). So, that means we've been able to explore more of the trails that surround us. We have even managed a couple of trips further afield despite the record-breaking cold/wet spring we've been experiencing here in Port Alberni, BC, just our luck. There've been a few good days though and we've taken advantage of them. It's impossible to plan ahead, but, when there's a nice day we try and make an effort to get out.</p><p>We visited Vancouver for a memorial service at the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club. It wasn't the best day weather-wise, but, it was a nice view of the city from their docks.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHU2KKmdWXyc0qXt3IUnnpOn6RIqNWzyTNAa5sWQ-JbCbJKg42l5Rb2WEPsv-DTUk1OQtDbmtqHely_4OnzcojPPKctrot-N8aptCGEotx5AZKSZKrh4YLoZzmjnl8yWKHjicwLPYicZZenf6f-WwfYo6x0QC7ovmLjbLCiC2fCd9Z4DBXtZUPRGhMuQ/s1440/20220430_143105%20(Large).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHU2KKmdWXyc0qXt3IUnnpOn6RIqNWzyTNAa5sWQ-JbCbJKg42l5Rb2WEPsv-DTUk1OQtDbmtqHely_4OnzcojPPKctrot-N8aptCGEotx5AZKSZKrh4YLoZzmjnl8yWKHjicwLPYicZZenf6f-WwfYo6x0QC7ovmLjbLCiC2fCd9Z4DBXtZUPRGhMuQ/w640-h480/20220430_143105%20(Large).jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The view of the Point Grey beach on the other side of the clubhouse wasn't too shabby either! Hard to believe how close to the centre of the city we are here...<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVcjCFQrOualO9IY_u6N_ZJdyZi3sJON3hVpy95KybohGk1x9PhfTGFn2cuQJcM65578CDOgex28zk_VzX84c73_Q7cx9VjxSphU90qX0BmT_XhCCrKbZ6DhrhrqbWGbMGWLQCVRAKnV-evyECiTk6s38mLyavlV6buuli5LU9VHJTHSRFsgsPnsuHmA/s1440/20220430_145353%20(Large).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVcjCFQrOualO9IY_u6N_ZJdyZi3sJON3hVpy95KybohGk1x9PhfTGFn2cuQJcM65578CDOgex28zk_VzX84c73_Q7cx9VjxSphU90qX0BmT_XhCCrKbZ6DhrhrqbWGbMGWLQCVRAKnV-evyECiTk6s38mLyavlV6buuli5LU9VHJTHSRFsgsPnsuHmA/w480-h640/20220430_145353%20(Large).jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p>While in Vancouver, it was just a short hop over the border to visit the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival in Washington State. The strange thing is that while we were there, it all seemed to look rather familiar and we realized that we'd actually been this way <a href="http://gjoablog.blogspot.com/2016/05/tulip-time-la-conner-wa.html" target="_blank">before</a> , in our camper van in 2016! This time though, on a beautiful day and thanks to the late spring this year, we were able to see the fields at their peak.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU3m-NWc9dXOItJs9C2GLBEmvG_XbJz9uaH-f1jRRmay80OhPWhgGzOxs0crHWbialHGZlLGu4gu1CXc4VyWjnZ419Ghdu7zgfjDq_LE2Lz3uXLqulk98fO7sDIsa0nPSfN9_nmSV5EYkBlGQoe5WQi-ZgX36HumW3AM_h_qDF5h4gUj-whge34RgUPA/s1440/IMG_0236%20(Large).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU3m-NWc9dXOItJs9C2GLBEmvG_XbJz9uaH-f1jRRmay80OhPWhgGzOxs0crHWbialHGZlLGu4gu1CXc4VyWjnZ419Ghdu7zgfjDq_LE2Lz3uXLqulk98fO7sDIsa0nPSfN9_nmSV5EYkBlGQoe5WQi-ZgX36HumW3AM_h_qDF5h4gUj-whge34RgUPA/w640-h480/IMG_0236%20(Large).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8qP2NmpBKOwDe3Ww6Lpwl6D4AEOsniiLNBNg8GFjF54WxYU7vOaH4mHwrAUzemB1ZBsoJSaBNxdJPM8QRttNjAO3f-gIJ8If_3OLe2XjvTa9gUtluB0H3QjtTEBDZdNMaW0jH12uhd_muyzGA3RJ6eIcyu9cR_tcFMr_yfgCnhpi6T_28ZOQOKde9OA/s1440/IMG_0248%20(Large).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8qP2NmpBKOwDe3Ww6Lpwl6D4AEOsniiLNBNg8GFjF54WxYU7vOaH4mHwrAUzemB1ZBsoJSaBNxdJPM8QRttNjAO3f-gIJ8If_3OLe2XjvTa9gUtluB0H3QjtTEBDZdNMaW0jH12uhd_muyzGA3RJ6eIcyu9cR_tcFMr_yfgCnhpi6T_28ZOQOKde9OA/w640-h480/IMG_0248%20(Large).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Even the tree blossoms were still in great condition...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2mAdJy7YtT-aH9lvkac4wcQvyUkkA6r-gki294oDB2E1ogsApRSIglMImCqa9RvpFBTTK2gBe6Q0SNyF0mHBX-nU4WA84pCZUaM2EyO1HGauwEkk1dt_an-d6wap0308UbfitIc22l0QcU1n4uZSIjFhI5rcbNoR4th4d7qRSAcVjK95dLBMz0G9NWQ/s1440/IMG_0260%20(Large).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2mAdJy7YtT-aH9lvkac4wcQvyUkkA6r-gki294oDB2E1ogsApRSIglMImCqa9RvpFBTTK2gBe6Q0SNyF0mHBX-nU4WA84pCZUaM2EyO1HGauwEkk1dt_an-d6wap0308UbfitIc22l0QcU1n4uZSIjFhI5rcbNoR4th4d7qRSAcVjK95dLBMz0G9NWQ/w640-h480/IMG_0260%20(Large).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>On the way back, we passed through Deception Pass State Park which provided an interesting history lesson.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjaOjRA3i3qtb5hMjMSi-CMJHNL_MEw6CcgtNERaLkHcu3__kMudLzLNMQeFlfk5O6MPqYHzI3oPDuWaVypr3dojD8C9D2cbKA24Q1v9A_wkMsP-m1vqtkByxp6Mjwl7IkDP4FGFz2DrI6Tls9gpCjKGD4-VsWLtIuO4sZRExOd-FTWYgnNAnYYExMpg/s1440/IMG_0291%20(Large).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjaOjRA3i3qtb5hMjMSi-CMJHNL_MEw6CcgtNERaLkHcu3__kMudLzLNMQeFlfk5O6MPqYHzI3oPDuWaVypr3dojD8C9D2cbKA24Q1v9A_wkMsP-m1vqtkByxp6Mjwl7IkDP4FGFz2DrI6Tls9gpCjKGD4-VsWLtIuO4sZRExOd-FTWYgnNAnYYExMpg/w640-h480/IMG_0291%20(Large).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Back in Port Alberni, we went up the Lookout Trail. When in town, on the valley floor at sea level, it's sometimes hard to realize how the City nestles in its valley, surrounded by mountains. From this view, you can see Sproat Lake off in the distance and the Beaufort Range. It was a hazy, warm day, so not the best photo.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmrVrayYUGkuQQr36hYsuHkXIvEn79E2Xe-n-Z_e3SvMGTeKx_Ck9ai2L2BVyU9Zyz6v0D2omiKVYAynfbCeLMTf-FevOS3eOMovl3nQ-wVpUaDsrLkdn0peYEcKulJaGI-2hsyFXl6lrqUtWz-Z2CMM7WKOjruu2FwZo5G1hTvW2Mb_8Ovw7z9Pda7A/s1440/IMG_0140%20(Large).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmrVrayYUGkuQQr36hYsuHkXIvEn79E2Xe-n-Z_e3SvMGTeKx_Ck9ai2L2BVyU9Zyz6v0D2omiKVYAynfbCeLMTf-FevOS3eOMovl3nQ-wVpUaDsrLkdn0peYEcKulJaGI-2hsyFXl6lrqUtWz-Z2CMM7WKOjruu2FwZo5G1hTvW2Mb_8Ovw7z9Pda7A/w640-h480/IMG_0140%20(Large).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>We did a few other new trails, all were great, but, not extra special like the China Creek Falls Trail, just a five minute drive out of town. The clarity of the water had to be seen to be believed and the Falls were perfectly proportioned and cradled in a rock chute. A lovely lunch spot on another perfect day. We also took note of a couple of good swimming holes along the route in case the weather decides to get too hot!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLkmLv3Ng-pCE82bkrmzbGaXVVduSPO6bbZB-XlG2cbBqaTkzXDMMo7TDom57giCGr40YwPAixRf2POElFum0Lv6TTbYz-mkTZOn-qT3QXo5Cr6G1M3O2ELAry1E9-DTm4yiz7VS5QTpF8Me5r5dYXph_ejbYuGiCzZES5r6K7HmFWy3nBhWB-CB6meg/s1440/IMG_0328%20(Large).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLkmLv3Ng-pCE82bkrmzbGaXVVduSPO6bbZB-XlG2cbBqaTkzXDMMo7TDom57giCGr40YwPAixRf2POElFum0Lv6TTbYz-mkTZOn-qT3QXo5Cr6G1M3O2ELAry1E9-DTm4yiz7VS5QTpF8Me5r5dYXph_ejbYuGiCzZES5r6K7HmFWy3nBhWB-CB6meg/w640-h480/IMG_0328%20(Large).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>GJOAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03457152029560224931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5734918150465744707.post-57024454272777491222022-05-29T13:31:00.002-07:002022-05-29T13:31:49.442-07:00House Build - Footings/Foundation<p>Next step in the build, after preparing the lot, is to place the concrete footings and foundation walls. In our case, we only need concrete foundation walls on two sides of the structure as the other two sides are fully exposed and will be built using standard wooden stud construction. In this picture you can see where the dirt stops and the gravel starts. The gravel area has been totally excavated down to the hardpan, refilled with crushed gravel, reinforced with layers of landscape fabric, tamped and all held back from going down the hill with a huge, ninety foot retaining wall.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOWri2FyufHwTOKNPfQPga2SeFuhYq9TR62qQ1dSsuZvoFUvI455ZAjbkpa93i4LjbCvxEprzaNOpiMTkEtaOCOwLeyIanFlyT9n5i78E9nYTNZqTZm7OnaPlvt1G7UCkBfkwmRHID76OuOzzz4ueo4f3Oy8aervh6AK8B9qjtPISxXTeDpihNhSjV1w/s1440/IMG_0206%20(Large).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOWri2FyufHwTOKNPfQPga2SeFuhYq9TR62qQ1dSsuZvoFUvI455ZAjbkpa93i4LjbCvxEprzaNOpiMTkEtaOCOwLeyIanFlyT9n5i78E9nYTNZqTZm7OnaPlvt1G7UCkBfkwmRHID76OuOzzz4ueo4f3Oy8aervh6AK8B9qjtPISxXTeDpihNhSjV1w/w640-h480/IMG_0206%20(Large).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Wooden forms are built and the concrete is poured.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm4MFVuDmQ1SOW32KSir5VVoXzWeRqh6-N5GcTAWW8ItmnlcLwVcNnbzLPHR06l-uw4I-kVzT-9a-Ob-OVzKxbwdJ1xIPWEAbqrnP1n42q7cwTcDN2NZl_P5NU_-PTLr3goGJuWvOJCu0u6_QjALC5jxfDWDj8dwSBN7iacmNaxqQbr-k8gFQ-0Z9pLQ/s1440/IMG_0222%20(Large).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm4MFVuDmQ1SOW32KSir5VVoXzWeRqh6-N5GcTAWW8ItmnlcLwVcNnbzLPHR06l-uw4I-kVzT-9a-Ob-OVzKxbwdJ1xIPWEAbqrnP1n42q7cwTcDN2NZl_P5NU_-PTLr3goGJuWvOJCu0u6_QjALC5jxfDWDj8dwSBN7iacmNaxqQbr-k8gFQ-0Z9pLQ/w640-h480/IMG_0222%20(Large).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Once the footings set up, the wall forms can be built.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqHNG0bDLv_BGxlv4FkTJ5FwgjJYck-Zd4zylr6Cr-jylH8BcYnKWSdiuqw5JnJzHs4Vh7p1lT5Khp3Z5kNJQB6LFcgYy4Mh3_3iuySItQL_2o-J1xlSE1VIknsBknYVF4zfzkeRWRsSGGEt3xHbOAYV0AgXm3jz8ziiXBYoMyOUiLCCNU5gVsaGndRQ/s1440/IMG_0318%20(Large).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqHNG0bDLv_BGxlv4FkTJ5FwgjJYck-Zd4zylr6Cr-jylH8BcYnKWSdiuqw5JnJzHs4Vh7p1lT5Khp3Z5kNJQB6LFcgYy4Mh3_3iuySItQL_2o-J1xlSE1VIknsBknYVF4zfzkeRWRsSGGEt3xHbOAYV0AgXm3jz8ziiXBYoMyOUiLCCNU5gVsaGndRQ/w640-h480/IMG_0318%20(Large).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitbfCwuB76chCpu_XlxQmqJRczDdCXi8dSnMdxMV5vGXlAsw953BsHntYSd1loBUP8yB2gXYOrZKwDfkqAp9EH6WiYsz3NpZ6vCUiMGD50V302ga4LPlLgI4HWoVrFOQ-JRqfSyFbGJ-WbBRu7YRKjZZjODDNGTJyTYFfYdMEH1gdQX3ITuio2Ml--HA/s1440/IMG_0307%20(Large).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitbfCwuB76chCpu_XlxQmqJRczDdCXi8dSnMdxMV5vGXlAsw953BsHntYSd1loBUP8yB2gXYOrZKwDfkqAp9EH6WiYsz3NpZ6vCUiMGD50V302ga4LPlLgI4HWoVrFOQ-JRqfSyFbGJ-WbBRu7YRKjZZjODDNGTJyTYFfYdMEH1gdQX3ITuio2Ml--HA/w640-h480/IMG_0307%20(Large).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">...and then poured</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbpX4Xt-BsM3ZbLsRB3c6i88gZfTaw01Mag9gy3KwD8iLswGMIXaVkLYtpS38s-5rpECGdNCG4VWZ4YLRjwsAaZ4Ix0H7id5bgj3mFP-Qkwg9YKoLbPgKjkk9p_CoBH-BjdK6CYXHAP2dy-dzD7n8o5n1J5RsrD4A8IQLoveBXYh6wit9K6NY1yDn0cA/s1440/IMG_0312%20(Large).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbpX4Xt-BsM3ZbLsRB3c6i88gZfTaw01Mag9gy3KwD8iLswGMIXaVkLYtpS38s-5rpECGdNCG4VWZ4YLRjwsAaZ4Ix0H7id5bgj3mFP-Qkwg9YKoLbPgKjkk9p_CoBH-BjdK6CYXHAP2dy-dzD7n8o5n1J5RsrD4A8IQLoveBXYh6wit9K6NY1yDn0cA/w640-h480/IMG_0312%20(Large).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div>Now, it's all cleaned-up and ready for the structure build to start. We can't wait!!<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTfo1lKqg-1fPVxK0piGTBToiUW-zem3aKbqtlofSwX4HrfdiNOOdji2ikvVzoalslfdPP2BFsjYTEMeXEBXvcJEVa3ftKRIPDDV5ESAoIV_3-yPxGJiW_vm3u_dLkpcgD3baDgVwpRLOtEoSLnSlCPDm1fLBu_MosE0WlJiPtOk2YgpQgNcNbVOcgww/s1440/IMG_0350%20(Large).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTfo1lKqg-1fPVxK0piGTBToiUW-zem3aKbqtlofSwX4HrfdiNOOdji2ikvVzoalslfdPP2BFsjYTEMeXEBXvcJEVa3ftKRIPDDV5ESAoIV_3-yPxGJiW_vm3u_dLkpcgD3baDgVwpRLOtEoSLnSlCPDm1fLBu_MosE0WlJiPtOk2YgpQgNcNbVOcgww/w640-h480/IMG_0350%20(Large).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-kepYF-Da3DmgNO70MdqrWiGCXDC7uvxFKWz_wkSSyrVywZI-Rdvk-n7pUQDszAoIlFEROAh2aI5dM2BIYHQBvmV4e5ZWB8KfBIvGUn7CPq7LCvT6qej-296Ie-KvaggZNNEBmsymVKwsS7u1BDwNMtEufQM8onqaK_ovPWSHWncFIRyQ5872o8Pew/s1440/IMG_0346%20(Large).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-kepYF-Da3DmgNO70MdqrWiGCXDC7uvxFKWz_wkSSyrVywZI-Rdvk-n7pUQDszAoIlFEROAh2aI5dM2BIYHQBvmV4e5ZWB8KfBIvGUn7CPq7LCvT6qej-296Ie-KvaggZNNEBmsymVKwsS7u1BDwNMtEufQM8onqaK_ovPWSHWncFIRyQ5872o8Pew/w640-h480/IMG_0346%20(Large).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>While we are waiting for the next phase to start, it's fun to visit with some of the new neighbours...</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLcSjXZ0oJTh37TYYmUqb64l1kJvhUZb0qqGJVWmKIFnRUVXuee0bfRpamDZ7NWO3xoTwA_zBk3qBXlVTqaRZSkSa6DF_cLO-h1il3PhxaVmvABANds_9Wr31EplqrfguEhGb7WtLlYgxklxSJ849PFpFnrR5lzYJOuvkGyyeldfRZSx12L4ptzPnqkA/s1440/IMG_0209%20(Large).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLcSjXZ0oJTh37TYYmUqb64l1kJvhUZb0qqGJVWmKIFnRUVXuee0bfRpamDZ7NWO3xoTwA_zBk3qBXlVTqaRZSkSa6DF_cLO-h1il3PhxaVmvABANds_9Wr31EplqrfguEhGb7WtLlYgxklxSJ849PFpFnrR5lzYJOuvkGyyeldfRZSx12L4ptzPnqkA/w640-h480/IMG_0209%20(Large).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdxuYvrPMoQpdydc-guJQufLykNzNYdePta5nlGRrk78FT5Ru_rVOqSYFhNTMGtj2Bzg9K2EBubrnlSb8c3UkjIkMKnVwNtDOpQmBml9WmHPsPlQCqes15MmdNIan8CJkdU9zXvWpdnx8PZjr6d0KnuJVXJuTV5B_vFzUsOBgET4VPVLy11KolAizV6A/s1440/IMG_0216%20(Large).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdxuYvrPMoQpdydc-guJQufLykNzNYdePta5nlGRrk78FT5Ru_rVOqSYFhNTMGtj2Bzg9K2EBubrnlSb8c3UkjIkMKnVwNtDOpQmBml9WmHPsPlQCqes15MmdNIan8CJkdU9zXvWpdnx8PZjr6d0KnuJVXJuTV5B_vFzUsOBgET4VPVLy11KolAizV6A/w640-h480/IMG_0216%20(Large).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p></div>GJOAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03457152029560224931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5734918150465744707.post-63669711476840844392022-05-29T12:32:00.000-07:002022-05-29T12:32:28.513-07:00House Build - The Wall<p>It's been over two months since I last wrote. Our house build progress has been slow, but, steady. First, the ground was poked and prodded by our geotechnical engineer to determine the location of the 'hardpan'. Unlike in Ontario, where the Canadian Shield predominates and solid granite is usually easy to find, in British Columbia, to locate a suitable place for house footings they look for the top of the glacial till layer where the ice-age glaciers scraped the soil clean leaving a hard, dense surface. There was good news and bad news. The good news was that the hardpan layer was close to the surface and easy to find on the north side of the lot. Where the lot started going downhill on the south side of the lot, the layer was deep. It wasn't just bad news, it was very bad news because it wasn't just a matter of excavating a trench through the soft layer and putting in a wall. <u>All</u> the loose soil underneath and adjacent to the house location had to be removed and replaced with a new gravel mix that could be compacted into a dense, stable, supporting layer. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKTXGzr5suRmL7YlM2N_ayN_eZLfPay7Bkb934PS4d4dI03KK2dNxVPqB65vT4ky8AKxWVeafE8IaBv1vgjbFQDWlVUKC2b7ESsPRQL6AUAiWBMLK6LFb0D6eRtRINBfxZd-YmuG2oF_mtKYC4bp3mnz2u5p3_8yrCcPDQ6zpdd6eOw08NRhDWn9xrSQ/s1440/IMG_0151%20(Large).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKTXGzr5suRmL7YlM2N_ayN_eZLfPay7Bkb934PS4d4dI03KK2dNxVPqB65vT4ky8AKxWVeafE8IaBv1vgjbFQDWlVUKC2b7ESsPRQL6AUAiWBMLK6LFb0D6eRtRINBfxZd-YmuG2oF_mtKYC4bp3mnz2u5p3_8yrCcPDQ6zpdd6eOw08NRhDWn9xrSQ/w640-h480/IMG_0151%20(Large).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>And, so it began. The dump truck came and went fifty-five times! It took away twenty-seven loads of beautiful, rich, topsoil and replaced it with twenty-seven loads of crushed gravel. Drains were laid at the bottom of the pit. Each load of gravel was spread out and compacted using a hand compactor. Between each layer landscape fabric was laid, which helps to stabilize and link together the whole construction. We needed six rolls of fabric, each was $1,500. The first load of blocks arrived and the wall started to take shape. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgadaULzRPWLmqwUrzzLmsseISG8v8nrpkBHuEMwQCaGjwP-yV498BBTlcgPkn0ohvj1teydPZbUNFxUFhGLr0ZgAHb-KmP2d6ks51ov0kGeuA93mDK894HO_GkH4RjR0PfpDQQ5aBz3RyO1i5kAu5FUjLLAdFXjUs-Hhu1PhxJ_CrIx7AJo8nwacqmSA/s1440/IMG_0171%20(Large).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgadaULzRPWLmqwUrzzLmsseISG8v8nrpkBHuEMwQCaGjwP-yV498BBTlcgPkn0ohvj1teydPZbUNFxUFhGLr0ZgAHb-KmP2d6ks51ov0kGeuA93mDK894HO_GkH4RjR0PfpDQQ5aBz3RyO1i5kAu5FUjLLAdFXjUs-Hhu1PhxJ_CrIx7AJo8nwacqmSA/w640-h480/IMG_0171%20(Large).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Two B-train loads of blocks were required, 152 blocks in total. Each block is 40 inches x 20 inches, weighs 1,200 pounds and had to be placed with an excavator. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_xuX2fJ0c34ZDuXBtXQfbxZ2MGsEVgc2uKefE1iCXg2iq2objdEy0E99ddFFG8D9rhd2iy_8_y2o38X8uMoKZ4xfLNdos3GGtvWFQvk-bXIF9JqEueQr_Vec6pp8TgOGiTZPSWwAZN37uFucXIcI5BfLlRXfwYUVt5Wyxw6aekHHw3CLY0b2UMlv4bA/s1440/20220321_122245%20(Large).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_xuX2fJ0c34ZDuXBtXQfbxZ2MGsEVgc2uKefE1iCXg2iq2objdEy0E99ddFFG8D9rhd2iy_8_y2o38X8uMoKZ4xfLNdos3GGtvWFQvk-bXIF9JqEueQr_Vec6pp8TgOGiTZPSWwAZN37uFucXIcI5BfLlRXfwYUVt5Wyxw6aekHHw3CLY0b2UMlv4bA/w480-h640/20220321_122245%20(Large).jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><p>We knew we might need a retaining wall, but, we didn't think it would need to be this huge. It ended up ninety feet long and in places is ten feet high, all backfilled with new ground material. Over half the wall is buried, so, it doesn't look that massive from the downhill side and from the uphill, house level side there will only be about a foot visible above-ground. We did gain some extra usable level ground with the wall build, one small blessing. Although it took over 10% of the entire house budget to build, there was very little satisfaction once it was done, it was just a necessary evil before we could get on to the actual building of the house. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF3IFazT3rpjB8O9puCKHZFyGCLSUqS-H4JCG4spZC5B9CF8Z2glOKpraj09O0xyRI9zORMtu6_LJturAzKPzlv5uUzuHhzTlku8xl9kxAwc_xEFnDP6wngAH4RXe6IOKVYA4I_GLHO18J2959kl0GqKdfpe7OV7GOe0_hzNNbhlB_0KOi84Sme_e58g/s1440/20220416_104155%20(Large).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF3IFazT3rpjB8O9puCKHZFyGCLSUqS-H4JCG4spZC5B9CF8Z2glOKpraj09O0xyRI9zORMtu6_LJturAzKPzlv5uUzuHhzTlku8xl9kxAwc_xEFnDP6wngAH4RXe6IOKVYA4I_GLHO18J2959kl0GqKdfpe7OV7GOe0_hzNNbhlB_0KOi84Sme_e58g/w640-h480/20220416_104155%20(Large).jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBTSlG8OFn9SGl3vUKOZrDjMZBOwjBYht1kljqpgfvrDiF88VMdKUdbDHD_8XJrqZGCzA_LZbEvt_LfT0SG-jai8BD065Zok4Kjc596vQ0bU9StLFr2YmaC_TLvKuPA4XLTgvx_dkpN2ysbuWziO9xgBSwTmkvvpnjSg93T7JgsPKcnjI1xy_s_d8Qfw/s1440/IMG_0164%20(Large).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBTSlG8OFn9SGl3vUKOZrDjMZBOwjBYht1kljqpgfvrDiF88VMdKUdbDHD_8XJrqZGCzA_LZbEvt_LfT0SG-jai8BD065Zok4Kjc596vQ0bU9StLFr2YmaC_TLvKuPA4XLTgvx_dkpN2ysbuWziO9xgBSwTmkvvpnjSg93T7JgsPKcnjI1xy_s_d8Qfw/w640-h480/IMG_0164%20(Large).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglSuob0BlkAAfJYZySF0sgAPHZV-GS1uEqniqIZ80hmT2PBq8u6xn7KH4FwFozzQWEIiZRamYMBiyWALfdW46Ndi8mreQyFSmY1OcSTgYD8qYHHZ8u4cIyqCEsJssOnbmjcIUa3DD_AGiq2kDGAD60aqRgDC4rwpqZwJVogi7cVejwYIGt4aTcj0C8ng/s1440/IMG_0176%20(Large).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglSuob0BlkAAfJYZySF0sgAPHZV-GS1uEqniqIZ80hmT2PBq8u6xn7KH4FwFozzQWEIiZRamYMBiyWALfdW46Ndi8mreQyFSmY1OcSTgYD8qYHHZ8u4cIyqCEsJssOnbmjcIUa3DD_AGiq2kDGAD60aqRgDC4rwpqZwJVogi7cVejwYIGt4aTcj0C8ng/w640-h480/IMG_0176%20(Large).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeklf6mNexeKKbluI33VHDDA7S-7FmYT36tgR6oLUulNM2hc4_DxXOUgOk-Qx2lUEo8AvGo9vtVxeCo_QNCkqGGzGHbwrKi_GKkWYfZrUzKYmw-CuW2UJqDaoVWyoW2lw_hnA5sdUulCbLKfizojcXB6Jrvc7GK4nPrbL-OS0VZrIPTRi7uJ6RtsfahQ/s1440/IMG_0191%20(Large).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeklf6mNexeKKbluI33VHDDA7S-7FmYT36tgR6oLUulNM2hc4_DxXOUgOk-Qx2lUEo8AvGo9vtVxeCo_QNCkqGGzGHbwrKi_GKkWYfZrUzKYmw-CuW2UJqDaoVWyoW2lw_hnA5sdUulCbLKfizojcXB6Jrvc7GK4nPrbL-OS0VZrIPTRi7uJ6RtsfahQ/w640-h480/IMG_0191%20(Large).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuNwK23yb9SHn7GV8OvGKtY3r2XNWYSfaZtgedvzlGyvbL4kIOaADMWt1786Rdmdb27QLHE6T4MWYokgRfStX7OOBWo5qTIyT66VJev8tEtSi9qVsXPCWmf_-qMA_mQ5Hr8_yf7mqGvclKRMDuhOc8n5dczMIOxAiCK_H3ytDz3bMaxNcakHnLUb41zw/s1440/IMG_0192%20(Large).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuNwK23yb9SHn7GV8OvGKtY3r2XNWYSfaZtgedvzlGyvbL4kIOaADMWt1786Rdmdb27QLHE6T4MWYokgRfStX7OOBWo5qTIyT66VJev8tEtSi9qVsXPCWmf_-qMA_mQ5Hr8_yf7mqGvclKRMDuhOc8n5dczMIOxAiCK_H3ytDz3bMaxNcakHnLUb41zw/w640-h480/IMG_0192%20(Large).JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>GJOAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03457152029560224931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5734918150465744707.post-47411160369095371752022-03-13T10:23:00.000-07:002022-03-13T10:23:20.207-07:00The Phantom House<p>We've mentioned in this blog, multiple times now, that we're building a house in Port Alberni, Vancouver Island, British Columbia. The Alberni Valley is a beautiful place and we'll be right in the centre of it, surrounded by mountains and linked by a 25 mile fjord to the Pacific Ocean.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_s9qNTPHuLWdjdQhHNiMKXWbM1Q_46a7Tk38drCXP6ESs3YNZBcPlL-Kpv6bVg0qpg4q4OBSMsyWLoM4LebK5f0x1i8vrtlkRmDUxFtHkfYEGVXdqykGJEYPjXm5W9mnKIjZr-1ptj6R3MrHIKmiSgAiyiegY6TNCPhY2rqwK9aN0QIrhDN6Z8g_5YQ=s1440" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_s9qNTPHuLWdjdQhHNiMKXWbM1Q_46a7Tk38drCXP6ESs3YNZBcPlL-Kpv6bVg0qpg4q4OBSMsyWLoM4LebK5f0x1i8vrtlkRmDUxFtHkfYEGVXdqykGJEYPjXm5W9mnKIjZr-1ptj6R3MrHIKmiSgAiyiegY6TNCPhY2rqwK9aN0QIrhDN6Z8g_5YQ=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><p>It's been over a year now since we purchased our building lot here, in November 2020. Since then, we've been trying, valiantly, to get this build going. It's been a struggle. The last time we built a house (1987, in Ontario) it took us only eight months, from a back of the napkin design at Easter to move-in at Christmas. That house was a custom-built post and beam home, around 2400 sq ft. Now, we're trying to build a home less than half that size and it's going to take three times as long. The reasons are many. Covid played a role as did labour shortages due to housing demand, huge cost spikes and supply chain issues. Location played a big part. Building in BC, in both a high seismic zone and a tsunami zone, meant there were many additional obstacles to overcome. We needed structural engineering review to deal with the seismic issues. We'd never heard of 'geotechnical' engineering before, but, soon learned that was a requirement as well, due to risk of landslide on our fairly steep lot and close proximity of a neighbour's rather large retaining wall. We also needed a new survey, usually around $800. The 'current' one was done in 1910 and unfortunately it ended up costing $12,000 because we had to survey, not just our lot, but the entire City block. The biggest reason for the delay though seemed to be that the company we had hired for design and material supply just didn't seem all that motivated to get it done. The design has changed very little from the first sketch, yet, it often took a couple of months to implement one revision. Then, we'd find it hadn't changed the way we'd asked and would have to keep repeating ourselves. We're not patient people and the wait has been excruciating. </p><p>However, I'm now thrilled to report that, at last, we have started! The excavator has been working for three days. Our 'geotech' engineer has had a look at the dig and decided that we will also be needing a large retaining wall to ensure we don't migrate down the hill. We thought that might be the case, but, it still means a very heavy expense that's not usually required. We could have bought an easy, flat, boring lot but we think the attributes of this lot are worth the extra expense. We have a fabulous 180 degree view of the Alberni Inlet, a triple-sized City lot with services, unopened road allowances on two sides, laneway access at the rear and a cul-de-sac at the front. We can easily walk to shops/restaurants yet still feel we are living in a private, rural location.</p><p>So, everything's in place now and fingers crossed, it will be a reasonably trouble-free, fast build.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgvIMkxNk6rAhSABODilriVY7rNDevYrvnUdzBflfRPHQ11RVy0jMXFBKZmKPs1GuHUYhbAb643tIEKDmTrW_jc7j8PIu6bcn8mww8Ectzc-lwkoJuLz42Xtm0pbh2lGDPUfZYNgyX66WloGONKdlaPZkKR9cLK015_FrpzvGGUCjSFK7p9eTucbbZ8bQ=s1440" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgvIMkxNk6rAhSABODilriVY7rNDevYrvnUdzBflfRPHQ11RVy0jMXFBKZmKPs1GuHUYhbAb643tIEKDmTrW_jc7j8PIu6bcn8mww8Ectzc-lwkoJuLz42Xtm0pbh2lGDPUfZYNgyX66WloGONKdlaPZkKR9cLK015_FrpzvGGUCjSFK7p9eTucbbZ8bQ=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>GJOAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03457152029560224931noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5734918150465744707.post-73554454905708372622022-02-27T14:00:00.001-08:002022-02-27T14:00:44.796-08:00A Big White getaway<p>This second winter on a boat in BC hasn't been quite as easy as our first winter. Last year, in Victoria, we had just one dump of wet snow in February that was completely gone in about three days. This year, in Port Alberni, there was a nasty, almost record-setting weeks-long cold spell over the Christmas period with lots of ice and snow. Temperatures hit -16C, the record December low for Port Alberni is -17.4C, set in 1950 (average low is +0.4C), so, very close to the all-time record. The boat is not insulated, so, we could definitely feel a chill right through the thin fibreglass hull, although it wasn't that bad with our diesel stove, an electric top-up space heater and our quality down duvets. A skin of ice formed around the boat. It was thin so there was no risk to the boat and it was fun to watch the ducks slipping and sliding trying to figure it out. It was when the pipes froze in the marina buildings that we started to wonder how bad it would get. We had no water for over two weeks as they had to wait for a thaw before they could fix things. The weather slowly improved through January and we made a quick trip to Vancouver (only four hours by road/ferry) to combine a few nights hotel stay with shopping for the upcoming house build. It was a nice break that came with an unlikely Vancouver snow storm, bad weather seemed to be following us! At least the water stayed on in the hotel.</p><p>February arrived, nothing was happening with the house build, weather was warmer, but, damp, foggy days were the norm and we needed a break. A warm-weather destination appealed, but, with covid restrictions still in place, we didn't want to leave the country. We decided, after a six year absence, to go downhill skiing!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYW7tzfWOaSVoi2ren_S5tNAzo_2Dp8FjeoMt6cLUZ90dtfKKQPZ_mcp7WSQIv4bQNwLcsuct1KqtNnb6sMWT_P_iWmqrfTPun0qnkK8yg-XA-CYVLN6jGUti85PGLQcmgF4PPEG0cv7r9MDHMiziCE4nBxMIcebAGTIk3FsaOmpDnCyLGhIwvKJR0zA=s1440" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYW7tzfWOaSVoi2ren_S5tNAzo_2Dp8FjeoMt6cLUZ90dtfKKQPZ_mcp7WSQIv4bQNwLcsuct1KqtNnb6sMWT_P_iWmqrfTPun0qnkK8yg-XA-CYVLN6jGUti85PGLQcmgF4PPEG0cv7r9MDHMiziCE4nBxMIcebAGTIk3FsaOmpDnCyLGhIwvKJR0zA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><p>We chose Big White resort in Kelowna BC. We booked just a couple of days ahead and were surprised to see there was still some availability and reasonable accommodation prices (at the budget end anyway). Of course, accommodation is only a small part of a ski vacation cost. Equipment rentals and lift tickets tripled the accommodation cost. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDmN4-1nvYtu-PVrjRcQYQMkOhCnC-vOITJI8RZ5S26zQWLKUv3Yw6qob27oD0xrFFiLgB-iejDC_0u7BmL5SwltF4aPKr97DFMQTKe7wlYNWo-imE88kjxgGvp7flHyh7geSfUlBQ7O2ErW00F7kCt2_gV5iPyYWrkXXVYyC9JVFcpJstkRG9rzkPQw=s1440" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDmN4-1nvYtu-PVrjRcQYQMkOhCnC-vOITJI8RZ5S26zQWLKUv3Yw6qob27oD0xrFFiLgB-iejDC_0u7BmL5SwltF4aPKr97DFMQTKe7wlYNWo-imE88kjxgGvp7flHyh7geSfUlBQ7O2ErW00F7kCt2_gV5iPyYWrkXXVYyC9JVFcpJstkRG9rzkPQw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><p>We had doubts that we'd have the stamina to get our money's worth from the lift tickets, but, it was a great trip. Our aging legs and knees held up ok and it felt amazing to be outdoors in a beautiful mountain environment. The weather was perfect: warm, brilliantly sunny with lots of blinding-white snow. The base was 167 cm which the locals said was less than half what it is normally. There seemed plenty to us, enough to make a good cushion after we took a few tumbles due to our rusty technique. By the third day we were improving, but, unfortunately it was time to leave. We enjoyed it so much we have plans to return next year. </p><p>We liked Big White a lot. Our room in the centre of the village had a sunny aspect, a great mountain view and a lift about 30m from the front door. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiU04zVBBZM5yBPkn_963Ep26N3OYXwI0sHIsaPLoURcb_4yjAeIwYaeEJ1xm9xKZFv6dglwPHpgyXa328A-fSdGALEKXFQ006qQPcpQmPncYYahAUmNcn-1Yd90-wAND-ZZKH-IIba_ylKDOhiZCXTbeDmVPYb-fjCFGn2FR9JYtcKze3gNamr_JNKqA=s1440" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiU04zVBBZM5yBPkn_963Ep26N3OYXwI0sHIsaPLoURcb_4yjAeIwYaeEJ1xm9xKZFv6dglwPHpgyXa328A-fSdGALEKXFQ006qQPcpQmPncYYahAUmNcn-1Yd90-wAND-ZZKH-IIba_ylKDOhiZCXTbeDmVPYb-fjCFGn2FR9JYtcKze3gNamr_JNKqA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><p>It was also a short stroll to some very nice restaurants.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEicAmtczOoNkjVsrVoaoeDStIc6qkgGCUwwfDwMACpJaS-hmTAMUhfMdlX6MsJuAhT-6t_F2cnoRKkMf7t4Kp6c4TjL4-2ePytyGWNxrN6LGHqnbe_19Ge2hpJJEQHwHdjgQi9Cgc46klOMGjkEXkWwzozJrG1n18OPdzfDCFkZJ13EN9StplfGIw-JKg=s1440" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEicAmtczOoNkjVsrVoaoeDStIc6qkgGCUwwfDwMACpJaS-hmTAMUhfMdlX6MsJuAhT-6t_F2cnoRKkMf7t4Kp6c4TjL4-2ePytyGWNxrN6LGHqnbe_19Ge2hpJJEQHwHdjgQi9Cgc46klOMGjkEXkWwzozJrG1n18OPdzfDCFkZJ13EN9StplfGIw-JKg=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><p>The village is not too big, mostly traffic-free and is all ski-in/ski-out. There were no long lift lines. The terrain has something for all skiers. After our long absence from skiing, we felt like beginners again, but, there were plenty of green (easy) runs to keep us occupied. Unlike other resorts where the easy runs are only at lower elevations, at Big White, you can get all the way to the summit on multiple long, easy runs. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiYUtC_VGp4ASfUBNelQMzmExMCvF7aZLFSrdK3sU_Mg9hwga95xdgmeji50AC1OurIaWfw6XRqWSudhp5DwACHNXVaJCD6sCf8Ej-Qb3os9Zi-GeBT5McjNgUnIw3jW1fpq6S5y3zhYznu-CtbWw_WkcEjgEaKxoO2LQRqKQRZjY8NHu5xwY-a4BtbFQ=s1440" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiYUtC_VGp4ASfUBNelQMzmExMCvF7aZLFSrdK3sU_Mg9hwga95xdgmeji50AC1OurIaWfw6XRqWSudhp5DwACHNXVaJCD6sCf8Ej-Qb3os9Zi-GeBT5McjNgUnIw3jW1fpq6S5y3zhYznu-CtbWw_WkcEjgEaKxoO2LQRqKQRZjY8NHu5xwY-a4BtbFQ=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><p>An added bonus to our time away was that on our return to the Island it seemed like spring had sprung in our brief absence. When we left, Mt. Arrowsmith was still snow-covered. On our return there was absolutely no snow anywhere at street level. Things looked very green with nascent buds on the trees. Port Alberni greeted us with spring-like temperatures, +11C and clear sunshine. Not bad for mid-February in Canada!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDRDwTVx4s2PdJMizl5aGHENPdmOcKktbRuzDrlhW2anakLZvbT9stE5CGFio_gNMOZrT0TYVGM0VbK5BYkf1VzIsanvUd0uGK6iaIe37WIJLcnrVwBIFtNOk7oPGTYTjkwJVOB75tvraaTgTnhkcCizhVFN16-ZIlz5YiwXElGc3sG5uD3gGbkJr1AA=s1440" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDRDwTVx4s2PdJMizl5aGHENPdmOcKktbRuzDrlhW2anakLZvbT9stE5CGFio_gNMOZrT0TYVGM0VbK5BYkf1VzIsanvUd0uGK6iaIe37WIJLcnrVwBIFtNOk7oPGTYTjkwJVOB75tvraaTgTnhkcCizhVFN16-ZIlz5YiwXElGc3sG5uD3gGbkJr1AA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>GJOAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03457152029560224931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5734918150465744707.post-10013059926563883592022-02-08T08:39:00.001-08:002022-02-27T14:02:52.570-08:00Port Alberni - Our new home base<p>So, how did two non-fishers end up choosing Port Alberni, BC, "Canada's ultimate fishing town", as their new home base?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj9_Z-ai3u0OjBLmZxdZURkxfQEa_KZOdWz2l_t9ux0CySOZ7WOHvNWYKYFbVCAEGK9j0N31InXiZWyGO9Lsrc-V3Q-jUSamtqvFX-44sNTQiLwo5MD9uT3mYeWSI19K99AnUbB3Zzm0pkZxDNFAr4reeloCcBNsPpqctv8iJcCS_es6FEsGUTaQmP2mA=s1440" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj9_Z-ai3u0OjBLmZxdZURkxfQEa_KZOdWz2l_t9ux0CySOZ7WOHvNWYKYFbVCAEGK9j0N31InXiZWyGO9Lsrc-V3Q-jUSamtqvFX-44sNTQiLwo5MD9uT3mYeWSI19K99AnUbB3Zzm0pkZxDNFAr4reeloCcBNsPpqctv8iJcCS_es6FEsGUTaQmP2mA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Well, it had a lot to do with geography. As seen on the map, it looks very far inland. However, it is directly linked to the Pacific Ocean, via the very beautiful 25 mile/40 km. Alberni Inlet (fjord). It's a deep water port, accessible by large, ocean-going cargo ships. For pleasure boats like ours, it provides direct access to the incredible cruising ground of the wild, west coast of Vancouver Island. The city is located almost in the centre of Vancouver Island, central to everything: approx. one hour west to Tofino/Ucluelet (incredible surf beaches and Pacific Rim National Park), one hour north to Mt. Washington ski area and Strathcona Provincial Park, one hour south to Nanaimo (all the shops you could want and the ferry to Vancouver) and 2-1/2 hours to Victoria, the provincial capital with all city amenities in a beautiful location. Officially a City, Port Alberni is part of the Alberni-Clayoquot Region. There are only about 18,000 residents. It's not a large place, but, definitely poised for growth.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh0Z_gzK11W2dYd1cBrJGfEljCmYYQIKFLzFbwgZjDzrdA4Xh7T_Alt_0B0CpkFCBArBfGVmcPCo_ODs_Nz6C6rcZoFGSJr-dHIhrtT33dAunTcrTj_De_BuFPAA779I32UpvTmBHfsGxkpykjv3h_Ab4Py8tYQ60VzRhKBc1RjTKqQOtJNbTQvGW4H3g=s1912" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="1912" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh0Z_gzK11W2dYd1cBrJGfEljCmYYQIKFLzFbwgZjDzrdA4Xh7T_Alt_0B0CpkFCBArBfGVmcPCo_ODs_Nz6C6rcZoFGSJr-dHIhrtT33dAunTcrTj_De_BuFPAA779I32UpvTmBHfsGxkpykjv3h_Ab4Py8tYQ60VzRhKBc1RjTKqQOtJNbTQvGW4H3g=w640-h264" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The geography was great, the City itself not so much. In the 1960's Port Alberni actually had the highest per capita income in Canada. It was two towns originally, Alberni and Port Alberni, amalgamated into one. This bifurcation is still very apparent and works against the town. The older, 'uptown' half in which we will be building a house used to be the commercial hub. Banks, restaurants, shops and government offices thrived here. Now, a lot of the shops are deserted. Stop work orders are plastered on doorfronts of decaying buildings. Commerce has mostly moved to the other half of town where the new strip malls, fast food restaurants and big box stores are located. The two halves are divided by an industrial centre, three large paper mill sites with hulking buildings that block access to and views of the waterfront. Walking between the two halves is only possible via a very busy, unattractive road. A lot of the existing housing is very old and poorly built. Sounds horrible, doesn't it, especially when compared with the multiple retirement and tourist havens that dot the entire east coast of Vancouver Island (Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Ladysmith etc.) <div><br /></div><div>We wouldn't be settling in Port Alberni if it didn't at least have potential and lots of it. The signs are everywhere. Now, after living here a while we are confident we have made a good choice. There's a small regional hospital, extensive recreation facilities and other hidden gems that have become apparent only after being here a while. Like, a few good restaurants and bakeries, with more opening soon. There's also an incredible network of easily accessible, extensive walking trails that thread through the entire city. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7Zf1zsGx83N0mrB9qMmWIWjrL-eSIDObWzNgoASurT3ZKAQs1PsLHLCr9U94LLAmS0Btb7yJFmGFXlKibfcH2qKVGyWoz1JmkLPqpXU3WCQNGmnqa6doHxd_ckef2qPnJaOeEpMUgqq7M3-2VrD8Y-0g4jPHBAUfqswzFkp0dfDLH-Tf0nSDrHtmxCw=s1440" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7Zf1zsGx83N0mrB9qMmWIWjrL-eSIDObWzNgoASurT3ZKAQs1PsLHLCr9U94LLAmS0Btb7yJFmGFXlKibfcH2qKVGyWoz1JmkLPqpXU3WCQNGmnqa6doHxd_ckef2qPnJaOeEpMUgqq7M3-2VrD8Y-0g4jPHBAUfqswzFkp0dfDLH-Tf0nSDrHtmxCw=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The immediate surrounding area has lots to offer as well, the Alberni Inlet (which we wrote about during a brief visit in 2016, <a href="http://gjoablog.blogspot.com/2016/06/barkley-sound-mv-frances-barkley.html" target="_blank">Barkley Sound</a>) is amazing for both boating and hiking. A little further out is McLean Mill (a national historic site) and Stamp River (a major spawning salmon stream) Provincial Park. Nearby are two large freshwater lakes: Sproat Lake and Great Central Lake offering freshwater swimming beaches and boating opportunities.</div><div><br /></div><div>The three (there is a fourth smaller, plywood mill on the southern boundary) dominant mill sites are also changing. The San Group has installed a large, landscaped berm with trees which improves the view along their stretch of road between the city's two halves. The Catalyst mill looks like it's thriving and in good, working order. The third mill site, the 43 acre former Somass Sawmill is the jewel in the crown. It's abandoned, derelict and looks it, but, the good news is that the City has just purchased this prime, waterfront site and it will be redeveloped. If done well, it will be a gamechanger. It may take too long for our remaining timeframe, but, having an extended waterfront walking path would be something we'd really enjoy. At the very least, we'll watch the changes happening with interest. Following photo reprinted from <a href="https://portalberni.ca/news/august-13-2021-213pm/city-port-alberni-redevelopment-plans-somass-lands" target="_blank">city-port-alberni-redevelopment-plans-somass-lands</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh6XwEilmq1v2HfqexvV0YrDhE4FxvVm9TbAqhqvXVQ6k96LODYB3Gg-Jjkxqr2MR_IGfA3ZeiKdlpCTljqY7nCs0it9K-26vahDu1sxV7U7KBKZxHPjRtYN1SzY3qikGsUwlluREPkNTpXNkjNB0ZdPNN0AmDBpXbaFhY5Hx-alBDu2h7hbGrMNKnlKw=s1200" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh6XwEilmq1v2HfqexvV0YrDhE4FxvVm9TbAqhqvXVQ6k96LODYB3Gg-Jjkxqr2MR_IGfA3ZeiKdlpCTljqY7nCs0it9K-26vahDu1sxV7U7KBKZxHPjRtYN1SzY3qikGsUwlluREPkNTpXNkjNB0ZdPNN0AmDBpXbaFhY5Hx-alBDu2h7hbGrMNKnlKw=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>The City and much of the surrounding area is dominated by Mt. Arrowsmith. Often shrouded in cloud, we didn't realize it even existed until all-of-a-sudden, one day, there it was in all its glory. We now enjoy seeing it in all its moods.</div><div><br /></div><div>Taken from the boat, here's a view at sunrise:<br /><div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiJMAiE6O50Q9CGLxX1J3C93rqry4N3AHgLcinfjMjYDZu_rRuowuScabvZLpIVmzsUudSOCzgIU8HPrMN2n1W0GgZ2jHUdUwPI_oMYrxenubjpaO_vus6IKeoYZJTodzZuc3J2t0SZj64P6tTwBs2XTISKgTfAW7S1PYHoXwFeqsz-Y9iklhOezV8pvw=s1440" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiJMAiE6O50Q9CGLxX1J3C93rqry4N3AHgLcinfjMjYDZu_rRuowuScabvZLpIVmzsUudSOCzgIU8HPrMN2n1W0GgZ2jHUdUwPI_oMYrxenubjpaO_vus6IKeoYZJTodzZuc3J2t0SZj64P6tTwBs2XTISKgTfAW7S1PYHoXwFeqsz-Y9iklhOezV8pvw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>and this one is with the first snow cover, seen in October.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-Gba5g4DjwL4NEfGVMJMR7xBMtsS8EpJUeo072PJWMb_64RMCgwF6WvVSCOU52lSBBnelu3KdcwRhtMNes5W7FyDf6j3mszyeKo8ScGW9HfI3XzwVbi3iMGgmw5_oRPdievqj5sZBhPFoThq1OGT3I8Fv5fhLmcHTlt-pNsXnomjC-2qcP1Dk42-7og=s1440" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-Gba5g4DjwL4NEfGVMJMR7xBMtsS8EpJUeo072PJWMb_64RMCgwF6WvVSCOU52lSBBnelu3KdcwRhtMNes5W7FyDf6j3mszyeKo8ScGW9HfI3XzwVbi3iMGgmw5_oRPdievqj5sZBhPFoThq1OGT3I8Fv5fhLmcHTlt-pNsXnomjC-2qcP1Dk42-7og=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>We're looking forward to continuing our exploration of this amazing location over the next few years. Now, as to that "ultimate fishing town" label, we can't vouch for that as we don't fish, but, the winner of the 2021 salmon derby was a whopping 31 lb. (14 kg.) salmon. The strange thing is, there isn't a fish market anywhere in the town (that we've found) to buy any of the catch....</p></div></div>GJOAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03457152029560224931noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5734918150465744707.post-79370632317674092782022-01-24T10:18:00.000-08:002022-01-24T10:18:21.255-08:00A Year in Victoria living aboard<p>We recently spent a year at Wharf Street Marina, in Victoria (Sept. 2020 - Sept. 2021) living on our sailboat Gjoa. On arriving in British Columbia, we soon learned that being a 'liveaboard' has very negative connotations here due to a derelict boat problem along with the often derelict people that live aboard them. The boats never leave the dock, or, anchor and they tend to just rot in place leaving unpaid bills and a disposal headache for marinas and municipalities. Unfortunately, international cruising sailors are also lumped in with this group. Most marinas have just put their head in the sand and made intractable "no liveaboard" policies rather than deal with the issue. So, it was a breath of fresh air when cruising friends told us about the progressive policies of the GVHA (Greater Victoria Harbour Authority). They have no trouble filling their marinas in the summer season, but, when winter comes, the berths often sit empty. A winter liveaboard program is offered to cruising boats. There's usually a wait list and both marina and personal references are required to even get onto the list. We were accepted at the last minute and heaved a sigh of relief that we had somewhere to go. Rates were reasonable and the usual toilet/shower/laundry facilities were provided and very nice they were too. The rates also included a weekly visit from the sewage pumpout boat. I'm sure at this point most non-sailors are thinking this is "too much information", but, this small thing makes a huge difference in life aboard. Victoria is the only place we've been that offers this welcome service.</p><p>The location was also superb and has to be one of the premier city centre marina locations in North America. We thoroughly enjoyed our year there and fell in love with Victoria in the process. There were always things happening in the inner harbour: demonstrations in front of the Legislature (Victoria is the provincial capital of BC), street entertainers, patio dining, float planes that seemed to come and go endlessly and many interesting boats, including the unique water taxis. They have regular stops around the harbour and one day, when I went to check out music being played over a loudspeaker, I came across them doing a unique, synchronized "boat ballet" to classical music! Fun to watch and requires a great deal of skill.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5n9adEg3J_vSr9gYt8jDTMRyNOFbPmXSWe-K2QpkFGNr_ks8pgMTnuuepo49F-K19zD4_m6_MwXBZo-Tl0o0z_Dw8VSwYWYLHuNThPZsHcvvusyIKpscvWIszkSc3rIQ4_OSCYm748_jPrNwPVQRbWuqTooB_WlvAZzHE5n0oQs-COfreQ_c1YVX1zg=s1440" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5n9adEg3J_vSr9gYt8jDTMRyNOFbPmXSWe-K2QpkFGNr_ks8pgMTnuuepo49F-K19zD4_m6_MwXBZo-Tl0o0z_Dw8VSwYWYLHuNThPZsHcvvusyIKpscvWIszkSc3rIQ4_OSCYm748_jPrNwPVQRbWuqTooB_WlvAZzHE5n0oQs-COfreQ_c1YVX1zg=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEinIeuAlesDoQGizzDVWpxGpYafSw3Q0mHGXCyt32A2Btv4wOtxHQtPhonxrZFvOv7lU8IlYQI3gmPV1pWemxnVqr2p71W4f5dm71JKlHiTdmLA5CN5YwsRxDn_KnuHzkwn2QgzsHBk4ewQCIFNXvU4mH54FtYAYyMdzbRvdrkuKTWLtDIIyNRaLVhyjw=s1440" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEinIeuAlesDoQGizzDVWpxGpYafSw3Q0mHGXCyt32A2Btv4wOtxHQtPhonxrZFvOv7lU8IlYQI3gmPV1pWemxnVqr2p71W4f5dm71JKlHiTdmLA5CN5YwsRxDn_KnuHzkwn2QgzsHBk4ewQCIFNXvU4mH54FtYAYyMdzbRvdrkuKTWLtDIIyNRaLVhyjw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><p>We also enjoyed the wildlife in the harbour. There were often seals and mink around the boat. In the spring a family of sea otters with five young entertained us with their antics. The otters were a mixed blessing. They were often up on and sometimes in the boats, particularly those with swim platforms. They would bring their crab catches up on deck to eat and leave a mess of bones and other deposits behind. This grimacing otter has a crab between its paws and is crunching a mouthful!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgu-LlO_TltprpJ7rIn8ESG62BgDCNahJyNdc0NSIz_W_Xx3DKZh1ZQnHwV8erd9ifh3ZtGqX0ygcv8W3V6awJ-GTbX1uHInV0CioCjJLeZhpP06uZMEEOkHn_yqjT3epb9nA9uMqx8yq_BHvVqPSu_n7Kz2czZy5zPSYax293vT5F44dJsYeL9msBejg=s1440" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgu-LlO_TltprpJ7rIn8ESG62BgDCNahJyNdc0NSIz_W_Xx3DKZh1ZQnHwV8erd9ifh3ZtGqX0ygcv8W3V6awJ-GTbX1uHInV0CioCjJLeZhpP06uZMEEOkHn_yqjT3epb9nA9uMqx8yq_BHvVqPSu_n7Kz2czZy5zPSYax293vT5F44dJsYeL9msBejg=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>There was only one dump of snow all winter and it only lasted a few days. Then, we were back to the usual balmy temperatures in this area.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqxseVsEnWz7lwucC0tXj3NOSOW33HZbjcKonG9GCez2L6moPukD0nDV8uZQAFMvElp66jBqDBCIlgYVNevJ3dgTKi9DWMyVKrILVkxk08Bjb7OaAIIWJNzZUsSz7IjicbuiLg_LQqtJwOKvzIk3e0UpFK_EEOu9qMWkr4JZ2Mm97BCpRHBCigKH46Sg=s1440" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqxseVsEnWz7lwucC0tXj3NOSOW33HZbjcKonG9GCez2L6moPukD0nDV8uZQAFMvElp66jBqDBCIlgYVNevJ3dgTKi9DWMyVKrILVkxk08Bjb7OaAIIWJNzZUsSz7IjicbuiLg_LQqtJwOKvzIk3e0UpFK_EEOu9qMWkr4JZ2Mm97BCpRHBCigKH46Sg=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>We enjoyed walking the many neighbourhoods, especially the heritage areas. This is the Emily Carr museum in the very appealing James Bay area.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjjXCr7zA9CZQIpclfopweNTKDuP-H7cx1VFg9OkriC8O_ckRmn4SF7eN9dgxHOtnGZhyn4DeVpaaX7kyYTjiW3yZP25s9STs_MLoKBhyeH9ksspSR1zg-hEQusIANkWjDZOovvVQ9zchd4UCyUJCe5MRK8r9fKbfqEGLZZJSIDTdN4HKA1v25xvLFrZA=s1440" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjjXCr7zA9CZQIpclfopweNTKDuP-H7cx1VFg9OkriC8O_ckRmn4SF7eN9dgxHOtnGZhyn4DeVpaaX7kyYTjiW3yZP25s9STs_MLoKBhyeH9ksspSR1zg-hEQusIANkWjDZOovvVQ9zchd4UCyUJCe5MRK8r9fKbfqEGLZZJSIDTdN4HKA1v25xvLFrZA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Oak Bay is another lovely neighbourhood. Deer are considered garden pests here, but, it was fantastic to see them nonetheless.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhlfbo2Re9WTcem_C2JgCu21bz_U2vmjkrXPKVc6GO0gj9I1HTl4_wLHjIFKTXgsGTwQR82t6wT2uhuhNSBbaUb04FWNgtUlbymVp-HQ9XNR11kblEEkhmfG_bjzWBTtxnoQNY1w6JWvGzImxwpc5MjLAgH26NRjVNvcYUsvkYUaidpN04NVOy1DcOrZA=s1440" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhlfbo2Re9WTcem_C2JgCu21bz_U2vmjkrXPKVc6GO0gj9I1HTl4_wLHjIFKTXgsGTwQR82t6wT2uhuhNSBbaUb04FWNgtUlbymVp-HQ9XNR11kblEEkhmfG_bjzWBTtxnoQNY1w6JWvGzImxwpc5MjLAgH26NRjVNvcYUsvkYUaidpN04NVOy1DcOrZA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><p>There were many superb in-town walks: along the Dallas Road seafront, out along the breakwater seawall and through expensive, oceanfront neighbourhoods with fabulous water and mountain views.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOXH46bnKox6n6n0enU9p-lK1FXm2HiGdb8I4KJi4FPkrO4fTPRuBVZnFcxqw6Tmd9EOebrEZLpdPbMxSlmIyPJXvnrkjokECh2s5jKRnITUNZCVynCOT97kDrP9roFTxIJpXPbz8GAguGAAPXpGy8_-8U8-6UA7Yjkwm-7Wcs80fXhcX70jynN1De6w=s1440" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOXH46bnKox6n6n0enU9p-lK1FXm2HiGdb8I4KJi4FPkrO4fTPRuBVZnFcxqw6Tmd9EOebrEZLpdPbMxSlmIyPJXvnrkjokECh2s5jKRnITUNZCVynCOT97kDrP9roFTxIJpXPbz8GAguGAAPXpGy8_-8U8-6UA7Yjkwm-7Wcs80fXhcX70jynN1De6w=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Going further afield we must have walked the whole waterfront from Sidney to Sooke. We often took the bus out of town and walked back in. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiX80DeR6G3Q9GPX0cJDm3AosSD1GVEaSog4DWi8vVq66JBct0t45hQ288AbwGg3EJm_8-na7Sqthi7LbSaUv03Uu03GMovrxl8XRrR8FBbxGcIqhK2nX4DOyIUiHUGBqs_expJUki3TGDoYSm3c5liEH4E-SdqotHceMqOFBGKSCTfxKto4P4j8JouZA=s1440" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiX80DeR6G3Q9GPX0cJDm3AosSD1GVEaSog4DWi8vVq66JBct0t45hQ288AbwGg3EJm_8-na7Sqthi7LbSaUv03Uu03GMovrxl8XRrR8FBbxGcIqhK2nX4DOyIUiHUGBqs_expJUki3TGDoYSm3c5liEH4E-SdqotHceMqOFBGKSCTfxKto4P4j8JouZA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhkL4KK9meTs5k7-MkCgnWDZoD-3MOtol3inz8AE_sM3COuRMAy8B3UvahNQGnsZYsN5or0ezxLNmUXEKJtBwcMx0CknzzT16IC2gJcAqKJ_PGPjZHGekYjQ0hz9LTYGTJ0ToXJDMT1ILMewekXB0SQlHHwjlzTiGG2gJEwDcGUQmbptDEvs3VyRwryYw=s1440" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhkL4KK9meTs5k7-MkCgnWDZoD-3MOtol3inz8AE_sM3COuRMAy8B3UvahNQGnsZYsN5or0ezxLNmUXEKJtBwcMx0CknzzT16IC2gJcAqKJ_PGPjZHGekYjQ0hz9LTYGTJ0ToXJDMT1ILMewekXB0SQlHHwjlzTiGG2gJEwDcGUQmbptDEvs3VyRwryYw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>We did consider setting up our intended home base in Victoria, but, as much we loved it there, it was still too urban for us and we decided that being further afield would suit us better. However, we intend to visit often in future. Maybe we'll stay at the Empress, lovely any time of the year.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3oOtu5N0xejayk7u5Ya9fmjF7w8Ijx74WzKiwKh5K_fsIxkE3nEmAvm0p0jww9DZdohijfrVV1zu-ZLqlyRwvcRJCx_T6FCxBd3SGE6_UxvlsVseQy4whkQhlkdb799G1OHESpmLhauMtZyhuH0buES3RmNvPaMy99K-Ol9MWhhQD95H5UKw3gPnuPA=s1440" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3oOtu5N0xejayk7u5Ya9fmjF7w8Ijx74WzKiwKh5K_fsIxkE3nEmAvm0p0jww9DZdohijfrVV1zu-ZLqlyRwvcRJCx_T6FCxBd3SGE6_UxvlsVseQy4whkQhlkdb799G1OHESpmLhauMtZyhuH0buES3RmNvPaMy99K-Ol9MWhhQD95H5UKw3gPnuPA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>GJOAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03457152029560224931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5734918150465744707.post-2013992978058187002022-01-09T08:15:00.002-08:002022-01-09T08:15:20.426-08:00Please welcome Boat #6 !!!<p>After not posting for over a year, some of you may have missed the brief comment about a change of boat in my return to posting. So, in case you missed it, we have now sold (August 2021) boat #5, our 14m Reinke aluminium cruising sailboat and are now aboard boat #6, an 8m Nordic Tug 26, purchased June 2021.</p><p>Here she is: boat #6: a 1984 Nordic Tug 26, hull #59 of 184 built. Her name is also GJØA, our third.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjbeHyi1qS3sKe66AXGPfRN8gpBXv5ZCEAnof9ivg1cpwWDfWYltTRaRsT25cwSThArVgjrl7IWgEfNyx_Ft5CjCJZ9wnRdr23q5IbTOM7T3coUiqh3Py_5XLy8DPzqNaTltbAxGg67ewBl7Zt36CCJeIga0Lr9yDuKOPjUiKQVJ_bVzP1TgSef6e2LVA=s640" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjbeHyi1qS3sKe66AXGPfRN8gpBXv5ZCEAnof9ivg1cpwWDfWYltTRaRsT25cwSThArVgjrl7IWgEfNyx_Ft5CjCJZ9wnRdr23q5IbTOM7T3coUiqh3Py_5XLy8DPzqNaTltbAxGg67ewBl7Zt36CCJeIga0Lr9yDuKOPjUiKQVJ_bVzP1TgSef6e2LVA=w640-h320" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">I suppose that's enough news in itself, but, wait, it's not just boat #6, it's also our first motor boat, no sails! We've gone to "the dark side". Having said that, this new boat is a good boat, we hope, to enable us to do the type of cruising we want to do next. We probably won't be crossing oceans any more where sails are the only way to travel such long distances, but, we definitely want to coastal cruise, preferably in wild, remote places and perhaps along some more urban coasts as well. Cruising among intricate coastal channels doesn't provide much good sailing wind. We didn't raise our sails once when coming down the coast from Alaska. It seemed pointless to maintain sails and their critical, expensive supporting rig when they're used so rarely in our new type of cruising. Now that we're based on the "we[s]t" coast a motorboat also provides a warm, protected steering station at all times and the means to manage our speed at a consistent 6-7 knots.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">General specs for the Nordic Tug 26 are:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span face="ff-meta-serif-web-pro, serif" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-size: 17.6px; font-weight: 700;">LOA:</span><span face="ff-meta-serif-web-pro, serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 17.6px;"> 26 feet, 4 inches </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span face="ff-meta-serif-web-pro, serif" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-size: 17.6px; font-weight: 700;">BEAM:</span><span face="ff-meta-serif-web-pro, serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 17.6px;"> 9 feet, 6 inches </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span face="ff-meta-serif-web-pro, serif" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-size: 17.6px; font-weight: 700;">DRAFT:</span><span face="ff-meta-serif-web-pro, serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 17.6px;"> 2 feet, 9 inches </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span face="ff-meta-serif-web-pro, serif" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-size: 17.6px; font-weight: 700;">WEIGHT:</span><span face="ff-meta-serif-web-pro, serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 17.6px;"> 7,500 pounds </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span face="ff-meta-serif-web-pro, serif" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-size: 17.6px; font-weight: 700;">HULL TYPE:</span><span face="ff-meta-serif-web-pro, serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 17.6px;"> semi-displacement </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span face="ff-meta-serif-web-pro, serif" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-size: 17.6px; font-weight: 700;">PROPULSION:</span><span face="ff-meta-serif-web-pro, serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 17.6px;"> single diesel </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span face="ff-meta-serif-web-pro, serif" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-size: 17.6px; font-weight: 700;">BUILDER:</span><span face="ff-meta-serif-web-pro, serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 17.6px;"> Nordic Tugs, Burlington, Washington, nordictugs.com</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span face="ff-meta-serif-web-pro, serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 17.6px;">Our particular model has a few nice, custom features such as a dry-stack exhaust (as seen on many fishing boats) which should require less maintenance than a typical wet exhaust. The engine is a Perkins 4-154, 62HP with 6475 hours (more than we would have liked). </span><span face="ff-meta-serif-web-pro, serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 17.6px;">We expect to burn an economical 3-4 litres an hour at 6 knots providing an excellent range with our 100 (maybe 150? t.b.d.) gallon main tank.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span face="ff-meta-serif-web-pro, serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 17.6px;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span face="ff-meta-serif-web-pro, serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 17.6px;">The transition from a 14m (47 ft.) to 8m (26 ft.) boat to live on wasn't as difficult an adjustment as it might seem. No longer needing storage space for sails, world charts/cruising guides, four-season clothing, offshore equipment and extensive spares/food supplies, the smaller boat works well as a temporary home for two people and will more than suffice for an annual season spent out cruising.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span face="ff-meta-serif-web-pro, serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 17.6px;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span face="ff-meta-serif-web-pro, serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 17.6px;">There's no denying the boat is old and the maintenance had been let go, but, it had good bones. The initial viewing, survey and photos all looked good, but, as usual, after a closer look, we've noticed that there are a lot of things that really need to be addressed before we can have full confidence in the boat. The surveyor had noted that an urgent replacement of the shaft cooling through-hull needed to be done. So, first thing after taking possession we headed up to Sidney to get hauled out and do the repair. After we hauled out a leaking crack was also noticed in the bottom of the keel. It also had to be fixed immediately. This wasn't going well. Hopefully, not an indicator of things to come.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span face="ff-meta-serif-web-pro, serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 17.6px;">On the way back to Victoria we stopped at the always lovely Sidney Spit anchorage and enjoyed seeing our first purple martins. It helped to take our mind off the big bill we'd just paid for the keel and through-hull fix.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span face="ff-meta-serif-web-pro, serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 17.6px;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhCo8HZTnuhK6hLBLWHXgpw3HCVBC_IhxdaJXEiuNRrBuTpV89VgvSBcOyk1CMGXThCRoVDvRDrLn4XsPfp9Rv3iQu_2exEj5HhNJrQxQ1ghaJvaKHE7x8enlLk3XPTF7Bj4ThOpD53qqWBmzZinB5V47PNGBB1v3LgSxW_B-39zjNkvEh53IC5ZmvlTg=s1440" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhCo8HZTnuhK6hLBLWHXgpw3HCVBC_IhxdaJXEiuNRrBuTpV89VgvSBcOyk1CMGXThCRoVDvRDrLn4XsPfp9Rv3iQu_2exEj5HhNJrQxQ1ghaJvaKHE7x8enlLk3XPTF7Bj4ThOpD53qqWBmzZinB5V47PNGBB1v3LgSxW_B-39zjNkvEh53IC5ZmvlTg=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh4sjhDiX8wMsLINpSKlrs3i1MJGDqicTXH-4nLmeTs3p4hQLNaAIgueAJSroNWAx8yGLEIReLITrKl9BX3XaIcU-5ALIO9J_-XJ9GUXa_bXvpbyu0iyKJCWFMEvPhFyr7g1yz1lxy1TvfcjUr6j4caW3c5g9rBNGIgdQcbryBIWBbeoqu38mwBuKVRxg=s1440" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh4sjhDiX8wMsLINpSKlrs3i1MJGDqicTXH-4nLmeTs3p4hQLNaAIgueAJSroNWAx8yGLEIReLITrKl9BX3XaIcU-5ALIO9J_-XJ9GUXa_bXvpbyu0iyKJCWFMEvPhFyr7g1yz1lxy1TvfcjUr6j4caW3c5g9rBNGIgdQcbryBIWBbeoqu38mwBuKVRxg=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Unfortunately, as it turned out, there was more to come. Trying to leave the Spit anchorage we couldn't get the engine started and had to call C-Tow who also couldn't get us started. We were towed in to nearby Van Isle Marina. Now, it *really* wasn't going well, not what you want to happen on the first day out on a "new" boat. We had minimal tools aboard and had scant knowledge of the boat at this point, so, we called Ben at <a href="https://gartsidemarine.com/" target="_blank">Gartside Marine Engines</a> who went above and beyond to help. He came down to the boat well after his regular workday and quickly determined the starter had seized up. He took it out, sent it for a rebuild and had it back in the next day! We resumed our trip to Victoria wondering what we had got ourselves into with this boat.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span face="ff-meta-serif-web-pro, serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 17.6px;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span face="ff-meta-serif-web-pro, serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 17.6px;">Once we finally got to Victoria we kept our two boats side-by-side until we could make the changeover transition happen.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span face="ff-meta-serif-web-pro, serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 17.6px;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGCf2Hxj40yZcZycbfJxBnT7TBeEc6viyZE7_a_SQ0QDb6YqI277YLy7VEukwZGAAjvvFoPV2XvJIr7kK_-22pOuTPHiKZ81LHvsdMnRj8VGZfF8V-CKZKQ_ChHaQMyiS1zC7uQw4mF9VmpiJ21CNInWN0zRLz4FNAb88DfvGxsQcuClRDxrX9_MxcMA=s1440" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGCf2Hxj40yZcZycbfJxBnT7TBeEc6viyZE7_a_SQ0QDb6YqI277YLy7VEukwZGAAjvvFoPV2XvJIr7kK_-22pOuTPHiKZ81LHvsdMnRj8VGZfF8V-CKZKQ_ChHaQMyiS1zC7uQw4mF9VmpiJ21CNInWN0zRLz4FNAb88DfvGxsQcuClRDxrX9_MxcMA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span face="ff-meta-serif-web-pro, serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 17.6px;">It was heart-wrenching to see our home of the last four+ years leave us standing on the dock on August 26 when she left for the USA on delivery to her new owners. We'd invested so much financially and emotionally it was very hard to see her go even though we knew it was the right decision.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span face="ff-meta-serif-web-pro, serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 17.6px;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 17.6px;">A few days later, near Labour Day weekend, we headed off to our new chosen home base, Port Alberni. It would be our first real cruise in our new-to-us boat. We were a bit nervous heading out on an 8m (26 ft.) boat through the notorious Juan de Fuca Strait and up the exposed west coast of Vancouver Island where the ocean is wide-open all the way to Japan, the very definition of a lee shore. We weren't sure how this tiny boat (compared to our very capable ocean cruiser) would react in the inevitable ocean swell. But, we'd chosen our weather window well and we had perfect conditions. The boat performed admirably. We stopped the first night at Port Renfrew and made the push up to Bamfield on the second day. We didn't want to arrive in Port Alberni during their massive annual Labour Day weekend salmon fishing derby, so, enjoyed a couple of nights at anchor in delightful Bamfield watching a black bear foraging on the beach. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 17.6px;">We stopped another night at the Port Alberni Yacht Club outstation in the Broken Islands Group (a spectacular spot we plan to return to) before heading up the Alberni Inlet (a 40 km/25 mile long fjord) to Port Alberni. The fjord was very busy with many little sportfishing boats zipping up and down, but, they didn't detract from the beauty of the place. We arrived at Port Alberni in early afternoon. We had done it, changed boats, locations and life direction all in a few short months. It had been a busy summer!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 17.6px;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgh-qk_FMkJXbac0l9tw3mDZAsvF6juuchwV4OMjKFsyT1eOywBuqL-2RVC3MAXNlvfSC2jIg8jgQAGdBy--GGLaOB4kR96g4Svx4617DyjLKh3syGQGFIGuyj-eoC_2eRRAY2s25dr-BnrXYNbQ3lcM36xuYh4aMfUBy3lGIGxCE49FiGC_N99mJwT-Q=s1440" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgh-qk_FMkJXbac0l9tw3mDZAsvF6juuchwV4OMjKFsyT1eOywBuqL-2RVC3MAXNlvfSC2jIg8jgQAGdBy--GGLaOB4kR96g4Svx4617DyjLKh3syGQGFIGuyj-eoC_2eRRAY2s25dr-BnrXYNbQ3lcM36xuYh4aMfUBy3lGIGxCE49FiGC_N99mJwT-Q=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 17.6px;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p></p>GJOAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03457152029560224931noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5734918150465744707.post-53232745913574054602021-12-21T11:20:00.004-08:002021-12-21T11:26:05.237-08:00One Year Later...<p>If you're like me, when you've been following somebody's blog story for a while, maybe many years and posting just stops, permanently, it leaves you feeling a little bereft. They may be only 'friends in the cloud', but, somehow a connection is created and I miss them when they're not there. I would enjoy checking in every now and again to catch up. When there were no updates it made me wonder: Whatever happened to them? Where are they now? Are they ok? I often wish people would at least wrap up their story at a certain point and say goodbye instead of just doing a hard stop at a random place without a further word. I'm as guilty as the next person, it's actually been more than a year since I last posted here. Even worse, I suggested I would start writing again last spring and didn't. I don't really know how many people read this blog, there aren't many, but, I know there are a few and if you're one of those who was wondering 'whatever happened to them', well, we're still here and I'm planning at least a few more posts to bring our story up-to-date.</p><p>I always assumed I'd start posting again and I did think about posting a few times throughout the year, but, somehow there just never seemed to be anything interesting to say. It's not that there hasn't been a lot happening. There obviously hasn't been much on the travel front due to Covid, but, we've made a few major changes of direction (more on those later). </p><p>I did toy with the idea of not continuing to write and actually questioned why I even write in the first place. This travel blog started in June 2010 when we became live-aboard cruisers on a sailboat. At the time it just seemed easier to post one update online that friends/family could choose to peruse at their leisure rather than repeat the same thing to multiple people in newsletters/email that maybe wouldn't always be welcome. It has stopped and started a few times, but, there are now about 280 posts. I'm finding they are often handy as an aide-mémoire and it's fun to dip into and relive past events, the details of which have long been forgotten. It also spurs the quest for better photographs as I have a place to publish them. There doesn't seem much point to photos unless you're going to share them. So, continuing to write seems worthwhile for a number of reasons and I hope you'll continue to follow along.</p><p>Now, on to a continuation of the story. Here's an overview of what happened this past year, details to follow.</p><p><u>Autumn</u> - We arrived in Victoria BC a year ago September. Getting there had been our focus for the previous few years and we hadn't thought much beyond getting there. We'd been out cruising for a decade and wanted to take some time to re-evaluate our lifestyle. We quickly concluded that we'd been just about everywhere we wanted to go and Covid had stopped cruising sailors in their tracks anyway. Having a land base in BC seemed to be a good step for the future.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhKmLPimly2gGy1QzbitHaY-ZkfcmUOC71T1wTDpy9a2rBrATRfZ3w93lKJuvtdAAlK1QBV1IA2QmDKbB5L1hSa6TqnlyE3hSwxU68DH47JDeZ5U8WxIxcG15UXcysb4_t9rnngxwbhCS29MK6-UdDiz-5krvFncGa26rqGSzo2J-ECk-64COjSKpPcA=s1440" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhKmLPimly2gGy1QzbitHaY-ZkfcmUOC71T1wTDpy9a2rBrATRfZ3w93lKJuvtdAAlK1QBV1IA2QmDKbB5L1hSa6TqnlyE3hSwxU68DH47JDeZ5U8WxIxcG15UXcysb4_t9rnngxwbhCS29MK6-UdDiz-5krvFncGa26rqGSzo2J-ECk-64COjSKpPcA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><u style="text-align: left;"><br /></u></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><u style="text-align: left;">Winter</u><span style="text-align: left;"> - The decision to create a home base in BC having been made we plunged into trying to make it happen. We reviewed all the options and decided the best thing would be to build a new house. We applied a logical approach to finding the location and the lot. We chose Port Alberni as the location and we were lucky to find a lot for a reasonable price that met all our criteria. This photo was taken in March. This is what Vancouver Island looks like in winter!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwGfRxpsb8Z8BV2WWvKtTZoiQIw9dmATE0XjaP42eSIjK-74MHwduH9aB95dsOIJHOCmAY7xJtFLUrB7fkS5BCqaUdjcB6xTEJdT0e13RZrcfxLNNK5DTtGWhmdntYyt2GzdRgQ_yYPEnKb5NTL6OAcYrssMDfKGIkOkrXWdxEHd9m982vqYpnBpiH5A=s1440" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwGfRxpsb8Z8BV2WWvKtTZoiQIw9dmATE0XjaP42eSIjK-74MHwduH9aB95dsOIJHOCmAY7xJtFLUrB7fkS5BCqaUdjcB6xTEJdT0e13RZrcfxLNNK5DTtGWhmdntYyt2GzdRgQ_yYPEnKb5NTL6OAcYrssMDfKGIkOkrXWdxEHd9m982vqYpnBpiH5A=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><p><u>Spring </u> - The next big decision was, what are we going to do about the boat? Having a world-class cruising boat isn't for the faint-hearted. It costs a lot of money and a lot of time and effort to keep it in fine fettle, safe and comfortable to travel the world's oceans. Sitting at a dock, or, just cruising locally in BC really was a waste of a good boat. We decided to sell it and spent many weeks preparing it for sale. Before we knew it, spring had arrived.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjvdBGDHpGGaLwO-4cIriIR7NVlUh0kU5i1XnLcB2Wgf5HWcR0POPGyydW9qet2gLiWpqfQmUtZLJNXnj7CJz9kPi0kjiMdCH6CUKATVhFiJYpmK_WyPM1XpnMe13CG_BEAujlcLaRhBKOxk087Qbc6cCvMLm8Bkn0R6J0E8mojGFq84wLS_nIkC6eh0Q=s1440" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjvdBGDHpGGaLwO-4cIriIR7NVlUh0kU5i1XnLcB2Wgf5HWcR0POPGyydW9qet2gLiWpqfQmUtZLJNXnj7CJz9kPi0kjiMdCH6CUKATVhFiJYpmK_WyPM1XpnMe13CG_BEAujlcLaRhBKOxk087Qbc6cCvMLm8Bkn0R6J0E8mojGFq84wLS_nIkC6eh0Q=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><p><u>Summer</u> - After we listed the boat for sale we started to get worried about becoming homeless. What if the boat sold quickly (it did) and the house wasn't ready (it wasn't). We also knew we weren't giving up cruising, just probably not crossing oceans anymore, so, we decided to downsize to a smaller boat that was suitable for coastal cruising and that was comfortable enough to live on until the house was finished. We narrowed the choices down and then, through serendipity, a good boat popped up right in front of us and we bought it. We were now two boat owners, but, not for long. Gjoa departed for the USA to her new owners on August 27. A few days later, we (and our new-to-us boat) departed for Port Alberni. Here we are passing Race Rocks, just outside Victoria, at the entrance to Juan de Fuca Strait.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzfPSS3rgYqClE657sw96rcUxqRJcfxBhTTBvGdH6McG_cmD8cjM1pQsCqQsD27_1KGOxUosCzrtX_qImWU-px8rNRJ2V6wzIKqV1Nj9mroYf1Ty4BSv1CKTIcBlMK5C2GaJmdW8OcEUIVuOpjeqscT_Bfmu1P_tIX-lvgZvRweV3clPHHz95aS1apVw=s1440" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzfPSS3rgYqClE657sw96rcUxqRJcfxBhTTBvGdH6McG_cmD8cjM1pQsCqQsD27_1KGOxUosCzrtX_qImWU-px8rNRJ2V6wzIKqV1Nj9mroYf1Ty4BSv1CKTIcBlMK5C2GaJmdW8OcEUIVuOpjeqscT_Bfmu1P_tIX-lvgZvRweV3clPHHz95aS1apVw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><p>To be continued (I promise!).... </p><p><br /></p>GJOAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03457152029560224931noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5734918150465744707.post-81276297526673732942020-09-28T18:40:00.001-07:002020-09-28T18:40:35.950-07:00Back in Canada<p> As planned, we finished up our 2020 cruising season with a passage from Cordova, Alaska to Victoria BC where we are staying the winter. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NwleHSpxXho/X3KIcTRPH2I/AAAAAAAAE5k/iRNyKUrEWYERaESx0VKKUWf5pVhja76fgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/IMG_9257%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NwleHSpxXho/X3KIcTRPH2I/AAAAAAAAE5k/iRNyKUrEWYERaESx0VKKUWf5pVhja76fgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9257%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>This last passage was a bit of a letdown compared to the glorious summer we'd just spent in Alaska. We'd decided to skip the inner passages of SE Alaska as we'd seen most of it before and didn't think it could compare favourably with what we'd just experienced anyway. Also, Canada was calling and we were starting to get anxious about potentially nasty September weather in the Gulf of Alaska. As it was, the weather was reasonable for our crossing, but, no wind! So, again, it was a slow motor against a north-setting current. We hugged the shoreline, so, we'd at least have something to look at. We anchored in Icy Bay for two nights and a day of pouring rain, then on to Yakutat. We anchored there for two nights, surrounded by fantastic mountain scenery, but, didn't go ashore, or, visit the very active glacier there. We knew we'd probably not be welcome due to Covid concerns and didn't want to cause any resentment in the native population. Maybe we'll go back someday. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_BGWpzk3dKE/X3J3HWgO0RI/AAAAAAAAE5E/ir0N_aX-0EYyu4dTombQ6kv--i4jbUq7gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/IMG_9146%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_BGWpzk3dKE/X3J3HWgO0RI/AAAAAAAAE5E/ir0N_aX-0EYyu4dTombQ6kv--i4jbUq7gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9146%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>We then quickly pushed south towards Dixon Entrance. Dixon is one of those mythic sailing places where a fearsome reputation for horrific weather is usually justified. It takes a full day to enter and we were amazed at our good fortune to cross in brilliant sunshine, calm seas and with no wind. That combination probably doesn't occur very often. The international border runs down the middle and we were heading directly for Prince Rupert, Canada. The sunny day gave way to a pitch-black night. There were a lot of both cargo and fishing boats as we squeezed through the narrow entry. Most local boats, including commercial fishing boats and even some tugs, don't have AIS which makes things a lot more complicated than it has to be, especially with fishing vessels that are constantly changing direction. It's so inexpensive to fit AIS these days, there's really no excuse not to have it. Dawn arrived and we were exhausted as we'd both been up all night dealing with the tight traffic situations. It was quite a relief to enter Prince Rupert harbour.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SPVAOVKODBg/X3J2dMAKaAI/AAAAAAAAE48/0LusbiFvpdwpJNa4fX1pfpbkM51FobVSwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/IMG_9156%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SPVAOVKODBg/X3J2dMAKaAI/AAAAAAAAE48/0LusbiFvpdwpJNa4fX1pfpbkM51FobVSwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9156%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-saz6xe_T6lk/X3JyxWyLl9I/AAAAAAAAE4s/VAhJz2MwtxoZDqJpkXpjr30NVINHahXHwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/IMG_9158%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-saz6xe_T6lk/X3JyxWyLl9I/AAAAAAAAE4s/VAhJz2MwtxoZDqJpkXpjr30NVINHahXHwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9158%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>Arrival in Prince Rupert was not very welcoming. We'd hoped to finish up our 14-day quarantine upon arrival, there were only two days left as we hadn't been off the boat in twelve days. Unfortunately, it wasn't to be. We were informed that our sea time just didn't count, as it had in Alaska and our quarantine must start on our day of arrival into Canada. It was a big disappointment as we'd planned to refuel, reprovision, get caught up with internet activities and get some exercise in Prince Rupert. The marinas had been told not to let any boat in that had any kind of a quarantine restriction on it, even if nobody got off the boat. We sat on the Customs dock trying to decide what we should do. After ten minutes, Port Security showed up to tell us we couldn't stay at the dock. Of course we hadn't planned to stay there, but, maybe longer than ten minutes would have been good. We said ok, we'll cross over and anchor in the bay with the fish farm and we left. We then got called on VHF and told to call Port Security. We weren't allowed to go into that bay, they suggested another instead. It wasn't ideal, but, sufficed for the night. We couldn't wait to leave Prince Rupert the next day. The new quarantine length wasn't really going to be a problem as we'd only be visiting remote anchorages as we worked our way slowly south through the labyrinth of the Inside Passage anyway, but, it did mean not getting off the boat for a full twenty-six days now, not good for the body.</p><p>We stayed in some very nice anchorages on the way down, Blunden Harbour and Port Neville were a couple of favourites. We timed the trip down so that we'd arrive at Port McNeill right at the end of the 14 day quarantine and that's what we did. It was a relief to get off the boat for a while and to get some fresh provisions again. While crossing Queen Charlotte Strait to get there we encountered the first of what turned out to be continuing fog. Upon leaving Port McNeill, smoke from the forest fires in Washington state was added to the fog. The only difference in the sky between fog and smoke was the colour of the sun, orange when smoke and white when fog! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qTjzU_1p5sw/X3J1VYmsepI/AAAAAAAAE40/JzkAMOTRy0U983xCJuZACwc-0YEqkkU4gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/fogsmoke.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="396" data-original-width="1200" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qTjzU_1p5sw/X3J1VYmsepI/AAAAAAAAE40/JzkAMOTRy0U983xCJuZACwc-0YEqkkU4gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h212/fogsmoke.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>We didn't see much of the scenery, the glimpses we did see looked lovely. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yN6M1QQrCuk/X3J3f8tztMI/AAAAAAAAE5M/xBUo7k9cPkMy5x94geZEWczvEhn8oeQ-ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/IMG_9161%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yN6M1QQrCuk/X3J3f8tztMI/AAAAAAAAE5M/xBUo7k9cPkMy5x94geZEWczvEhn8oeQ-ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9161%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Not having sailed in this area before it was quite a challenge planning a viable route from the many, many variations that could be traversed. There was no getting away from having to pass through tidal gates, however. Each route had one or more and it required careful study and calculation to deal with them. Some were worse than others and it was clear that no matter how well you plan, there can still be unknown variables that come into play such as the amount of runoff from recent rain, wind over tide etc. Many of the passes are referred to in the sailing guides as 'reversing salt water rivers', so, maybe that will give you some idea of how they work. As newbies, we avoided the trickier ones and the ones with very strong potential flows, but, it still wasn't a walk in the park. Thankfully, our tidal calculations seemed to mostly be correct. Early on, we got caught by the tide only once. Running a tide rip with rapids, whirlpools, eddies, standing waves and haystacks wasn't something we'd expected to have to do in a 14 meter sailboat. It was only a short distance, we managed it, but, won't be trying for a repeat performance anytime soon!</p><p>Once through the gates, it became a little more relaxed after the smoke left and visibility improved. We took our time continuing south as our winter berth didn't start until October 1. We spent a couple of nights at Ganges, Saltspring Island which was very nice. We hauled out on a short lift at Canoe Cove to clean the bottom and replace anodes in preparation for our long, winter stay. A couple more nights at anchor and we arrived at Wharf St. Marina in downtown Victoria a few days ago. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bFuL3zY_2TQ/X3J47KphmhI/AAAAAAAAE5c/fEwulaUOHRkiC-HtIE44Xf5dKDsYhUOpwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/IMG_9245%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bFuL3zY_2TQ/X3J47KphmhI/AAAAAAAAE5c/fEwulaUOHRkiC-HtIE44Xf5dKDsYhUOpwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9245%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">The weather is promising a coming week of sunshine and warm temperatures, perfect for getting Gjoa and ourselves ready to hunker down here for the 'winter'. </span><span style="text-align: left;">The coldest month here has an average temperature of +7C, so, it won't be much of a hardship and we'll be looking forward to spring blooms in February. The Covid situation is much better here than in other areas of the country with only about 230 cases island-wide, but, it does we mean we probably won't be travelling very far. We have a few winter projects in mind to occupy ourselves.</span></div><p>Victoria, so far, has been wonderful. We're not in the prime spot we'd hoped for, directly in front of the Empress and Parliament buildings, but, we're nearby and can enjoy all the urban activities on offer. New, no-traffic, bike lanes have been installed in the central area since we were last here and a myriad of more rural no-traffic walking and biking trails surround us. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FaTuHkSdzT8/X3KLzo4Na9I/AAAAAAAAE5s/gEw76EjYoxQIAO6A2LoTsd6Sr1r3JOc7ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/IMG_9252%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FaTuHkSdzT8/X3KLzo4Na9I/AAAAAAAAE5s/gEw76EjYoxQIAO6A2LoTsd6Sr1r3JOc7ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9252%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>The marina facilities are reasonably-priced and very nice, much better than some of the dumps we've been in recently. Old Town Victoria is full of the heritage buildings we love, there's a small, but, interesting China Town and many international restaurants. Even in these virus times, downtown seems to be booming with new construction, outside patios at full capacity, immaculate flowerbeds and many pedestrians. We're looking forward to being here. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5l7PJ83Imew/X3KMG8tKqtI/AAAAAAAAE50/llEtAG40ElAbcTveusDIfRKhdevqBm2rwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/IMG_9251%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5l7PJ83Imew/X3KMG8tKqtI/AAAAAAAAE50/llEtAG40ElAbcTveusDIfRKhdevqBm2rwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9251%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>As we don't plan on much, if any, travel during the coming months, we'll probably take a hiatus from blog posting unless there's something interesting to report. Otherwise, check back in the spring when we hope to have plans made for a summer cruise in '21. Thanks for sharing the journey with us so far and stay safe during these difficult times!</p><p><br /></p>GJOAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03457152029560224931noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5734918150465744707.post-40347473761772599552020-08-13T15:02:00.000-07:002020-08-13T15:02:21.150-07:00Prince William Sound<p>After a really nice spell of sunny, warm and dry weather we left Seward heading east for Prince William Sound. It wasn't far, but, we were in a hurry to get there to beat a coming SE gale. We made it in time, but, the rain started and it became really cold and wet. Even though it was still early August, we were hoping this wasn't a sign of things to come over the next couple of weeks we'd be cruising in the area. </p><p>The pouring rain didn't deter these two sea otters from giving us a warm welcome.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QVBsHg4gbdY/XzSImuxHiwI/AAAAAAAAE2Y/-Jk0RLzGggA5acmcXjP5aIngMcxlxKkcQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/IMG_8974%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QVBsHg4gbdY/XzSImuxHiwI/AAAAAAAAE2Y/-Jk0RLzGggA5acmcXjP5aIngMcxlxKkcQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_8974%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>We felt right at home when we entered the Sound through Port <b>Bainbridge</b>. The first night we anchored in Hogg Bay, <b>Bainbridge</b> Island. Next morning we passed by <b>Bainbridge</b> Glacier...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dzM9EBAE-NE/XzSJdoZkEgI/AAAAAAAAE2g/TxLn_T2YLREuCAxo_F5hwq0y7Q2CnOJTgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/IMG_8970%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dzM9EBAE-NE/XzSJdoZkEgI/AAAAAAAAE2g/TxLn_T2YLREuCAxo_F5hwq0y7Q2CnOJTgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_8970%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>and then through a very scenic <b>Bainbridge</b> Pass! (what we could see of it in the misty, foggy conditions).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cfKMouki-Jc/XzSJvC4B57I/AAAAAAAAE2o/Sb_b5YuRPlsX8xUeDm0dooiRtcKsdf8jgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/IMG_8972%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cfKMouki-Jc/XzSJvC4B57I/AAAAAAAAE2o/Sb_b5YuRPlsX8xUeDm0dooiRtcKsdf8jgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_8972%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>The weather soon turned for the better and the scenery became stunning.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r9kwX6l1EeI/XzSKOTWvJyI/AAAAAAAAE2w/eAVJPiW2FX4TlzmcZuWTr6PGlVfwPx81ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/IMG_8993%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r9kwX6l1EeI/XzSKOTWvJyI/AAAAAAAAE2w/eAVJPiW2FX4TlzmcZuWTr6PGlVfwPx81ACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_8993%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>The anchorages were easier and more secure than most in the Kenai Fjords. There were so many good ones it was hard to choose. One of our favourites was Nellie Juan Anchorage, right next to the Nellie Juan Glacier. It was a tiny, perfect cove, suitable for one boat. We tucked ourselves into it on a sunny afternoon. There was a rushing stream at the back of the anchorage, smooth rock walls and glorious views.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PaB_fpWvqqg/XzSM5GAdyOI/AAAAAAAAE24/eGbnFG8SYBMX6sHIXO_MzYv3lzP41w0gQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/IMG_9011%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PaB_fpWvqqg/XzSM5GAdyOI/AAAAAAAAE24/eGbnFG8SYBMX6sHIXO_MzYv3lzP41w0gQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_9011%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yCEVq16-fwY/XzSNPYNk6YI/AAAAAAAAE3A/jv7v5QW5RQsOM1TnCgq1CP_kIJqQrdTYwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/IMG_9012%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yCEVq16-fwY/XzSNPYNk6YI/AAAAAAAAE3A/jv7v5QW5RQsOM1TnCgq1CP_kIJqQrdTYwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_9012%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>The next day dawned into another beauty and we took the opportunity to visit the glacial moraine and stretch our legs. We found a rushing salmon stream, full of struggling fish (and no bears, luckily, as we were on foot).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YoAGIe2KrGE/XzSNqyUhQsI/AAAAAAAAE3I/qdqrGQmD0Bo873qORzhI128NKqh7-PZqQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/IMG_9027%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YoAGIe2KrGE/XzSNqyUhQsI/AAAAAAAAE3I/qdqrGQmD0Bo873qORzhI128NKqh7-PZqQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_9027%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>They were all heading upstream to this waterfall.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mycX5NLDQa0/XzSN6s4nkeI/AAAAAAAAE3Q/6KoGVh_66B0k0P4DYNUd9unAGFIbuaDKQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/IMG_9026%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mycX5NLDQa0/XzSN6s4nkeI/AAAAAAAAE3Q/6KoGVh_66B0k0P4DYNUd9unAGFIbuaDKQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_9026%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>Nearby, the glacier was releasing lots of ice into another rushing river coming off the glacier face, the current was too strong to get up the river so we enjoyed a stroll among the beached 'bergy bits' (which is actually the scientific term for these smaller bits of ice) instead.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JX2ITkqtSh8/XzWvohrmUsI/AAAAAAAAE4A/avV6bscI30gumpn9UEdZ-s9L7dw02Z_vQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/IMG_9060%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JX2ITkqtSh8/XzWvohrmUsI/AAAAAAAAE4A/avV6bscI30gumpn9UEdZ-s9L7dw02Z_vQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_9060%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>G, ever the pun master, came up with a new term, 'birdie bits', for bergy bits with birds on top!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1eletPNM7m4/XzWwFLTJaGI/AAAAAAAAE4I/Uo3ASyKU5eMOcLe1EpBH_mMYqIGYmceDgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/IMG_9103%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1eletPNM7m4/XzWwFLTJaGI/AAAAAAAAE4I/Uo3ASyKU5eMOcLe1EpBH_mMYqIGYmceDgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_9103%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>We enjoyed many more great anchorages, but, we saved the best for last. We headed north to College Fjord, at 61N, the furthest north we'd be on this cruise. This is a major tourist destination with many tour boats, flightseeing trips etc. that access the fjord from Whittier. This year, we had the entire fjord to ourselves, only seeing one other boat, a tour boat that 'flew' past us at an unbelievable 32 knots, don't know what kind of engine was in there, but, wow!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XaCluRqWOFk/XzSQEaa-HkI/AAAAAAAAE3g/bxHYQ3Bge7E3ncQyCOhKpDk-Ho7ktKtmwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/IMG_9098%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XaCluRqWOFk/XzSQEaa-HkI/AAAAAAAAE3g/bxHYQ3Bge7E3ncQyCOhKpDk-Ho7ktKtmwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_9098%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>We headed up to the end of the fjord, the ice was increasing in the approaches, but, we managed to dodge it easily. The air got noticeably colder as we got closer to the head of the fjord where there were two arms with a substantial glacier at the head of each. Harvard is one of the few advancing glaciers left, Yale is a retreating glacier, but, still has a solid face calving directly into the water. There was less ice in the Yale Arm so we headed up that way and anchored right at the head, directly across from the Yale Glacier. We were in a shallow area behind an island, so, most of the ice stayed away from us and we enjoyed the aquamarine, glacial-silted water with just seals and tiny seabirds for company. This was the view from the stern of the boat at around 10 p.m. Through the night we heard a number of thunderous booms from calving ice.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nwgbKDzpzX4/XzSRf2XuN-I/AAAAAAAAE3o/aGKhy4vEh4U5TW7NDISc1IJYJDo8VT5XACLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/IMG_9113%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nwgbKDzpzX4/XzSRf2XuN-I/AAAAAAAAE3o/aGKhy4vEh4U5TW7NDISc1IJYJDo8VT5XACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_9113%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>In the morning, we were sorry to leave this idyllic spot, but, we were starting to feel some time pressure as it was now nearing the middle of August. We want to be across the Gulf of Alaska by the beginning of September before the weather changes for the worse. So, we quickly moved on to the far eastern side of the Sound and the town of Cordova, which is only accessible by boat, or, airplane. It was greener on this side and we spent our last night at anchor in green and gorgeous St. Matthews Bay.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GuJCaDL9u_0/XzSUqDOyB5I/AAAAAAAAE3w/NBNhgMTMreAQoCinLC9kWhk8WdfLzjr6ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/IMG_9130%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GuJCaDL9u_0/XzSUqDOyB5I/AAAAAAAAE3w/NBNhgMTMreAQoCinLC9kWhk8WdfLzjr6ACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_9130%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>We'll only be in town for a few days to reprovision and get ready for our passage across the Gulf of Alaska, heading directly for Dixon Entrance and Canada! We should only be at sea for about a week.</p><p>Alaska has been a really wonderful cruising ground. What a summer we've had here, we enjoyed it very much. We only travelled about 700 miles, between Kodiak and Cordova, in three months. It was a motor cruise as there was no wind for sailing. Every night we anchored in a beautiful place and usually had it all to ourselves. </p><p>We feel very lucky to have been able to cruise at all this summer with so many sailors stuck in ports around the world, either with their boats, or, without. To have been in such an isolated place was an added bonus for us, self-isolation and physical distancing weren't difficult to achieve at all, just a regular part of daily life. Now, as we head further south for the winter season, that may change, but, living on a boat is still a good place to be during these trying times.</p><p><br /></p>GJOAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03457152029560224931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5734918150465744707.post-40585117319116406502020-07-21T10:09:00.001-07:002020-07-21T10:33:07.482-07:00Kenai Fjords - The WildlifeAs mentioned in the previous post, one of the things we loved about the Kenai Fjords was the abundant wildlife we found there. Even though it was late June, there was still lots of young about, including this oystercatcher chick.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SRd9SyqWVa0/XxZRvQIqBPI/AAAAAAAAE0Q/nMiICId1yHocdkOFWokJutIWGyQo6szeACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8903%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SRd9SyqWVa0/XxZRvQIqBPI/AAAAAAAAE0Q/nMiICId1yHocdkOFWokJutIWGyQo6szeACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_8903%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We almost missed seeing these young seal pups, they blended in so well with the rocks they were sprawled on.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IFupejaR23g/XxcY9ylvFDI/AAAAAAAAE1E/IcrXOUC4mAQphdgq_KwGxUpqQVMMvs1HACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8801%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IFupejaR23g/XxcY9ylvFDI/AAAAAAAAE1E/IcrXOUC4mAQphdgq_KwGxUpqQVMMvs1HACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_8801%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We saw mature seals on the ice near the Northwestern glacier.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kUIEhZlYLOI/XxcZerjYaTI/AAAAAAAAE1M/OxaCeqKhgLkAmVKpDG4Sgz8iLtO86G08wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8766%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kUIEhZlYLOI/XxcZerjYaTI/AAAAAAAAE1M/OxaCeqKhgLkAmVKpDG4Sgz8iLtO86G08wCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_8766%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Seeing puffins is always a delight. Here there were tufted puffins, new to us.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HlcC2Ot58Y0/XxZSdiemT8I/AAAAAAAAE0Y/4vJZcfV8Ll0stCVYDe4eK32Quty_mYDAgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8641%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HlcC2Ot58Y0/XxZSdiemT8I/AAAAAAAAE0Y/4vJZcfV8Ll0stCVYDe4eK32Quty_mYDAgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_8641%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
In the water there were many of these incredibly beautiful jellyfish to be seen.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rbfje4XF46s/XxcaR1B5COI/AAAAAAAAE1Y/5YlJ7RhGDco6H5qZjSWXsrrJuqfNBqqKQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8704%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rbfje4XF46s/XxcaR1B5COI/AAAAAAAAE1Y/5YlJ7RhGDco6H5qZjSWXsrrJuqfNBqqKQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_8704%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
The bears in this area were now black bears, no longer the extra-large Kodiak brown bears we saw west of Cook Inlet.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cJ_q7Wi_djI/XxcayPT9qfI/AAAAAAAAE1g/NTf6dT6y7e4Ro25I_q1vixnpRpIAOn1IQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8677%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cJ_q7Wi_djI/XxcayPT9qfI/AAAAAAAAE1g/NTf6dT6y7e4Ro25I_q1vixnpRpIAOn1IQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_8677%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We saw this bear swimming across a large bay.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KYfx0iZQ-Ek/XxcbXkFeG1I/AAAAAAAAE1s/BKRpqdPNgNQQmQ6kaTUypM7zkNbvKDzXgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8939%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KYfx0iZQ-Ek/XxcbXkFeG1I/AAAAAAAAE1s/BKRpqdPNgNQQmQ6kaTUypM7zkNbvKDzXgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_8939%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
There was evidence of bears everywhere...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_fedczxWj_E/XxcboT31w2I/AAAAAAAAE10/WVP8MARNuTgtBAgBdHHVhCNkmSHJZxtNgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8780%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_fedczxWj_E/XxcboT31w2I/AAAAAAAAE10/WVP8MARNuTgtBAgBdHHVhCNkmSHJZxtNgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_8780%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Sea otters have to be the most endearing creatures. They look so relaxed just laying there on their backs. We learned that when they wrap themselves in a piece of kelp like this, it's to anchor themselves to the bottom, so they don't float away while they are eating/sleeping.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SGYSQUq62GE/XxcdlrTCeJI/AAAAAAAAE18/2M7foGWEeWMbDP-hDenmlmbq89iexHYxQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8571%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SGYSQUq62GE/XxcdlrTCeJI/AAAAAAAAE18/2M7foGWEeWMbDP-hDenmlmbq89iexHYxQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_8571%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3BTAOs62yjI/XxceC9jrQyI/AAAAAAAAE2E/eb4q5hUCJoMQXdM2KwgZX_Vx8w0YtouewCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8580%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3BTAOs62yjI/XxceC9jrQyI/AAAAAAAAE2E/eb4q5hUCJoMQXdM2KwgZX_Vx8w0YtouewCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_8580%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We really wanted to see an otter 'raft' where large numbers of otters somehow attach themselves to each other and float, with their young on their stomachs, in a large group. We did see a raft with maybe 25 otters, in Otter Cove, but, didn't want to get too close and disturb them, so, no pictures.<br />
<br />
And finally, another eagle shot. This was taken in Kodiak, but, I couldn't resist publishing it here, that glare is just chilling.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8eRqSoNemd4/XxcgH5lky0I/AAAAAAAAE2M/5r3ZCIQH_go1xOgzeSxaGo0DZm0xv_CvwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8561%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8eRqSoNemd4/XxcgH5lky0I/AAAAAAAAE2M/5r3ZCIQH_go1xOgzeSxaGo0DZm0xv_CvwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_8561%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />GJOAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03457152029560224931noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5734918150465744707.post-31104366718201652022020-07-20T19:18:00.003-07:002020-07-21T09:17:55.492-07:00Kenai Fjords - The SceneryWe spent three weeks in Kodiak, recovering from our less than ideal passage from Hawaii to Alaska and getting ready for the next leg of our adventure, cruising the Northern Gulf of Alaska along the Kenai Peninsula. We knew we wanted to revisit Shelikof Strait, which we'd last visited in 2015 after arriving in Alaska from our North West Passage transit and also see Prince William Sound. What we weren't sure about was whether we wanted to visit the Kenai Fjords. After talking to other cruisers and reviewing a cruising guide to the area (<u>Exploring Alaska's Kenai Fjords</u>, David Wm. Miller) we decided to go. Are we glad we did! The Kenai Fjords and its national park, has to be one of, if not the best, cruising ground we've ever visited. It had all the elements we look for and love, spectacular scenery of mountains, glaciers and waterfalls, uncrowded (mostly empty) anchorages within easy reach of each other, abundant wildlife, mostly benign weather and not too many tour boats.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uBCCLjzpCQ0/XxYxvQdW7DI/AAAAAAAAEyI/speM2G-02MoImOLRI9jCC4wgSjNqghvugCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8777%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uBCCLjzpCQ0/XxYxvQdW7DI/AAAAAAAAEyI/speM2G-02MoImOLRI9jCC4wgSjNqghvugCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_8777%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
But, I'm getting ahead of myself, first, the boat needed some work. We had to fix the autopilot which was a fairly simple job once we had located the right parts for the drive coupling. G worked very hard to relocate the hydraulic pump so that it is now more accessible for the next time it needs rebuilding.<br />
<br />
Also, after relearning what being wet and cold in the cockpit (hand-steering 800 miles without an autopilot on our last passage) feels like, after the last few years in the tropics, we also took the opportunity to turn on the heat ready for the wet and cool Pacific northwest climate we're anticipating this fall and winter. We refurbished the marine diesel heater that was already on the boat, but, had been disconnected. It now works really well, almost too well. We've been really enjoying it on the few dismal, rainy days we've had. We also installed a hydronic heater, a Dickinson Radex2 that cycles the Yanmar engine's coolant through pipes into the cabin where fans distribute the heat. What a treat to come down from the cockpit to a warm, dry and cozy boat, at least when motoring which we expect to do a lot of here.<br />
<br />
We set off from Kodiak, through Whale Passage and had a rough crossing of Shelikof. We were aiming for Hallo Bay on the mainland side where we'd hoped to find Kodiak bears. This time of year the bears are eating vegetation and clams and this was supposed to be where we'd see them. Later in the year, when they're feasting on salmon, they move to other areas. We spent two nights there, adjacent to the Hallo Glacier which was so immense it looked surreal. The anchorage was open and fine during the day, but, at night the wind piped up and we found ourselves on anchor watch with 35 knot winds. We thought it was just a fluke and decided to stay a second night so that we'd have an opportunity to go to shore in the dinghy. It turned out to be too rough for the dinghy and we had a second night of 35 knot winds at anchor, which must be regular, katabatic winds at this location. We left the next day and cruised as close to the shoreline as we could get and we did see bears, there were a few huge specimens hanging around on the beach, too far away to get good photos, but, still exciting to see them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GxArImcgNjY/XxY6zYRWyoI/AAAAAAAAEyU/YEgI9abUfp0y4raBvwqzQ2Ejyp4FF-XpACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8624%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GxArImcgNjY/XxY6zYRWyoI/AAAAAAAAEyU/YEgI9abUfp0y4raBvwqzQ2Ejyp4FF-XpACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_8624%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We crossed back over Shelikof and passed by the sometimes problematic entrance to Cook Inlet (Anchorage) without incident, it was mostly calm and relatively windless. We started into the fjords area. The landscape started off green and tranquil.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zMtf8U4nTM4/XxZHE8nefnI/AAAAAAAAEzg/Pl0DerGbCdItG-ImZuy3dHut40W7FAb-ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8682%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zMtf8U4nTM4/XxZHE8nefnI/AAAAAAAAEzg/Pl0DerGbCdItG-ImZuy3dHut40W7FAb-ACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_8682%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Then, snow-capped mountains appeared...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V04QG-P7INQ/XxZJdlVj-DI/AAAAAAAAE0E/o_KAymK0bosX2X8gGBtnIMneKWiEhkqpACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8708%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V04QG-P7INQ/XxZJdlVj-DI/AAAAAAAAE0E/o_KAymK0bosX2X8gGBtnIMneKWiEhkqpACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_8708%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
...followed by the raw elements of ice, snow and rock. We particularly liked the Northwestern Glacier area. It truly was, as the cruising guide said, "...a spell-binding glacial enclave...filled with valley glaciers, towering cirques, hanging valleys and three tidewater glaciers.".<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pcUnjAcrkoA/XxZIvie102I/AAAAAAAAEz0/Mthzax5jU9sd-s20NveCKoq6WzJ2PKRyQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8743%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pcUnjAcrkoA/XxZIvie102I/AAAAAAAAEz0/Mthzax5jU9sd-s20NveCKoq6WzJ2PKRyQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_8743%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lcmDa3vGhhQ/XxZJCQ8BvtI/AAAAAAAAEz8/C54CF_HcGYMjF8t8dQPVFpfTTIvm2jQegCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8752%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lcmDa3vGhhQ/XxZJCQ8BvtI/AAAAAAAAEz8/C54CF_HcGYMjF8t8dQPVFpfTTIvm2jQegCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_8752%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uYu1y-QWWVE/XxZIUbINmdI/AAAAAAAAEzs/VMacK9HnpFgkJbdTXnVnQQEqZkhQrSUNQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8749%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uYu1y-QWWVE/XxZIUbINmdI/AAAAAAAAEzs/VMacK9HnpFgkJbdTXnVnQQEqZkhQrSUNQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_8749%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
From the Northwestern Glacier, we moved to the Aaliak Glacial Basin, in the next fjord. It didn't have quite the appeal of the Northwestern, but, had its own charms. We anchored for a couple of nights in Abra Cove, right under a 1,000 foot vertical granite wall. For scale, look very closely at this photo, you can just make out Gjoa at the bottom of the cliff, towards the right.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UQy0AlVIsJc/XxZCFlZILuI/AAAAAAAAEyo/VRbGGy-MmqcMoieZv1w1lt-QOVWG3a5OgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8869%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UQy0AlVIsJc/XxZCFlZILuI/AAAAAAAAEyo/VRbGGy-MmqcMoieZv1w1lt-QOVWG3a5OgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_8869%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
There were numerous waterfalls cascading down the wall into a small, deep lagoon at its base. We took the dinghy for a little tour along the lagoon.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mSA_JpWxqJ8/XxZBb1PLTmI/AAAAAAAAEyg/p_lJBpVrF7UlYx7866W5hYahs0BHF20WgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8906%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mSA_JpWxqJ8/XxZBb1PLTmI/AAAAAAAAEyg/p_lJBpVrF7UlYx7866W5hYahs0BHF20WgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_8906%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
In front of us, we had an incredible view of the Aaliak Glacier face. Although we were probably 2-3 miles away from the face, we could hear loud, thundering booms in the night, huge ice chunks calving off. The sunset, at 11 p.m., over the glacier was amazing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YKtsR0lkQ-U/XxZCkDAFJhI/AAAAAAAAEy0/QGpTLKK5jd0JnvLn4zZoXlXMvY9sTWwkQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8907%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YKtsR0lkQ-U/XxZCkDAFJhI/AAAAAAAAEy0/QGpTLKK5jd0JnvLn4zZoXlXMvY9sTWwkQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_8907%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We spent a couple of quiet weeks in the fjords and thoroughly enjoyed them. The weather was mostly superb: dry, sunny and warm, but, not too warm. There wasn't much wind, but, it didn't matter, the distances between anchorages were short and we just enjoyed puttering along under motor, enjoying the view.<br />
<br />
It was sometimes tricky to get the anchor to set as most anchorages were very deep. Often the anchor would be clinging to a narrow ledge along the shoreline. The conditions were very benign and we always chose a very sheltered anchorage, so, had no issues thankfully. Mostly we had the anchorages all to ourselves, but, we did have to share a few times. There were 3-4 other boats following the same general route that we leapfrogged with. This Swiss boat also made the passage from Hawaii to Alaska a few weeks after us and much more quickly than we did!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DtvQBx-k-Cc/XxcULBzdttI/AAAAAAAAE0k/YtDMeLgQxgEaYMXD3V0zeiL6VgKOxnddwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8680%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DtvQBx-k-Cc/XxcULBzdttI/AAAAAAAAE0k/YtDMeLgQxgEaYMXD3V0zeiL6VgKOxnddwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_8680%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Next, we headed towards the town of Seward. On the way there, the seascape was very different, dotted with many islands, rock spires and arches, just as entrancing as the glaciers.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ur2m0Te_XaQ/XxZEE3J_cwI/AAAAAAAAEzI/xwdJHc9VXq0nFvsWTv5ibe-XEMdnP2xOACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8936%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ur2m0Te_XaQ/XxZEE3J_cwI/AAAAAAAAEzI/xwdJHc9VXq0nFvsWTv5ibe-XEMdnP2xOACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_8936%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zrQ1dfJeUcA/XxZDuRlOFTI/AAAAAAAAEzA/n3zP7cGHR7Qzu0XmvwFUQhKVVp5C4xpAQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8952%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zrQ1dfJeUcA/XxZDuRlOFTI/AAAAAAAAEzA/n3zP7cGHR7Qzu0XmvwFUQhKVVp5C4xpAQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_8952%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vCvrF1_ZrPU/XxZD19GZ-oI/AAAAAAAAEzE/iu6fXbcmF5Qm0CB4C3lLe4W5rO8hJjC2ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8963%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vCvrF1_ZrPU/XxZD19GZ-oI/AAAAAAAAEzE/iu6fXbcmF5Qm0CB4C3lLe4W5rO8hJjC2ACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_8963%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
In the next post, I will show you some examples of the wonderful wildlife we encountered during our cruise through this amazing area.GJOAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03457152029560224931noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5734918150465744707.post-4315210114117881802020-06-14T14:07:00.000-07:002020-06-14T14:07:46.343-07:00Hawaii to Alaska - Week 4 and ArrivalArrival: Monday, June 9<br />
<div>
Kodiak, Alaska</div>
<div>
57 47.2N / 152 24.6W</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Sailed: 3035 miles (from Honolulu) VMG: 2300<br />
<br />
As mentioned in our week 2 post, we knew we were in for a seriously long passage due to the many lengthy calms we were experiencing. In the end, we were at sea 33 days, but, here we are now, in Kodiak Alaska! The nights are very short this far north and the eagles are abundant. These pictures were taken at 9 p.m. The weather is cool, but, sunny and we are enjoying the change from a too-hot (for us) Hawaii.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MKZzMksOXLE/XuZ7cSRK9SI/AAAAAAAAEwg/ArWJC4od6kQL49RqZK6caYpUmreMjCjVgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8533%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MKZzMksOXLE/XuZ7cSRK9SI/AAAAAAAAEwg/ArWJC4od6kQL49RqZK6caYpUmreMjCjVgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_8533%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8ome-xd-VAc/XuZ7nFpBS6I/AAAAAAAAEwk/ps5iCP4bLgouhXS1BxUzTeEOo9LuWqZzgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8527%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8ome-xd-VAc/XuZ7nFpBS6I/AAAAAAAAEwk/ps5iCP4bLgouhXS1BxUzTeEOo9LuWqZzgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_8527%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The winds cooperated in week 4 and we started off making good progress. The next day an autopilot failure soon put an end to that. All of a sudden, the pump started making some strangled noises and then all went quiet. Before we left, we had purchased a new autopilot motor from England as a spare and had extra brushes custom-made for the old motor. Along with our other spares and the two fully redundant electronic course computers, fluxgate compasses and rudder reference units, we felt we were well-equipped to deal with a failure. We did some diagnostics, replaced a few parts and came to the conclusion that it must be the pump's solenoid valve, a single point of failure that we didn't have a spare for. The motor seemed to be running fine, it just didn't engage the rudder, so, we decided that replacing the motor with its spare was probably wasted effort. At this point, we just wanted to get on with it, so, decided to hand-steer the last 800 miles into Kodiak. This wasn't a trivial effort, but, we knew we'd get there eventually. When we bought this boat, it was, surprisingly, lacking a proper steering compass, so, were very glad that we had installed one.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LP15aJqttJY/XuZ-csdmP2I/AAAAAAAAEw0/jfPx8_hApd0jusfuq7GRJS6MGJb8CylAgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8511%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LP15aJqttJY/XuZ-csdmP2I/AAAAAAAAEw0/jfPx8_hApd0jusfuq7GRJS6MGJb8CylAgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_8511%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We did one hour on, one hour off shifts staring at this compass card, trying to keep to our course. It was very cold in the cockpit at night. After some experimentation, we found that actually, if you balance the sails and rudder properly this boat will self-steer very well. Not all the time, mind you, but, at least you can take your hands off the wheel momentarily. We did have a couple of really long runs of self-steering. On one occasion, motor-sailing, it went overnight without us having to touch the wheel once. Such intense concentration is very tiring and we did stop a couple of times to take a rest and warm up. Our course was a little wobbly, the autopilot can steer much more accurately than we can, but, our forward progress was good.<br />
<br />
After we got to Kodiak and pulled the pump apart, it was very obvious that the drive coupling was the problem, not the solenoid. It was just worn out. The 'lovejoy' had no teeth left, the motor was running, but, it wasn't engaging the pump. If we'd just taken a few hours to swap out the motor while at sea we wouldn't have had this hand-steering ordeal. But, looking on the bright side, we now know how to balance and sail this boat much more efficiently.<br />
<br />
Another event occurred that slowed us down even further. Our Yankee (type of headsail) furler line snapped. We were able to quickly pull the sail down and lash it to the deck, adroitly avoiding dumping it into the water, but, this meant that we couldn't easily use one of the three sails we usually fly for optimum speed. It began to feel like we'd never get there! It was a moot point anyway as the wind soon went very light and we motored the last 130 miles into Kodiak. There was a low approaching and we didn't want to spend even one more night at sea.<br />
<br />
Kodiak is a very busy fishing port, a working town. It does the fourth largest catch in the country, mostly salmon, which is now in season. We are in St. Paul Boat Harbor, one of two marinas which hold about 700 fishing boats. We are the only visiting sailboat. Boats are coming and going at all times of the day and night to the many canneries here in town. It's a bustling place. We'll be here for a couple of weeks at least, waiting for some boat parts to arrive. After that we'll either be on a mini-Alaskan cruise (hopefully), or, headed straight for Dixon Entrance and Canada. It all depends on whether we can extend our US visas and/or the Canada/US border opens again on June 21.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u60m2nro_vQ/XuaMNTEtnkI/AAAAAAAAExA/rH1X18wr4_sQ9asYc8vHQHAiSpGsP6FCQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8515%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u60m2nro_vQ/XuaMNTEtnkI/AAAAAAAAExA/rH1X18wr4_sQ9asYc8vHQHAiSpGsP6FCQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_8515%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YrNG4U7UyeY/XuaMWl5T_4I/AAAAAAAAExE/CabQZ-3BKlICScLwcr_Q86AFptPNAB2mACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8518%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YrNG4U7UyeY/XuaMWl5T_4I/AAAAAAAAExE/CabQZ-3BKlICScLwcr_Q86AFptPNAB2mACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_8518%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SAM9JExyNAM/XuaM-44C-8I/AAAAAAAAExQ/dVMXLx6aiNIBIzbtdjzKWWR1dfvxZg2vQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8535%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SAM9JExyNAM/XuaM-44C-8I/AAAAAAAAExQ/dVMXLx6aiNIBIzbtdjzKWWR1dfvxZg2vQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_8535%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Oot9R9EJHuU/XuaM-2NydDI/AAAAAAAAExU/RQHDMJrRUdY0ApZKK6Eki-CQS-SHzw6egCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8539%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Oot9R9EJHuU/XuaM-2NydDI/AAAAAAAAExU/RQHDMJrRUdY0ApZKK6Eki-CQS-SHzw6egCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_8539%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3HvKmr8lgA0/XuaM-8q24RI/AAAAAAAAExY/Alb4B2Th6zQKbRukTu1zUp9csEMDFyHmQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8540%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3HvKmr8lgA0/XuaM-8q24RI/AAAAAAAAExY/Alb4B2Th6zQKbRukTu1zUp9csEMDFyHmQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_8540%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m5_Qm6pvhhU/XuaM_mhuKpI/AAAAAAAAExc/bVgnt9eB6_AIHAwgEshkAbT7hkFbRo2dwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8541%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m5_Qm6pvhhU/XuaM_mhuKpI/AAAAAAAAExc/bVgnt9eB6_AIHAwgEshkAbT7hkFbRo2dwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_8541%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
GJOAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03457152029560224931noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5734918150465744707.post-8611697515780093662020-05-27T16:31:00.001-07:002020-06-14T12:02:13.346-07:00Hawaii to Alaska - Week 3noon local - Wednesday, May 27, 2020
<br />
41 32.5N / 150 05.1W
<br />
<br />
Week 3 of our passage from Hawaii to Alaska was another disappointing mileage week. We sailed 687 miles which maybe isn't too bad but made only 330 miles good to our destination as the winds just weren't from the right direction. This grand total even included 100 miles of motoring when the wind went to zero for a few days in the middle of the week. At least we are now past the 1/2 way point, but, with 946 miles still to go we are another week to ten days away from arrival.
<br />
<br />
We started the week hove-to just taking that glancing blow from the low pressure system I wrote about last week and ended it hove-to again, for two days, to deal with a second low which came in right behind it. This time it wasn't just a glancing blow though as, unfortunately, we had F8 (gale) to F9 (strong gale) conditions, gusting up to 50 knots, with 5 metre seas. We hove-to to avoid getting further north nearer the centre of the low which had 60 knot winds. Luckily, we didn't see those.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jAjIREM5TBM/XuZx8_abPvI/AAAAAAAAEwU/_iC14pgUXzwq6myqeINdMyILhdxbDO-AwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8544%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jAjIREM5TBM/XuZx8_abPvI/AAAAAAAAEwU/_iC14pgUXzwq6myqeINdMyILhdxbDO-AwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_8544%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
It looked like it might be ok for a departure this morning, it had dropped to 25-30 knots and the seas were down quite a bit. So, at first light (0400 in these parts) we set off. We're now hard on the wind sailing close-hauled at around 6 knots, almost on course. There's a fair amount of spray over the decks as we are banging into the still high seas. At least the sun is shining and we're moving, mostly in the right direction. It sure beats the past two days spent laying in our sea berths, watching the wind anemometer, wondering how bad will it get, should we have deployed the drogue, should we have done, or, not done this/that etc...<br />
<br />
Between the two low pressure systems, we had no wind to speak of. The sea was a flat, oily, mirror calm. We motored for a while and happened upon another small sailboat, just twelve miles away from us. We spoke on the VHF and Richard informed us he was 35 days out from Hawaii. At that point, we were only on day 17, so, that made us feel better. He actually has further to go than us too as he was heading just north of Dixon Entrance, another 300 miles or so further than our due north landfall. We wish him fair winds.
<br />
<br />
The winds are looking good for the next week, both in direction and velocity. There is one more low pressure system that we may encounter about a week from now, but, that forecast could easily change. Right now it doesn't look as strong as the one we just got through, so, fingers crossed we miss it and/or it won't be anything to worry about.
<br />
<br />
----------
<br />
Sent via SailMail, <a href="http://www.sailmail.com/">http://www.sailmail.com</a>GJOAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03457152029560224931noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5734918150465744707.post-59477874450939617142020-05-20T17:58:00.001-07:002020-06-14T12:01:53.909-07:00Hawaii to Alaska - Week 2noon local - Wednesday, May 20, 2020
<br />
36 20.1N / 156 49.6W
<br />
<br />
Week 2 of our passage from Hawaii to Alaska was another disappointing mileage week. We only sailed 582 miles making just 408 good to our destination. This total even included a day of motoring when the wind went to zero. We had one good wind day. The rest of the time the wind averaged around five knots. We'd hoped to be 2/3 of the way by today, but, unfortunately we aren't even half-way yet, still 171 miles short. It always feels better once you're past that 1/2 way mark. As it is, unless we can make better time in the days ahead, this will end up a seriously long passage and cut into our cruising time in Alaska.
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Of-tsMRAmpQ/XuZxU-hlbqI/AAAAAAAAEwE/ScVwdzTFVSQWJJawJuhr6cxtg_veYI-FQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8495%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Of-tsMRAmpQ/XuZxU-hlbqI/AAAAAAAAEwE/ScVwdzTFVSQWJJawJuhr6cxtg_veYI-FQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_8495%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The "North Pacific High" is known to settle over this area as a huge, slow-moving high with calms and light winds, but, it's not here yet. It probably won't start to move in for another month. There are still lots of low pressure systems, with significant wind, all around us, somehow we've ended up sailing in a high pressure trough between them. Normally, that's a good thing, but, you still need wind to sail and more than five knots would be good!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sh9VtJHeyy8/XuZxleGtY7I/AAAAAAAAEwM/-8mR24cJyeQUy2e_dme4XM85Ur7R9p2dgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8486%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sh9VtJHeyy8/XuZxleGtY7I/AAAAAAAAEwM/-8mR24cJyeQUy2e_dme4XM85Ur7R9p2dgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_8486%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
As mentioned in last week's post we took a glancing blow from one low pressure system, it was only about twelve hours and easy to deal with, just a little uncomfortable. Unfortunately, there's another one heading our way which we'll be in the middle of come Saturday/Sunday. We'll probably be altering course a bit to try and avoid the worst of it, thus, delaying our progress even further. Oh well, we'll get there eventually, we have lots of food/water and fuel. We have about a 1,500 mile range with our fuel capacity of 1,200 litres. As we're only about 1,270 miles from our destination, we could theoretically motor the whole way if we had to, but, where's the fun in that.
<br />
<br />
The weather has started to get a little cooler now, around 16C and we're enjoying the change. Fleece tops and long pants have made an appearance. Our down duvets, freshly laundered in Hawaii after a long hiatus spent squashed into a cupboard, are on standby.
<br />
<br />
We've seen no wildlife whatsoever, no whales and only a couple of dolphins way off in the distance. We're seeing quite a bit of plastic pollution in the water, maybe 2-3 pieces a day, doesn't sound like much, but, we're used to not seeing any in other places/oceans. Surprisingly, given our remoteness, there are a lot of ships around. They seem to be on a route between the US west coast and China/Japan. One of them called us up around 4 a.m. (this is very unusual, first time ever actually) to ask us if we were ok as our erratic course and speed of 1.9 knots didn't seem right. Well, yes, we answered this is the best we can do with the light winds. They're usually steaming along at around 16 knots. Nice of them to inquire though! Also good to know they are picking up our AIS signal from a long distance away.
<br />
<br />
Speaking of remoteness, we have to be in one of the most isolated sea areas of the planet. We are 1270 miles to Alaska, 930 miles to Hawaii, 1618 miles to San Francisco and 3005 miles to Tokyo.
<br />
<br />
----------
<br />
Sent via SailMail, <a href="http://www.sailmail.com/">http://www.sailmail.com</a>GJOAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03457152029560224931noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5734918150465744707.post-91771417810248029012020-05-13T18:01:00.000-07:002020-06-14T12:01:37.889-07:00Hawaii to Alaska - Week 1noon local - Wednesday, May 13, 2020
<br />
30 22.6N / 162 52.1W
<br />
<br />
It's not that often that you get this close to a pelagic seabird. Usually, they're off in the distance doing flight cartwheels. They're a joy to watch and actually, out here in the big blue desert, they're often the only thing moving. It always lifts your spirits to see them. On day six of our passage from Hawaii to Alaska, it was windless with a totally flat sea to match. Without much wind for flying, the birds were bobbing around the boat instead. Beautiful to see them so close up. We don't have a bird book aboard, so, don't know which kind they were. In flight the wingspan looked to be around two metres!
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3HSwsSsZbj0/XuZwgwyEbbI/AAAAAAAAEv8/3lnfNmfdtcokrRt6zv0hDhahGiuQSp4DACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8456%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3HSwsSsZbj0/XuZwgwyEbbI/AAAAAAAAEv8/3lnfNmfdtcokrRt6zv0hDhahGiuQSp4DACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_8456%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The first four days of the passage were typical tradewind conditions, around 20 knots from the NE blowing constantly at the same velocity and direction. We didn't touch the sails for four days. We've only had conditions like this once or twice before, so, it was a joy to start the passage this way. The wind soon died. Days 5-6 were spent moving at about 1-2 knots, but, we weren't complaining, at least we weren't stopped dead with the sails slatting. Overnight on day six we decided to stop for a while. There was a large, deep and nasty low-pressure system hovering over us. We had been watching it come towards us since day 1 and knew we would intersect at some point. We didn't want to get in the middle of it. It looks like we'll get the worst of it overnight tonight, but, it should only be a glancing blow along its bottom edge. After that, it's looking good again for getting more northing in.
<br />
<br />
Due to the calms, it wasn't a great week mileage-wise, but, not too bad, we've had worse. We sailed 680 miles, 516 miles were good to our destination (Kodiak), which started off 2,200 nautical miles away, only 1,684 to go. We'll be leaving the tradewind belt soon and move into an area where westerly winds prevail. In that area we will be able to travel more on the rhumb line, so, will hopefully make up some time.
<br />
<br />
Due to the light conditions, week 1 was relatively drama-free. There's always something though and this week was no exception. We use our generator a lot on passage and on day 4 (late in the evening of course) it just wouldn't start. It reported a 'fuel supply problem'. We spent three hours changing filters everywhere we could think of, bleeding injectors, manually priming the fuel lines, inspecting fuel pumps and starter motors etc...etc. Nothing worked. Then, G decided to use his 'magic wrench'. This is a tool that everybody should get. It's maybe not as good as a 'sonic screwdriver' (Dr. Who's favourite tool), but, this is the fourth time it has saved the day for us. You operate it by taking a medium-sized wrench and whacking the offending object as hard as you can with a short, sharp blow. One whack to the fuel pump and away it went. It has been running flawlessly ever since. In the past it has worked on our autopilot pump twice and our Yanmar starter once!
<br />
<br />
----------
<br />
Sent via SailMail, <a href="http://www.sailmail.com/">http://www.sailmail.com</a>GJOAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03457152029560224931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5734918150465744707.post-40742185147525958312020-04-11T17:57:00.000-07:002020-04-11T17:58:08.661-07:00Aloha from HawaiiI hadn't planned such a long hiatus from writing in this travel journal, but, here we are, a full three months since my last post. Our stay here has to be divided into 'before virus' and 'after virus' parts. 'Before virus' we had very mixed feelings about being here, more on that a bit later, but, 'after virus', we are very happy to be here and very grateful. Things could be a lot worse and are for many cruisers still out there trapped in various places around the globe. We have the good fortune to be sitting this pandemic out on the most remote landmass in the world, thousands of miles from anywhere and well away from the mass devastation, both economic and health-wise, being wrought elsewhere.<br />
<br />
Before arriving in Hawaii it seemed very difficult to get any reliable, up-to-date information on marina availability and cruising conditions here. We later learned, from a local, about <a href="http://noodlesnotes.com/" target="_blank">Noodle's Notes</a>, a fantastic free resource where you can obtain a .pdf copy of the cruising guide we wished we'd had before we got here. Bill "Noodle" Leary, the author, has this to say about sailing in Hawaii:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Hawaii can be a challenging place to sail. The channels between the islands are wide and rough, small boat harbors are scarce, crowded, dilapidated and good anchorages are over-regulated, seasonally protected, and scarce."</blockquote>
He was correct on all counts, particularly about the small boat harbors. We ended up at the Ala Wai Boat Harbor, in Honolulu, the largest of the state-owned marinas. You can see the masts in the centre of this photo taken from Diamond Head (one of the few hikes we were able to do before the lockdown started).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--BI8UXnU1N0/XpJUV1FN4EI/AAAAAAAAEt0/jkAZaiw8hN8RdVgF9vA7riGvObyS0ufnACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8264%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--BI8UXnU1N0/XpJUV1FN4EI/AAAAAAAAEt0/jkAZaiw8hN8RdVgF9vA7riGvObyS0ufnACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_8264%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The location just can't be beat for convenience. We are at the western terminus of Waikiki beach, adjacent to the Hilton Hawaiian Village complex. Every Friday night (before virus) at 1945 we were treated to a spectacular fireworks show viewed right from our cockpit.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JEJiPaDSuMc/XpJUPsKYVRI/AAAAAAAAEtw/NBjXo4OHj7QpwvnFBf8sVnagxiWxLEjHwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8256%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JEJiPaDSuMc/XpJUPsKYVRI/AAAAAAAAEtw/NBjXo4OHj7QpwvnFBf8sVnagxiWxLEjHwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_8256%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We are just a short walk from the Ala Moana Beach Park (where police with loudspeaker-equipped drones are now enforcing stay-at-home rules) and adjacent to that, the Ala Moana Shopping Centre (closed now), the largest mall in the State. We are also within walking distance of all that Waikiki has to offer, from high-end, designer, shopping (not a draw for us) and great restaurants (now offering only take-out), of which we've taken good advantage, to a boardwalk stroll along the beach for evening walks. Many of the hotels have lush, torch-lit gardens.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_RC_La7LEc/XpJW_SLIOcI/AAAAAAAAEuE/6VeIFgwG1lEVXfUQI22OMgNHYe__oqY8wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8361%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_RC_La7LEc/XpJW_SLIOcI/AAAAAAAAEuE/6VeIFgwG1lEVXfUQI22OMgNHYe__oqY8wCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_8361%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The Japanese are the biggest tourism visitors here and their influence is everywhere, from Japanese food courts, to bilingual signage. We've been experimenting with Japanese food and very much enjoyed a visit to an Udon noodle house where they make the noodles, from scratch, in full view. Delicious and very reasonably-priced.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xbx5uW1hcx8/XpJgn4OYJLI/AAAAAAAAEuk/GY9ATmcYd_kAz4_5JVyB9qSZpzpfLcPngCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8345%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xbx5uW1hcx8/XpJgn4OYJLI/AAAAAAAAEuk/GY9ATmcYd_kAz4_5JVyB9qSZpzpfLcPngCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_8345%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The bus service was excellent (much reduced now and only for essential workers) and we settled in to our boat job list. The weather was cool and rainy during January which was a very welcome respite from the oppressive heat we had endured in French Polynesia.<br />
<br />
The location was the best part. The marina was the worst part. The rules and regulations were the most onerous we've encountered anywhere and not cruiser-friendly. Before we could get a permit to stay they made us do a 'buoy run' to prove that we were seaworthy (it didn't matter that we'd only just sailed over two thousand miles to get there), we had to have a boat inspection not only by the marina, but, also by the Coast Guard who followed us in from our buoy run. We also were informed that as of a month ago, the rates in the marina had tripled from what we'd been expecting. We were going to be paying more for a berth here than anywhere else we'd ever been. There was nowhere to anchor other than in an industrial area near the airport, so, we just accepted the conditions. It would have been a bit more palatable if the facilities had also been as world-class as the rates, but, they were far from it. The washrooms/showers are filthy, so well-used and broken-down they are beyond cleaning. There are rats and cockroaches scurrying everywhere. The docks are dangerously dilapidated and have no security. The water is full of floating garbage. A boat near us was boarded one night by a very disturbed man who insisted he had to 'leave this island, right now, before 'they' got him'. Five police officers had to come to subdue and remove him, very scary for the people aboard. The numbers of homeless, or 'residentially-challenged' (as they are called here) people is shocking. There are tent encampments everywhere, in the parks and even right on the sidewalks. Many of the occupants are obviously mentally ill. We've seen open drug-taking and deal-making. When you're here for more than a one-week vacation and venture away from the tourist areas, the glaring social problems make it obvious that Hawaii isn't a paradise for all.<br />
<br />
Bad, yes, but, we only planned to be here for four months and just got used to it. The flowers started to bloom and the sun shone most days. Then, the virus arrived. Hawaii was slow to implement restrictions. It seemed obvious to us though that their tourism industry put the islands at a very high risk. There are ten million visitors here every year and 30,000 fly in every day from all over the world. It seemed obvious that the huge visitor influx needed to be stopped. Many locals agreed and just before the lockdown began there were convoys of honking vehicles with signs like 'tourist go home' and 'if you love us, leave' plastered all over them. They drove up and down the two main tourism streets and it wasn't a good feeling. Anyway, the government soon acted and we have been under a 'stay-at-home' order and curfew for a few weeks now. We only go out once a week to grocery shop. The marina is so quiet it has become much more pleasant. We can even hear birdsong instead of amplified lounge singer music from the hotels. Oahu only has a permanent population of about one million. As of this writing, April 11, there are less than 500 confirmed cases and seven deaths. So, fairly low risk for the moment and we are thankful. We are disappointed that we won't be able to do any touring, but, compared to what others are suffering, we're not complaining.<br />
<br />
We did get a few outings in before the lockdown. This is the view from the Makapu'u Lighthouse Trail.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_hm3NYQQnt8/XpJexFZTK7I/AAAAAAAAEuQ/6zrPQb-pl5I8gD4AoZ3V4Eu9PzKtHDVJgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8294%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_hm3NYQQnt8/XpJexFZTK7I/AAAAAAAAEuQ/6zrPQb-pl5I8gD4AoZ3V4Eu9PzKtHDVJgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_8294%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
A little out of town, we visited Sandy Beach (before lockdown).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yvp-LAWBYas/XpJi7OL6ETI/AAAAAAAAEu4/Fy6CRp3bBOE6aGkw7geChYfQgy7quzGxACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8330%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yvp-LAWBYas/XpJi7OL6ETI/AAAAAAAAEu4/Fy6CRp3bBOE6aGkw7geChYfQgy7quzGxACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_8330%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Some of the birds here are very intriguing. This one, which looks a smaller version of a northern cardinal, actually isn't. It isn't a native bird, having been introduced from South America.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ERAaYAis52o/XpJiqvaV2rI/AAAAAAAAEuw/xlEkvsWlbQAxF1KkoNxETsQM3NCipJ5GwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8322%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ERAaYAis52o/XpJiqvaV2rI/AAAAAAAAEuw/xlEkvsWlbQAxF1KkoNxETsQM3NCipJ5GwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_8322%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />GJOAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03457152029560224931noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5734918150465744707.post-47794381994094983472020-01-04T13:58:00.000-08:002020-01-04T13:58:00.739-08:00Rangiroa to Oahu - Week 3 and arrival !Monday, Dec 30<br />
21 17.2N / 157 50.4<br />
<br />
Week 3 of our passage from Rangiroa, French Polynesia to Oahu, Hawaii was not a 'fun' week and we were very relieved, after 23 days at sea, to have this iconic view of Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach in front of us. Another passage complete, we had sailed 2465 miles to make 2252 good.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-87nfazqp0UQ/XhD_7HMUzVI/AAAAAAAAEs0/x4RD5TWdcmIgOooav6EKzeU5Ij1CUUqBgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8164%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-87nfazqp0UQ/XhD_7HMUzVI/AAAAAAAAEs0/x4RD5TWdcmIgOooav6EKzeU5Ij1CUUqBgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_8164%2B%2528Large%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
In our last post I mentioned that we had 'left' the doldrums. I now take it back, we hadn't left the doldrums at all, they do move and were just a bit further north. Once we hit 6N we got the full treatment. It started with a lot of yellow blobs (squalls) showing up all over the radar screen. We continued on, dodging where possible and dealing with the gusts when not possible to dodge. The blobs started to reform and eventually merged into one huge blob completely surrounding us. We reduced sail as it was gusting into the 30's. It got quite rough and we eventually hove-to in order to clean up the mess in the galley. At some point, a dish had wedged itself against the usually very sturdy latch on the inside of our china cupboard and opened it, sending most of our china flying across the galley to hit the opposite wall and shatter into pieces. We lost about 1/2 of it. We sat there for about four hours to let the worst of it cross over us. We got underway and it actually got worse the next night (it always happens at night), Christmas Eve, with gusts now into the 40's and steady F8 winds. We have dealt many times with gale-force winds and with squalls, but, we've never really had the combination of the two which was a different animal. It was hard to know what to expect, we'd see a squall coming and maybe there were going to be big gusts and maybe there weren't, the anticipation became very wearing.<br />
<br />
We got to about 11N on Christmas Day and got a present as the squalls abated and blue skies returned. The next few days were excellent with great speed and long daily runs. Then, the wind died to nothing after a few hours of going between 13-30 knots every ten minutes. We motored for a while until the wind picked up again. We were on the final stretch into Honolulu and counting down the hours. The wind was supposed to drop away at midnight and we were anticipating a motor in for the final leg and an early morning arrival. Then, when we were about 50 miles out an isolated squall popped up with no notice, lots of rain and winds 35 again, we hove-to and thought we might have to spend a further night at sea, what a disappointment, but, after a few hours, winds dropped into the mid-20's and on we went arriving at 1500 into the Ali Wai Yacht Harbour, just in time for New Year's Eve celebrations the next day. We'll be here until mid-May when we'll head off for Alaska. We'll, of course, be doing boat jobs, but, hope to fit in a few tourist activities as well.GJOAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03457152029560224931noreply@blogger.com3