Into the Great White North

Saturday morning, July 31 saw us up at 0700 and off the dock in Ketchican..... a quick fuel-up, and we headed south into Revallagigedo Channel, in clear skies and light winds(forecast to become moderate NW by afternoon). As we continued, we sailed through a few fog patches which tended to dissipate as we proceeded.....but no sign of our NW winds - instead it was building SE, on our nose. By 1230 it was SE 15-20 with a nasty chop, so we motored into Foggy Bay for the night to wait for our westerlies. After a dinner of spaghetti and a bit reading and cards, we reset our watches an hour ahead, to be on B.C. time, and hit the sack.
Sunday morning we departed Foggy Bay at 0900(BC time) and continued southbound in Revallagigedo Channel, into Dixon Entrance. The forecast winds of moderate to strong northwest were still missing, and we found ourselves motorsailing into a moderate southeast and a confused, choppy sea. Because of forecast Gales for the next couple of days, we continued to motor southbound for Prince Rupert, rather than head into Khutzemateen for a quick return visit with Greg and Lisa. Both Kelcy and Shane were feeling the effects of the motion, with Kelcy taking gravol and wrapping herself in a blanket midships below. It was slow going, and we eventually realized we'd likely be late at the Yacht Club in Prince Rupert, so without cell coverage, asked Rupert Coast Guard Radio to call the club to reserve/confirm a late spot for us....which they kindly did. We entered Venn Passage by1900, and docked at the yacht club by 2015. We were able to clear customs by telephone, check our internet, and call home to Linda. It had been a long day, so we made our way up the ramp for a pub dinner at the Breakers Pub. On our way back we spotted Greg(Khutzemateen) Palmer's boat at the dock, so were able to leave him his lens cap and a bottle of rum, with a note, before retiring at 2330.
Monday morning we were able to check in at the Yacht Club and tidy up the boat. We saw Greg and Lisa about to depart, so were able to have a quick visit with them. Our friend Art contacted us via Facebook, and visited the boat later in the afternoon, inviting us back to his home for dinner. It was a great visit, in which we had a great dinner, caught up on laundry, and got Shane a video-game fix. Art, his wife Angela, son Luc, and daughter Mariah were all very welcoming, and we had a great time....getting back to the boat at 2130, just in time to see the fog rolling back in for the night. Canada may be known as the Great White North for other reasons, but I suspect that on the north coast of BC, in the month of Fogust, it could be called the same for other, more "mist-ic-al" reasons!
Tuesday morning we had a sleep-in, then organized our payment to the Yacht Club, refuelling, and lunch. Art met us with a loan of his vehicle in early afternoon, allowing us to stock up our groceries. This is our last day in Prince Rupert, with plans to continue back south via the "Outside Inside Passage", still in protected inside waters, but further out near Hecate and Queen Charlotte Straits (Principe Channel to begin). It may be awhile before we again get internet access, but we will continue to post when we can.

Here is a map showing our return trip from Auke Bay(Juneau) to Prince Rupert. If you click on the image, it should show up more clearly.