Thursday, June 1

Ocean Falls to Shearwater, BC

We departed OC early to go fishing.  The local dock master showed Tim the areas the kings are running and sure enough when we headed out, a local boat was passing us likety-split.  After an hour, no action so we pulled in the gear, put up the transom and headed for Shearwater, a short passage of 20 miles with the mainsail pulled out.

Along the way we were escorted by about 200 white sided dolphins or porpoises.  They are such quick jumpers that I had a heck of a time capturing them but finally got a short video and three shots of wake jumpers.  They seemed to like the bubbles from the engine.  While under sail they didn't swim near.  I suggested to Tim to start up the engine. In no time, they were jumping and dancing all around us.  A while later a humpback joined them.  There must have been something tasty in the water today!

Shearwater is interesting.  We’re headed to the local pub for a meal tonight and our Waggoner guide told us to think: Star Wars bar scene.  “fishermen, tug captains, yachties, locals and tribal folks” converge here.  Think I’ll wear my Blundies and checked flannel shirt, just to fit in a bit more with the local color.  The pub is next to the half dead tree where the half dead bald eagle has been hanging out all day.  It looks like it has seen better days, or maybe it got into a bar fight?

Today was another photo day, the scenery gorgeous, but having wifi to check email is not the same as trying to upload photos.  It’s up to almost 45 minutes for one jpeg.  SO, you’ll just  have to do without.