Nanaimo to Pender Harbour - 5 hours, 32 miles

We got up at 7 AM to do a garbage run and get our latte before leaving dock. We checked the weather and even though it is sunny and beautiful, we were prepared for winds up to 25 mph. we decided that we would venture out into the Straight of Georgia a bit and see if we wanted to make the crossing today. As we emerged from Newcastle Island Passage we encountered winds around 25 mph and gusting to 35 mph. Whiskey Gulf (WG) was not active. It is a deepwater range operated by the Canadian & US navies to test torpedoes (unarmed) and various ships’ systems. When it is active the direct route across the Straight is unavailable and it adds another hour to the trip to avoid the area. The wind was coming from the NW (directly at us) and the seas were 4-5 feet. Pretty uncomfortable but manageable. Fred & I made sure that everything of importance was secured. The box holding Merlin’s stuff (shampoo, leashes, toys, treats, etc.) was the only thing to fall over. I’d say lucky but it was good preparation on our part. Fred had the helm (his preference) so Merlin & I went down to our stateroom and took a nap. Merlin dived under the covers and did not emerge again until we were in calm water across the Straight inside of Texada Island. We entered Pender Harbour and went back into Gerran’s Bay to anchor. There is one sailboat and the two, old, derelict looking boats at anchor here. The old boats are rafted together and have been here for at least the last six years. It is time for Fred’s nap and then we had barbecued steak for dinner.