Pierless Sailing Adventures

  June 8th - Monday - 0 Nm Traveled   We woke up to unusual bird calls that seemed a combination of Great Blue Heron and  pterodactyl...  After using Cornell's great app Merlin Bird ID, we determined we were hearing Sandhill Cranes.  I did not know Haida Gwaii was in their range.  They are quite large with an unusual vocalization.  With binoculars, we could see six cranes together on the shoreline.  They were wandering around a bit and seemed to be a mix of adults and one or two young birds.   For more information: https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/sandhill-crane Photo:  Mary Lundeberg/Audubon Photography Awards Being weather-bound for yet another day (rain and high winds), we decided a dinghy excursion was in order.  When the dinghy is pumped up, we keep it on the foredeck and launch it using a spinnaker halyard.  This works fairly well and makes the dinghy convenient for use.  For major crossings, we deflate ...

  June 7th - Sunday - 0 Nm Traveled   Sunday was a planned rest day.  Rain, high winds and not much rest the past few days were reasons enough to stay put.  We slept in, never left the boat and took the time to relax and recharge. Bag Harbor Much of our time was spent watching for wildlife, listening to birds, eating and resting.  We monitored the forecasts and saw no relief in the conditions for the next day or two.   Bag Harbour Location I keep track of how many hours the engine has run so I can do oil changes at the proper intervals.  After tallying our motoring since leaving Anacortes, we were at the 100 hour mark, so fresh oil was in order.  We warmed up the engine for about 20 minutes to make it easier to pump out, then went about with the oil change.  This is a fairly easy process and took about half an hour. Engine located under companionway ladder We also checked our fuel level.  Our diesel tank was at 3/8 of a tank and we ...

June 6th - Saturday 12:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. - 14 Nm Traveled   We were ready to continue our way north after two nights in Collison Bay.  Weather forecasts for the next few days were not encouraging.  Lots of rain and high winds (up to 40+mph) suggested we look for a well protected anchorage was in order.  Hopefully one which provide wildlife viewing and the possibility of excursions in the dinghy.  After perusing our options, we decided to head for Bag Harbour.  Bag was not far, was well protected from all directions, had good depth and holding and was big enough for several boats.  It is also close to Dolomite Narrows, a part of Burnaby Strait ( Ḵ'iid Xyangs Ḵ'iidaay in the Haida language) which is known for its abundant marine life.   Collison Bay - Morning we left The anchor was up at noon and soon we had sunshine and favorable winds (10-12 Kts).  We rolled out the genoa and were soon cruising along under sail alone.  This would...

June 5th - Friday 7:45 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. - 44 Nm Traveled   We had a good rest Thursday afternoon and an uneventful sleep last night, so were feeling refreshed this morning.  Among our top locations to visit while here in Gwaii Haanas was the cultural site SGang Gwaay (Ninstints) on Anthony Island.  From Collison Bay we will head south toward Rose Harbor then cross over to Anthony Island.  This will be a round trip day where we go to Anthony and return back to Collison Bay for the night. SGang Gwaay is an uninhabited UNESCO World Heritage Site in Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve.  It is renown for its spectacular collection of mortuary and memorial totem poles.  Historically, this was a thriving hub of the Haida people.  More than 20 memorial poles carved from cedar trees stand facing the sea.  The village was decimated during the smallpox epidemic and was abandoned in 1878. Leaving Collison for Anthony Island / SGang Gwaay We raised anchor at 7:...

  June 3rd - Wednesday - 10:30  a.m. - 2:20 p.m.  Thursday - 107 Nm Traveled   We awoke to an uncertain day with respect to visiting Gwaii Haanas.  The permitting process requires visitors to submit an application with specific dates for their visit as well as read information about the park and expectations, then take a test which you must complete successfully before your permit is issued.  The catch is the uncertainties when traveling in a small boat.  Early in our trip, we could not be specific about our arrival since weather and other factors determine our rate of progress.  We decided to get close to a crossing position, then apply for our permits with dates we could commit to.  Oliver Cove was that position.  From Oliver Cove, we could  still work north on the mainland side if we had to wait for our permit application to be completed.   Weather permitting, we calculated a late morning start would be the best departu...

June 2nd - Tuesday- 7:40 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.    33 Nm Traveled We had a beautiful morning as we hauled anchor and left Kisameet Bay.  The anchorage was not what we hoped, so moving on felt good.  Having watched the weather reports/forecasts for our crossing to Haida Gwaii, the next few days looked good, with high winds coming in later in the week.  Moving north quickly and getting in position for a crossing would be critical or we would have to wait for another good weather window... Leaving Kisameet Bay Our plan for the day was to head to Bella Bella for fuel and provisions, then continue on to Oliver Cove near Price Island.  The engine was on and anchor up by 7:40 a.m.  The morning was clear and sunny, no wind and quite warm.  Water was glassy smooth and we enjoyed the sun on our backs. Calm waters leaving Kisameet Bay   Warm morning leaving Kisameet Bay The passage to Bella Bella (also known as Waglisla) was warm and calm.  We had a help...