Friday, May 31, 2024
Today we began the execution of our plan to replace Braesail’s defunct chart-plotter. We motored (there was almost no wind) from Squirrel Cove (where I could hear eagles chirruping but couldn’t see them) to the dock in Okeover Inlet, where we are leaving the boat during our two-day round trip to Everett and back. We left our anchorage at about 11 am when we learned that first-come/first-serve moorage at the Okeover Harbour Authority Docks was limited, and we decided that it would be wise to arrive and claim a spot as soon as we could before weekend traffic filled all available spaces. In addition, the gauzy filtered sunshine was predicted to give way to continuing rain in the afternoon, and docking during showers is not enjoyable!
The scenic 12-mile trip to Okeover Inlet on a warm afternoon was straightforward, and we arrived at about 1:30 pm. There was JUST enough space on the outer dock for Braesail to tie up at its end, and she was soon secured. It began to sprinkle lightly as predicted at about 4:30, and we were happy to be moored!
The highly-praised Laughing Oyster Restaurant on the bank above the docks looked inviting as the dinner hour approached, so we hiked up the ramp and then up the bluff to its location overlooking the docks and the inlet. We passed beds of ferns and wildflowers that bordered a small stream, and we enjoyed our walk. The food WAS excellent in variety, creativity, and freshness (we ordered local oysters “on the half-shell” as our appetizer), and we had a splendid meal! On our walk back down to the docks, we passed three dear standing among the trees some distance back from the road, and they, the white “parachute” jellies pumping through water near our boat, and the seagulls circling over the harbor and caterwauling, chuckling, and mewling constituted the day’s wildlife.
Back at the dock, we found that there was now plenty of space astern of the large boat moored immediately behind Braesail, so we moved her to the rear of that boat into a safer and more sheltered position. We both felt better about leaving the boat unattended there through two rainy days until Sunday night.
We’re now preparing to execute Phase 2 of our Plan; I’ve packed soiled laundry to wash at home and will add several items to our travel bag tomorrow morning before we meet the car rental folks on the road above the docks at 9 am. They will take us to Powell River and will be left there, while we drive to the ferry terminal for the 11:45 sailing. So far, all is well!
Braesail - A grand yacht in the Salish Sea 