Foggy Bay to Prince Rupert

The alarm sounded and we awoke to dim morning light with light rain and mist. The goal was to try to beat the worst of the forecast winds by leaving as early as feasible.

A quick shower and I was on deck retrieving the stern line and moving the dinghy to the port side of Alaskan Dream so we could maneuver. Karen followed shortly and we cast off our lines from Grand Adventure. The anchor rode pulled us away from the raft of six Grand Banks as we proceeded to haul anchor.

After the anchor was secured onboard, we quickly took the dinghy aboard and secured it for the forecast three to four foot waves.

We departed Foggy Bay at 5am, leaving the rest of the fleet to finish dismantling the raft. Our early departure was based on our plan to run a bit slower than Mother Goose typically goes, about 7 knots instead of eight. This conserves about 20% more fuel during the passage. Also, our plan was to run down the eastern shore while the fleet is planning to cross over to Dundas Island, travel behind the protection of the small islands off of Dundas, and then make a crossing at the point of shortest distance.

My take on the weather was different than the forecast on the radio, so my plan was to expose myself to any beam seas early before they had an opportunity to build.

This northern and eastern route (see Douglass and Douglass) also has a few options to run on the inside of some islands, such as Tongass Passage, if the sea state dictates.

As we departed Foggy Bay, the bay itself was full of swells approaching 3 feet with a very short period. It was not a great ride, but as we got into open water and proceeded southeast, the ride improved substantially.

Overall, my forecast of 15 knots winds and seas less than 2 feet was spot on and we were able to take the most direct route to Prince Rupert.

Alaskan Dream was the first to arrive on the docks with Patos tying up shortly thereafter. Clearing Canadian Customs was the usual quick and efficient phone call at the pay phone in front of the Prince Rupert Yacht Club. (There is a toll free number pasted to the inside of the phone booth, so no Loonies required)

The colors change every year, but you'll find these visible at low tide

Dollys Resturant

Karen takes advantage of the WIFI at the market

A late lunch was at Dolly’s, a fish monger who also serves great food. The atmosphere is simple with a slight smell of fresh fish, but the food is fresh and very good. They are a short two block walk from the Yacht Club, and they serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.

We accomplished our mission of getting wine, a fishing license, some Canadian money from the ATM, and finished provisioning at the Safeway for those items we could not bring in to Canada from the U.S.

Dinner was with Lance & Kathy at the Breakers pub - a place for a decent burger and fries.

The night was pretty calm, though Karen noted that about 2am, there was some rocking and rolling despite being tied to the dock.