Weather caution!

We arrived in Sooke Harbour on Wednesday. We decided to leave Victoria in the morning to avoid the strong wind in the afternoon. A week of strong wind and gale caution along the Juan De Fuca Strait. Our current position is not far from Port Renfrew and the exit into the Pacific. Regarding to our passage story may not update until we reach our first destination “The Marquises Islands” As Sooke could be the last stop in Canada to update this post. So hopefully we can update our blog again in the land of French Polynesia, in about 30 to 35 days. Thank you for joining the passage with us. Hope El Nino does not spawn too many more early Hurricanes. Two Cat 4 along the Mexico East coast already which is very early 🙁

Victoria to Sooke {Vancouver Island}

Wednesday 11 June 2014

Strong wind increase in the afternoon today. 07.00 a.m. Leave the Inner Harbour speed 6.5 knots 08.10 a.m. Pass Albert Hd 08.45 a.m. Pass Race Rocks, speed 8.3-9 knots 10.15 a.m. Arrived in Sooke Harbour *Never been here before, The tide was low when we entered in and many bouys and crab traps are around which confused Stephen’s brain about which was the harbour lane. On our electronic charts, the buoys were not marked. (That’s Steph’s story) A few minutes later we were at ground. Luckily Stephen was going very slowly. The keel hit the ground with was mud and sand, sea plants called eal grass plain to see. It took about 5 minutes to get out. {The trick was to break the Keel free quickly when it stuck on the bottom sand, Stephen circle the keel so the muddy sand make a hole and the keel can be free again.} Moorage at Sooke Harbour Authority rate for 2 days = $60 {no WiFi, Included Power, water, no shower included} The wharf manager give lots of information of the town as she has lived here for 40 years.

Juan De Fuca Strait

Race Rocks

Fishing areas just before heading to Sooke Harbour.

Thursday 12 June 2014

Storm warning! The strong wind warning from the west and south west is continued. We docked at Sooke Harbour Authority for a few days to let the storm calm down a little. Next will be Port Renfrew, we are not sure if we will stop if things look good.