First cruise. Solo. SW 5 - 10 KNTs.

Full on sunshine. Enjoyed a nice, long run to Sidney Channel and then motored the rest of the way before I got sunstroke. All mooring buoys taken, lots of boats.

It was almost high tide when I arrived and my depth sounder was giving me 8' depth near the cans. Not sure if that was to the top of the weeds but with a low tide due the next morning around 10, I didn't want to risk touching bottom. Moored well out from the beach in 25 feet.

As soon as anchor was set, I deployed the crab trap. Figured I'd play it safe and make my line length 30 feet. I rowed a few yards out from the boat and dropped her overboard only to look back and realize the damn thing had sunk and taken the float with it. I did manage to find it about 7 feet under the surface thanks to the bright yellow detergent bottle I was using as a float.

I returned to the boat and grabbed my pipe-pole. After about a half-hour of trying desperately to snag the line, I brought it to the surface with 11 big Dungeness crabs. I kept 5 and threw the rest back.

It was definitely worth retrieving the trap.

As I was cooking the firs two up, I noticed a Department of Fisheries and Oceans zodiac had arrived at the Spit and was systematically visiting every boat at anchor. Not having my fishing license I was hoping Kevin and Did had there's and that they'd show up before DFO got to my boat!

A galley full of cooked crab

It turned out they never did visit me and yes, Kevin and Di had a fishing license. We settled in and enjoyed a wonderful crab feast, followed by bar-b-que'd spuds and sausage. Mmmmmm!

Scupper, Di and Kevin enjoy fresh crab in T2's cockpit

Now that's boating

As the sun set we retreated to T2's cabin and I fired up the Taylors kerosene oven to keep us toasty warm. It was great. We never did make it to shore.