After spending a leisurely morning aboard Trouper 2, Terecita and her boyfriend, Mario accepted Tania's invitation to join us on the boat for the day tomorrow. So, after coming home, shopping and having dinner, the crew dropped me off at Gyro park. From there, I would sail to Sidney Spit.

After not getting away until so late (just after 7) I ran out of daylight about an hour later, less than half way to the Spit. But since Tania is comfortable taking the kids out on the boat only when there are two additional adults, I wanted to sail to Sidney Spit so all I'd have to do is pick them up at Tsehum Harbour for the short journey to Portland Island.

The wind was from the North and lasted until Sidney Channel, then all was calm. The moon didn't rise until after I had dropped anchor at the Spit so it was very dark. I lit a fire in the stove as I approached Sidney Spit so that the cabin would be nice and cozy. However, the cabin kept filling up with smoke. My eyes were burning yet I managed to keep the fire burning until I fell asleep. The next morning I tried to light it again but there was not a whiff of smoke coming out of the chimney. I fell back on my propane heater and will have to examine the stove in the days ahead. BUMMER. Other than that slight inconvenience, T2 ran great and there were no problems. Oh, other than the power cord to my auto-helm has failed. It's badly corroded. (Good thing I paid extra for the marine version). I did not leave T2 to go to shore. It was dark and the wind had picked up and I was cold and tired. I was also getting sick. Myh throat was hurting and snot was pouring out of my nose like a beer tap.

Click for chart view

Sail to Sidney Spit

Red to port and green to starboard.

All is well during early spring cruising...as long as your heat source works.