The run from Pirates Cove to Nanaimo would take us through the notorious waters of Dodd Narrows, a narrow passage between Vancouver Island and De Courcy Island. The narrowest point is only about 50 yards or in Canadian speak about 50 meters. Tugs towing log booms and other commercial traffic frequently use the pass, so it can be a busy place. Currents can run as much as 9 knots through the passage. The guide book recommends passage at slack tide. We will follow the recommendation.
With slack at 9:04 AM and Pirates Cove about 6 miles south, we needed to get up and get going early, departing at about 7:00 AM. We arrived at the Narrows a little before slack. After a short time hovering and studying the current and oncoming traffic we decided it was time for us to head thru. We were the only vessel heading north, the waters were basically calm and the transition was a non event. Popping out to the north we were in Naniamo.
Paul had decided this was a good spot to due some maintenance so dock time was in order. We changed oil on the Yanmar and the outboard Yamaha. The gear oil on the outboard was changed also. Talos IV received a good cleaning inside and on deck. We explored the downtown a bit in search of lattes and wifi.
Upon doing our research for crossing the Strait of Georgia we realized we did not have charts for Vancouver Harbor and had a few other gaps as well, so our departure to Vancouver is on hold until we can buy the missing charts
Chart update: We were able to buy all of the charts we needed at this really great chart and book store in downtown Nanaimo. Of course there was time for a latte before motoring across the harbour to Newcastle Island Marine Park. A great park with some interesting history and wonderful hiking trails. We spent the night there before heading out to Vancouver for an early morning departure across the Strait of Georgia.
Chart update: We were able to buy all of the charts we needed at this really great chart and book store in downtown Nanaimo. Of course there was time for a latte before motoring across the harbour to Newcastle Island Marine Park. A great park with some interesting history and wonderful hiking trails. We spent the night there before heading out to Vancouver for an early morning departure across the Strait of Georgia.
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| The Nanaimo Bastion, a relic of the past. They shoot cannons off every day at noon out front. |
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| Newcastle Island Quary. |
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| Newcastle Island Quary. They built the San Francisco Mint from stone quaried at this site. |
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| Newcastle Island Marine Park. |
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| Janet found time to take care of a little business. |
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