Alaskan Sea-Duction: THE GREAT CANADIAN RUSH

The Great Canadian Rush.

After leaving Friday Harbor we did a quick run to Reid Harbor on Steward Island for a few days. We knew it would be the last time our feet would hit dirt for a few weeks. It was fun and we stopped at the top of the hill to get shirts and other things for the kids at “The Treasure Chest.” I also prepared all our documents for entry into Canada.

Our next stop was Canadian Customs at Van Ise Marina. The dock is small, only enough room for 2 boats at a time, yet the majority of the American boats heading north stop here for clearance. We had to wait our turn as we were 3^rd inline. When a spot opened, we docked the boat and then waited while the boat ahead of us was getting inspected. Full COVID protocols were in place. We submitted our float plan, Passports and other documents. We were asked a series of questions like do you have any firearms, pot, liquor and wine/beer. Once we declared everything, we were asked to step off the boat. We were then asked if we had anything else to declare. Then 2 officers entered our boat and looked in ever cabinet, nook and cranny. When they were done, we were issued a clearance number to be posted on the port side window. We were told we could NOT go to shore other than to fuel. If our float plan changed, we were to notify RMCP. We could stop each night to rest in a bay, but could not go to shore. We were asked if we understood the rules. They told us we would be watched and not be surprised if RCMP stops us on the way to make sure we were following our float plan.

We then lowered our yellow quarantine flag and posted our Canadian courtesy flag and off we go. This process took about 45 minutes. We still had time to make slack at Dodds Narrows and Nanaimo anchorage. So, the race begins to get through Canada as quickly as we could. We figured 10 days. While anchored in Nanaimo, the local police drove around our boat. I showed them the clearance card the Border Patrol gave us. They gave us a thumbs up and continued their patrol.

We left Nanaimo early. This day would see a 93-mile run to Campbell River and the Gowlland Harbor. We saw a whale in middle of the channel which was exciting. We had to slow down so we wouldn’t hit it.

The next challenge was Seymore Narrows. This is a set of water you must time at slack tide. However, Environment Canada issue a gale warning for Johnstone Strait that night. So we stayed an extra day due to weather. The next day we ran the opening and was on our way to Port McNeill for fuel. We also had picked up some company, other boats that were making their way north. It looked like I was leading a flotilla! Just before Alert Bay we saw some dauphins and another whale. Normally we would stop and watch, but that would be considered “Sightseeing” and that is not allowed, so we pressed on to Port McNeill. When we entered the bay I called North Island Marina to arrange fuel. Once fueling was completed, we moved to the bay and anchored. The nest day is one of the not so fun crossing, Cape Caution.

The Cape Caution run to Pruth Bay is about 109 miles. Most of the time it is foggy, which means calm seas. Today the forecast was rain, fog with winds of 10kts and wave (swells) around 3 feet or less. Once get out to the Pine Island light house we are exposed to open water for about 30 miles or so. This condition creates “Beam” seas meaning the waves hit you on the side and rolls the boat sideways, both ways. Nothing dangerous, just a little uncomfortable. By 3 PM we were anchored safely in Pruth Bay. Nice and calm and we slept well. The next few days were the same as the last. Drive from one point to another point as fast as you can. For us that is a normal cruise speed of 10mph. We stopped for the night in Shearwater anchorage. This was the only place we met resistance from locals. Some guy got on the radio and stated ‘All you American boats in the bay go home!! You are poisoning us on shore!” The Coast Guard was quick to respond and told the guy to stop.

We did stop for the night at our favorite Northern B.C. anchorage Khutze Inlet. This is the place we would normally spend a few days at. To us it’s magical. One time the weather was so nice and crabbing so good we stayed for a week! Not this time. One night only.

Another favorite stop over is Klunuggett Inlet. This anchorage is long and narrow. Completely calm, no matter what the weather is on the outside. I really enjoyed my scotch and cigar that evening, listening to the birds.

Finally, the last leg in Canada. Our next stop was going to be Dundas Island, but if the weather was good, then we would make a run (25 miles) across the famous Dixon Entrance to Foggy Bay Alaska!

As we were making our way past Prince Rupert (We did not stop here), a RCMP stopped us and wanted to see our papers. They asked who was on board, the expected date and time of exiting out of Canada. They said “Thank You” and proceeded to check the next boat behind us. They were busy that day.

When we reached the “Green Island” light house, Dixon Entrance was nice and calm. I threw the throttles forward and away we went! When we crossed the border, I called Canadian Border patrol and informed them we were exiting Canada. Then I called U.S. Border Patrol to declare entry back to the USA. We spent a quiet nice afternoon in Alaska.

The trip through Canada was 713 miles and took us 10 days to cross.

We are now in Ketchikan (K-Town) for a week. K-Town looks like a ghost town with no cruise ships. Really sad to see. However, the big ships will start arriving in July, so this will be a busy place once again.

We are resupplying the boat. I had some maintenance to do and I have generator parts on order. Once we receive the parts, we are outta K-Town and the hunt for salmon, shrimp and crab begins!!

You can track us on our SPOT (https://maps.findmespot.com/s/CZSL/XW#history/assets) and we will make a few posts on Facebook when possible.

I would like to say a SPECIAL thank you to Al and Carol Johnson. They are the most awesome hosts!! Love you guys, LOTS