Days Like These

After a nice walk in the morning, we set sail for Tumbo. With our intended destination requiring us to go through Active Pass (an area transited by ferries going to and from the mainland and the island), I was feeling on edge and unsure what to expect. There is something terrifying about the massive ferries and the thought of ever getting in their way and being honked at or called on the radio really had me worried. *Spoiler alert: I am almost always worried about something. 

Brad took me off the helm when I refused to let Ocean Spirit out of sight, but just like in the car, I stayed close at hand to be his “Little Helper” and remind him not to steer into the shoreline (LOL… not sure why I am always so convinced that Brad is okay with capsizing our boat) and to keep his eyes on the water. Ha. Really, how could he do this without me?! In all honesty, transiting through Active Pass was a nail biter but like most channels, it looks super squishy on the charts but in reality there was plenty of room to stay out of the way. We had a bit of a current going with us so we made quick time of it, and were out into the Strait in no time.

Fun currents through Active Pass

For the rest of the afternoon, it was a spectacular downwind sail with calm seas; the kind of conditions you’d refer to as “champagne sailing”. The sun was warm and we were feeling beyond happy to be on the water. You know that sparkly feeling of overwhelming joy and gratitude? It was that feeling. Perfect.

As we neared the entrance to Tumbo Island, our wind really died down and we were barely moving at 2 knots. Feeling too relaxed to fuss much, we enjoyed the slow ride and agreed to pull the sails down shortly. As we were preparing to turn the motor on, our radio crackled and it was Eric, saying there were orcas ahead. I just about fainted with excitement. Sure enough, there wasn’t one orca, but five orcas swimming and playing on the horizon between Splash and Ocean Spirit. They were all moving slowly in the same direction, taking turns surfacing, spy hopping, and slapping their fins on the ocean surface. For 45 of the most incredible minutes ever, we got to just sit and watch them swim all around Splash. I’ve been pretty enthralled by orcas for as long as I can remember, and I think they top my list of all-time favourite wild animals. There is something beyond special about them. To experience my first real wild orca sighting from our own boat was the cherry on top. Although this was hands down the most expensive whale watching trip ever recorded, I finally got my orcas and it was so worth it. 

Tumbo Island proved to be almost as magical as our orca encounter, and we capped off the day with a really long walk to the end of the island and back again. We explored tidal pools, scrambled over massive driftwood piles, and Eric even stumbled upon a brand new baby fawn tucked safely away while the Mumma foraged. All in all, I think this might be one of my very best days in a long time. It was a reminder of why we wanted this in the first place. The connection with nature, endless opportunities to wander, explore, and learn, and the time spent with friends is what makes sailing so special.

Cinna is a whole vibe in the morning. Haha.

Beautiful Tumbo Island in the morning sun!

A perfect sunset to end the day.

*Things I worry about include but are not limited to:

1. A thru-hull bursting

2. Leaks of any and all kinds

3. Toilets that don’t flush

4. Running into something (a dock, another boat, a rock, a whale)

5. Grounding (whether it be on anchor or while underway, I’m worried about both)

6. Sails ripping, flogging, and even luffing

7. Heeling over too far (my comfort zone is 10 degrees… shame we can’t afford a catamaran)

8. Big waves

9. Strong currents

10. Losing our rudder

11. Losing our propeller

12. Losing my mind

13. Ferries

14. Crab pots and buoys

15. Our anchor dragging

16. Not enough scope on our anchor chain

17. Not enough swing room on anchor

18. Sudden wind changes

19. ACCIDENTAL GYBES

20. Docking, coming up to a dock, and leaving a dock

21. Being even remotely close to a shoreline

22. Being even remotely close to anything at all

23. Sharks

Note: all of these concerns are significantly amplified if the dogs are on board and Lhotse is worried too