I didn't get around to posing much in the final couple of weeks of this season but it ended well. I really enjoyed my three months up north bouncing off the 51 degree line. British Columbia, especially north of Johnstone Strait, is another step up in the already beautiful Pacific Northwest cruising grounds. A nice array of spots to pick from depending on your mood. Quiet, one boat nooks, bigger harbors, marinas and resorts, all on offer. If the weather is sending it from the NW or the SE there are places to tuck in. Don't want to stern tie? Lots of options. This latter point was something I had been concerned about as a solo sailor. Stern ties are doable in calm conditions but not really safe in windy, crowded anchorages, so I was very pleased to find there were very few places in the Broughton's and Queen Charlotte area that require it.
The dreaded Johnstone Strait was also a non-event. While some days the winds were discouragingly brisk there were more days where an early morning departure would be an easy motor or comfortable downwind ride. I had to delay maybe one or two days at most and even then it was probably not required. Not being on a schedule meant I could just wait for perfect conditions.
The trip home was basically a reverse of my route up. I skipped Ganges and spent a few days in North Cove, Thetis Island, for the first time to wait out some strong SE winds. I had a smaller sailboat anchor too close to me and as I expected they dragged as soon as the wind started to gust. After a close call getting their anchor up they simple left. I hope they found somewhere to go. I'm sure it was a memorable morning for them.
I moved on to Port Browning on South Pender Island before checking into the US to avoid the Labor Day crowd in the San Juan Islands. It was packed with boats but I found a spot at the far edge, out of the way. Then it was on to Blind Bay, my preferred stop for a move south. A Roam app check-in saved me a stop in Friday Harbor which was really appreciated. With appointments looming in Seattle I made it a long day of motoring in calm, almost windless conditions from Blind Bay to Shilshole.
Next up is likely a year of maintenance and some upgrades. Not my favorite thing to do but the boat can't be on the move all the time without creating a backlog of things that need attention.