“Tempest in a Teacup” by N&J

Whistler, BC (Aug 29/25) – Balancing their busy lives between HOBBES (the ‘roadtripping/camping’ lifestyle on land) & SPIRIT BEAR (the ‘cruising/live-aboard’ lifestyle on water) keeps N&J hopping and constantly on their toes. This post talks about two minor trips on the water… but nothing is ever as it seems and there is always ‘the calm before the storm’… 🙂

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Trip #1

N’s niece Haley & her boyfriend Griffen (H&G) were visiting from the Okanagan Valley for a few days to explore the usual draws of Vancouver and enjoy an adventure on Spirit Bear. The first day saw them taking the dinghy over to Granville Island, exploring the market and enjoying a happy hour or two! Walking the city and much of the seawall they made it their mission to enjoy some treats and beverages along the way. N of course being the instigator.

That evening happened to be the Celebration of Light in the harbour which neither H&G had ever experienced before. After a BBQ dinner on the boat and just as the sun was falling beyond the horizon, N&J and H&G set off in the dinghy joining the multitude of boats in English Bay. The fireworks spectacular in their glory above, lighting up the sky and the smile on each of their faces. A true Vancouver experience to behold.

Upon completion of the show, they made their way back to the dock as quick as they could, where the real excitement began …the mass exodus of watercraft returning home. Positioning themselves with a front row seat at the outermost part of the marina they watched with intrigue, wonderment and horror at the preponderance of boats speeding through False Creek dodging kayakers and stand-up paddle boarders, some with life jackets, most without lights on their vessels, and many with drink in hand …the absolute absurdity of it all was comical & crazy. Two people falling off their boats during the mayhem proved the point, fortunately no harm came to them.

The next day, a beautiful sunny morning, Spirit Bear ready, H&G were quite excited to experience their very first sailing trip, with plans to fish and crab along the way! The easiest cruise (and most predictable) for their first time on a boat took them to Halkett Bay and Bowen Island.

The sea conditions were quite reasonable, a little chop (wave action) & the prevailing winds would be favourable for hoisting (or furling as is the case on SB) the sails. In any case N&J always avoid being to close to Pt. Atkinson (Lighthouse Park) at the entrance to Howe Sound to minimize the choppy conditions that seem to be a permanent feature. Motoring out along the Spanish Banks side of English Bay, passing by the numerous freighters & luxury yachts that anchor further out. Once past the ‘bell buoy’ at Point Grey, the foresail was unfurled to take advantage of the winds from the south-west, achieving a decent speed of 5 knots.

The route intended was around the west side of Passage Island, close to Bowen Island to avoid the aforementioned Pt. Atkinson situation. The wind picked up nicely, blowing now from the west around 10-12 knots that propelled the boat along smoothly, although it did get a bit bouncy with some challenging swells emerging, it seemed to spook the new crew a bit, but not so much N or Jesse. However always in the back of N’s mind that they were carrying precious cargo that needed to return back to her family all safe and sound.

There was a fair amount of marine activity, not surprising being the middle of summer and during a hot spell. Paying special attention to the BC Ferries that run from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo, Langdale on the Sunshine Coast & Bowen Island, and keeping a close watch for the whales that frequent Howe Sound. Hoping to see the misty spray from the whales blow-holes, the crew were adamant in keeping a watchful eye.

After almost 3 hours since leaving home port, they arrived at the protected waters of Halkett Bay, easily finding a suitable spot to drop anchor. The water in the bay was like glass, so it called for N and the guests to jump off the bow of Spirit Bear into the clear blue waters below. Jesse & J watched from the ‘dry confines’ of the cockpit, listening to the banter from the swimmers, choosing to not partake but intrigued by all the shenanigans.

A quick dry-off, cold drinks in hand, N took Haley & Griffen for a cruise around the bay in the dinghy and to set the crab trap. The three giggling with anticipation putting the newly purchased crab trap in the absolute perfect location, with dreams of gigantic crabs soon to be their catch. They awaited with much anticipation. Not being experienced crabbers but solid in their resolute of providing dinner they could hardly hold back their excitement and no sooner had they returned back to Spirit Bear they were back in the dinghy, pulling up the line swiftly, the cage feeling heavy from the depths of the ocean the trap surfaced with 3 of the smallest ‘itsy-bitsy’ crabs. Although disappointment was palpable they decided they would try again tomorrow as they would not give in and be deterred.

After a great BBQ chicken dinner, the long hot day took its toll, calling for an early night...

After a leisurely morning, it was decided to cruise over to Snug Cove on Bowen Island to check out the scene. While enroute, an impromptu stop-over at the adjacent bay before Sung Cove, for a swim at Mannion Bay.

Sun glistening on the water, looking towards Finisterre Island off north tip of Bowen Island…

Soon arriving at Bowen Island, luckily there was room at the Vancouver Rowing Club’s Bowen outstation for the boat, usually enough room for about 4 boats (the VRC has cameras at all their outstations so VRC members can check out the availability of space before arriving …very cool!). Coming into the Snug Cove marina can be tricky especially whenever the BC Ferries boat is in the harbour …the turbulence caused by the ferry props constantly spinning (albeit at low speed) to keep that ship against the dock cause all sorts of ‘unwanted activity’ for the other craft in the harbour. In this case it was chaotic for the crew of Spirit Bear, H&G put through their paces of fending off other boats with the long poles and lots of hollering from the bridge, the docking process was difficult with the boat wanting to go in different directions, with help from others standing on the dock as well …a lesson learned: wait until the ferry is out of harbour before coming or going!

In the protected bay, it was ‘super hot’ at the dock, once securely tied up, H&G headed into the village to explore this quaint little community (full time population: approx 3500; summer visitors & weekend warriors: 10-15,000), filled with neat shops and restaurants. Jesse stretching his legs walking the docks and everyone enjoying some ice cream along the boardwalk, the day rounding off with a dinner on the deck of Doc Morgans pub …this crew was spent.

A quiet night in Sung Cove, peaceful sleep, up early to venture back to home port in Vancouver. Another hot sunny day in store, but the ocean conditions were spectacular making for a pleasant voyage.

Griffen trying his hand at salmon fishing…

Giving it their best shot, lowering down the crab traps, and tossing the fishing lines as many times as they could, the memo had gone out to the ‘marine community’ that they were to skunk the crew aboard Spirit Bear. So while no fish in hand upon return to Vancouver this team anticipates another trip together in the not too distant future! 🙂

Jesse enjoying the setting sun beneath the Burrard Bridge…

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Trip #2

N&J’s good friends from Whistler, Kim & Gord (K&G) who have just moved to Vancouver’s Dunbar neighbourhood, have been chomping at the bit to go sailing on Spirit Bear. So it was planned to head off for a couple days to Halkett Bay (as you know now a popular & convenient place for N&J to visit).

The weather was hot & sunny with great conditions on the water …calm & light winds.

The trip to Gambier Island was easy. Upon arrival at Halkett Bay it was quickly apparent that anchoring was going to be a challenge with numerous boats already filling up the bay. Usually this place is surprisingly quiet ‘year round’ considering its closeness to Metro Vancouver. It took a while to find a suitable spot, somewhat tight but considering the bay is well protected from winds, it felt ‘comfortable’ to be where they were.

N wasting no time in getting out on the water…

Kayak & dinghy were quickly launched, and a grand tour of the bay for K&G was assembled. The crab trap was dropped in hopes of catching dinner (outside of the exclusion zone to protect the sponge reef that exist in the area).

Afterwards a cool dip in the pristine waters was in order. K&G having just completed their move to a ‘new house’ were very excited to be on the water and to let their stress diminish in the breeze and to fully wash away in the salty water they found themselves frolicking in.

It’s a ‘small ocean’ in the boating world, as chance would have it N’s ‘father-in-law’ John in his beloved boat the ‘Sitka’ was anchored close by. A visit from John and dog Muffy meant for a visit with some ‘nibblies & treats’ in the cockpit. Mind you Jesse (the Admiral) was not pleased & promptly put Muffy in her place.

Jesse “The Admiral” in his usual lounging spot…

As the day grew older, a BBQ was held with salmon on the menu. Sadly the crab trap did not yield any ‘sea delights’. As the daylight began to wain, the sleepiness induced by the sun & wind began to take hold and an early night was called.

It was peaceful in the quiet cove …until it wasn’t.

Pic (courtesy of wallpaper.dog) depicted for dramatic purposes only… OMG!!!

Around 1:30am the occupants were awakened to the sound of a ‘bump in the night’ & anchor alarms blaring. Out of the blue, from the north (normally never a problem due to the mountains shadowing the bay), a storm cell brought 35-40 knot (65-75 km/hr) winds, in the absolute pitch dark, with boats dragging anchor, Spirit Bear found itself right up against the port side of John’s boat Sitka.

N&J quickly started the recovery process, starting up the engine, navigation lights & instrumentation on. After clearing themselves of Sitka, wind blasting, N took the wheel while J went up front to raise the anchor, slowly moving southward to towards open water, careful to avoid the many boats anchored in the darkness of the bay.

It became apparent afterwards that quite a few boats experienced ‘dragging their anchors’ due to such a strong wind in a normally protected bay, thus the anchor scope (determined by the depth of water vs. the length of anchor rode: usually 4 to 10x; higher when in a windy condition) were NOT set for extreme windy conditions.

Once clear of the other boats N&J started thinking about where to re-anchor, the night was moon-less, pitch dark & blowing up a storm. While scanning the dark water with a spotlight, their answer presented itself. In the distance, to the west side of the bay, the reflective tape on two BC Park mooring buoys shone back brightly.

With J on the wheel, Gord & N donned life jackets and moved up to the bow to prepare to ‘capture’ the tether line on the mooring buoy. Following instructions from the front, J was able to guide Spirit Bear alongside the buoy, N & Gord with nature’s might and forces seemingly against them managed to lace a bow-line through the loop on the buoy & secured back to the bow of SB …all while the wind was blasting. A second line was attached as well to ensure ‘no more drama’, the boat now definitely secure.

Once back safely in the cockpit, the attention turned back to the boats in the bay. N could hear what was John’s dog Muffy barking in the distant darkness, realizing there should be no way to hear Muffy from that distance. An attempt to call John’s cell phone was fruitless, so J decided to dinghy over to the other side of the cove, thankfully the waves in the cove were somewhat manageable (the fetch was short) considering the wind was still blowing hard. The newly purchased electric Torqeedo outboard easily propelled the dinghy through the weather and the waves.

Upon reaching Sitka it became obvious that John’s boat was still dragging anchor. J suggested to John to let out more anchor rode, start his engine & turn on the navigation lights. Meanwhile J checked with some of the other boaters further into the bay, some had dragged & reset their anchors but were now secure.

Returning back to Sitka it was apparent that it was still not anchored & heading out to open water to the south (towards Bowen Island). J told John to make his way over to the remaining mooring buoy near Spirit Bear, shining his handheld spot light on the buoy’s reflective markings.

The ‘blackness of the bay’ making it impossible to really grasp the whole situation, adrenaline pulsing and voices inaudible as throats were dry, J headed back to Spirit Bear, having N come aboard the dinghy to wait for John and then assist with tying up Sitka at the mooring buoy, flashing the spotlight to mark the position. After what seemed like an eternity, John was finally able to ease Sitka up to the mooring buoy to permit N&J to tie it off, coincidentally at that moment the wind just died …completely. How fortunate for that to happen at that exact moment 🙂

Once back aboard Spirit Bear the crew were exhausted but sleep was fleeting, the wind had resumed blowing hard. J opted to stay up on-deck all night to keep a close eye on the situation.

By sunrise the wind was now a gentle breeze. While inspecting the boat for damage it was discovered that there was a fair amount of blood all over the front deck. Not even noticing in the moment or thereafter that N had quite the gash to her hand and bruising on her arms, evident signs of their plight the previous night.

It was decided that staying attached to the secure mooring buoy for another day was prudent …the windstorm had somewhat ‘shattered’ the confidence of anchoring, at least for that day. The day was spent exploring the bay, setting/checking crab traps & swimming.

The evening was beautiful, another scrumptious meal was served on-deck, the peacefulness of the night was only broken by another strong wind that arose late into the day. While Spirit Bear was securely attached to the mooring buoy, J found it difficult to fall asleep below deck after the previous night of battering wind, thus he opted to spend another night in the cockpit (a pillow & blanket helped to bring comfort).

Able-bodied sailor Gord on the helm…

With the previous two nights of weather behind them, the sail back to Vancouver was easy. Gentle breeze pushing them along Howe Sound, the water surprisingly calm while rounding Pt. Atkinson into English Bay.

Traversing Howe Sound to English Bay at Point Atkinson …

As the prevailing winds pushed them towards Spanish Banks, N grabbed her fishing rod, the line was thrown out port-side close to the bell buoy by UBC, almost spontaneously the hook landed what seemed to be the biggest fish as the rod torqued almost beyond its means …SERIOUSLY. The line heavy, the fish fighting for its life had determined that it was not coming onto the deck of Spirit Bear and at that moment the line pulled back and was sliced by the raised solar panel off the back of the boat, the rod jarring into an upright position, the line dancing in the wind mocking in what could of been. All the gear lost to the bottom of the ocean. As K&G witnessed, this fish was huge! (OK maybe just really BIG) 🙂

As the Spirit Bear made its way back to Vancouver, K&G promptly- upon entering False Creek, and just about to dock at the marina proclaimed “we want to go again!!!”

The end of another glorious summer day in Vancouver on the water…

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