Travels of "Emma B" (JD powered Helmsman)

[Durant F]

I’ve always beeen a bit fascinated by the differences of traditional fishing boats from east to west coast. Having spent a far amount of time over the years in Nova Scotia and admiring the fleet, its easy to see how their boats are as unique as their accent compared to the west coast fleet.
The east typically have a wider hull, completely bluff bow that is higher, a broader house with straight run windows that slant forward.
West coast boats are narrower, more flare to the hull, a narrower house with rounded vertical window arrangements.
Both beautiful and purpose built.

 

[Nomad Willy]

Thanks Durant F,
Yes the west coast fish boats are beautiful both as art/sculpture and an implement or tool. I had a converted 28’ old troller. Re-powered her w a 25hp gas 4cyl Palmer. Learned a bit about engine beds and vibration.
Yes we like Port McNeil too. In the past we usually took a run (car) up the east coast of the island sometimes as far as Port Hardy.
What do you drink and read on board by yourself? We drink tea when there’s no Starbucks and read novels like Michener and Grishm. We like walking in different towns.
First pic in in Petersburg Ak Fishing vessel Duwam.
Second pic is a very nice day in Seymour Narrows.

 

[Durant F]

After several windy and rain days at Port McNeil, I’m underway back to the Broughtons this morning. Sunny and flat seas... if COLD.
Thank goodness for bus heaters...
Had the pleasure of idling around for about 30 minutes with a group of 6-7 humpbacks. After one deep dive 3 of them surfaced far closer than I was comfortable with and I didn’t want to harass them either so got back on coarse and underway. Love those experiences and they are frequent around Blackfish Sound.
Rain is returning so I’m savouring the day.

 

[IRENE]

 

[Durant F]

I tried, but can't upload a video.
A wet n windy day today... here’s a few more from yesterday before today’s.
Still beautiful in the mist tho...

 

[Nomad Willy]

Durant,
Where’s the gut in picture #3?

 

[Durant F]

Just after coming through old pass

 

[Durant F]

Underway early to catch the tides.
Actually passed another vessel this morning.
Johnstone Strait is calm.... the way I like it.

 

[Wayfarer]

 

[Durant F]

I used to anchor in Douglas Bay if it was too late to make Whirlpool Rapids. The last few times I’ve anchored out front abeam of this abandoned Tug. Being out front made early exits easier in the morning. I dingy’d over and boarded it a couple of years ago. Must say it was pretty basic living in there for the lads that worked her. This time I decided to tie along side making my very early exit simple as I just slipped the lines and left. Made a few plan changes underway after checking windy and weather forecasts and kept going all the way to Cambell River. Was treated to a couple of humpbacks at the S end of Quadra Island. Never gets old...

 

[Northern Spy]

Can't wait to hear Frank's stories about tonight's weather. Heavy rain, snow, lightning and 50 knot winds either happening now or in the forecast.

 

[Durant F]

Still at Cambell River for a few days.
Saturday night had gusts over 50!
Rocking rolling all night
Tonight high winds are called for again.
A big tug moved back on my finger and should help protect from the SE
Lightning has started...
I’m sure it will be an eventful night....

 

[Nomad Willy]

Durant,
Hang in there. I wondered when winter would catch up w you.
Wish I was near so I could keep you supplied w books. Nix on coffee. You can drink and enjoy much more tea. Do you have a car near? HaHa you could go somewhere on a ferry. But the weather could be bad enough where you would pass. 46 knots in Georgia Strait tomorrow but not too bad after that.
But bad weather always passes.

 

[Conrad]

Yup, snow and heavy thunderclaps - never experienced that before. But then again it is 2020.

 

[klee wyck]

Can't wait to hear Frank's stories about tonight's weather. Heavy rain, snow, lightning and 50 knot winds either happening now or in the forecast.

Yeah...that is an ugly looking system already laying on the outside of the the island and already clocking near 60 knots there. Sheez!

 

[Conrad]

And a storm warning - 50 knots wind - should be fun! If we survive, maybe another brunch Frank?

 

[Durant F]

See the trees.....
How they glisten....

 

[IRENE]

 

[Durant F]

For enquiring minds...
Last night and this morning were definitely bumpy to say the least. I’m tucked in pretty good here and have a big tug helping to block the SE but it was rolling this morning! There’s both a very substantial sailboat and trawler abeam of me, guessing both mid 60ft length and triple digit weight and they too were getting tossed about. The afternoon brought some sun and calm...
The bouy report at 10 am showed 37, gusting 46.
Not something Emma B was designed for...
Nice quiet evening aboard....

Pics are late morning inside the marina

 

[Durant F]

While waiting on a weather window I had the shaft alignment checked. A boat that is hauled in and out yearly by trailer and blocked in storage can have its alignment effected so I figured it was time/money well spent. 3 thousand all around now... good to go. Tomorrow looks like the wind will be down so it will be an early departure to catch the tide underway to Desolation Sound. Will feel great moving again... The gypsy in me is getting restless.

 

[Nomad Willy]

Yup ... if you’re good to go you’ll probably go.

 

[Okydowky]

I’m jealous Frank, tonight is crisp and calm here in CR. It will will be a beautiful morning to throw the lines off the timber’s. Pretty special out on the water this year, with everything going on. An eerie silence every where we went, I am jealous....
We have been here for the past 2 weeks doing a few costly upgrades. And just itching to get out of the shed. Unfortunately we wont be ready till early 2021...

 

[Durant F]

Up at 6 yesterday so I’d be waiting at the fuel dock by 7 when they opened. Great service and the lowest fuel prices around as well.
With full fuel and water tanks I was underway by 7:20 to catch the tide. Should note that late in the year water becomes an issue as several marinas turn it off due to freezing.
Johnstone Strait gave me a 4-5 knot push out towards the Strait of Georgia underway to Desolation Sound. The forecast was right and seas were nearly flat.
Was a good run over and felt great to be underway!

Was making up to 11.5 knots at a 6.5 throttle setting

The bell bouy at the bottom of Cortez always reminds me of “Jaws”

 

[Durant F]

Desolation Sound just doesn’t get old...
Sun or rain... always magestic

 

[Tolly Roger]

WOW
Beautiful!

 

[Durant F]

A few more from yesterday
It’s beautiful overcast!
I did a Melanie Cove tour and that’s where the jellyfish were congregated.
Earlier today I was into the end of Roscoe Bay exploring as the tide was up and it too had millions of jellyfish only all about 1/3 the size.

 

[Wayfarer]

That is some world class scenery, right there.

 

[Nomad Willy]

We had more jellyfish than that at Patterson Inlet and I was afraid I’d bring them up on the anchor line. But (thankfully) they were a no show ... on the rode.

 

[Durant F]

Willy, Willy, Wiily....
Yes, often way way more. Like in this picture.
Sorry yesterday’s picture dissapointed you ??

 

[Durant F]

Every once in a while you take a picture that’s worthy of putting on a wall.
This one from Saturday will be printed and hung at home.