Today, with some careful planning and fingers crossed, we made passage through three sets of rapids. Our classroom learning has taught us that we should only traverse rapids during slack current and that if there will be a strong current when the current next turns, that we have a 15 minute window on either side of this timing. Today, we needed to forego that lesson because there were three sets of rapids to be crossed and the slack current at the last rapids was roughly 30 minutes earlier than the slack current at the first rapids. Rob, Bill and I did separate calculations and met this morning to compare notes; we were all in agreement as to what the water would be doing and when. Then, we applied the recommendations of different publications (and Bill's vast experience, of course) to conclude that we should enter the first rapids 60 minutes prior to slack current. We figured we could handle the first set of rapids (not the worst of the three) an hour before slack by riding the back eddies on the east side of the channel. Then, we expected to be pushed to the west side of the channel and we were ok with that prospect so long as we could make good time in getting to the Dent Rapids (the last ones) to clear "Devil's Hole" there as soon as possible. I don't know why it's called Devil's Hole. I try to avoid things called "Devil's Hole". So we were hoping for the best, prepared for the worst and a little nervous. And it was fine. The skies were foreboding, it rained and at times we felt the water briefly take control of our boat. At the end of it all, we entered Frederick Arm where Bill shouted to us that there were porpoises frolicking in the wake of his bow. It was magnificent to the see the porpoises splash out of the water at our bow and then swim alongside our boat; they looked incredibly robust and powerful swimming beside us. I tried but could not get a photo of them as they flashed by.
In Frederick Arm, we docked in a small spot that resembles (and is) someone's floating home. Paul greet us at Oleo's, a few small docks manned by his barking but friendly dogs. Paul has another job but happily accomodates those who call ahead for docking and dinner. In anticipation of our arrival, Paul had traveled by boat to Campbell River at 5:00 a.m. to pick up his sister-in-law so that she could assist him with cooking and serving us dinner. The set-up is rustic and homespun and very much a work in progress. In fact, the dock is stacked with winter firewood and virtually every structure appears to be either under construction or in the process of renovation. Nevertheless, the reception was warm and the comfort food was very good. We had no problem getting in and secured and enjoyed a great evening here. This location is an ideal stop for boats stopping before or after the rapids and we really hope Paul makes a go of it.
In Frederick Arm, we docked in a small spot that resembles (and is) someone's floating home. Paul greet us at Oleo's, a few small docks manned by his barking but friendly dogs. Paul has another job but happily accomodates those who call ahead for docking and dinner. In anticipation of our arrival, Paul had traveled by boat to Campbell River at 5:00 a.m. to pick up his sister-in-law so that she could assist him with cooking and serving us dinner. The set-up is rustic and homespun and very much a work in progress. In fact, the dock is stacked with winter firewood and virtually every structure appears to be either under construction or in the process of renovation. Nevertheless, the reception was warm and the comfort food was very good. We had no problem getting in and secured and enjoyed a great evening here. This location is an ideal stop for boats stopping before or after the rapids and we really hope Paul makes a go of it.
