We spent 3 nights in Shoal Bay waiting out the gale warning in Johnstone Strait.
We met a group of 5 people there that were I n a sailboat called Sloop du Jour. They were competing in the Race to Alaska – R2AK. It is a race from Port Townsend Washington to Ketchikan Alaska by sail or oar – No motors allowed.
Unfortunately the weather in Johnstone Strait had them held up and falling behind as well. Stuck in Shoal Bay. In the end they decided to withdraw from the race and headed south through the Dent Rapids on Wednesday afternoon
All of the other boaters at the dock decided to leave Shoal Bay Wednesday afternoon and position closer to Johnstone Strait for an early start on Thursday. We decided to just stay another night at the dock and leave from there early Thursday. The forecast for Johnstone was light winds Thursday and then picking again on Friday.
We had a nice little visit with Mark and Cynthia on the dock. Remembering their dog Fanny and how much Jenny loved to run and play with Fanny. I am sure I have photos of Fanny and Jenny from years ago.
They have a little spot in their yard where Fanny is always there with them.
I bought a little pottery bowl from Cynthia’s pottery shop there. It’s has a lovely green glaze and kelp. Perfect for a little bowl of smoked salmon dip – I decided !
And Cynthia was baking cookies ! There is an advantage to being the only boat left in the dock !
Thursday morning Johnstone was calm and flat. Lilly was good. We saw a number of the R2AK boats out in the strait. The winning boat had reached Ketchikan already — We Brake for Whales won handily !
Phoenix Hunter 1985 