Two Trailer Sailers Learn Hard Lessons # 7

Blog post #7

 Violent storms, some with winds near 100 mph had pummeled the island last winter.  The kids gather lots of blow downs and dead limbs for firewood; soon they have a massive bonfire blazing.  It’s not very long before some boaters with buckets come rushing up the dock. Seeing Mike and Tom one of them demands “are those your kids?” they can’t have a fire like that here.  That could burn the whole island.  There’s no fire protection.  If that fire gets out of hand, everything will go up.  When the adults reach the fire the kids are relieved to see with them buckets of sea water, for they were already worried the fire was out of control.  In short order the fire is brought down to a safe size.  The boaters leave them with the buckets, offering to pick them up in the morning.  As daylight recedes and the darkness creeps in, the requisite scary stories are told and retold.   Everyone thoroughly enjoys eating hotdogs and marshmallows cooked over an open fire.  There is something special about a charcoal tasting hotdog and charred marshmallow for dinner after a hard day at sea.  When conversation slows and the fire dies down they pour water on it causing billowing clouds of rising steam.  The fire gasps its last breath and the exhausted group is ready for sleep, they head back to the boats.  Tom comments on how steep the walkway has become and worries to himself that the tide has dropped.  When the both families have boarded, he can feel the unmistakable thud and shudder from the keel touching bottom.  With each minor swell or movement the boat bangs aground again and again.  Mike and Tom quickly discuss what to do and decide they have no time to lose.  They must get Toms boat away from the dock and into deep water before any damage is done. If the tide falls further, Tom’s boat could become trapped, possibly tipping over on its side.  If the boat tipped on its side it could down flood and sink when the water rises again. Tom’s boat draws 4 ½ feet, and with all the people, gear and provisions it is probably closer to 5 feet. Working fast the two men help all the family to the dock asking them to be patient. With everyone off, Toms boat appears to be floating free again, they hurriedly cast off and using Mikes boat and motor they make their way to deep water about 100 feet from the dock.  Tom tosses out his anchor while Mike unties the two boats.  Soon they are back at the dock with only one boat.  Mikes boat has a lifting keel and draws only 2 feet so even at very low tide his boat will be just fine.  I guess I won the race after all Mike jokes.  In the morning the tide will be higher, you can up anchor and raft next to us again, but in the meantime I guess you guys are stuck using your dinghy to get out to your boat. Good night, and Mike goes below, sliding the hatch shut behind him.

Two Trailer Sailers Learn Hard Lessons # 6

Blog post #6

James Island is a dog bone Island, with two summits connected by a low narrow isthmus.  The shape forms east and west coves which are almost ideal anchorages.  The east cove is open to Rosario Strait so it is subject to more wind and wave action. The west cove is a little larger with room for six or more thirty foot boats at the dock and quite a bit of anchor room a dinghy ride away.  On shore are a number of campsites with tables and fire pits, and of course the popular composting toilet. Trails circle the island and lead to the summit which is somewhat rounded and knobby, opening the question of exactly where the highest point is.  All of James Island is a State Park, camping or using the dock overnight requires paying a self service fee as do the anchor buoys.  Anchoring in the cove is free and many choose to do so. Campers on shore or at the dock can expect local residents paying them a visit, and not just after dark.  Raccoons are seen ransacking kayaks pulled high up on the beach while their oblivious owners are only a short distance away.  Boats at the dock and anchored out are open game for Otters that will climb lines and chains, leaving behind distinctive footprints on deck, evidence of their transgressions on private property.  Yes, that thump you heard during the night was real, you’ve been boarded, and not by pirates.

While Mike and Tom’s family take care of exploring and preparing for a campfire dinner on shore the two men busy themselves dropping Tom’s mast. Taking down a mast on a stable trailer in the parking lot is one thing, but a rocking unstable boat is precarious at best. In Toms hurry he almost loses the mast over the side,  Mikes quick action securing a temporary stay does the trick.  With the mast lowered they screw the radio antenna to its base and retrieve the wayward halyard. Tom sees the wisdom of having a spare halyard.