Port Hardy Musings

We left Napier Bay on May 31 expecting a SW wind and getting flat calm.  It was a pleasant motor with the autohelm doing most of the work.  We were having problems with it but it seems to be working so no replacement in the immediate future.  We found a space at fisherman's wharf next to the Quarterdeck marina just a couple of boats away from Juniata.  We had previously met Dave and Marcia in Maple Bay about 4 years ago.  They have a Crealock 37 yawl, a very nice boat.  Dave caught our lines and we had a good talk with them over a glass of wine late in the afternoon.  They headed off the following morning to meet up with Just us II" for a tour of the north coast of BC. They pan to head to Mexico as well this year so we will likely meet up with them again.  Friday, I decided to try and get the charge controller for the solar panels replaced so I called Waypoint in Sidney and Mark worked his magic and lo and behold on Saturday we had the replacement unit in hand in Port Hardy by 09:30.  The new unit works flawlessly so we are back in business with solar and wind charging systems again.  Port Hardy is a bit different from what we expected.  We have explored the town on foot as best we can and there is not a lot to offer other than the very basics.  The town seems to be a bit run down.  We managed to find pretty much everything we need to get ready for the west coast including a lot of FOOD.  After talking to Dave from Juniata, I have set up the wind steering and hope to get a chance to try it our tomorrow.  We spent today cleaning the boat and getting the last of the fresh veggies etc.  We hope to not have to buy much food until we get to Victoria but we'll see.  The forecast is for a good SE wind so hopefully we will get a good sail tomorrow up to Bull Harbour.  After that, we will wait for the winds to go back the NW and then head for Sea Otter Cove then Quatsino Sound.  Like all sailing plans, made in jello (Thanks to David on "Toketie" for that one!!).  By the way, if you want stamps (postage stamps) in Port Hardy, you best be here on Mon to Fri to buy them from the post office.  We tried everywhere else and none to be had.  Oh well, the mail will have to wait.