A Whale (Dolphin) of a Day

Today we encountered dolphins!   As we were heading east in Pasley Passage, we were escorted by a pod of 12-15 Pacific White Sided dolphins.   Does it get better than this?

Here is a picture of the great Dolphin Huntress, herself.   Note she is poised for serious picture-taking action there.

Totally made her day...

Before the dolphin encounter, we departed Sullivan Bay about 10:30am.   I wanted to be underway and no longer encumbered with the duties of un-docking for a business meeting I had at 11:00am.

Early on, we were embraced by the silvery tendrils of fog, but it lifted pretty quickly.

Then it turned clear, sunny, and hot.

Enroute to Pasley Passage Eagle-Eye Karen spotted a black bear foraging along the shore.   I promise there is a bear in this picture.   It is the black spot in the lower right side along the beach.

Cue the dolphins...

This was the pod as they found us.

You can clearly see the markings denoting them as Pacific White Sided dolphins.

Four on this side and another bunch on the other side.

So graceful.

Continuing our journey, we headed down Raleigh Passage.

Here is a picture of the Burwood Group of islands in Raleigh Passage.

And we arrive at our destination, Waddington Bay.  A beautiful shallow bay that is well protected by low-lying islands and many rock outcroppings that jut up from 250' deep to just about water level.  This makes for some tricky navigation to get in here.

We anchor about 1400 (2:00pm) in 35' of water at +15' tide (that means at 0 tide the depth will be about 20').   I put out 130' of chain rode.

The general formula for how much rode to put out is 3 x the depth + the height of the bow above water.   In my case, I figure the bow is 8' above water, so 35' becomes 43'.   43' x 3 = 129'.

Don't forget to account for the height of the bow above water, most people do forget it.

The bottom looks to be fairly hard sand or rock shelf, so we will need to pay attention, but the water is so calm, and the weather is still, no breeze.   I think we will be fine.

This sailboat came in just about sunset.   They are our only companion in this anchorage, save for the wildlife.