And Yet More Lumber...

A small tug working the log booms just south of Nanaimo.

We awoke to about 10 knots of wind, so we decided to go ahead and move on to Ladysmith, about 25 miles to the south.   Once we were out of the lee of the land (which casts a slight wind shadow), the winds did pick up to the advertised speeds of 25 knots.   But as they were from behind, it wasn't really a problem.

Dodd's Narrows separates Northumberland Channel and Stuart Channel.   This is essentially the defacto boundary between the Gulf Islands to the south and Central Vancouver Island to the north.

This little neck (60 yards wide) of waterway throttles large bodies of water on either side (the two channels mentioned, above).   This Narrows is really something to behold at maximum flow as the current exceeds 9 knots with some rather impressive waves.

Here it is at only 1.5 knots (favorable current), so it looks pretty tame.
But you can get a sense of what it might look like at a full 9 knots...

Even at only 1.5 knots of current, you still get some baby whirlpools.

And some decent, but non-threatening waves.

Our courageous Captain steers us through danger (or is that into danger...).
 

Man, do I look like my Dad.  And I thought he looked old...






Just south of Dodd's Narrows, there are large container ships moored up and down these channels.   As these are all riding high, I can only guess they are awaiting their turn to be loaded with cargo.
Coming up the channel into Ladysmith.   Can you guess this town's primary business operations?   Yup, lumber.   Lumber mills line the sides of the bay with log booms everywhere.

A map of the town which we will visit tomorrow.

Blue Redd at the dock.   We are at the Manana Marina, which also happens to be home base for Selene Americas, Pacific Northwest office.

So, we made our way over to the office and dropped in on our friend, Dylan, who is the Technical Director.   He is essentially, the "expert" for the factory and works with owners to build their dream boat.   He is also just a great guy.
The view of the marina from our lunch spot on the deck.

And for dinner, Karen made carnitas, so we had taco-tostadas.  Extremely yummy.
It is nearing sunset again.

Blue Redd in the waning light of the day.

Looking out over the head of the bay around which is the town of Ladysmith.

Looking Northwest from our boat.

And, I got to watch the NFL game tonight (49ers vs Rams) and we (49ers) won!   A decisive victory in game one.   Yeah!


On that note, Good Night, My Friends.


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