The day before departure

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Friday, 30 May 2008
The really nice breezes blow through my body and into my soul.
~Astrid Alauda~
The day before departure, time to do a final check on my packing list. Usually my packing list consists of Passport, wallet and Visa card. You can always pick up whatever else you need when you get there. In this case you do not have that option, so forgetting the warm socks or sunscreen could be a big mistake!
I downloaded the latest weather animation for the Pacific Coast..

A bit of an unsettled pattern. No sign of the big pacific high yet!

One of our first Challenge will be exiting the dreaded Straights

Strait of Juan de Fuca, affectionately known as "Juan de Puka" by sailors is, approximately 102 miles long and 10 to 18 miles wide and forms the boundary between the U.S. and Canada. It is also the gateway to the Pacific making it a busy route for comercial traffic heading to and from Vancouver and Seattle. It was named in 1788 by the English Captain John Meares of the ship Felice, for Juan de Fuca, a fabled Greek mariner who explored the area in the late 16th century. The cold waters of the strait, because of their exposure to the westerly winds and waves of the Pacific, are known to be a challenge. This is compounded during a ebb tide, which creates the dreaded wind against tide, producing short steep waves! Hence the nick name, Juan de Puka!

An early start tomorrow, I plan to leave for the boat at 0700. I will need to do some last minute checks before departing, as well as that last long hot shower! Bill is giving me a ride down to Coal Harbour. Cheryl and the kids will pick-up Deb (arriving from Ottawa at 9.30) at the airport and then they will come down to see us cast off!

Feels like the night before Christmas as a kid. Can't sleep waiting for Santa to come. Ironically, Jim our skipper plays Santa at one of the Vancouver shopping malls! True!

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