Crossing the Dixon Entrance (Day 48)

We are up early this morning (3:45) listening to the weather forecast.  Overnight the winds have calmed and we agree this is the day to cross Dixon Entrance.  Because we overnighted at Cape Fox, the crossing is relatively short.  We are underway by 4:00 and surprised to see on the AIS that a number of other boats beat us out this morning.  Most are coming from Prince Rupert where it is according to the clock and hour later. 

Seas are calm with just a few ripples and we are soon at the entrance to the Venn Canal.  The current is strong and the passage is filled with small fish boats but we complete our transit without incident.   

We call in to Canadian Customs and head to the Lightering Dock to await their arrival/non-arrival.  We have been told that if a Custom’s Officer is not at the dock by 11:45 that we are free to continue on our journey.  We dock, wait the prescribed amount of time and cast-off.  Our objective is Stuart Anchorage at the head of the Grenville Channel.  There is passage west of Grenville that I would love to explore but there are gale warnings for tonight and the best plan is to stay in sheltered waters. 

We arrive at Stuart Anchorage in light rain and find a crab pot in the prime anchoring location.  Still there is plenty of room.  We set the hook and open the wine.