On the 14th, predicted favorable winds finally arrived, though desirable calm winds gave way to 15-knot Southerlies and finally 25-knot Southerlies that made paddling a little sketchy.
An early departure, calm weather and favorable tides brought us to the entrance to Johnstone Strait early--by 11 we had gone around a dozen nautical miles and were approaching our first potential campsite for the day. After the numerous delays the previous several days fighting winds and tidal currents, a building tailwind and following seas really pushed us along, and we made great progress down the strait. By one, however, growing waves made us wonder what our next move should be; Should we push on and risk being stranded on a rocky shore by dangerous conditions with no reasonable place to camp? We considered breaking early for the night, but decided to try to cross the strait, where conditions appeared, at least from a distance, to be a bit better.
The crossing went smoothly, though we had to pass through a Macy's parade of fishing vessels and sailboats, including a trimaran running with the wind down the strait at 20 knots or so, apparently determined to run us down.
Ultimately, conditions were a bit smoother on the South side, and the crossing bought us a few hours, though conditions were still "sporty," as a Whidbey Island surfer would say. We moved quickly to Naka Creek provincial recreation area, a slightly off-kilter campground with no fee, few campers, and several semi-permanent dwellings. Debated going further, but Naka looked fine, we were nearing the end of the day by this time, and we were concerned about the morning's weather report that predicted even stronger winds in the evening.
An evening conversation with Emily confirmed a gale warning for the next day, making it unlikely that we would move until evening on the 15th, if not the following morning.
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