2026 Week-Long Cruise: Gusty Winds, Gear and Good People

The boat club's annual week-long cruise is always an adventure.  This year?  It was gusty, cool and full of unexpected detours, but somehow, that made it even better.

We set out with high hopes, warm layers and a paddle board, which I normally tow, until decided it could fly and kept slamming my outboard into neutral.  That was fixed in a hurry.  Early mornings had me reaching for my toque and ski pants before tea.  It was that kind of trip.  The kind where you dress for the weather and hope the wind plays nice.

Spoiler: it didn't always.

Gusty Winds and Shelter Detours

The first few days we hunkered down in Whelply’s Cove, while others from the fleet left when they felt comfortable.  Gusty winds still pushed us around in the cove.  By the second day the MYC fleet was separated with the bulk of them sheltering in Foshay’s Creek.  On day three we ducked into Lawson’s passage.  We ended up trading stories, sharing great food and of course laughter across the boats.  That evening turned out to be incredibly beautiful and calm.  We planned to catch up with the rest of the fleet the next day, trusting we'd all find our way back together.  That's the thing about cruising with a club: even when you're spread out, you're never really alone.

Wildlife, Views, and Good Company

Despite the wind, the river delivered.  We saw eagles, herons, and plenty of other wildlife along the way. The cool mornings gave way to sunny afternoons and the scenery never disappointed.

Douglas Harbour: The Reunion

By the end of the week, we all converged on Douglas Harbour in Grand Lake.  The gusty winds hadn't given up, but neither had we.  After an afternoon of serious bouncing, we tucked into a lagoon for better shelter.  It was tight and required bow anchor deployed on the bar and a stern anchor as well on every few boats in the raft.  I had help with these maneuvers.  Finally, it was calmer.  And after a bouncy afternoon, calm was exactly what we needed.

There's something about a gusty anchorage that brings people together faster than a calm one ever could. And somewhere in the midst of all those winds, a friend helped me figure out how to finally lift my motor out of the water with a rope, leverage and my little chicken wings.  It was a small fix that made a huge difference. That's the kind of moment that reminds me why I love this community, everyone helps, no questions asked.

What I Learned

• Gusty weather is bearable with the right gear (and a good toque).

• The winds may separate you, but it can't keep you apart for long.

• Friends make even the most challenging trip worthwhile.  Especially the ones who create a rope leverage system to help you lift your motor.

I came home tired, grateful and already looking forward to next year's cruise.

What's your favourite part of a week-long cruise? Let me know below.