We now must continue on to Comox 2 1/2 hours behind schedule. Once behind Denman Island we are protected from the wind. We still have about 2 hours to reach Comox Harbor. Between Denman Island and Comox Harbor is the Comox Bar, a shallow rocky submerged sand bar. We are once again exposed to wind gusting to 30 knots. It is now 7:30 pm and getting dark. This is our first time in to this harbor. We know that it becomes very shallow at low tide. We see the red and green lights flashing from the rock jettys. The wind gusts to 30 knots and we know that we cannot dock the boat by ourselves. There is only one end space available on the dock surrounded by huge fish boats. We call on the radio trying to muster anyone who might be listening in the harbor that might help us tie up. The harbor office had been closed for hours. The Coast Guard answers and after hearing the conditions offers to send the Comox Coast Guard Auxiliary to our rescue. TWICE IN ONE DAY!
While we wait we exit the tight quarters and circle in the pitch blackness of night while Lou changes the fenders to the Port side. We hear voices calling us on the radio. We re-enter the harbor and see 4 flashlights on the dock. Lou attempts to follow the light in the darkness and has to back off as the wind is blowing us into a huge fish boat. We recover and try again to the encouragement of the guys on the dock. This time we come close enough for me to throw the dock lines just missing our bow striking another boat. It took all four men to pull us into the dock. Like Angels from Neptune they snugged us up to the dock and alas we are safe! We thanked them from the bottom of hearts. Refusing our invitation to join us for a hot Toddie they disappeared into the night. WE COLLAPSED FROM EXHAUSTION AND THE DAY FROM HELL!
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