[Paddlewise] crossing lanes

About 20 years ago, about 1/3 of the way crossing Rosario Strait in the San 
Juans from the north end of Cyprus to Orcas,  I looked north and saw a towed 
barge heading my way.  The barge was twice the size of Mongolia.  I was in a 
double with my pregnant wife and could in no way determine if it was going 
to pass in front or behind me.  Quite frightening, and I had no VHF.  In the 
event it passed about 1/4 mile in front.

About 3 years later I was about to cross Captains Passage in the Gulf 
Islands, again with my wife, though no longer pregnant.  This time I had a 
VHF and called Vancouver Traffic, who informed that the Queen of Nanaimo was 
6 minutes from exiting a blind passage and would cross my path.  Exactly 6 
minutes later she suddenly appeared.  These giant ferries really move.  I 
would have hated to be in the channel looking at her approach.  During the 
crossing afterwards I heard Vancouver Traffic warning other shipping of our 
presence.  After we crossed we so informed Vancouver Traffic, who were 
extremely thankful for the transmission.  I was more thankful for the 
warning.

I don't know how Duane and other So Cal paddlers cross the local shipping 
lanes to the islands with such confidence.  But I have never heard of an 
incident with a ship.

Jerry 
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