Pender Harbor

We left Desolation Sound and the sunshine and immediately ran into bad weather. We decided to call it a day early and ducked into Grace Harbor for the night. We waited out the weather overnight and headed south in the morning. 

It was a full day of driving to make it to Pender Harbor, but we made it. We dropped the hook and settled in, then took the wildcat to shore for some groceries.

At the store we ran into Ingrid, Alden's aunt. She and Dennis were up visiting friends. What luck! We got invited to dinner at the Livingston's island with all their friends. We were treated to lasagna  and apple pie. What a delight! Plus we got to meet a whole group of new friends. 

On the ride back it was dark and the moon hadn't yet risen. As we motored the wildcat back through the still water our prop churned up bioluminescence, making our wake glow. Little glittery diatoms flashed in our bow wake and down in the water whole schools of small fish darted about at the disturbance of our engine, lighting up like little comets through the water in every direction. It was stunning and such a wonderful little surprise to end the day.

We made eggs Benedict for breakfast the next morning!

Our view of Pender Harbor.

We had a beautiful day for crossing the Strait of Georgia to Nanaimo.

Coming in to the city. It was really weird to see so many buildings and cars.

Nanaimo to Montague Harbor

In Nanaimo we dropped anchor in a bay full of boats. We took the dinghy to shore and walked through the stores downtown. We wandered along until we heard music and followed it to a blues festival. We sat on a bench in the park and listened to the music and watched people playing in the grass.

I really liked the expression of this statue so I took a picture. 

We had a yummy dinner. The next day we walked around Newcastle Island. Its so nice to be able to do so much walking again.

After walking the island we headed south through Dodds Narrows, catching it at slack water. The pass was busy and boats migrated in and out, we carefully navigated around huge log floats that were also trying to squeeze through.

Entering the narrows.

Passing some of the log floats.

We were impressed by all the logs.

We anchored outside Montague Harbor. The harbor itself was so full we went around a corner and found our own little cove.

A white sandy beach and a nice little trail lead through the park.

Alden tames a deer.

It was a beautiful evening.

Prideaux Haven

Next stop, Melanie Cove in Prideaux Haven. This place was packed and we had to squeeze into a spot and put up a stern line because there's no room to swing. It felt like summer camp.

Our busiest anchorage, yet.

We took the dinghy to shore for some exploring.

And this is what we found.

A tree-strewn trail to Laura Bay.

Look at those two.

Eric and his skyscraper.

We spent two nights here, hiking, paddling and swimming. It was hot and wonderful.

Alden contemplates jumping.

We started the process of putting on new stripes.

Goodbye teal stripe.

Time for Eric to head home - at least it's in style. We took the dinghy out to meet the plane and watched him take off for home.

See you on the flip side!

Pendrell Sound

It's a beautiful day to be in Desolation Sound. 

A sunny day heading into Pendrell Sound.

The best part is that its warm enough to swim.

Alden enjoys a refreshing dip...

...while surrounded by these little jellies.

It was a beautiful full moon and a lovely night.

Another awesome day. I don't want to leave!

Heading to our next busy anchorage.

Greene Point Rapids and Big Bay

Our next stop was a nifty little nook next to Greene Point Rapids. We had the little bay all to ourselves and a great view of the tidal changes.

Yes, more fishing.

Holy enchiladas! We love food.

A short cruise took us to Big Bay where we got to enjoy a rambunctious dinghy ride.

Heading through the rapids.

 

A nice whirlpool.

Our brave captain, steering us straight into danger.

The spinning water got a few shrieks out of me as it bumped us about and tried to spin the little boat around.

An absolutely beautiful place!

Later, we hiked to Eagle Lake and found a little row boat to borrow.

Eric channeling his inner Norwegian.

We rowed out to a little float with some deck chairs and took in the view.

Time for flips into the water!

More flips!

And some more...

I just like this picture.

Ok, last one.

Cutter Cove and Johnstone Strait

We picked up Eric in Port Hardy.

Alden's brother from another mother.

A beautiful evening at Port McNeil.

Check out the view from the front porch.

Alden and Eric ponder a leaky gasket. We had to make an unexpected anchor in Rough Bay to make some adjustments.

We spent an evening fishing off the bow in Cutter Cove.

Alden's catch of the day!

Eric trying his luck.

Pulling up anchor the next morning. Our dress code of orange jacket and jeans is strictly enforced.

Time for some more fishing.

Eric's getting the job done with two poles at a time.

It was another perfectly calm day on the Johnstone Strait.

Alden caught himself a nice Irish lord.

Eric pulled up this smiling face.

Finally, a salmon! Who's hungry?