Fun In The Abacos

It’s not always fun and games here in the Bahamas. There are always opportunities to involve ourselves in a variety of community projects, and most of us take advantage and lend a hand when needed.

Every Child Counts (ECC) has been a popular project for members of the Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club. The school operates solely on donations and serves the children from several surrounding cays that require a special education approach. The students present a variety of learning opportunities and the limited staff seeks assistance from trained volunteers to deliver a quality educational experience.

During the holiday break, members of our yacht club jumped in to create a sorely needed classroom. The request came at a time when we still had some knowledgeable and skilled workers lounging about during the holidays.

A request was broadcast over the RMHYC net one morning, and by noon fifteen volunteers showed up at the school to lend a hand. Many of them, including yours truly, were inexperienced, but with the help of a few carpentry specialists, the group charged on. By four PM, there were four walls, a ceiling complete with power outlets and lighting. The following day, the sheetrock received another coat of mud, and after drying, the walls were ready for painting.

The project involved a team of lawyers, insurance agents, doctors and a variety of business owners with a myriad of backgrounds. Our foreman has built cabinets and was known for building staircases in the homes of the rich and famous, including Steven Spielberg. Despite a lack of experience, the project was finished on time, and in an acceptable fashion.

That is what it is like down here. We enjoy the sun, the water and the beach, but give us a project where we can lend a hand, and we will be there.

Back To The Abacos

November was a travel month, traveling from our home port in Brunswick, GA to enjoy our eighth year in the Bahamas. This year we averaged approximately fifty miles a day and enjoyed our favorite stops along the way. Particularly enjoyable, Romer and Sue Schwenk, of Vancouver Island, BC, stopped to visit us in Vero Beach. Former cruisers themselves, they recently purchased a fifth-wheel RV and were enjoying a land-based trip across Canada and the US. And, Dixie and John Reese, friends formerly from Atlanta, visited aboard Sea Island Girl, for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Early December, following a brief stay at Old Port Cove Marina in North Palm Beach, we departed early, across the Gulfstream, for West End Settlement on Grand Bahama Island. Our friend, Don Smith, whom we have over the years enjoyed so many fun times on the water, had driven from Atlanta and joined us for the trip to the Abacos. Having Don aboard was a breath of fresh. We alternated time at the helm, and the crew would arrive at our destination each day well rested.

Coming down from the north, as we approached the Sea of Abaco, the forecast had called for a shift in the weather. Had we not pushed forward, we would have been “trapped” for several days. With Don’s help, we opted to continue our passage well beyond sundown and after a ninety-five mile day, entered the channel at Green Turtle Cay by spotlight.

The following morning, conditions along The Whale Passage, which can be most treacherous, were favorable to continue around the three mile stretch of desolate cays. We allowed Don to “command the ship” so that he could add The Whale to his cruising accomplishments. He did fine, and the Commodore went below to take a shower and change into clothing, more appropriate for our arrival at Boat Harbour.

Twenty or so of our yacht club friends greeted us as we arrived in splendid fashion and another season has begun for us in Abaco. It’s like home for us here and we hope to share many of the highlights as our travels continue.

An Enjoyable Summer

Well it's about that time again for Sea Island Girl and her crew to pack up and begin our trip south. It has been an enjoyable summer at our home in Atlanta, but the traffic and rush have taken their toll and we are looking forward to another boating season in the Abacos.

During the summer we made several trips to Brunswick, GA, and Brunswick Landing Marina, to work on a few boat projects and at least one unexpected trip to insure that the boat was well secured. Initially hurricane Hannah was taking a direct path toward the Georgia coast, but she veered north as she approached giving the area a well deserved drenching rain, and a few moderately high winds. Fortunately, hurricane IKE took a more southerly trek than initially expected, and the area was spared once again. Unfortunately, the folks in Texas received the brundt of the storm, and for them we are deeply sorry.

Although it would seem to be an easy project, selecting new upholstery proved to be a major undertaking. Serious discussions were had by the crew amid multiple trips to Atlanta area fabric stores before an concensus was reached. In our twenty years, this project truly presented the most discussions and difference of opinion - but it is all over now and you will have to wait until our next post to see the results.

The Captain engaged himself with exchanging a water heater element, new window screens and a satellite weather tracking system. As is normal, the projects are much more complex than they first appear. i.e. no standard heating element would fit so one had to be constructed; there was no supplier for the window screening for the boat, so we had to change material and replace all six; and after upgrading our navigational software for the weather instrument, we learned there is a glitch in the latest version. The latter issue is still being resolved with the help of the head of technology for Raymarine in NH.

The summer has not been ALL work! and our trips to Brunswick have given us plenty of time to visit with our friends from RMHYC whom are staying at our marina. We managed to eat out a few times, but really enjoyed the fresh shrimp and oysters which came directly from the shrimp boats. Several of our friends traveled during the summer to Italy, Peru while others continued to cruise along the Atlantic coast visiting family and friends. These are always fun times, and our club members have become members of our extended family - good thing, we spend a lot of time with them!

One of the couples in our group, enjoyed a trip that I have often longed for. They cruised by the Statue of Liberty! One of these days we hope to make that trip, as we have heard so many wonderful stories. We cannot close without sharing a final picture that we received and hope you can imagine how wonderful it must have been.

A New Arrival

Sea Island Girl had been the only North Pacific Yacht on the east coast for the longest time, but this year things changed when Jim and Trish Riordan brought hull#14 to the Abacos. It was a fun time to get together with them and compare notes, swap tales and fellowship.

Jim and Trish had traveled some miles before coming to the Bahamas and he had developed an interesting method of keeping track of his fuel usage, which he shared with us. With fuel prices being what they are ($5.11/gal) it has become increasingly important to accurately measure how much is on board. His technique was most helpful and as we continued our travels, it turned out to be most accurate.

We visited them at Harbour View Marina in Marsh Harbour and noticed some slight changes had been made to the boats. It was mentioned that another NP43 will be joining us during the 2008-2009 season, which we both anticipate seeing.

It was soon time for us to be returning to the US. After a series of good-bye get together's and dinners we said good-bye to our newly acquired friends and anticipated a smooth crossing back to Florida. Unfortunately for us, The Whale Passage, which is a very short trip around a reef north of Guana Cay, was somewhat unsettled. We never anticipated the rage conditions and soon found ourselves "testing" our boat and her crew. Eight to ten foot seas had the boat surfing about for about an hour. Despite these conditions, Sea Island Girl managed better than the crew.

It turned out to be another learning opportunity for us and it will help in the future. No real damage done (only Maggie's bowl), but when we arrived in Green Turtle Cay we witnessed first hand the things that can happen.

The balance of our trip was uneventful. We stopped one night on anchor in Great Sale Cay, then had another evening on Grand Bahama Island at Old Bahama
Bay Marina. The following morning conditions were perfect and we made way to Fort Pierce, FL , some 82 miles across the Gulfstream in record time.

We soon sent pictures to Jim and Trish and suggested that they be a little smarter than we were when they begin their return.

It is always fun to see a North Pacific when we are traveling, and we especially enjoyed spending time with the Riordan's during our stay in the Bahamas.

Back In School

Back then (and we won't mention when that was) the gang used to hang out at The Varsity, in downtown Atlanta. The car hops were the best, but none looked as good as Wilma and they certainly didn't wear roller skates.

Our yacht club had a Sock Hop in February and it was a highlight of the cruising season in the Bahamas. We were tired of "island" music and wanted to hear some of those tunes of the 50's and 60's. Ray Vallerie, one of our "youngest at heart," had captured just about any song you can think of on his itunes and he served as our disc jockey.

Everyone got into the act with their costumes. There were poodle skirts, nerds, cool dudes and even a guest appearance or two. The dance floor was full and the decorations help to make it an evening to remember.

Speaking of guest appearances, we should let you in on a little secret....Anna Nichole was not the only celebrity living in the Bahamas.
It was a special performance by Elvis himself. By invitation, the King himself was flown into the Abacos to woo the crowd with a few of his memorable hits.

As it turned out, the autographed, perspiration soaked scarfs were even more popular than the center pieces created for the occasion.

All in all it was another grand evening, and when Good Night Sweetheart boomed over the sound system, just after The Tennessee Waltz, our group of tired seniors paraded back to their respective boats to rest their backs and get some well deserved shut-eye.

It is amazing how these parties come to pass. An idea is created and a host of volunteers pull it all together for the enjoyment of everyone. What a great group of friends they have been.

Our Trusted Crew Member

As you can see, Maggie is adjusting once again to our live aboard lifestyle here in the Bahamas. It represents her seventh extended cruise - not too bad for a stray pup found on the streets of downtown Atlanta.

She was a master at handling the companionway stairs on Gypsy Common, and it is fun to watch her now as she descends the steps of the new boat. She puts her two front legs down a step, turns a little side ways and then follows with her rear legs. It's almost a hopping action and she seems very sure of herself as she moves around the boat. Maggie loves being where ever we are, and makes the trip many times a day.

Being the ever present watch dog, she loves lying in the shade, occasionally unsettled by a passing dog or cat. Following her "attack" response, she settles back and watches every thing and everybody in the marina.

Maggie is comfortable with her treks around Abaco Beach Resort. She has some favorite trees, and rest stops, and always enjoys being petted by friends and staff members. When we are away from the boat she retires to her favorite spot on board at the foot of our bed.

Having Maggie travel with us has been an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Now that she is thirteen years old, we cherish the time we have had together.

Visitors To Abaco

It's always fun having friends visit with us when we are traveling, and recently one of our good friends, Don Smith finally made it down to Abaco for a few days. He is a sailor and long time friend from Atlanta and was easy to have aboard Sea Island Girl.



Carolyn greeted Don with her world famous fried chicken. He has been trying to duplicate it during his periodic visits to Africa and got a first hand lesson on her technique. For a girl from the North, she really does surprise a lot of people.




This was Don's first opportunity to see the boat, although he was around us when all the planning and preparations for our trip was going on. We were able to take him around to several of the surrounding islands, where everyone dined on the fresh fish of the Bahamas and had a few Kalik beers as well.





One special treat for us was taking Don to Man O War, a long-time favorite cay. We were able to introduce him to the many friends that we have made over the years, and gave him a tour of the entire island via golf cart. He seemed particularly impressed with the history of boatbuilding in the area and before we left Man O War we had an opportunity to witness just how proud the residents are of their heritage.


A forty-foot sailing vessel, Malolo II, was one of only two wooden pleasure boats built by Edwin Albury some forty years ago. After twenty five years and multiple owners in and around the Abacos, she had been taken north to Boothbay Harbor, Maine. Ray and Donna Howard, a Canadian couple, discovered Malolo lying in a field, learned her history and decided to take her back to Nova Scotia following some repairs.




To fully celebrate her fine construction, and the pride of those on Man O War, the couple

decided to take her back to the Bahamas once she was found seaworthy. So, while we were visiting the area one local boatyard worker commented, "Malolo's come home."

Such a refreshing ending to a story that started many years ago. We were able to visit with several people that had either helped to build Malolo, or had sailed on her from the Bahamas up to Cape Cod. It was a thrilling experience for the islanders to see her again, and we were glad that we had an opportunity to share in the historical return during our visit to Man O War.

It was good having Don with us. He had sailed his boat in the Caribbean 1500 some years ago from Virginia to the British Virgin Islands, and having an experienced visitor was most helpful.

We have some other friends and family coming down while we are here, and hope that they too can enjoy the beauty of these islands.

Another Abaco Year

Our first month in Abaco has been busy. First, we had the getting settled period i.e. securing our lines at Boat Harbour Marina, meeting all the new folks on the dock and then there were a few RMHYC responsibilities to involve ourselves. While several folks returned home for the holidays, some had family and friends visit them in Marsh Harbour and everyone seemed to enjoy the Bahamian Holiday Festivals and an occasional Junkanoo. Couples managed to get together with cruising friends Christmas Day to share a ham or turkey with all the trimmings.

Just before Christmas we had an unexpected guest aboard. A young lady had flown into Marsh Harbour to meet her husband who was sailing from Wilmington, NC to meet her. Unfortunately he was delayed, out in the Atlantic, due to a storm and was several days overdue. When we learned of the circumstances, we welcomed Suzanne to stay aboard Sea Island Girl. She was rather tough for a couple of days but we decided to report their boat as missing to the USCG. As it turned out, the husband was located a short distance from Marsh Harbour and they were safely re-united. If interested, we can email the details or you can read the story in the Lakeside News.

Now that the New Year has arrived, the yacht club activities will be on the rise. We have a chili cook-off and a sock-hop scheduled, and our big annual event is the Commodore’s Ball in February. This year it will be a “black and white” ball and everyone tends to dress in their best resort wear i.e. dress or coat for some, shorts for others.

Carolyn begins her volunteer work at Every Child Counts later this week. She will have a class of seventeen, and has been assigned an aide to assist with her art projects and activities. ECC is a valuable resource here in the Abaco’s and it is supported in total by donations. As for the Captain, he has already had three articles published in the Abaconian, the only local newspaper, and stays busy walking the docks and being the consummate Commodore, politician and problem solver.

We hope to have many more exciting things to report in the near future, so stand-by!

Preparation Begins

It is about time to get back out on the water again, and the summer has given us an opportunity to add a few conveniences to Sea Island Girl and to complete several projects.

During our travel last year we noticed that in high seas, our tv attempted to "waddle" atop the refrigerator despite the clever tie down mechanisms that were installed to hold it in place. So, we opted to install a 20" flat screen unit and fits nicely above the passageway going below. It is out of the way, gives us more room for storage and the HD feature adds to the enjoyment. We have the option of using dockside cable or satellite reception for catching up on the weather, news and watching our favorite programming.

Our in-house decorator has made some wonderful changes to the interior. New area rugs, lamps and pillows. Next year we anticipate updating the upholstery and this years additions will fit in nicely to the overall plan.

The Corian counter-tops were polished up in both the galley and the head as the hard water used in and around marinas tends to leave waterspots. An Atlanta cabinet-maker offered some very helpful suggestions and we are about ready to move back aboard for another trip to the Abacos.

Being the Commodore of the Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club has given us an opportunity to remain in touch with a lot of our cruising friends during the summer months. Everyone seems busy visiting friends and family, but most are looking forward to being back together in the Fall. We have had several RMHYC members staying at Brunswick Landing Marina this summer and others have passed through in route to their home ports, so it has been an enjoyable summer.

Our plans are to depart Brunswick early November 07 , stopping in several of our favorite spots along our southern passage and to await fair weather in Palm Beach, FL for the best time to cross the Gulfstream and make our way to Abaco Beach Resort in Marsh Harbour.

As always we will highlight our cruising activities and encourage emails from our friends and family.

Senior Sock Hop (sic)

To escape from the March winds, two hundred or so members of the Royal Marsh Harbour YC gathered in the tent at Abaco Beach Resort to remember their younger years. Most of us still had some of those "old" clothes lying around while others had to search to find something that looked original. The girls shown here in their Poodle skirts went all out to make the evening a festive one and the decorations made everyone think they were back in Philly and their favorite "malt shop."

Jim Fenn a.k.a. Dick Clark did a great job of handling special requests, and the telephone call in comments as everyone danced to the music of the 50s & 60s. As it turns out "Shout" was a big hit and the evening would not have been complete without a final dance to "Goodnight Sweetheart."

It was another night to remember in Marsh Harbour.

Commodore's Ball 2007

Cruising is not all work and no play...and that was evident at this years Commodore Ball at the Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club. The Club had their annual event at the Abaco Beach Resort to welcome the incoming Commodore. It was a festive evening and everyone seemed to have fun.

Activities included a delicious dinner followed by dancing, well into the evening hours. But a highlight of the evening was a "roast" of the Commodore by some special friends. As it turned out the evenings activities were interrupted for the purpose of an "emergency meeting." The intent of the group was to propose that an interpreter be appointed to help members translate the "southernisms" pronounced by the incoming Commodore. The motion was accepted and a member brandishing a very strong Scottish brogue was appointed interpreter.

The Commodore's Ball is the highlight of the winter cruising season and fun was had by all.

The RMHYC has become the focal point of all social activities for those cruising the Abacos and we currently have more than one thousand members worldwide. Should you have an interest in cruising the Abacos or learning more about the activities of our club, you may wish to refer to our website at RMHYC.com .

Pirates of the Abacos

Yarrr! The pirates came alive in the Abacos when the Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club had their Feb. get together. The afternoon events included a treasure hunt, a costume contest and a most interesting ditty competition. There were approx. 175 members present and it was wonderful to see how many new members participated in the planning, coordination and execution of the evenings activities.
Our friend, shown here, was prepared by Karen and Steve O'Brien aboard "Christmas". The decorations, complete with palm frawns help to set the mood. The evenings activities were concluded with a festive buffet and plenty of grog.
It is truly amazing how everyone got into the mood and participated in each portion of the afternoon's activities. The event promises to become an annual celebration. 

Food For Cruising

If more than four cruisers gather, there's bound to be a pot-luck! It is a fun way to get everyone together and the ladies can usually forget preparing a dinner. This particular event at Boat Harbour was a lot of fun. Our yacht club members staying in Boat Harbour have grown so large that we are now filling multiple docks.
The first dock was Dock 5 and they were so proud that they erected a sign "5th Avenue". Well this party was to celebrate Dock 4's contribution as they erected another sign reading "Rodeo Drive." There were a few remarks like, "where are the cowboys" and "where did you leave the horses" but it was wholesome entertainment for everyone to enjoy. You can tell by looking at the food that none of us go hungry and we try to get together at least once a week.
Our friend Henry aboard "Oh Henry II" brought a karaoke machine and has hosted several get togethers on his dock. We do have some rather talented individuals and everyone enjoys the night air.
The weather has been wonderful thus far (only two cold fronts) and now as we move into the most active month of the winter season we should have much more to report. So stay tune! 

A Break In The Holiday's

Sea Island Girl is resting nicely in Boat Harbour Marina, Marsh Harbour, Abaco. Her Captain is in Atlanta, alone and in a wheelchair!

Stupid I guess, but he fell while climbing aboard the boat following the Royal Marsh Harbour YC Christmas Party. It was one of those "low tide" nights and it seems the fixed docks create all sorts of boarding opportunities. This night had him stepping down onto the coaming, opening the boarding gate, stepping onto a utility ladder and then into the cockpit. Well it was the utility ladder that slipped out from under him!

After a trip to Dr. Binard and the Abaco Family Medical Clinic the following morning it was confirmed the fibula was broken and the recommendation was for him to return to Atlanta for treatment. Two members of the club escorted him to Miami via American Airlines using a wheelchair borrowed from the Abaco Beach Resort. Everyone should try a full body search in a wheelchair going through customs...a real trip. They obsconded his shaving cream and someone suggested he looked like "Captain Dan" from Forrest Gump by the time he got to Atlanta.

Anyway, the prognosis looks good following a visit to the Atlanta orthopedic doctor. Plans are to retake xrays in a week and if all looks good to get him back on Sea Island Girl before Christmas. Will have some pictures later.

It's The Bahama's

December 2 was the magical day when Sea Island Girl made her first trek across the Atlantic to Grand Bahama Island and the Old Bahama Bay Resort. The crossing, though a little bumpy, was enjoyable in the company of Magnum Opus and Jaftica 2 following several days together in Old Port Cove Marina in North Palm Beach, FL.

Our North Pacific 42 performed beautifully as she maintained 9.5kts cutting through the 3-4ft waves. The crew was comfortable during the entire passage and all systems performed as anticipated. After-all she was built for the Pacific Northwest.

Bob Krimm, and the staff at Old Bahama Bay hosted their Croon To The Moon full moon celebration that evening and as usual it was a fun time for all. The resort continues to make improvements each year after suffering from the devastating hurricanes of two years ago.

By carefully planning our exit, we made way the following day for Hawksbill Cay and anchored for the night. Bob and Rita, hosted a fun get together aboard Magnum Opus that evening. While the others departed early the next morning in hopes of making Marsh Harbour, our crew slept in and enjoyed three days in Green Turtle Cay, just north of Whale Cay. New Providence, the township on Green Turtle is always an enjoyable stop and this year we enjoyed friends aboard the vessels Two By Sea, Orient Express and Soleil.

On the 8th we had a brief weather window in the morning that permitted passage around Whale Cay. Rolling beam waves gave us a little excitement during the passage but once we turned toward the Sea of Abaco we had a comfortable three hours down to Boat Harbour Marina, on the southside of Marsh Harbour.

With air horns blowing and a crowd of dock hands standing by, our crew docked Sea Island Girl (stern in we should add) on Dock 4 which will be our base for this years Bahamian season. It sure felt good to be home among our friends and the Royal Marsh Harbour Yacht Club. And while some are yet to arrive we are anticipating another fun filled time. 

Yes, We've Arrived

Following almost a month of watching the weather forecast and looking out for hurricanes, Sea Island Girl successfully made it to Ft. Lauderdale and was unloaded from the PAC Adara safely. Al Ressa, our friend from Lake Lanier, assisted in the process by accompanying Robert and getting the boat moved safely into the Hollywood Municipal Marina just south of Port Everglades.
A number of projects were planned and completed: bimini and air conditioning. It took a month to line everyone up but things are completed and she looks great!
We have now moved north enjoying a couple of days in Lake Worth, near West Palm and was pleased to know that we could transit most of the 20 bridges without having to stop for a bridge opening. Following a brief stay we moved on to Vero Beach and are enjoying the company of many of our fellow cruisers whom we plan to be with for the annual Thanksgiving get together at the marina.
It has been enjoyable learning the ropes of power boating and managing the waters of the ICW enroute to our current location. We are anticipating a smooth crossing to Abaco before Christmas and will keep you posted and take plenty of pictures. 

Heading Home

Despite all preparations, our 3pm loading of Sea Island Girl was delayed and we had to leave her tied along side the PAC Atara and catch a float plane to Vancouver. She was sitting rather nicely and we were able to manage a few shots from the air as we took off from Victoria Harbour. We left at 7pm and the freighter left about 9pm for her 19 day trip through the Panama Canal to Ft. Lauderdale.
What a wonderful trip! We tried to share some of the highlights but there were so many exciting things to experience, to see and to learn. In summary, this was a grand opportunity to learn the boat, establish some valuable procedures, and to "test" them in a real life situation. The 14ft. tides, the 6kt. currents and charting unknown territory were all a test of our previous experiences and they proved valuable.
Now back in Atlanta we are catching up on our land-lubber chores, trying to refill the cruising kitty and preparing for our Florida departure. Maggie met us at the airport and has not let us out of her sight since the return. We have a few projects planned for our stay in Florida (bimini, a final departure punch list, and transferring our belongings from storage). We are planning on celebrating a traditional Thanksgiving with our cruising friends in Vero Beach after the chores are complete and will then shortly depart for the Abacos.
We have heard from many of our friends from the RMHYC, even spent time with one couple (Bob and Ellie McCreery)in Canada, whom we subsequently "sold" a North Pacific 42 that is currently in production. We know they are excited and were pleased to welcome them aboard.
For those of you that correspond via email, you will want to note that our address has changed to cruiswils@earthlink.net and you will want to change your address book accordingly.
Here's hoping that everyone had a wonderful summer, and will experience good health and abundantly good and safe cruising as the winter approaches. 

The Sun Is Setting

It has been almost six weeks since we arrived in British Columbia. The weather has been absolutely beautiful and it hasn't rained a single day. But like so many things it must come to an end so we are enjoying the last of several days in the Gulf Islands, just north of the US border.
The North Pacific Yachts rendevous was a big success. There were 14 boats represented during the Labor Day gathering in Victoria. It was quiet impressive to see so many "new" boats and the owners of the company was wonderful hosts. From all indications this will become an annual event, and who knows, we may soon have enough NP owners on the East coast to have a get together on our own side of the world. Now that will be exciting.
Yacht Path International, the company responsible for shipping Sea Island Girl to Fort Lauderdale has been in contact via email on a daily basis. The staff has been very helpful and the loading of the boat is the last hurdle for us. The trip through the Panama Canal is expected to take twenty days and we cannot wait to be back on the boat in Florida.
Canadians have been extremely warm and most helpful. They are a fun-loving, outdoor oriented group and certainly enjoy the warmth of the summer months. We will miss them.
The sunset shown was taken near Ganges, on Saltspring Island, just east of Vancouver Island. A beautiful evening for certain. 

Jedediah Island, BC

There's alot of history along the coast of BC. The First Nation tribes maintain indian reservations in many of the areas even today. Fishing is big business as can be witnessed by the traps sprinkled across the Strait of Georgia, or the Malaspina Strait and the mixed heritage seems to all go back to the outdoors.
Jedediah Island is an example. A small island, with several coves and inlets, deep forests and on the eastern shore a former homestead recently donated to the Marine Park Service. Here you will find a few wandering sheep and goats, apple and pear trees full of fruit and trees reminding those hiking along the trails of the Redwood Forests of California. There are no facilities or staff to monitor ones activities, as the people here in British Columbia savor their summer times outtings so much tthat hey never leave a trace .
After saying that, upon close observation, we discovered Clue #5 left by a Nora Jones under the skull as part of a scavenger hunt she was having with some of her friends. As we exited the area after several hours we noticed the Clue had been removed. 

Oooh Canada!

Words cannot describe the majesty and the beauty among the islands of British Columbia. Each inlet and cove seems to have its' own personality, offering something new to explore and experience. The calm and stillness was only enhanced by the clear blue skies, mild temperatures and the absence of humidity.
The mornings tended to become my favorite. With a fresh cup of coffee you can witness seals splashing about, or bald eagles soaring overhead and there was nothing to disturb the calm.
Desolation Sound is a popular destination. A few Americans, mostly Canadians and the boats were of every size, shape and configurations - all were extremely well maintained. Everyone seemed to have a kayak, and a dog; if not, they carried prawn traps, and were well equipped for crabbing or fishing. West Canadians are a healthy lot for sure, and they savor every opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.
Our friends Romer and Susan Shewchuk, now living on Vancouver Island, were our tour guides in and around Desolation Sound. Susan did the trip planning while Romer set the prawn trap, and while anchored at Prideaux Haven we dined on fresh prawns and toured several of the coves by dinghy.
After a few nights we have become more comfortable with deep water anchoring. Thus far we have managed 75 ft. ,without a stern tie, and were pleased we marked the anchor chain ahead of time. Plans are to move on to Vancouver Island and visit Schooner Cove, home of Romer & Sue's yacht club just north of Nanaimo and Nanoose Bay.
Our Victoria shipping date has been delayed a little, but how can anyone complain about that!
Until next time.