July 27, 2011 Shearwater, Denny Island
This is our 6th day here; we are waiting out a series of storms here at this friendly dock. Today I use the hose at the fish cleaning station to swamp out Jessie's kitty litter box. Kneeling at the edge of the dock, I fill the empty box with water from the hose, scrub the bottom and dump the water into the chuck, when a sudden movement catches my eye. A harbor seal pops up right next to me, startling me a bit, looking at me with a world of hope and curiosity. I say hello to him, as I realize my splashing near the fish-cleaning area has led him to believe I have some nice, fresh fish offal for him. I inform him that, sadly, I don't have any tasty bits for him. He cocks his head and gives me a reproachful look. Surely no human could disappoint such a face! But I assure him that in fact I have no fish guts on my person, or I would surely share them with such a handsome seal. He coughs with disgust and shoves the water with a front flipper, splashing me, and disappears beneath the surface of the water just as suddenly as he appeared moments ago. Next time, I'll bring something for him! (This little blonde seal was relaxing on the log breakwater when we went out on a dinghy cruise last evening ...)
It isn't raining! This exclamatory remark, loaded down with irony and sarcasm, tells a large chunk of the story of our summer sailing adventure so far. The Northwest coast has been plagued by wave after wave of low pressure systems, bringing storms, rain, cold winds and fog. The grey skies, cold and damp are taking their toll on our spirits. All we want to do is cuddle up on the banquette with blankets and good books, in the light of the brass oil lamp. That said, we have had some wonderful experiences in the 7 weeks we have been out.
July 24 Ocean Falls
This is our 6th day here; we are waiting out a series of storms here at this friendly dock. Today I use the hose at the fish cleaning station to swamp out Jessie's kitty litter box. Kneeling at the edge of the dock, I fill the empty box with water from the hose, scrub the bottom and dump the water into the chuck, when a sudden movement catches my eye. A harbor seal pops up right next to me, startling me a bit, looking at me with a world of hope and curiosity. I say hello to him, as I realize my splashing near the fish-cleaning area has led him to believe I have some nice, fresh fish offal for him. I inform him that, sadly, I don't have any tasty bits for him. He cocks his head and gives me a reproachful look. Surely no human could disappoint such a face! But I assure him that in fact I have no fish guts on my person, or I would surely share them with such a handsome seal. He coughs with disgust and shoves the water with a front flipper, splashing me, and disappears beneath the surface of the water just as suddenly as he appeared moments ago. Next time, I'll bring something for him! (This little blonde seal was relaxing on the log breakwater when we went out on a dinghy cruise last evening ...)July 17 Indian Island
We anchor in a little basin near Takush Harbour, a favorite spot. 
Yesterday we came around Cape Caution, the aptly named point that marks the boundary between the southern and central coast of BC. It is the beginning of a difficult stretch of water that is open to Pacific swells, and can make for an uncomfortable passage. We always time our passage carefully, based on weather and wave height reports, and yesterday's journey was not too bad, (Jessie the Cat, who experienced some seasickness, may dispute this) and we are happy to be safely anchored in a tiny little cove that is almost completely hidden from sight. In the early morning silence, a mink makes its way along the rocky shoreline at low tide. Later, Patrick returns from a fishing expedition, triumphant, bearing a 40" lingcod which we will be dining upon for some time to come. Lingcod is a delicious firm, white fish. The process of cleaning and fileting it was intensely interesting to Jessie the Cat, who just about turned herself inside out winding around our ankles to make sure we knew she was available to assist with those pesky little fish scraps. She loves sushi!
Yesterday we came around Cape Caution, the aptly named point that marks the boundary between the southern and central coast of BC. It is the beginning of a difficult stretch of water that is open to Pacific swells, and can make for an uncomfortable passage. We always time our passage carefully, based on weather and wave height reports, and yesterday's journey was not too bad, (Jessie the Cat, who experienced some seasickness, may dispute this) and we are happy to be safely anchored in a tiny little cove that is almost completely hidden from sight. In the early morning silence, a mink makes its way along the rocky shoreline at low tide. Later, Patrick returns from a fishing expedition, triumphant, bearing a 40" lingcod which we will be dining upon for some time to come. Lingcod is a delicious firm, white fish. The process of cleaning and fileting it was intensely interesting to Jessie the Cat, who just about turned herself inside out winding around our ankles to make sure we knew she was available to assist with those pesky little fish scraps. She loves sushi! July 1 Pierre's at Echo Bay
We always enjoy visiting our friends 
at Pierre's and this year we shared the Canada Day celebration with over 100 other boaters of many nationalities. Prime rib was on the menu, along with baked potatoes, veggies, salad and brownies for dessert. Pierre and Tove Landry really know how to throw a party! Last year our nephews Nate and Sam were with us for this event. We miss them!
at Pierre's and this year we shared the Canada Day celebration with over 100 other boaters of many nationalities. Prime rib was on the menu, along with baked potatoes, veggies, salad and brownies for dessert. Pierre and Tove Landry really know how to throw a party! Last year our nephews Nate and Sam were with us for this event. We miss them!June 29 Claydon Bay
A low tide, a stretch of beach and the promise of beachcombing gets me out of bed early this morning. We layer on the fleece vests, jackets and life preservers, 
top them off with raingear and head to the edge of the forest where we find a young black bear ambling along, turning over boulders to lick up the tasty beach crabs that hide underneath. He takes a look at us, but finds the breakfast buffet spread for him on shore much more interesting. In the mist of the early morning we can hear him crunching the shells of the mussels he is eating. His claws, turning over the barnacled rocks, are huge. A bald eagle in a nearby tree crying it's twittering call over and over. We watch the until the bear disappears back into the forest.
top them off with raingear and head to the edge of the forest where we find a young black bear ambling along, turning over boulders to lick up the tasty beach crabs that hide underneath. He takes a look at us, but finds the breakfast buffet spread for him on shore much more interesting. In the mist of the early morning we can hear him crunching the shells of the mussels he is eating. His claws, turning over the barnacled rocks, are huge. A bald eagle in a nearby tree crying it's twittering call over and over. We watch the until the bear disappears back into the forest. 
