What is boating about? The sunrises and sunsets, the scenery, the nature, the abundance of fresh seafood, and most importantly the camaraderie with friends. It has been a pleasure over the years that we have
been able to share with our friends the enjoyment of boating.

We departed Port McNeil and headed to Pearse Island Marine Park. Pearse Islands are a group of ten thickly wooded islands. Underwater visibility is up to 25 feet, so you can see the bottom quite easily. We shared this anchorage with only two other boats. As the story in the picture tells, breathtaking. We had a peaceful night and all slept like babies.

The next morning we woke up early to a heavy fog. Heading out we were forced to have the radar in operation. We were going serious salmon fishing. Swanson Island would be our destination, as it is here that Ken's Aunt,Uncle and cousin's do their salmon fishing. We fished from 0715 hrs - 1030 hrs. Eighteen salmon were caught. The secret, play CCR. The fish were biting as long as CCR played loud. The fog began to lift, and to our starboard side a cruise ship began to appear. It was quite a distance away but we had been in the same position earlier in the morning. Thank goodness for radar! Finally I caught a fish. It wasn't real big, about 12 pounds, but hey it was fun. I still had that Halibut to work towards.

At 1145 hrs the fog engulfed us again. We had to head into Fife Sound . Using the radar to help with our safe navigation we creeped slowly towards our destination Pierre's Marina. Located at Scott Cove.

We arrived just in time for pot luck hors oeuvers. This is an opportunity to meet fellow cruisers and possibly learn a thing or two. We were amongst Americans, being the only Canadians. They were all heading back from Alaska. I can't say we learnt too much. A special dice game was played by all the visitors. The winner receives free moorage. We put Bev forward to play for our boat. She won hands down. Off to bed after learning a lot about Rutland Girls!.

The next morning greeted us with bad news. The owners of the marina came knocking on our boat to inform us that an urgent message sent through the Coast Guard had been received, to phone home. Not news anyone wants to hear. Unfortunately Ken's father had suffered a massive heart attack the night before while mowing the lawn. Our vacation would have to be cut short, and we would have to begin heading towards home. Now we were in the middle of paradise but also in the middle of no where!. We could not leave the boat anywhere as all marinas were full, not to mention no means of transportation other than float planes. The boat was turned south. Once in cell range the phone began ringing. Everyone had been trying to find us. The lesson learnt from this was to leave a float plan. We teach it now we needed to practice it!

We still were able to enjoy the wonderful weather on the trip back tothe marina but a cloud of a different sort was above us. A different type of reflection for Ken.