We left Shoal Bay after a very wonderful 2 days and headed towards Campbell River. It was like homecoming week. The people we had met last year had not forgotten us! I am not sure why we leave such an impression where we go. Could it be we talk to everyone! We were invited by Doug to go to the Quinny ( a 100 yr old bar) that was having a jam session and it was a great time. We were invited out for dinner at Sharon and Ernie’s home. Ernie took Sharon and me out halibut fishing. I caught cod (5). Ernie, Doug and Ken went fishing a whole day. They limited out on salmon. They had a blast.
We spent a week in Campbell River. We walked and walked for exercise. It had been a long time since we could really stretch our legs. This will be a subject we need to address when we our on a long trip. I have a pilate book but I am not to sure if I can convince Ken that Yoga does come next.
We continued on to Grace Harbour. We are spending a week here then heading back to Campbell River to pick up a new mattress for the bed.
We keep channel 16 on the VHF on at all times. This has become a practice after our incident with Ken’s father a few years ago. A Pan Pan was issued for a sinking sail boat in Grace Harbour behind Jean Island. No one else was answering so the retired firefighter and myself jumped into the dink with our hand held and headed out. The sail boaters had broke a prop or sheared the shaft and where bringing on water. They had a hand pump but were not able to keep up. We waited until the Coast Guard then made a departure. I am not sure we were of any help but they didn’t feel alone and could have gotten into the dinghy if need be.
Grace Harbour has an abandoned Indian Reserve with old apple, prune and blackberries. I feel like a pioneer, picking, smoking, canning etc. Freezers are full, cupboards are full. We must be retired and getting frugal (cheap) .We are saving those pennies. We have never eaten so well, fresh fruit, vegetables and seafood galore. This is not as easy as you might think with the thought of Black bears in the area.
At he head of Grace Harbour is a forest trail that leads to a nearby lake. There’s a grassy clearing and some wide flat rocks providing access to the water.
The nights are becoming cooler and the trees are just starting to turn colour.
Last night we set the alarm clock for 0200 hr to watch the total eclipse of the moon. Just the night before the full moon was so bright.
We will be spending the next 3 weeks in the Desolation Sound / Discovery Islands area. We are in and out of cell range. We are definitely back in civilization. The anchorages are full and stern tying is a common practice. We tend to just drop the hook and spin. The water temperatures are warmer and it is not uncommon to see people swimming off their boats. Persons would only attempt when necessary up North. (Ken donned 2 wet suits in 51 degree water to untangle the dinghy rope around the prop)
Until the next post.