Another perfect weekend

Friday afternoon saw us heading out again...


As to where, well we didn't really know until we left the marina. Don't worry we had double checked the forecast and knew it was going to be nice and calm for days so that knowledge gave us an additional sense of freedom. We thought about heading to the Sunshine Coast but we only had two nights as Laura was staying with a friend, and all of a sudden it seemed like a long way to go (and far from her). The Gulf Islands suited again.



We had been extremely lucky in being able to use the boat every weekend for almost two months but I have to admit to feeling a little pushed that day. I felt worn out and I know John was too, the garden is alot of work, so many trees and flowers to water, the seemingly unending responsibilities of our business, a teenager (I don't need to expand on this one), two dogs, a large extended family, the challenge of trying to compress five business days into four ( so we can use the boat) not to mention boat chores and extra laundry. If this seems like a complaint its not, just some of the reasons we both decided on a quiet and quick getaway.



Anchoring in James Bay on Prevost Island seemed like the perfect solution to me and John agreed. After a calm crossing of the straight, we phoned and cleared Customs, whistled through Active Pass and were there in less than an hour. And it was beautiful! Prevost Island has about six bays for anchoring and James Bay is definitely my favorite. We had gone in there the first time two weeks ago and liked the look of it. Two nice beaches, trails for walking, an old apple orchard abandoned but still bearing fruit, and an amazing view up Trincomali Channel.





James Bay






We anchored in the center of the bay, dinghied to the closest beach to walk Daisy and LouLou, and then settled on board with a very cold glass of Pinot Grigio and a book for me and a frosty beer and a set of binoculars for John.

The parade of passing boats was wonderful, all sizes, shapes, and makes each going in different directions. We truly were anchored at the crossroads of the islands. Upon leaving James Bay one has the choice of four different directions and five different waterways - Trincomali to the north, Swanson Channel and Navy Channel to the south, Active Pass to the East, and Captain Passage to the West. A decision that didn't have to be made until morning. Sunset was beautiful!

Morning arrives and a decision has to be made. Saturday morning, so... Ganges and the market seemed like a perfect choice. After a leisurely walk and breakfast we hauled anchor and headed west to Saltspring Island. We took our time and arrived in Ganges Harbour in about 20 minutes. Our plan was to get dock space at Kanaka wharf, the public wharf right below Thrifty's Food Market, town center.







Ganges Harbour





We circled and circled the inner harbour, but nobody was moving. We waited hopefully, feeling like a car waiting for a parking spot at a shopping mall in mid December. Fortyfive minutes later, we conceded defeat at Kanaka and radio'd Ganges Marina and got a day tie.

We knew we were limited as to where we could go because of the dogs but we were happy to be there.

After buying our supply of curry at Monsoon (and a new recipe to try), a quick look in Mouats and a few other stores we walked back to the marina. We were able to fill our tank again with water, got some more ice and headed out again.

Bedwell Harbour Pender Island seemed like a good decision, we thought we would try and tie up to a mooring buoy but all were taken. ( busy boating season).

Poet's Cove was full but there was plenty of space at their 'breakwater'. I wasn't too keen at first but it turned out to be great. Big wide dock space, the side tie offers more privacy and beautiful views whichever way you looked. We had great neighbours, John and Janice who hail from A dock in Point Roberts Marina. A great couple, we really enjoyed meeting them, they too have heard the rumours that M Dock is 'party dock'.


We walked around Poets, and enjoyed their showers. Susurrus Spa it is wonderful but not for us this time.


Dinghied the dogs to shore a few times, to Poets Cove beaches and we packed to spend the afternoon at Skull Island, (just nw of Poets) soo pretty there.



We headed home, relaxed and rejuvenated. It felt like we'd been gone for a week. How perfect is that?


Kalena