Mayne Island

So friends of mine came over from Vancouver to visit me.  We had a great time chatting.  One of the things that we all loved was the public transportation system on the Island.  Because of it I met some really cool people. 

Bedwell to Village Bay, Mayne

Had a lovely sail yesterday from Bedwell Harbor South Pender Island to Village Bay, Mayne Island. Only minimal rowing needed, which is always a great day. Managed to eat most of a bag of cherries.  Nothing like sunshine and ice cold cherries. 

At one point I was passed by the huge private power boat. From over a half mile out he decided I was in the way and decided he had to give me five horns. The funny thing for me was that I am pretty sure that he uses more power in a minute that I use in an entire day. :P

Today I will be exploring Mayne Island. Hitched a ride with a woman that lives on the island here. She is a photographer and painter. The cool thing was that I had picked up an island map that had her photographs in it.

My friends Phil and Shana are coming over on the ferry from Vancouver to have dinner with me. :)  I have promised that I will sail to Vancouver next year so they don't have to ferry to me.  But since they will be on the later ferry I am going exploring.  According to the map there is a produce/farm stand on island.  Time to find out what is in season up here.  Hoping for some berries.   

guests

I had really hoped to be able to share at least a little part of this trip with friends and loved ones. Sadly it is looking like the few guests that I had lined up to come visit are not going to be able to make it for one reason or another. I guess I will have to do it via this blog and pictures. Now, to figure out how to have that hand free to take those pictures. On a more positive note: guess I will have more opportunity to meet new people.

In Canada

Made it to Bedwell Harbor tonight. Lots of strategic rowing since the wind decided it didn't want to play. For my long day's work....a soak in a hot tub and a hot shower. Seriously the simple things are the best. While soaking in the hot tub met two girls. One of whom is a teacher on the west coast on Vancouver island. Going to try and meet up with her in Kyuquot. Seriously need to research what hot springs are accessible to me on the west coast. hot water makes everything better.

Heading to Canada

When I first thought up this little adventure, I had planned one month on the San Juans and Gulf Islands, one month Desolation and Queen Charlotte Strait, and one month on the outside. Needless to say I now realize I need a lot more time for Queen Charlotte Strait and the outside if I am going to even have a chance at completing this.

So I am blowing through the San Juans (only two, maybe three stops).  I will be spending a bit more time in the Gulf Islands but not much more. 

If things go faster than I fear, I plan on heading back to the Islands instead of heading directly home.

Anchoring

I need to cut down on the number of times a day I anchor.  That said, I think pulling up my anchor is even more of a workout than the rowing. 

One of my biggest worries is dragging anchor, especially if I am not on the boat.  The wind has picked up today and so I have been popping out of the boat and checking my placement like a marmot.  If I have dragged, it is only a couple of feet. 

Sailing away into the night.

To catch the tides I needed to leave the dock at 2am.  Needless to say I was a bit sleepy when the time finally came. 

Leaving the dock this time felt different.  All around me were the lights of the city except a small chunk of darkness.  That darkness is where I was headed.  While this is not the first time I have started off into the dark it still unsettled me.  Maybe because I know that I will not be coming back at the end of the weekend or even the week.  There is so much between me and that return.  I know that I will have an amazing time but damn I am still nervous.