Canadian Election

We are nearing the date for the Canadian General Election.  I have never taken an election quite as seriously as this one - not because I am more interested in politics than I was previously, but because I see the Country moving further and further to the right.  As we do so, we are giving up what I had taken for granted for so many years.  Whatever happens in this election, God help us.

Back to More Seasonal Weather

We had desiccated to go to Nanaimo for the Labour Day Long Weekend.  Alas, the winds were 33 KNOTS at the sand heads which is the point that the Georgia Strait goes from deep water to shallow.  With flow of tide and current against wind, you can plan on steep short wave seas that is horrendous to blow through.  Knowing what we were failing, and not having a lot of flexibility, we decided that  discretion was the better part of valour and we stayed put.  Just as well as I ended up with th nasty cough and a fever which meant the whole weekend was spent in my bunk.

Howling Wind in Marina

The wind has piped up to 30 knots int eh marina - and this is "Shelter Island" which describes the location.  Out in the open. it's mayhem as can be seen from these posts on VancityBuzz.

Damaged Skytrain Car

Downed Power Lines and Trees

Right now, power is out in the marina and surrounding area.  

Where Did the Summer Go??

ALAS, we are not yet full time cruisers.  We have the most beautiful boat we could i,age, yet we are dockside.  We will get away soon as we begin eh process of winding down professional life and taking to be a retired sailor.

But because we are still dock side, we will talk about and blog about our working lives as well.  You can have a life on the water and work on the  hard.  However, your soul longs for the sea, the sound of water as the boat slides along, the ring of wind int eh rigging, the physics of the disused telling you all is well and you are at peace.  

Sailing Slowly

When we went out earlier this month, I was constantly amazed by the motor yachts running to the next stop.  There seemed to be an essential difference in motive between the motor yacht and the sailing yacht.  The difference is not so much the boat itself, but in the entire of idea of why you are out on the water.  In sailing, you must understand the wind, the tides, the weather and how to take best advantage of all of these to go in the direction you might want to go.  These are not as important when you have power generated by a large diesel engine.

For a sailboat, there is an entirely different idea of getting anywhere.  It is about the trip - not as much about the destination.

Doing 3 Knots and Loving It  

Beautiful Evening in Otter Bay

Anchored in Otter Bay on Pender Island.  Very special sunset last night as we sat in the cockpit.

Looking South Toward Sidney.  

The Large Hill is Salt Spring Island

Looking Toward Prevost Island

A View Across to Otter Bay Marina

The Pender Island Ferry

Some Scenes From This Cruise

Just a few quick shots of the scenes and views from the last couple of weeks on the water.

The Dodger View

In Maple Bay Marina

Some Young People Learning to Sail

A Very Common Sight in the Gulf Islands

Salt Spring Air Coming In to the Dock