We reluctantly left Montague Harbour and headed north to Thetis Island, Preedy Harbour.  We were basically the only boat anchored there, the other two were derelicts.  It was a really hot day and after getting the anchor set we jumped in for a swim – the water was a refreshing and comfortable 72 degrees!  We had a nice evening but got up early the next morning as we were heading for the Gabrioa Island Pass and needed to arrive at the right time to pass through with relatively little current.  We got through the pass fine, although we hit a log right beforehand – there are a lot of runaway logs up here.  No damage done.

We decided to spend the night in a little cove called Dog Fish, right outside of the pass.  We set the anchor in lovely conditions – warm, light wind.  We had lunch and took a dinghy trip to the beach, where a family of geese was having a battle of wills with a racoon.  We waded and Charlie swam and ran on the beach – he was in heaven! When the evening came the wind picked up and tossed us around a bit during the night.  Our anchor was holding so there wasn’t any danger, but it was a bit uncomfortable.  I have to admit that I hadn’t checked the weather.  It had been so calm and warm, I just didn’t think about it.  The next morning we needed to cross the Strait of Georgia to get to Vancouver and meet up with Amy and Michelle.  We set out at about 9 am and had 20-30 knots of wind during our crossing – it was a little rough and challenging, but the crew managed splendidly.

We’ve been staying the last several days at Vancouver Rowing Club in Coal Harbour, which is in downtown Vancouver.  It’s a great spot, right next to Stanley Park.  We arrived on Canada Day, July 1st, and we met up with Michelle and Amy a little while later.  They had been on a week-long road trip that culminated in a Vancouver visit.  We celebrated Canada Day by having  BBQ with our Vancouver friends and enjoying the fireworks over the bay – felt just like the 4th!

We had a great visit with Amy and MIchelle, did some touring of the City.  Yesterday morning I drove them down to Bellingham to fly home – a short but sweet visit.  Now Ralph and I are preparing to cross the Strait again tomorrow and head back to the islands.  My nephew Noah will arrive in a few days for a 10-day cruise! We are excited to have him.

1st of July (aka Canada Day) fireworks

Smoke on the water – forest fires raging in BC

Fun dinners on board!

Love this

Got to check “photo with a Mountie” off the list!

Had delicious fish & chips in Steveston

Dock at Vancouver Rowing Club

Charlie swimming at Dog Fish

Toga anchored at Dog Fish

Moonshine at Preedy Harbour

Anchored at Preedy Harbour

Spotted an eagle at Princess Harbour

Hazy sky filled with ash clouds

Granville Island wonderfulness

Amy & Michelle trying on Canada hats for me

Hanging out on board, playing Trivial Pursuit

Moonrise over Vancouver

Going to a party by boat!

Beach at low tide – Dog Fish