We met Anne and Henri of Ariel X at Pender Harbour and spent the next 10 days getting an expert tour of the Desolation Sound Area and learning to use our prawn trap. After Anne and Henri went back to Vancouver we met up with Nancy and Phill of Forever Young and they showed us some of their favorite spots. For the last week we have been on our own, exploring more coves and bays. The last couple of days we have had some pretty severe weather but we are safely anchored, waiting for the storm to pass.

Now, for a little history: This area was named by English explorer Captain George Vancouver in 1792. He was tasked with surveying and charting the west coast from the Strait of Juan de Fuca to Alaska. Although this area is extraordinarily beautiful, with soaring peaks, fjords and much wild life, George is quoted as saying “there was not a single prospect that was pleasing to the eye” – the old beauty is in the eye of the beholder thing, I suppose. Vancouver died at 40 of an unspecified disease, but he must have been supremely depressed to come away from here with that impression.

This area is largely undeveloped, although very popular with boaters. One very odd thing is that the water in the area is much warmer than southern waters. While we have been here it has varied from low 60s to low 70s. We’ve done a lot of swimming here, and we are having such a great time. It is truly a gorgeous area. The photos can’t do it justice, but I’ll let them tell the story. We are planning to head south in a few days, working our way back to Vancouver to get read to put Toga away for winter.