June 18, 2008 – A good day to catch up

Awakening to the silence of no wind, a patch of blue sky out our large hatch window and feeling refreshed my mind started racing to our TO-DO list for the day. We are now within Canada’s boundaries and according to immigration, here for 42 days, three of which will be here in Sidney. Late this afternoon my eldest daughter Marcee and her husband Jesse will be visiting us. They will be staying at a B & B a couple blocks away. Until then, chores . . .

Monday morning we had returned to Reid Harbor after a delightful weekend visit with my daughter Sunny. Pat made this choice in order that our passage across Haro Strait would be quite short. It was no more than an hour and half. And it was not a smooth voyage; wind – gusts well over 22 mph, current that went every which way, sometimes pushing us along and other times doing the exact opposite. This gave me an opportunity to see what required attention as to securing in a better fashion for future bouncy rides. I’m happy to report that the only cupboard that was shifting more than I cared for was the one holding the dishes. I figured out that from now on, the cloth napkins will work well as a buffer- rather than fill with more dishes! I imagine the racing crew would approve this decision.

We know that school is now out for many children: there are more boats on the waterways and many of them were filled with young children. There was a smaller sailboat approaching the entrance to Reid Harbor as we did. The captain and three small children, guessing that there ages ranged from 6-10 years. They were adorned with bright yellow lifejackets and the excitement in their young voices indicated this place held fond memories for them. We had tied up to a buoy before they did, allowing me the freedom to observe. All three children had placed themselves up at the bow, one with the boat pole while the others used their eyes to instruct the eldest, a girl, appropriately reach out and snag the buoy. I was intrigued; I’ve been feeling pretty smug that I’ve caught that little ring every time – but once – on the first attempt. No, they did not make it as Grandpa approached the buoy from the port side. The buoy worked its way over to the starboard and was working its way back towards mid-ship. Extra arms were waving with fingers extending like Seeing Eye dogs to offer help to the one capturing the ring. By this time Grandpa had made his way up and calmly, took the boat hook and snagged the ring. While he worked on securing the boat for the night’s moorage, the children’s’ voices softly filled the harbor. All our stops thus far have been the quiet of adults, but this sound truly was missing.
Within a short time, all four and their dog were sitting within the inflatable lifeboat, motoring about to access opportunities for future adventures. Directly behind us was a floating moorage dock. The children beckoned their Grandpa to ‘go over there’ so he did. They jumped right out exploring every inch, stretching their legs while their imaginations stretched as well. It wasn’t more than an hour later that they had left the buoy and tied up to the dock. It was a good as reading a book, watching those young children. Before dinner they would climb into an inflatable canoe and paddle over to a rock wall that came down to the water’s edge. The older two would climb out of the boat and squat inside a small cave, looking out. One could almost hear their imaginations as if they were Tom Sawyer or Huck Finn! Hours flew by as they went back and forth to their dock and the caves, sometimes bringing their younger brother. By the time dinner came around, they dropped down into the cabin and we never saw them again. I imagine that they went to sleep fast that night and when we left at seven the next morning were still sleeping soundly. What a great opportunity for these children – doing what all children should; playing outdoors and stretching their bodies as well as their imaginations with discovering. It must have been good for Grandpa too as he kept vigilant on the dock as they paddled about.

I am going to step back in time of Father’s Day weekend. We were guests of Sunny and Justin up in Bellingham. They were perfect hosts seeing to our every need; which wasn’t too much for we are on vacation. My one request was for Sunny to find me a hair stylist that could work me in while we were on solid ground. She did just that and I’m happy to say that the longer hair is gone! It had not taken long for a couple “bad hair” days to bug me. I’ll take my chances that I can find someone to shape it up during the journey or I’ll do it myself. Justin barbequed a sockeye salmon for dinner that was delicious as well as an art piece to look at. Their new home that Justin designed and researched for most everything within is right on the beach of Lummi Bay. Watching the sunset as we completed the evening with good conversations was perfect in every sense. Saturday was a lazy day of exploring the beach in front of their home. When the tide goes out, it leaves an expansive area to explore. Before we went out, tidal pools were filled with flocks of great blue herons, patiently looking for their meal. I don’t believe I have ever seen so many at any one time as were taking their position this day. A couple of eagles soared overhead. It was a showcase of nature at one of her finer moments. The rest of the day was spent stretched out on the deck soaking up sunshine, champagne and friendship. In the evening we had a decadent dinner at the Steak House inside the casino. Justin and Sunny prepared a wonderful Father’s Day breakfast for Pat and I before taking us back to our boat.

Monday morning we got up early to leave the marina before the tide went out too far. (Liberte’s seven foot keel and the minus tide predicate departures and arrivals.) Our passage across Rosario Strait was great. After running the engine to bring the charge back up on the batteries we rolled out the jib to add more oomph as we were going against the tide. The winds were flookie. The main sail and jib went up and down, in and out a couple times before the wind was strong and consistent. Boy did we have a great sail – even against the tide we were driving forward at 6.2 knots or more. Our auto pilot tracked so well that our course was perfect and Pat sat forward using the protection of the dodger from the cold bite of the wind. Can life get any better? Well we could ask for warmer temperatures. Nevertheless, the trip to Reid Harbor was invigorating and fun. Pat is thrilled that the boat is running so well – all systems are working compatibly.

Jumping to Tuesday; we left Reid Harbor by eight AM so that our entry into Canadian waters might take less time; beat others to it. Upon securing Liberte’, it was blowing over 20 mph, which made docking a challenge, we walked up to town to catch a bus. (The young man on the dock was great help and we did it on the first attempt. Actually, a second attempt would not/could not work! ) Pat took me to the Butchart Gardens; my first walk through, believe it or not! We had a magnificent time and yes I took lots of photos of the gardens and individual flowers. Weeds were virtually non-existent thus my instinct of allowing my fingers pull a few did not get itchy. Evening was very low-keyed as the wind howled throughout the marina. Today it is much calmer. And, that brings us to the beginning – doing our chores, but not after a good cup of coffee, a good hot shower and breakfast!