July 16, 2008
Crossing the Straits of Georgia yesterday morning with ‘Nirvana’ close by was OK. Who would complain with heaven by their side? . We left Secret Cove by 7 AM with our new friends from Port Townsend, Shelley and Gaylon, ‘Nirvana’s’ skippers. The water was not bad until we had gone about one quarter of the way. Then it was “lumpy” as the sailors described it on the other side. While on watch, knowing we weren’t alone in that big stretch of water was consoling. Once you are in the middle, you are committed and you have just got to get through it. Boat traffic was light southbound. There were several boats on the east side heading north. They had the wind on their nose while we had it at our back. We were able enjoy a nice sail for two of the four hours it took to reach our destination, Silva Bay on Gabriola Island. It has changed a lot since my stop here last June with my Cruise and Learn adventure and not necessarily for the better.
The best part of the stay was having good company. We knew the skippers of four boats, one of which are members of our yacht club, Buzz and Tish of ‘Prime Meridian’. I love Pat’s company, nevertheless, having the opportunity to share dinnertime with two couples at the café at the top of the dock was wonderful. Swapping stories of anchoring, favorite places to go and a view overlooking Silva Bay will be remembered warmheartedly.
The wind was blowing around 20 mph this morning and we opted to remain at the dock. Everyone else was heading for Telegraph Harbor. I think their goal was to test a banana split that Lee talked about last night; so large that it is more than two can manage! We are going to head over to Chemainus Bay tomorrow. It sounds like there are lots of interesting shops with exterior walls painted with murals and places to tease the sweet tooth .The best feature- good grocery store at the top of the ramp; looking at limp fruits, vegetables, and frozen meat has discouraged my desire to stockpile my pantry. I appreciate the dilemma store owners have in keeping fresh inventory while working with weekly deliveries. It makes one appreciate how spoiled and demanding ‘city slickers’ are when we return to more rustic settings. I do value the efficient refrigerator/freeze and the storage within Liberte’. Next year will be easier with what I have learned this year.
As for recommendations: Pat and I went for a walk after our friends left and checked out the other moorage available at Page’s Marina in Silva Bay. This is where we will stop next year. It is clean, quiet and smaller, our preference. Their laundry and shower facilities are much cleaner and they offer a nice bookstore featuring local authors from the islands. There is a large field of grass, picnic tables and set back from the marina there are cabins to rent. The facilities here at Silva Bay are soiled compared to the standards of what we have used throughout our trip. The employees are less friendly than any other marina; this place would be at the bottom of our rating.
Well it is time to go stretch our legs again and walk over in the other direction and sample another flavor of ice cream on a cone. Life is good, especially when one has a companion that offers me the best opportunities to experience and share things we both appreciate.
Crossing the Straits of Georgia yesterday morning with ‘Nirvana’ close by was OK. Who would complain with heaven by their side? . We left Secret Cove by 7 AM with our new friends from Port Townsend, Shelley and Gaylon, ‘Nirvana’s’ skippers. The water was not bad until we had gone about one quarter of the way. Then it was “lumpy” as the sailors described it on the other side. While on watch, knowing we weren’t alone in that big stretch of water was consoling. Once you are in the middle, you are committed and you have just got to get through it. Boat traffic was light southbound. There were several boats on the east side heading north. They had the wind on their nose while we had it at our back. We were able enjoy a nice sail for two of the four hours it took to reach our destination, Silva Bay on Gabriola Island. It has changed a lot since my stop here last June with my Cruise and Learn adventure and not necessarily for the better.
The best part of the stay was having good company. We knew the skippers of four boats, one of which are members of our yacht club, Buzz and Tish of ‘Prime Meridian’. I love Pat’s company, nevertheless, having the opportunity to share dinnertime with two couples at the café at the top of the dock was wonderful. Swapping stories of anchoring, favorite places to go and a view overlooking Silva Bay will be remembered warmheartedly.
The wind was blowing around 20 mph this morning and we opted to remain at the dock. Everyone else was heading for Telegraph Harbor. I think their goal was to test a banana split that Lee talked about last night; so large that it is more than two can manage! We are going to head over to Chemainus Bay tomorrow. It sounds like there are lots of interesting shops with exterior walls painted with murals and places to tease the sweet tooth .The best feature- good grocery store at the top of the ramp; looking at limp fruits, vegetables, and frozen meat has discouraged my desire to stockpile my pantry. I appreciate the dilemma store owners have in keeping fresh inventory while working with weekly deliveries. It makes one appreciate how spoiled and demanding ‘city slickers’ are when we return to more rustic settings. I do value the efficient refrigerator/freeze and the storage within Liberte’. Next year will be easier with what I have learned this year.
As for recommendations: Pat and I went for a walk after our friends left and checked out the other moorage available at Page’s Marina in Silva Bay. This is where we will stop next year. It is clean, quiet and smaller, our preference. Their laundry and shower facilities are much cleaner and they offer a nice bookstore featuring local authors from the islands. There is a large field of grass, picnic tables and set back from the marina there are cabins to rent. The facilities here at Silva Bay are soiled compared to the standards of what we have used throughout our trip. The employees are less friendly than any other marina; this place would be at the bottom of our rating.
Well it is time to go stretch our legs again and walk over in the other direction and sample another flavor of ice cream on a cone. Life is good, especially when one has a companion that offers me the best opportunities to experience and share things we both appreciate.
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