New Castle Island, Nanaimo Harbour

Newcastle Island, Nanaimo Harbour

I woke up before David did this morning which is highly unusual. We planned a 6 a.m. departure and after falling out of bed at 6:10, we were still able to lift anchor by 6:30…teamwork!

Our five hour trip across the Stait of Georgia was quite uneventful and that’s how we like it!  We cruised by snow-capped  mountains and one well preserved red bell pepper bobbing in the water…if only I had had a net handy!  Listened to some of our book on tape, and it helped to pleasantly pass the time.

This looks like a great spot for walking paths along the island’s coast with a lovely view of the big city of Nanaimo. There is a very popular Dinghy Dock Pub here on the island that we did not visit last time we were docked in Nanaimo. We’re sure to check it out this time.

                                       Dinghy Dock Pub...great spot!

A very friendly fellow rowed over to us and asked to come aboard.  He was curious about the Belle. He lives in Nanaimo and moors his boat here. Once a commercial fisherman, he has a great appreciation for boats like ours. He was reading about the Belle from a picture we have on our wall, and when he read that she was once called the “Adriatic Wind” he said that he remembered seeing her out fishing years and years ago.  He also laughed when he saw that she was also called “Prosperity” and told us that the fellow who owned her was quite a bully and didn't seem to think rules applied to him. Oh, the stories this boat could tell!

We took our dinghy over to the Dinghy Dock Pub and tried one of their famous hamburgers. We were so pleased that it lived up to the hype.  It’s a great little hang out and is actually built on a float so the ceiling lamps sway with the movement of the waves. Afterward we cruised over to the Newcastle Island Provincial Park.

We have come upon several island Provincial Parks, and they all have a few things in common;  a dinghy dock, a path, at least one picnic table, lush growth and great views…simple pleasures. On Newcastle the park is expansive with facilities to accommodate large groups for camp outs or events.  This evening we strolled along the coastline trail and then hiked up to a beautiful lake.  We came upon grazing deer,

mallard ducks, a crane, Canada geese and a garter snake which slithered across our path. It was the perfect ending to a rather long and sedentary morning. We don’t get to stretch our legs much on the boat so a good long walk was just what our bodies needed…no whining allowed!

                                                Well worth the long walk

                 David standing next to cut stones...grinding stones were cut here.

                       Grinding stones used as part of the landscaping..Nanaimo in background.