Cruising on the MV Lillian Belle: Restless Winds Minstrel Island

Crab pots waiting to be collected at Minstrel Island

RESTLESS WINDS

Last night still tethered to the Public Dock on Minstrel Island, we could hear the rumble of the wind across the water before it slammed into our boat…all night long. We were so grateful to be attached to a dock. The northwesterly wind which was forecasted turned into a southerly blast for us. Gale force winds are predicted to continue throughout the entire weekend. We are planning to leave for Port Elizabeth tomorrow which is only 10 nautical miles away at the mouth of Knight Inlet. Hopefully, we will find good protection.

David wanted very much to take the trail on the island, and I didn’t want him to go alone. I got my metal can filled with coins… perfect for my bear repellent rattle and David was armed with our air horn…so off we went for our two hour walkabout. We followed a logging road for a time and then found a narrow trail with lush growth of unknown berries, hollyhocks, and gorgeous purple flowers yet to be identified. This path just lead us to the well of one of the neighboring houses. Their generator was operating a water pump…pumping water from their well to a holding tank. We turned around so we wouldn’t trespass and explored one of the abandoned buildings.

Trying to follow the path

I would have loved to have seen this place in its heyday. We have read that it was the seasoned Fisherman’s “headquarters” for relaxation and camaraderie and the center of activity in The Broughtons at one time. The large building we explored looked like it had been deserted in haste. There were empty boxes scattered about along with furniture, vacuum cleaners, computer parts, small appliances, headboards, mattresses, freezers, washing machines, dryers, ice maker, desks, space heaters, and even some skivvies hanging over a line above the wood burning stove! What a shame to have such a fascinating part of local history just sit and decay, but I can just imagine the cost of having it restored to it’s glory days.

Haven't yet identified these lovely flowers

The fog rolled in slowly over the mountains early in the evening. The winds didn’t pick up until after midnight and then continued into the morning which had not happened before. Usually, the mornings brought calmness. We were going to head out to Port Elizabeth but decided to stay put here for another day and get some staining done and not fight the winds and waves. Having lots of time on this trip gives us much more flexibility which is a luxury.

I am definitely not one to be glued to my computer, ipad or my phone which I rarely have turned on, but not being able to communicate with loved ones back home is a bit disconcerting. I also have my Blog which only has three posts so far in over a month. Whenever and wherever we finally find reliable WiFi, it will take hours to update it, I'm sure.