June 13, 2016 HOWE SOUND

JUNE 13, 2016    HOWE SOUND

Our departure had been delayed about a week due to repairs needed on our harbor boat motor. The extra time at our home marina was spent painting rails and decks and visiting with our fellow boat dwellers. When planning to shove off yesterday, we held out for what we hoped would be a calm slack tide, but by three o’clock, we had to agree with Ron, “It was as good as it was going to get.”

Luckily, our boat neighbor, Steve, as well as Ron were there to help us maneuver out of a tight spot with winds and active currents. Those annoying winds were continually blowing us back to dock!  Much time was spent strategizing and rethinking our many attempts. Finally after 30 minutes of back and forth and sideways, we were blessed with a change in wind direction which pushed us away from the dock and we were free at last! Hallelujah! It is always exciting when departing and returning to our dock. We have to nose in and out behind the breakwater and avoid the stately Ocean Cape docked behind us. David does such a great job and stays calm…not always the case with his first mate!

                    Our friend, Lynne, always makes sure we have our chocolate for the journey.

We had about a four hour cruise to Halkett Bay and had plenty of sunshine left when we anchored around 7:30.  We returned to this bay because the crabbing was so good the last time and there are park trails on shore. My overly anxious hubby wanted to drop the crab pots last night but I couldn’t muster up the energy. This morning we two “Crab Whisperer Wannabes” set out and dropped two pots in what we remember as being lucky spots. Now the waiting game begins. Hopefully, the yummy salmon that our friend, Ronnie, gave us and our frozen chicken will be appealing menu attractions.

Noticed on our little crab pot mission that we had left three fenders dangling off the side of our boat all the way here. Not good form in the boating world…rather sloppy.  I didn’t do my complete walk around check upon departure…sure glad we aren’t keeping score. I am sure the multiple tug boats along the North Arm of the Fraser River were amused by we “Silly Yanks”. 

After waiting just 3 hours, David couldn’t wait any longer to check the crab pots. We pulled up 13 but only 2 were keepers so dropped them again for a later check. There will be crab tonight!

                                                         Our stowaway baby sea serpent!

Decided to motor on over to the park dock and take a walk through the woods. We trekked along muddy paths bordered by mammoth ferns (sword ferns?) among groves of oak and cedar just to name a few. It began to rain but under the canopy of the trees, we never felt a drop. The sound of the rain falling all around us and over tree tops was quite magical, actually. We often stopped to gaze upward and just listen.

                                                                Our leafy umbrella

                                                                    Follow me

                                                                     Fern Garden

                                                   Tree growing out of a stump

Came back to the boat and treated ourselves to a slice of David’s apple pie. His best ever! My man can bake!

                                                     

                                                    A huge otter guarded our dinghy.

                                                                    Darn! Not ready yet!

On a serious note, we left for our cruise under the shadow of the horrific violence in Orlando, Florida. We usually welcome the fact that while cruising we are, for the most part, disconnected from the news and can remain in our peaceful “bubble” without constant reminders of a troubled world.  However, this senseless act is one that rips through our thoughts and our hearts ache for the families who are dealing with the cruel and sudden loss or injury of a loved one. Events such as this have happened far too often in our country…ENOUGH!  Hate must not win. Nothing is too big for the force of love…so, my friends, love generously, care deeply and speak kindly. It can’t hurt.