Pender Harbor Greenbox

It is the SYC tradition to Gather around 5:30 for drinks and pupus (aka hors d'oeuvres) at the Outstations. Look who is enjoying the food!



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"Squished" between the Biggies

Picture doesn't do it justice. We were tied up between two 70' Ocean Alexanders and a 60' Seline. Just the little kid on the block at 40"!!!!!


- fortunately we were at the end with a great view from the stern.



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La Verne's

Across the near bay is a local favorite, La verne's, known for her hamburgers and "real" milkshakes. Rather than dinghy we walked several miles round trip to "justify" truly delicious milkshakes.



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Off for provisions!

- the town of Madera Park (on the BC mainland) is just a 10 minute dinghy ride across the harbor. If we went by car it would be about 10-13 miles! Small grocery, great butcher and liquor store! What more do we need. I forgot also a lady barber that Al has visited before. He decided to pass on this stop and catch her on our return south!



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Garden Bay, Pender Harbor

We are enjoying a few days at the SYC Outstation, Garden Bay. Initially the weather was hot and sunny but yesterday cooler with a little rain. Most areas have a severe water shortage but not here. Al was finally to wash the boat which was thoroughly "crusted" in salt. Washed the laundry and showered ourselves!!!!








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Last night in Nanaimo

On our last night, a lovely summer evening, we went to the Lyons harbor front pavilion, to the Nanaimo Concert Band performance. It was terrific with lots of popular band pieces. The band has existed for over 125 years and had about members.


Two nights before there was an open air movie. The screen was a special giant inflatable with the projector powered by a generator. Movie Big Hero 6! We didn't stay for the movie but looked like fun.


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Silly Boat Race!

This event has been running for 32 years and benefits the Child Development Center. It always occurs the weekend before the famous Nanaimo Bathtub Races. All craft must be made in the morning of the race with only recyclable materials. It was a lovely afternoon so we spent a pleasant afternoon enjoying the festivities.
The Nissan boat looked great on land but didn't last long in the water.





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More "boats"

The winning boat by the Philippine Canadian Society


Clever but not seaworthy!



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Nanaimo Marina

We carefully timed out arrival at Dodd Narrows so we could traverse at slack water. Quite a few boats were waiting at either side. Protocol is that the skipper radios "securite, securite, securite, this is the 40' sailing vessel Lochearn Laddie preparing to enter Dodd Narrows northbound...." On the north side the tide was beginning to flood and the winds were gusting to almost 30 k. No problem in the passage. Very rocky proceeding to Nanaimo but the LLll did well under the direction of skipper Al. We were so glad to find the calmer winds behind the marina break wall after almost an hour of motoring.
Nanaimo is a busy place and we are happy to be here for a few days relaxing and provisioning.



Dinner at a favorite Mexican spot on the dock...Penny's Palapa!


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Sunset from Ovens Island

The actual setting sun was not as spectacular as the after glow. We are so happy to be here enjoying this beautiful part of North America. Thankfully the wind direction has changed and there is no ash from forest fires that plagued earlier boaters this season.







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Ovens Island

We spent one night at the smallest SYC Outstation, Ovens Island. There were only 3 boats and no services. The winds which were from 15-27k were on the nose all trip so no sailing. The last few hours were against both current and wind and boat did well.







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View south toward Stuart Chanel from Ovens Island

This is a favorite spot of ours.  Behind Al there is a bench and a picnic table where we have had many lovely picnics and family green boxes!



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Otter Bay, N Pender Is., BC

Settled in this quiet marina for two nights. Will go to SYC Outstation, Ovens Island tomorrow.



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Sunset First night on San Juan Island

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Crossing Strait of Juan de Fuca

Got early start to catch outgoing tide. Light rain and calmest seas we have ever seen. At some times SOG (speed over ground) had been 9.8 k which is very fast for the Lochearn Lassie. No rest for the skipper as there are lots of deadheads today.



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Day in Port Towsend

We walked uptown to the wonderful farmers market. Couldn't buy too much as we will cross straits to Canada soon and besides liquor we can't take most produce.





Fellow boaters told us about a super restaurant for dinner, Fountain Cafe. We went there for lunch and it was delicious. I had mussels and clams in pesto wine and Al had Gorgonzola penne with walnuts.


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First Stop Pt Hudson

With an outgoing tide and wind from the south we motored to Pt Townsend in record time, arriving in a little more than 4 hours. Skies were overcast but little wind and mild temp. Along the way we were passed by an aircraft carrier with coast guard escort.


We are settled in at the Pt Hudson Marina for two nights before crossing the Strait of Juan de Fuca on Sunday weather permitting.


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Leaving Seattle

Off we go for two months on the boat.