Aug 20-22, 2010
When I lived in Victoria in the '70s, Butchart Gardens was a place I often visited and a destination I had greatly anticipated visiting once I had a boat. I imagined what it would be like to anchor at Butchart Cove and then go through the "marine" entrance to the gardens. It is a lovely attraction and so an August weekend arrived which seemed optimal for such a cruise. Soon, Rosa would be returning to work and our short summer was nearly over.
The old cabin
Our first stop was Port Browning where we tucked in close to shore and threw the hook over the bow. After a snack we inflated our dinghy and went out for a paddle. We soon encountered Ron who lives there and was rowing out to check his boat at its mooring. We first talked about R21s as there is one docked at the Port Browning Marina and another in near-by Lyall Harbour. Then we exchanged information about where we live and Ron told us that his family home had been around for nearly 100 years. When my wife drew attention to the pretty cabin next to his house, he told us the story of his uncle who, coming home from the war, built it in 1946. Apparently he had dramatic nightmares which disturbed the rest of the family. So it was that he built the little cabin to sleep in and not disturb the family. After supper we too went to sleep and enjoyed a slumber undisturbed by any stressors. What boating should be like, after all.
Pender Canal/Shark Cove
Next morning, I weighed anchor while the mate slept. We had left a crab trap out and wanted to retrieve it before venturing onward. As luck would have it, there was nothing in it although the bait was entirely gone. There is a defect that enables the crabs to jimmy the door open and leave. We then headed for Pender Canal (copyright 2004 by kimqtpie). On approach, we heard Karma call a securité that nine boats were north-bound through the canal. Imagine my surprise. I had no idea of their whereabouts, although I did know that a cruise to Desolation Sound was underway. My wife was very impressed by the attention we got in terms of waves and toots of the horn from this impressive flotilla.
It had not been possible for the Port Nut to undertake this trip. First, Rosa was due to return to work on the coming Monday, and secondly, this was a sea trial following a repair to the Port Nut after its rudder had seized up.
It had not been possible for the Port Nut to undertake this trip. First, Rosa was due to return to work on the coming Monday, and secondly, this was a sea trial following a repair to the Port Nut after its rudder had seized up.