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Finding Summer

8/30/2019

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“I’m too hot.”

I’ve been waiting since spring to say those three little words. I’d planned for it, as did Sarah. We stocked up on cool clothes made from little bits of light fabric. We acquired new hardware like a 12v box fan and a kiddie pool just big enough to soak our feet in.
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Rain Catcher
You see, last year we had learned our lesson well. Oh yes, the weeks of unbearable heat in Desolation Sound would not soon be forgotten. So this spring we set off in shorts and t-shirts, baby pool and spray bottles on standby, ready for the Broughtons and the simmering furnace that (we thought) awaited us.

And we just kept waiting.

As the weeks went by, the weather never really warmed. If anything it got colder. By mid August we had to accept the fact that summer had forgotten to show up.
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Late August. Really. (The bowl collects rainwater.)
Only days ago we sat under the repurposed sun shade (aka rain shade) bundled in sweats and turtleneck sweaters, warm socks and slippers, enjoying the sound of rain as it approached across the water. We are lovers of the cold and damp, but we agreed that if the world ever saw 70 degrees again, we wouldn’t complain.
​

That was in Shoal Bay, where we were preparing to traverse the last set of rapids and say goodbye to a wonderful, albeit cool, summer of cruising the Broughtons.
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Heading south in search of sun. Johnstone Strait.
It’s now three days later and we are firmly embedded in Desolation Sound. The sky is a deep blue, the wind warm and pleasant, and the sun, unobstructed by clouds from sunrise to sunset, is in full force.
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SUN!!!!
We’ve found our summer, and I’m delighted to say “I’m too hot.” Even if only for a week or two. 

Now, where did we stow that sunblock?
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Happy Feet
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Notes From The Quarter Master

8/23/2019

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From guest Blogger, Sarah Gayle!!

One of the big unknowns for us this summer was what food (and water) would be available in the Broughton Archipelago. We decided early that we would not do a run to the mainland like many do, but instead, support local marinas and enjoy whatever was available. Our various cruising guides listed if there was a store, but I wish I had had some additional information.  So, here’s what we found this summer (June 15 - Aug 20, 2019).
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The Whole Enchilada
Bottom line: fresh items are VERY limited before July 1, so plan accordingly.  After that, you can restock all basics, get fresh fruits and veg and discover some new items by being flexible.

Side note: A big part of the marinas here are happy hours, so I included how each worked.  The best advice I got, if you plan to do happy-hours, was to pick something easy to prepare that you can bring with you (like brownie mix) and make the same thing for any happy-hour you go to.  I didn’t do that coming up, but I did going home and it was so much easier!

Lagoon cove - no food store, but Ice cream bars, snacks, soda, coffee and drink ice!
Water is good
Prawn happy hour is great, bring a good appetizer to share and a plate, it’s worth it!
If you’re lucky, one of the owners, Kelley, bakes the best sourdough bread for happy hour.

Kwatsi Bay - no food store. Honey and jam in gift shop
Best water in the area, only ‘clean’ source
Casual happy hour with owners on the dock.  Mostly light snacks are brought.  Some nights they do a pot-luck, so ask.

Pierre’s Echo Bay - Food store! (closes at 4:00)
Water ok, but not ‘sanitized’, however, we used this with no problems.
Before July 1
    Canned and dry goods only
    Flour/Sugar/yeast
    Shelf life milk-Evaporated milk
    Many gluten free things
After July 1 - best for:
    Frozen meats - very good!
    Best place for fresh fruits, cherries, nectarines, tomatoes, peaches, blueberries
    Some veggies - green onion, lettuce 
    Dairy - Cheddar cheese, Goat cheese, Yogurt, Butter, Milk
    Frozen bread - bagels, English muffins, garlic bread
    Ice for food storage, none for drinking
Note: group dinner are well known and excellent, but you need a big plate here!
No organized happy-hour

Sullivan Bay - Food store and only alcohol in the area
No potable water, ever
Drink ice available
Before July 1 
    Small selection of basics, eggs, butter, milk and canned/dry goods
After July 1 
    Fresh veggies - celery, onions, broccoli, avocado, tomato, zucchini, peppers, garlic, ginger, potatoes 
    Some fruit - apples, cherries, oranges
    Dairy - cream, milk, sour cream, cream cheese, good eggs
    Lunch meat, some frozen meats
    Sandwich bread/tortillas 
Note: there is a restaurant some nights, so food in the store reflects what a restaurant would get, all veggies/fruits etc. are in bulk. Also note that if you do dinner at the restaurant, it’s one choice and you are required to sit with whomever they place you with at a table for 4.  They do encourage boaters to meet up for a 5:00 happy hour, but it’s not hosted in any way.

And last, a short list of things that we thought of as basics but found were always in short supply or nonexistent no matter the marina:  Toilet paper, paper plates, decaf coffee, regular coffee (that wasn’t Folgers), dry creamer, dried fruit like raisins, spices, oatmeal, juice, chocolate chips, sugar, white rice, and perhaps most surprising to us, fishing gear - almost nothing!
    
I hope this list helps other who go, it was a wonderful place to explore. Happy sailing one and all!
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Can You Hear Me Now?

8/17/2019

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We have functional internet here, at least for the last several hours.

“We have internet” doesn’t really mean that you can connect to it in any useful way. Forget what you are used to and be happy to maybe get a few emails. Most of the time it just doesn’t work.

Here in Jennis Bay, probably the most remote wooden dock we’ve tied to, it has been pretty good. I have no idea why.

I have much to post of our travels, but to even attempt to edit my blog often ends in frustration. Photos? Not a chance.

So, I’m going to post this and hope your patience holds out better then mine. There will be more to come, I promise!
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