We head out early tomorrow morning for Port Sydney, B.C.
Off to Canada!
Quite a few things shaped the day we picked. The weather and tides foremost. We have been out on the hook most of the time. There was a long stint at the dock in Friday Harbor due to weather and then a long stretch in Reid Harbor on anchor because of just loving the place.
But we had a problem though. What to do about the upcoming holiday week? Canada Day is July 1st and is BIG. Forth of July kind of big. Of course we also had to consider the Forth of July here in the states. Where to go to avoid the crush of weekend boaters?
We could provision in Roche Harbor and run back up to Reid. It was big enough that we could sit out the crowds. Some of the areas around Roche sounded possible as well. About this time Sarah said “what’s wrong with just going to Canada?”. Well, I tried to explain that the gulf Islands are sure to be packed and every dock would have been booked for months. But at her urging I agreed to consider it. The turning point was when she suggested we embrace the celebrations and crowds. Forget about finding a way to hide, just go tourist and enjoy it.
Now why didn’t I think of that?
Sydney sounded amazing, a three day celebration with street fairs, music, and fireworks (in the bay). I was enthusiastic but doubtful any slip would be available, but called all the same. The gal at the harbor office confirmed that they had been booked for quite some time and there were waiting lists for every singe slip size. She apologized and then hesitated. She wanted to check one thing. It turns out there was one slip available just our size. It was still open because it has no power available. Yes!! I told her we didn’t need power and so in a mater of minutes we had a slip with a front row seat to Canada Day.
It’s a two hour sail from our anchorage in Roche Harbor to the breakwater of Port Sydney Marina. Then I’m thinking shower, lunch, and three amazing days helping the Canadians party.
Off to Canada!
Quite a few things shaped the day we picked. The weather and tides foremost. We have been out on the hook most of the time. There was a long stint at the dock in Friday Harbor due to weather and then a long stretch in Reid Harbor on anchor because of just loving the place.
But we had a problem though. What to do about the upcoming holiday week? Canada Day is July 1st and is BIG. Forth of July kind of big. Of course we also had to consider the Forth of July here in the states. Where to go to avoid the crush of weekend boaters?
We could provision in Roche Harbor and run back up to Reid. It was big enough that we could sit out the crowds. Some of the areas around Roche sounded possible as well. About this time Sarah said “what’s wrong with just going to Canada?”. Well, I tried to explain that the gulf Islands are sure to be packed and every dock would have been booked for months. But at her urging I agreed to consider it. The turning point was when she suggested we embrace the celebrations and crowds. Forget about finding a way to hide, just go tourist and enjoy it.
Now why didn’t I think of that?
Sydney sounded amazing, a three day celebration with street fairs, music, and fireworks (in the bay). I was enthusiastic but doubtful any slip would be available, but called all the same. The gal at the harbor office confirmed that they had been booked for quite some time and there were waiting lists for every singe slip size. She apologized and then hesitated. She wanted to check one thing. It turns out there was one slip available just our size. It was still open because it has no power available. Yes!! I told her we didn’t need power and so in a mater of minutes we had a slip with a front row seat to Canada Day.
It’s a two hour sail from our anchorage in Roche Harbor to the breakwater of Port Sydney Marina. Then I’m thinking shower, lunch, and three amazing days helping the Canadians party.
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