Tuesday July 10

We left Butchart Cove after breakfast and explored a little further up Tod Inlet. We saw thousands of moon jellyfish in the water--so amazing! We motored north along the Saanich Pennisula and then south through Shute Passage, Prevost Passage and into Haro Strait. We put up the sails and had good wind around 20 knots and sailed for quite awhile. We got to see some orca whales and watched the whale-watching boats zipping around. We sailed into Roche Harbor, cleared customs, and set anchor. After dinner we took the dingy to shore for much needed showers, groceries, and ice cream. We watched the retiring of the colors ceremony before heading back to the boat.

Monday July 9

We left Montague Harbor and motored to the Saanich Pennisula. We managed to sail for an hour or so. We got a mooring ball at Butchart Cove right across from the back entrance to Butchart Gardens. After lunch some of us wandered the beautiful gardens for 2 hours. After dinner back on the boat we all went back to a less crowded, cooler evening at the gardens, complete with live music. Such a lovely place and a peaceful mooring spot where we were entertained by a blue heron and Canadian geese.

Sunday July 8

Another beautiful day at sea. We left Bedwell Harbor and motored to Montague Harbor on Galliano Island. The weather is nice but there is no wind so we gave up on sailing and used our engine. We relaxed in the afternoon and took the dingy ashore for ice cream. Another nice dinner on the boat and reading and relaxing

Saturday July 7

After Sucia we motored over to bedwell harbor on South Pender Island in the Canadian Gulf Islands. We cleared customs and then anchored offshore. We took the dingy ashore and did a grueling hike to the top of Mt Norman. At least the view was great. Back down and to the boat for a nice dinner and relaxing evening.

Back at it again

Here we are sailing in the Salish Sea. Time to blog again so we can remember where we've been. We left Bellingham this morning. The weather is wonderful but there's no wind so we motored. We are stopped for lunch at Fossil Bay on Sucia Island.