On Thursday October 8th Lyle sailed singlehandedly from Beachcomber to the Chemainus Marina in the company of Ann Aerobic. It was a work day for me so I caught a ride with a friend after curling, and met him that evening. He had a good day of sailing, ending with a visit and tour of Aleydabeth by his old co-workers and friends from the sawmill. Ron and Monica sailed on to Wallace Island where we were to join them the next day.
Friday morning was calm and overcast so we motored over to meet Ann Aerobic at Wallace Island. We found them in Princess Cove so we anchored and stern tied then rafted together.
Friday morning was calm and overcast so we motored over to meet Ann Aerobic at Wallace Island. We found them in Princess Cove so we anchored and stern tied then rafted together.
Checking out the anchor
What a scenic little spot Ron chose! It was very quiet with room for a number of boats. The colors had gone to fall everywhere and the islands look so different now...more peaceful than in the hard days of sunshine in Desolation Sound. Although we had a day of overcast skies it wasn't too cold and we enjoyed the couple of hours it took to motor over. Wallace Island lies between Saltspring and Galiano, north of Pender in the Gulf Island. This was my first trip by boat to the Gulf Islands and it is indeed a great cruising area. Million dollar homes line the shores of Saltspring and there are some glmpses of beautiful properties and sandy beaches.
HIKING ON WALLACE ISLAND
We enjoyed sandwiches on deck then dinghied over to a small dinghy wharf, where we tied up and took a walk through an arbutus laden forest. A pretty trail led us to other anchorage coves and an old residentail site that is being restored historically (it had been a little resort retreat for a wealthy family).
On the way remnants of an old orchard and a rusted out tractor and harrows and Willys truck reminded us of past farming days. As we strolled in the peace of the fall forest I was reminded of Dad as I often am this time of year, which were the days of his birth and death - "October Man". As I smiled to myself lost in my memories I rounded the corner into the field to be confronted by a "forestry" green "water pump" just like the one I had stood beside while Dad pumped water a dozen times....and the one I got my baby finger caught in....a vivid memory of my father. So as I remember him, I am sure he sees me too...that other dimension just a thin veil beyond us, out of reach on the other side of consciousness.
We enjoyed sandwiches on deck then dinghied over to a small dinghy wharf, where we tied up and took a walk through an arbutus laden forest. A pretty trail led us to other anchorage coves and an old residentail site that is being restored historically (it had been a little resort retreat for a wealthy family).
On the way remnants of an old orchard and a rusted out tractor and harrows and Willys truck reminded us of past farming days. As we strolled in the peace of the fall forest I was reminded of Dad as I often am this time of year, which were the days of his birth and death - "October Man". As I smiled to myself lost in my memories I rounded the corner into the field to be confronted by a "forestry" green "water pump" just like the one I had stood beside while Dad pumped water a dozen times....and the one I got my baby finger caught in....a vivid memory of my father. So as I remember him, I am sure he sees me too...that other dimension just a thin veil beyond us, out of reach on the other side of consciousness.
When we reached the building site we found a cabin where visitors have left memorabilia with tokens and names and dates on driftwood, or whatever items they could find. Some were creative and colourful, some like offerings to pirate ghosts!
There was a clearing with picnic tables, one that had a puzzle underway, another anchorage and what may have been a smokehouse or cold house of some kind ....the bird life was amazing, and I just sat and reveled in the sounds and the colours.
There was a clearing with picnic tables, one that had a puzzle underway, another anchorage and what may have been a smokehouse or cold house of some kind ....the bird life was amazing, and I just sat and reveled in the sounds and the colours.
Lyle and I walked back to Aleydabeth and Ron and Monica continued to the other side of the island. I napped then journalled and enjoyed dusk on deck as the shadows lengthened across Princess Cove. Aboard Ann Aerobic we shared a wonderful dinner of steaks and salad and Monica's apple crisp ...a great end to a perfect day (with the exception of the old Russel Crowe movie that Monica and I both promptly fell asleep in).
On Saturday morning, under grey and threatening skies, Lyle took Monica and I in the dinghy to see the Inukshuks he and Ron had discovered the night before. They have been constructed along the shores of the island in natural sandstone hollows that are accessible at low tide from the picnic area above. The hollows create natural display cases for the artwork. On our dinghy ride over, we passed two seals lying up on a rock. They watched us carefully but didn't retreat until Lyle slowed and turned toward them; then they plunged into the water. They glanced back at us....I don't think they were pleased to be disturbed.
After a farewell to our friends, we untied and set out for Sidney Harbour to meet Nora and Peter.
After a farewell to our friends, we untied and set out for Sidney Harbour to meet Nora and Peter.