Heading South--Back to Civilization

We're now in Ganges on Salt Spring Island where there is civilization--cars, roads, a proper  town, grocery stores, restaurants. Yikes.  It's been awhile since we've experienced this.  We're ready to head back north again. 

Here's how we got here...  Tuesday morning, we left the SYC outstation at Cortes Bay in Desolation Sound and headed down the Malispina Straits for Garden Bay in Pender Harbor--the area due north of Vancouver which is known to mariners as the Sunshine Coast.

Before leaving, a look at the beach
on the south side of the island

And a quick hike to Red Granite Lookout
to show Carla and Tom our cruising route.

   Clear and calm as far as the eye can see....

Leaving Cortes Bay, heading south to the Malispina Straits

Main Attraction alongside at the SYC outstation in Garden Bay

OK so we are completely out of fresh veggies and the skipper needs chardonnay.  For the first time in nearly 3 weeks we have access to a real grocery store at Madiera Park which is across the bay. We take the dinghy.

Tom rides comfortably in the bow

We're not the only boaters in search of provisions. 

This is the dinghy dock at Madiera Park.   

 Honey!  We're home.  With dinner.

G and T in the galley.

On tonight's menu:

lamb chops, zucchini and mushrooms, a fresh roll on the side. 

And a glass of red wine. 

Cheers!

Sunset in Garden Bay

Next morning (Wednesday) we were up early and on the fuel dock when it opened.  T is fueling the starboard engine as Carla and Tom man the hose and G watches the pump, calling out the number of litres we've taken on so far.  

Then it was time to cross the

Straits of Georgia

Leaving Garden Bay, heading out to cross the

Straits.  Again, we have a smooth crossing which is

very fortunate as this crossing can be really nasty.

  

We weren't completely alone in the middle of the

Straits.  This BC ferry crossed behind us

on its journey from Nanaimo to Vancouver

Our destination:  The SYC oustation in Ganges on Salt Spring Island.

We arrived safely in Ganges yesterday afternoon and were thrilled when Bob and Marilyn Hale took our lines and helped us dock.  For those who don't know, Bob Hale is the author of the Waggoner Cruising Guide which is THE BIBLE for northwest boaters.  After we tied up, we told stories about our first trip to the Broughtons and, of course, the Hales related to every detail.  Very special indeed.

Today, we head for Sidney on Vancouver Island which is our last stop before we spend a long weekend in Victoria.