We Made It! A Day of Sensory Overload.....

Oh my! What a day it was.  After listening to Environment Canada's gale warning for the Johnstone Straits we had little faith that we'd actually be able to make it.  An ebb tide coupled with gale force westerlies is a recipe for big trouble in that particular stretch of water.  And that's what we expected.

We left at 9 am in order to travel safely through the Dent, Green Point and Whirlpool rapids.  And we had several alternative destinations planned in case we couldn't travel the Straits.  But the winds  never materialized and we kept on going and, to our amazement, experienced only 1 to 2 foot chop for the approximately 20 mile journey in the Straits. 

We then moved though the Welbore and Chatham Channels--narrow with beautiful views.  We decided to take then shorter route to Lagoon Cover--via the Blow Hole--an extremely narrow but very doable passage.  So glad we did because that's where we saw a young black bear along the shore.

Laoon Cove is hard to describle.  Quaint, funky, beautiful, small and protected all apply.  But what struck is most is the pure joy of the owner, Bill, who greeted us with a warm smile and then proceeded to give a 4 minute orientation to Lagoon of Cove. We were told about the hiking trails and the workout equipment which he was very proud to provide for his marina guests. Upon checking out the equipment we found a pile of wood in need of splitting and an old fashioned push mower!  Bill said attendance at the 5 pm cocktail hour was a requirement and we were to bring our favorite beverages, a finger food item to share and our own plate. I'll let the picutres show yo
u what the spread was like.  Bill tells great stories and, after about 30 folks were settled with full plates, he began telling bear stories.  We were mezmorized....and laughed hard when he concluded each of his long, tall tales.

What a gift it is to be able to share your joy with strangers in such a manner.  Bill, it turns out, is a retired business executive from Bellevue who, 18 years ago, left the city life and purchased Lagoon Cove.  I hope you can see the sparkle that resonates from him in the picture....  We are moving on to Greenway Sound by way of Mamalilicula--an abandoned native village along the way.  More pix of Lagoon Cove tomorrow or when we next have internet access.   

The Johnstone Straits

Traveling throgh the Welbore Channel

 

A young black bear along the shore in the Blow Hole

Lagoon Cove Marina

Soon after our arrival, Jennifer came in her little boat loaded with beautiful baked items. 

Finger food shared by all of the marina guests at cocktail hour

Bill telling one of his bear stories

Torben hooking up at the computer station so I can post today's blog