This morning is a bit foggy with some low hanging clouds around the mountains and islands. It is really very pretty and appears to be lifting as the sun comes up higher. Today is forecasted to be another beautiful sunny day, but we are hoping for some wind. Yesterday was another day of motoring to our destination in glassy waters. It was stunning but we are anxious to raise the sails again, turn off the engines, and be a sailboat again. We had a change in plans yesterday and we decided to go back to Prideaux Haven. The last time we were there it was raining and cloudy and we could not take advantage of the 360 degree view of the surrounding islands, mountains, and peaks. It was only a two hour ride for the day so we arrived in time for Dianna to go kayaking around the area. She went all the way around one of the islands and had a blast.

Now for a first……Dianna and I volunteered to anchor our boat so the others could tie up to us for a change. We needed the experience of successfully “setting the hook” by ourselves. With three members of our flotilla group being sailing instructors, we had plenty of guidance if we needed it. We were in 40 feet of water, so we went forward four to five boat lengths, dropped the anchor and waited till it hit bottom (slight slack in the chain), then idle reverse as we “pay out” more chain, followed by revving the engine in reverse to 1000 RPMs to ensure it is “set”, then add the snubber, and let out more chain to ensure weight of the boat is on the snubber line instead of the chain and windlass. It went very well thanks for Dianna’s close attention to the details of the process. My lovely “safety officer” has added another skill to her sailing resume. Yea!

Before we left yesterday a group gathered more oysters that we brought along for our evening appetizer. We gathered around 6pm on the front of our boat and the two neighboring boats for cocktails and oysters. The colors of the surrounding area became golden as the sun was falling past the mountains. It was a great twilight to witness, and the group was lively with conversation. It is interesting to see the people spread out and talk with new people instead of staying with the people they are more familiar with.

Today we are heading to Teakerne Arm and the waterfall, then to Von Donup Inlet. We have not been to a dock since Saturday when we left Campbell River and our water, fuel, food, batteries, oil, cocktails, etc are all holding up nicely.

As I write this the clouds are lifting and the sky is turning blue so it will be another wonderful day out here!