BOAT TRAVELS
Bellingham to
Pender Harbour
In late August 2003, Rod, Sandra & Maggie set out on a trip to take our boat NiSa from its Bellingham WA home to its new winter home in Pender Harbour BC (you'll note that the spelling of such words as harbor/harbour changes as we cross the border). It was an important voyage for many reasons: Rod's first long trip on a power boat (will it be easy for this long-time sailor?), our first long trip together (how are we going to get along in such close quarters for a couple of weeks?), and Maggie's first long boat trip (will she be seasick?).
It was a beautiful summer day when we headed out from Squalicum Marina, Bellingham.
Looking back, we saw this sailboat shining against Mt. Baker in the background - very dramatic!
As NiSa is a US-registered boat, we fly the stars & stripes at the stern.
When we crossed from the San Juans to the Gulf Islands, the water & land didn't change much on this continuous series of islands, but we raised the red maple leaf flag to indicate our presence in Canada.
We traveled north to Montague Harbour, a beautiful Provincial Park.
Here is NiSa anchored in Montague. Even in August, it wasn't too crowded.
The skipper is enjoying a hearty meal topside on a glorious evening.
We were charmed almost every evening of the trip with colourful sunsets.
We have two small kayaks aboard as another way of enjoying the water.
Here's our dinghy pulled ashore in a pretty spot.
This landscape is typical of the pitted sandstone found in the Gulf Islands.
One of Sandra's favourite photos of Rod & Maggie. We called her "Yoda" sometimes because of her big ears.
Water view of our pretty boat.
And a view of her transom.
Many trips to shore are required when one travels with a dog.
Another glorious Gulf Island sunset, with a moon this time.
This is typical of the shoreline we passed on these islands.
Catching a quiet read on the upper deck - heavenly!
Sunset at Canoe Cove on Vancouver Island. Rod had spent a month there when he came north from Mexico on his sailboat.
Saying farewell to Canoe Cove.
This is Pender Harbour from the air, with its many nooks & crannies - Georgia Strait & Vancouver Island in the background, and our marina in the lower right corner.
Headwater Marina where NiSa was moored for the winter.
The trip had been a great introduction for both of us to boat travel in this lovely part of the world.
