Ganges Harbour

We arrive Ganges Harbour on Saltspring Island in the Gulf Islands, BC, Canada after motorsailing for 5 hours. We clear customs via our Nexus passes (passes that allow us to call via cell phone for clearance). This saves us 1-1/2 hours. Normally one has to go to a physical customs dock for clearance. Ganges is our favorite harbour in the Gulf Islands.

May Sailing

We are off ... 15 days of cruising the Gulf Islands and the Sunshine Coast of BC in Canada!
Ultimate destination ... Princess Louisa in the Sunshine Coast ... hope there is sun there!

A Day in the Life of Sailing

Gene adjusting sails, Bob making lanyard pulls, Gene replacing our propane tank.

Desolation Sound

We say goodbye to the Desolation Sound until the next time.

Another favorite shot

Leaving Prideaux Haven

Hikes

During our stay in Prideaux ... we took a few hikes to explore the area. The rain forest was full of moss, fungi, and ferns! What a treat to see the splendor of creation.

Lake Hike

Laurie and I took off hiking up a trail that led to this lake at the top of the mountainous terrain. It is absolutely amazing to view such a sight and know that many people will never see this place. Such quietness and peace. The lake was down in a valley of which we did not have time to hike down to.

Oystering

While at Prideaux Haven, we learned of an island outcropping for oystering. Bob and I ventured out to the very small island recommended by another boat. I taught him how to harvest oysters! There were tons of oysters. Here we are back at Stargazer shucking a few that we brought back. Out here, you are supposed to shuck the oysters at the sight and leave the shells behind. Which we did for the most part. The oysters were delicious!

Prideaux Haven

On Friday, Sept 5, we arrive to the premier destination of the Desolation Sound ... Prideaux Haven! It really is beautiful here and we are positioned to view the mountains. Just as the books and other boaters have told us ... it is gorgeous. Of course it got crowded as it is a favorite for boaters and a well protected anchorage. The temperature finally warmed and Laurie is happy! We all are! We spent 2 days here hiking and just enjoying the warmth! The guys enjoy dinghying around the harbor.

Prawns a.k.a shrimp

While at Refuge Cove, we purchased a prawn trap. The guys set the trap nearby. A few hours later we had 10 shrimp. Not enough for supper for 6 people but enough for each to have one prawn. Unfortunately we lost our trap at the next anchorage ... but that is a story for another time!

The walk from the lake

This is the local walk path that we took to the lake. You can see the lake behind us walking. Can you see Tasha leading the way out? She loved the daily hikes that we would find.

A lake view

While at Refuge Cove, there was another lake that we could hike to. A resident there allowed us to use the private walk on his property. The lakes that are inland ... very few people ever get to see them. Such treasures to behold!

Refuge Cove

A very neat town. There are No roads to bike or walk on here. People come to this town via boat.

Refuge we seek ...

Leaving Walsh Cove, we head to Refuge Cove for water, laundry and a few groceries. The mountainous islands are awesome!

Walsh Cove, W. Redonda Island, Discovery Islands
More beautiful than Grace Harbor!

Lori's first climb up the mast. She loves to climb.
She is repairing the flag halyard so they can fly the Canadian courtesy flag.

Taking a dinghy tour around Grace Harbor.
Interestingly, I was reading a book on vacation called "The Shack."

Hiking out from the lake back to Grace Harbor.


A really cool waterfall!

The lake was great for the dogs. Tasha took a swim to cool herself and Tillie loves to go fishing. The hike there was a bit challenging as it had rained previously and the mud trails were tricky to navigate in some areas. We let the dogs run lease free and they ran through mud holes enjoying the freedom.

This is my favorite photo from the lake!