The weather forecast looked good; the boat was prepared, so we headed out to meet S/V Shangri-La II at Pirate's Cove. Roger & Karen had overnighted in the south bay, where the herring spawn was still occurring (lots of birds and sea lions) and anchored behind them were another couple we know (Ivan & Suzanne) on SV Escape.
The wind was NWesterly so we were able to sail wing on wing the entire way to Wallace averaging about 4 1/2 knots. Anchored in Princess Cove, we walked to the south point of Wallace where we sat in the sun and Linda pulled a surprise bottle of bubbly from her backpack! so we toasted friendship and the new cruising season.
Back to the boats and nearing 'Happy hour' the MV 'Doc Swan' (Martin and Jan), entered the bay. Princess Cove on Wallace Island is fairly narrow and during the summer months is quite busy, so it is usually recommended to anchor and then tie stern-to a mooring ring on shore; however there were only two other boats in the bay, so we were able to swing free and raft together where we all enjoyed a fine evening.
On Sunday everyone went for another hike, this time to the north end. Our little pup 'Skipper' did an amazing job keeping up (as this was his first time walking off-leash for any distance).
After lunch our friends left for home and we stayed another night at Wallace.
One of the things that has been a pleasant surprise with 'Skipper' has been his willingness to do his 'business' on the green mat we bought and put in the cockpit. Murphy would never go in the boat and we worried for him on days with long passages; but after Skipper used the mat at home outside the door a few times while house-training, it seems to have transferred over to the boat - and that's great! Of course we take him ashore most of the time, but having this option is a good thing...
He really is a happy go lucky little guy and very adaptable...
Monday, after another of Linda's amazing breakfasts,
we lifted anchor and headed north-bound to Kendrick Island bay, one of our favourite local anchorages in settled weather. When the tide is high you can see over the reef to the mainland and at night the lights of the city of Vancouver. The rock is primarily sandstone based and the formations are interesting.
... and every once in a while Linda will find a little treasure for the garden...
Tuesday we motored home to Nanaimo as winds were light, but it was a great weekend getaway!
