Sidney Cove
Douglas Bay to Sidney Cove was a short trip, but again, it had to be done during slack tide to avoid the rapids, so it was a mid morning departure. Some were grateful to have extra time to sleep in a bit and/or do chores before we motored off. All anchors were up, except our leader. It took several minutes to sort out an issue with their anchor and then we were off. The rapids were easily passible but full of sailboats as they don’t have a choice, they must pass in slack water. There were high mountains on both sides and it felt like we were in a fantasy land.
We arrived in Sidney Cove at lunch time, skirting the humpback whale in the channel. Note to self: be sure to have a witness to the sighting or no one will believe you. We were all sight seeing when all of a sudden, there was a humpback going down right off our bow and I was the only one who saw it. Whew, he was a little too close. Thank you Eric for later validating his existence.
Holly read about this amazing spot where a family anchored a 200 foot floating dock across from their homestead to encourage guests and visitors. We found it to be the most quaint spot to dock, with a picnic table and a garden box full of flourishing herbs. What a treat. The sun was out for a bit and we all enjoyed a place to get off the boat, stretch our legs and chat. If was funny as the girls gravitated to one side, the boys on the other. We were ready to talk to someone else besides our spouses and have some “off the boat" time.
Another amazing picture of all the boats on the dock and the mountains and clouds behind us. We were the only ones there for most of the afternoon. Plenty of time for kayaking, napping, and learning about this unique, off the grid, spot.
Holly and David, and then later Keith, kayaked over to the homestead and were able to visit with the owner. They moved to this island in their mid 40's in 1975 where they raised their two children. He was a commercial fisherman and later did logging on their property. What an amazing life they have shared here.
There was a book exchange on their dock if you want some new reading material.
And a Canadian Mountie standing guard. What a special place, we will come back to this again.
Just before happy hour, another boat arrived and we were pleased to see newly made friends from our time at Sullivan Bay arrive. We pulled out the chairs, made fun appetizers and spent the rest of the evening chatting, telling stories, and making recommendations for future travels. No rain, no wind, just a peaceful, quiet, restful night.