Mike and Beth's Adventures

After exploring Desolation Sound, we returned to Vancouver Island at Comox , and were there for Canada Day.  From there we continued south down the eastern side of Vancouver Island.  We only had tentative thoughts of what we wanted to see and do.  That is the joy of ambling.  Weather is the largest variable outside our control.  Wind direction determines which coves and harbors provide shelter and which, being too exposed, should be avoided.  People who are schedule driven would not make good sailors or amblers.  Trying to keep to an itinerary will invariably lead to making poor decisions.  We have departed anchorages only to return when we find sea conditions exceed our comfort level.  So, we have developed patience and cultivated a tactic that is based upon looking for weather windows.  Our criteria are simple.  Look for days when the wind is less than 15 knots and seas less than 2 feet.  Even when we carefully follow those g...

Ladysmith is a cute hillside town located between Sidney and Nanaimo.  It is a good provisioning location with a butcher shop, a couple of excellent bakeries, and a grocery store.  There is also a delightful selection of eateries in town.  The town is well kept with nice plantings, and signage pointing out events or artifacts from the town's past.  It was fun to stroll and learn the history of the area.  This sailing ship's anchor was recovered from the harbor The core business district is clustered around just a couple of streets.  The compactness is convenient for cruisers as we are usually traveling by foot.  You can find everything you would need in a two-block area.   The former E&N train station in Ladysmith Passenger service ended in 2011 We berthed at the marina operated by the Ladysmith Maritime Society.  They also operate a Maritime Museum and wooden boat center located at the marina.  For a small fee you can tour the ...