Mike and Beth's Adventures

  When crossing from Vancouver Island to Vancouver, the city, on the mainland, the decision on which route to take is an important one.  This is for several reasons.   First the geography of the area.  The west coast of Vancouver Island is pleased with a densely packed collection of islands.  Second is the seas water which must move around these islands as the tide cycles between low and high.  This change is large at around 14 feet, but can be even higher under certain conditions.  As large volumes of water must move through narrow passages, it must move quickly.  The movement can often be violent accompanied by aggressive swirling that mimics whirlpools and is easily capable of capturing and spinning a boat if passage is attempted when currents are at their max.  A much safer tactic is to transit these areas at slack water. This is the time when the current pauses as it prepares to move in the opposite direction due to the tide change....

A sailor is obsessive about many things, one of the most important being the weather.  It is a constant topic of conversation and investigation.  Prior to leaving Mill Bay we had to select a destination.  This can not be accomplished without checking the weather, tides and currents.  Tides by the way vary between 12 and 14 feet in this portion of British Columbia.  The weather report indicated a low pressure area would pass just north of us with 25 knot winds from the southwest and gusts in excess of 40 knots.  Our next stop would need to provide very good protection from these conditions. A vista point overlooking Saanich Inlet We settled on Tod Inlet, just south of Butchart Gardens.  It is enter via a narrow channel and is surrounded on 4 sides by tall forested ridges.  We had a day of good weather to get there and settle in prior to the blow. We walked to the entrance of Butchart Gardens This inlet has a lot to offer.  The bottom is heavy ...

Otter Cove - North Pender Island Roesland Provincial Park Once a farm, Roesland became a resort in the 1920s and remained a popular resort until it closed in 1991. Many of the old cottages remain, and are fun to peek in. The owner's home, built in 1908, was converted for use by the Pender Islands Museum Society.  It is open on weekends and is a wonderful place for picnicking and relaxing and for learning about the history of North and South Pender Island. Watch for eagles, sea stars and Harbor seals.  We walked the path from the museum out to the point.  It is a short walk through the arbutus and Douglas fir trees.  Side trails provide access to the ocean on either side of the peninsula.   Otter Bay Resort is located on the far shore. At the tip of the peninsula there is a nice bench for sitting and admiring the view The head of the bay, and off Roesland Park, are good places to anchor Otter Bay Resort The Marina Office. The Island is serviced by a ferry fr...

  Mike and Beth on South Pender Island I took another trip down memory lane this week with a visit to Bedwell Harbor on Pender Island.   It was my fourth visit in a span of 50 years.   Bedwell Harbor has changed dramatically it that time.   There is now a very fancy resort, Poets Cove Resort, located in the spot formerly occupied by a smaller family-run resort.    Poet's Cove Resort is the prominent feature in Bedwell Harbor The only item I could find to remind me of the old resort was the old ships cannon which overlooked the harbor and provided protection from aggressors. The small cannon which protects Bedwell Harbor Bedwell Harbor is also the location where you clear Canadian Customs.   This was a quick process and involved tying to the customs dock where any crew must remain aboard the vessel.   The skipper then walks to the Customs Building on the dock with the passports of everyone aboard.   There is a customs agent, but they hav...