Mike and Beth's Adventures

Powell River is a transportation and recreation hub near the northern terminus of Highway 101 in British Columbia.  I felt as I do when I spend time in Truckee or a Colorado mountain town.  People were enjoying the outdoors and nature.  Cars had bike racks loaded with bikes.  Kayaks were loaded on roof racks. Healthy outdoor enthusiasts sporting a variety of headgear, and shoes or boots specific to their sport of choice were walking or sitting at outside eateries nursing a cold beer and nibbling at lunch.  The town has a good vibe. You feel like a slacker if you are caught sitting.  This town is about movement and engagement with Mother Nature!  I loved it. As you drive north from Vancouver, the road is interrupted by two bodies of water.  To cross these requires a ferry ride.  There is also a ferry from Powell River to Texada Island and west to Comox on Vancouver Island.  Scheduled Seaplane and Airline flights also operate from Powell R...

The sea conditions as we departed Nanaimo to cross the Straits of Georgia. Our destination was Smugglers Cove. Beth indicates she is ready to skillfully skipper Amy Marie from Vancouver Island, across the Straits of Georgia, and back to the mainland. Prime Time is enjoying the flat seas as we cross the straits. Our first landfall was in Half Moon Bay, north of Sechelt B.C. Lighted Navaids are strategically placed to keep mariners out of trouble The entrance to Smugglers Cove was so well camouflaged that we initially sailed past it.  Once inside we each dropped a bow anchor and then ran lines to points where rings and chains were attached to the rock.  When in confined areas, this is a more secure method of anchoring as it restricts swinging in shifting winds and currents. Both Prime Time and Amy Marie launched dinghies to facilitate the process of stern tying. Each vessel carried a reel with 300' of yellow polypropylene line.   It is easy to see, and it floats on the...

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 ...