The Day From Hell Is Not Yet Over!

We now must continue on to Comox 2 1/2 hours behind schedule. Once behind Denman Island we are protected from the wind. We still have about 2 hours to reach Comox Harbor. Between Denman Island and Comox Harbor is the Comox Bar, a shallow rocky submerged sand bar. We are once again exposed to wind gusting to 30 knots. It is now 7:30 pm and getting dark. This is our first time in to this harbor. We know that it becomes very shallow at low tide. We see the red and green lights flashing from the rock jettys. The wind gusts to 30 knots and we know that we cannot dock the boat by ourselves. There is only one end space available on the dock surrounded by huge fish boats. We call on the radio trying to muster anyone who might be listening in the harbor that might help us tie up. The harbor office had been closed for hours. The Coast Guard answers and after hearing the conditions offers to send the Comox Coast Guard Auxiliary to our rescue. TWICE IN ONE DAY!
While we wait we exit the tight quarters and circle in the pitch blackness of night while Lou changes the fenders to the Port side. We hear voices calling us on the radio. We re-enter the harbor and see 4 flashlights on the dock. Lou attempts to follow the light in the darkness and has to back off as the wind is blowing us into a huge fish boat. We recover and try again to the encouragement of the guys on the dock. This time we come close enough for me to throw the dock lines just missing our bow striking another boat. It took all four men to pull us into the dock. Like Angels from Neptune they snugged us up to the dock and alas we are safe! We thanked them from the bottom of hearts. Refusing our invitation to join us for a hot Toddie they disappeared into the night. WE COLLAPSED FROM EXHAUSTION AND THE DAY FROM HELL!

HERE THEY ARE: ANGELS OF THE NIGHT!

April 3rd Maple Bay to Nanaimo

We enjoyed dinner with friends at the Maple Bay Pub and in the morning departed for Nanaimo. It was a beautiful day as we passed through Dodd Narrows at slack tide. We were the only boat transiting the passage. We have not seen a single pleasure boat traveling this time of year.

April 2nd NORTH TO ALASKA !!!

We were to depart Roche Harbor on April 1st but due to some last minute repairs we were delayed one day. Van Isle Marina is our first stop to pick up some software for Alaska, have dinner with friends and say "Goodbye" to our Canadian port for the last 7 years. We have given up our slip at Van Isle and will keep the boat at Roche Harbor on San Juan Island when we return from our adventure.

In the morning we head out for Maple Bay for a haul out to clean the bottom and have new zincs installed.

The Fields Are Alive With The Color of Spring!

Just off of Hwy 20 in Skagit Valley the fields of Daffodils dazzle the eyes. If we could hear the gentle breeze buffeting the glorius blooms we would hear the song of SPRING!

A Piece of Fossilized Mammoth Tusk

On a trip through eastern Washington I discovered what is believed to be a piece of Mammoth Tusk (Mammathus Columbi) in a region that experienced glacial floods approximately 12,000 to 15,000 years ago. The melting glaciers wiped out anything in their path depositing the bones of mammoths along the way. A representative of the Burke Museum of Anthropology identified the piece of tusk in the photos.

Spring has come to San Juan Island!

Crocus burst through the ground on a rare sunny day in March.

It is always fun to stop by and see "Mona" on a lovely spring day.

Spring brings the birth of Casmere Goats. The babies frolic under the watchful eyes of their moms.

A Day at Pike's Market

Pike's Market in Seattle is an experience that tantilizes all of the senses. You are immediately confronted with the sounds of the fishmongers yelling and tossing huge salmon and crab putting on a show for the potential customer. A curious smell of ocean air, fish, bubbling chowder, fruits, vegetables, flowers and mini-donuts create an elixir like no other. The brilliant colors of the neatly stacked produce and bouquets of flowers dazzle the eyes. You are walking on an endless sea of etched tiles with the names of the generous contributors to the restoration of this unique treasure in the heart of Seattle.

False Bay Ranch, San Juan Island

One could feel Spring in the air on a beautiful sunny day while driving by an old barn on the False Bay Horse Ranch.

The Foxes of Southbeach, San Juan Island

It is great to travel to other places and see exotic species but I will take a spectacular Red Fox on San Juan Island anytime. I first spotted her basking in the sun for a moment. I crept silently behind some brush to observe. Her belly is full and round under her thick winter coat. She is with "pups". I am sure in the next month she will give birth in a converted rabbit's den somewhere close by.

She quickly jumped to her feet and darted disappearing into the tall grass.

HERE OR THERE ?

A winter storm hit Friday Harbor and the temperature dropped below 30 degrees "f". The icy cold wind cut through clothing and sent chills up and down your spine.

Meanwhile, a balmy breeze blew accross the white sand of Miami Beach. Hmmmm, here or there?

Lou went to Southern California to visit family and I flew to Florida to meet friends and enjoy latitude 25.

Miami Beach at a balmy 75 degrees

Stone Crab, Blue Crab topped off with Baked Alaska. Life is Good!!!

Birds of the Gulf Coast

Bird watching is wonderful in Florida. Especially the many species of waterfowl.

The Florida Everglades

HEY! WATCH OUT BELOW!!!

I took the "Gator" photos from an air boat that we rode on through the Everglades. I did take the close ups with a telephoto lense!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

The main street of Friday Harbor is aglow with the spirit of the holidays.
There are no stoplights, chain stores, fast food restaurants or Starbucks here. Just one main street with small owner operated businesses and we hope it will always stay that way!

The first snow has fallen on Argyle Street. It glistens like a sprinkling of powdered sugar in the light. The crisp air stings as a cold wind blows.
Winter is here!

Winter has come to San Juan Island.

The cold wind blows the mist upon the driftwood laden beach. It whips the tall grass and blows the sand from the dunes rearranging the landscape. The wild rabbits and foxes huddle in their dens to keep warm. The soaring Bald Eagles are tossed about the sky as they scan the empty field for a quick meal. The days are short and night will fall soon.