August 25 2013 - Snug Cove Visit - Bowfest parade

Here we are again... another year gone by... another Bowfest Day at Snug Cove.

Slip... A07!

Start of the parade!

Caroline and Hank stayed for the entire weekend, with Hank staying one extra day to be with his friend Aaron, and I... of course... berthed at A07!

the staff of Union Steamship Marina

Each year we sail over to Bowen Island, Snug Cove, to partake in the "Bowfest". The community puts on a parade, complete with bag pipe band to start, city major proudly riding the entrance car, floats of all sizes and colours, R.C.M.P., clowns, candy throwing, water spraying, horns a blazing, dancers, ponies, and at the end of the parade... the fire trucks with their sirens "whaling"... a great parade!!!

At the ending of the parade, the pipers lead the progression to the community park next to the marina; I had a great view of the party!
At the park, they have the "battle of the bands"... and new one each hour and ending with the professional band playing from 9:00 to 11:00 pm. The wine and beer garden was full all day and night!

Caroline left for home on Sunday, with Hank remaining one extra day, as Arron was coming over to Snug Cove on Sunday night.

All and all, a great time for all!

We sailed/motored home without any problems.

Resting again for next weekend!, then going to the Gulf Islands for a week adventure... should be good...

Till then...

Tarka out!

August 21-22 2013 - Sailing to Gibson B.C., Canada

Well, Hank is finally sailing! with full sails!

First time flying the staysail! works great!

It took almost 4 months for Hank to reuse his chest muscles to set my sails... feels good to use my sails again!

This adventure was going over to Gibson, to spend a day and evening with his friend Robert McDonald.

The sail over was GREAT! Hank even flew my brand new staysail; the one he purchased just before our intended Swiftsure Race out of Victoria. Needless to say,  my new sailed worked perfectly; a little more work on my crews part, as it requires adjustment when tacking. In addition, I think that my baby forestay has to go; my sails seem to hang up on it as I tack.

They assigned slip (B37) at Gibson... a bit tricky to land, but with the help of the locals, no problem. Gibson is no longer taking transient sailors, so Hank lucky to get a slip. Apparently, they are using slips vacated by resident sailors.

Hank was greeted by Robert a few minutes after arrival... dinner, drinks and showing of his new apartment were in order. The next day, Robert and Hank enjoyed breakfast at his favorite "hippie  restaurant".

My friend Robert McDonald (Mr. Gibson)

Set sail around lunch... leaving for Elliott Bay, to meet up with Gary Wildman and the rest of the West Vancouver Yacht club members. Lunch was served.

Great sail out of Elliott Bay and all the way home... maintaining a respectful 6 or more knots!

Now home again... going out tomorrow to ... where else... Snug Cove.

view looking up Collingwood Channel

On the leg home

So for now... Tarka out!

August 10 2013 - Sail and Camp at Plumpers Cove on Keats Island

Finally get a chance to get out there and sail... well at least with the jib.

Caroline and Hank loaded me up, took enough stuff to last them at least a week or more, added a few hundred pounds to my weight.

Just a few things for the overnight camping trip

you never know what you might need.

We took little Tarkie along as well, so Caroline and Hank could row over to see their friend Aaron;, He was planning to tie up to a buoy. We of course, prefer the dock; makes it a lot easier for unloading and reloading all the camping gear, ipad, chairs, air bed, etc. Caroline plan was to go solo camping for her second time in her life.

We are nestle in between the very large tug and a power boat, yup hard to see

The weather was great, even with a little wind so we could have bit of a sail.

We arrived at the Cove, finding Aaron already tied to his buoy. For us, we found a spot on the dock, but would be between two large motor vessels... one proved to be a great sunshade and wave break, while the other was full of very noisy kids (6) with a father that was extremely excited as well.

Caroline and Hank scouted out a great campsite, overlooking Howe Sound... perfect place!!! (except for the mosquitoes)

We took little Tarkie over to Aaron boat for evening drinks. YES Caroline went into the dinghy! She even sat on the top of the rubber sides, not on the floor! She put on a great show!

The Camp site of choice, overlooking Howe Sound

At rest at last

Caroline new home for the evening.

We left for home with a nice breeze from the stern... but as we passed Hood Point, the winds came from the bow... giving a great little sail all the way home.

Hank landing needs to be improved, but all in all we arrived safely.

you can only see my stern and mast... not a relaxing spot... but hey we are on the dock!

evening at Plumper's Cove

Now resting again for my next adventure...

Tarka out!