Bird Droppings

Chatsworth -- Home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire

2009-10-01T08:56:00.000-07:00

We visited Chatsworth, home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire. There were so many gorgeous rooms and we'll bore you to tears with all our pictures when we get home. I thought the girls would like to see party of the fancy shoes and dress display -- Pride and Prejudice was filmed here as was the Duchess.

One of many beautiful rooms.

So, the Duke met us at the window -- funny enough he wears Dockers just like Richard.....

The animals.... at Rosemere

2009-10-01T08:49:00.000-07:00

The Buckley's home is called Rosemere. They have about 3 acres with lots of things to keep them busy -- including Tom the turkey.

And Holly -- one of three horses (Brig and Fudge being the other two). This is Elaine's grand-daughter Hannah with her horse.

And goosey goosey gander - where does she wander....

and about 20 chickens, some lay blue colored eggs.

The Buckleys of Buxton

2009-10-01T08:43:00.000-07:00

Above is a picture of Elaine and Keith Buckley's home where we stayed for 3 days while they toured us around the country side. The left hand side was the original house and the right hand side the original barn. It's close to 200 years old.

They have, among other things like horses and chickens and ducks, -- a cattery where they board cats in posh enviorns -- even Cate's Harry would feel like a King.

The back yard view of the property.

Back of the house with a lovely conservatory.

Blackpool Post #2

2009-10-01T08:38:00.000-07:00

And since we had one tram that was a boat, we must also have a train!

The entire boardwalk is lined with these marquees depicting everything from Alice in Wonderland to Noddy.

This is an alien space craft display..... there are different heads revolving in the top of each one.

Ah, buses!!

Blackpool

2009-10-01T08:34:00.000-07:00

We finished up wandering around Derbyshire and then headed for Blackpool on the West coast. We arrived in time to see the "illuminations" as they call them. This was a Friday and so there were fireworks as well.
Blackpool has a Tower that they erected to have as an observation outlook.

Here's a tram car dressed up as a boat. It's hard to describe the bazaar scene of Blackpool, it's game arcades, cotton candy places, T-shirt and whatnot shops -- the sights and sounds of one big carnival and gloriously tacky. The street runs at least 3 miles long and all lit up.

Heeeeer's Mooky - Britian's favourite clown!

Hopewell Derbyshire

2009-10-01T08:26:00.000-07:00

After our day in Gorton, it was time to meet up with my genealogy pen-pal Elaine and her husband Keith. They picked us up at our hotel in Manchester and we immediately took off touring the countryside. Our first stop was Hopewell and the Blue John stone quarry. The abandon castle is atop the town -- as you can see, very Norman in appearance.

Typical old English town -- lovely stone buildings all around.

Elaine and Richard walking up the street in Hopewell.

Everything is hundreds of years old -- this church dates back to the early 1500's. You can see that the pews had doors on them (no escapees!)

Gorton Manchester

2009-10-01T08:20:00.000-07:00

Day two in Manchester takes us on a bus out to Gorton, the suburb of Manchester where Robert Tomkinson and Alice Coleshill lived and were married in 1909 at St. Phillip's church.

Altar of St. Phillip's Church of England, Gorton

The marriage of Robert & Alice is just the 5th entry in the church record book. The building was complete in 1909 and Alice and Robert were married in September 1909 and left for Canada the next day.

The organ at St. Phillip's church, Gorton

Side chapel at St. Phillip's church, Gorton.

The warden happened to be there when we were scouting about and invited us in and not only gave us a tour but dug out the first parish record book so that I could photo the marriage entry. The church is celebrating it's 100th year anniversary this year and they are trying to repair dry rot and generally improve the appearance of the church. They have a minister only every 4th Sunday. The congregation is about 80 when all are present but averages about 20 each Sunday. I would say it is in a general state of decline inside but their are many willing hands trying to restore it. The warden herself was interesting -- tank top on with tattoos up both and around her neck. Hmmmmm....

Day 5 London to Manchester

2009-09-24T07:56:00.000-07:00

After the terrific theatre performance of Wicked, we made our way back to our hotel and a good night's rest. In the morning, we re-packed for our flight to Manchester, took a final stroll down Regent Street - caught a cab to Paddington Station and then out to the airport on the Heathrow Express.

We arrived in Manchester later than expected (about 6PM) after a delay on the runway in London. Finally got to our hotel and had dinner and an early night.

Next day, we were up bright and early to go to the Manchester Library to look up the parish records for the Tomkinson births and marriages.

David, Richard's great grandfather's birth 1853 -- son of David and Ann Tomkinson

Richard's g-g-grandfather's marriage 1810 David Tomkinson to Sarah Fletcher.

And here is the Altar at the Manchester Cathedral where all Tomkinson's were married and christened up until 1875 since the Cathedral Church was the only placed 'licensed' to perform marriages in the Diocese all the surrounding communities had to have their ceremonies at the Cathedral and not their local parish churches.

Richard at the front door of the Cathedral.

We met Ali Cochran for a great pub lunch and enjoyed getting caught up with all her news. This is her last year at the University of Manchester and she certainly has enjoyed it. She's taken advantage of being close to Europe and regailed us with her back-pack trips trekking over Europe.

We left Ali to return to her studies and walked around Manchester down-town for a bit -- Richard to the Art Gallery and me to the Archives. Back to the hotel and an early night. My feet our killing me! I don't think I've walked so much every day in years. The cobblestones are the trickiest -- but my legs are getting tougher!

London Day 4 Kensington Palace

2009-09-24T07:40:00.000-07:00

Here I am outside the guards gate at Kensington Palace.

And again, in front of the main gates to the palace.

One can lie about on these chairs (for 50p for 2 hours) in front of the Serpintine Lake that goes through Kensington Park.

No pictures of our stroll through Hyde park as we were using the video camera. We saw Princess Diana's Memorial fountain, strolled through the park and took the tube back to our hotel in Oxford Circus.

In the evening we had a quick dinner and took the tube to Victoria station and the Apollo Theatre to see the live performance of "Wicked". It was terrific.

London Day 4 Keningston and Hyde parks

2009-09-24T07:32:00.000-07:00

We walked from the V&A to Kensington park to eat our bag lunch on a park bench. We decided that we'd like Albert for company while we ate so he sat above us in all his glory. Victoria certainly spared no expense for this monument to her Prince Consort.

Albert's memorial statue faces -- what else -- Albert Hall.

Our eating perch in Kensington park, right by Albert.

After lunch we took a walk to the end of Kensington to have a view of the Palace. Couldn't see William or Harry, nor Charles & Camila -- but there were lots of tourists!

London - Day 4 The V&A

2009-09-24T07:25:00.000-07:00

This is the Morris room cafe at the V&A -- very typical of the interior stylings of homes in early New Westminster.

Cate and Buffy would have loved the textiles room. Here Richard shows two panels from a row of cabinets of various textiles. There were about 50 of these cabinets all down the room. Every textile pattern imaginable.

Of course, I had to capture Punch & Judy from the Theatre & Performing Arts exhibit.

Here's Richard showing us the devastation caused by the bombs in WW2. The entire wall of the museum is pock-marked with the bomb scars. This inscription tells us that they were left unrestored on purpose in remembrance.

London Day 4 -- the Victoria & Albert Museum

2009-09-24T07:18:00.000-07:00

We took the tube from Oxford Circus to the Victoria and Albert Museum. The main hall was full of statues carved by the grand masters. Here, Richard is sketching one of them.

There were busts of many famous British people - bishops, priests, warriors and here is Gladstone having a look at Richard.

Talk about a coffee shop -- the three cafe rooms in the V&A are the first cafes ever to be built within a museum and they are fancy...

The ceiling of the center cafe at the V&A

London End of Day 3

2009-09-23T11:47:00.000-07:00

From Buckingham Palace we walked the toney district and came across #1 -- the first address in the city of London.

See, I was there too.

Dinner was at the Bag o' Nails pub -- named cutely after the original Bachnaals pub that stood on this corner as a carriage tavern many, many years ago.

London Day 3 - Sunday

2009-09-23T11:40:00.000-07:00

Across the Millenium Bridge you can see the Globe Theatre - Shakespeare's own with the only thatched roof allowed in London. We walked around the Globe and into the Tate for a brief look. Then took the boat up river to the Tate Britian which was more to Richard's liking. He drooled over the Sargent's paintings -- all of which I have on video..... and next we tried our new touring skills on the underground as the tube whisked us off to Victoria station and a visit to Buckingham Palace -- one mustn't miss this one!

Buckingham Place through the gates....

And my new friend -- the Bobby....

London Day 3 Sunday Service

2009-09-23T11:31:00.000-07:00

Naturally, we are taking as many bus pictures as we can for Matty.

We attended sung eucharist at St. Paul's cathedral and it was inspiring! We were seated in the front row with the full sound of the choir, including a boys choir. It was amazing hearing the service in such an historic surrounding.

In the garden behind the Cathedral - John Wesley himself

After the service we walked across the Millenium Bridge to see Shakespeare's Globe Theatre and to make a cursory check out of the Tate Modern

On the Millenium bridge with St. Paul's in the background.

London - Day 2 -- Not Over yet!

2009-09-23T11:24:00.000-07:00

We completed our long day with a scrumptious dinner at the oldest Indian restaurant in London Villaswammi. The turbans in the hall were gorgeous.

Richard had a lamb 'joint' and I had a vegetarian stew. Both were the best meals we have had so far in England!

We sauntered back from the restaurant down Regent Street to Picadilly -- more country life wear in the windows and the rather fabulous night lights in the Circus.

What a day we had!

Picadilly Circus at night.

Day 2 London - Westminster Abbey

2009-09-23T11:18:00.000-07:00

At the gate at Westminster Abbey

A magnificent structure -- but closed for tours due to reconstruction.

Richard relaxes on the Warden's gate.

On the bus again. around Kensington Park, Kensington Palace and ending the tour at the Marble Arch in Hyde Park.

What a day

London Day 2 Houses of Parliament

2009-09-23T11:11:00.000-07:00

Part of the Big Bus tour includes a trip up river on the Thames which gives an entirely different view of the surroundings.

The boat stopped at the Houses of Parliament and we caught Big Ben in the background.

The London Eye -- a beautiful site across the River but it didn't tempt us with a ride.

The Houses of Parliament with a fitting few of Richard I.

London - Day 2 The Tower

2009-09-23T11:03:00.000-07:00

We leave St. Paul's behind and over the bridge we get a terrific view of the Tower Bridge as we make our way over the Thames River.

Everything comes alive as we make our way over the bridge.

The Tower is as gruesome as the things that occured there!

Richard standing at the entrance to the Tower.

London Day 2 - St. Paul's

2009-09-23T10:56:00.000-07:00

Trafalgar Square behind, we leave the lions to look after Nelson. They say that the scuplter didn't have a lion to fashion the head of the lion so he used a poodle as a model. I must say it had to have been a fierce looking poodle!

Next stop was the grand St. Paul's Cathedral. It is hard to describe how immense it is.

Richard at the door to the Cathedral. It was Saturday and they were conducting paid tours. We decided to forgo that in favor of attending Sunday sung Eucharist the next day.

On the bus again, we pass the memorial to the people of London, marking the great fire that ravished the city. I can't remember the date now, but surely Helen will tell us!

London - Day 2 Trafalgar Square

2009-09-23T10:46:00.000-07:00

We hopped off the bus and entered Trafalgar Square, met at the Speaker's corner by this fellow who was on his soapbox about Darwin.

The big draw at this stop was, of course, for Richard and a trip to the National Art Gallery. We spent about 3 hours seeing one famous painting after another. Takes your breath away!

The large format Chess Game in Trafalgar square was fascinating....

And, of course how could you miss Nelson -- we'll it's easy to do since he's so far up on his pedestal!

After a quick lunch on the street we hopped on the bus and were off again.

London - Day 2 Off on the Big Bus Tour

2009-09-23T10:36:00.000-07:00

A rather remarkable window display on Regent Street -- a doll house showing hangers of the latest fashions. It was fashion week in London and we thought of how wonderful it would be if Buffy were there to see all the displays.

We set off bright and early to catch our "Big Bus Tour" bus that would take us around London's sights and allow us to hop on and off where ever we wanted.

Richard and I under the Mayfair/Hyde Park sign on our way to catch the Big Bus.

The Big Bus Tour bus -- you can't see it but it is a double decker -- the weather was terrific and we rode up top. Our tour swung first to Picadilly Square, then down through Fleet Street, the banker's row and we made our first hop off at Trafalgar Square.

London Day 1 -- Our first evening

2009-09-23T10:25:00.000-07:00

We walked all around Regent Street, gawking at the shops and beautiful old buildings right down to Picadilly Circus. After some jet lag set in, we retreated back to the hotel for a quick nap, then off we went again - out for a quick bite to eat and then to the Palladian Theatre to see the live theatre performance of "Sister Act". It was a great show and a terrific production. What a thrill.

Of course, I had thoughts of phoning home but couldn't work the system!

A view from our seats towards the Royal Box at the Palladian Theatre.

A very tired couple made their way back to the hotel for our first nights sleep -- it was so good to get our shoes off!

Day 1 - London

2009-09-23T10:11:00.000-07:00

After a very long but pleasant flight, we arrived at Heathrow about 10:30 a.m. London time on Friday. We took the Heathrow Express train to Paddington Station and from there, a proper London cab took us to our hotel near Oxford Circus.

The hotel in the background is the one we stayed at in London. It was converted by the Hilton Hotels from what was once the Magistrate's Court. Every morning our breakfast was served in the 'waiting room' right next to the Court Chamber (which was a dining room for conventions). I am standing at the entrance to the fashion famous 1960's Carnaby Street -- lot's of shops and indeed mini skirts still abound!

Looking down Carnaby Street from our hotel.

Once we checked in, we immediately set out to check out our surroundings. We were less than a block from the toney stores on Regent Street (Mayfair abuts) and of course the first stop was for lunch at a pub, this one the St. James Tavern. We both had fish and chips, of course.

The next stop was to the famous (isn't everything here?) Hamley's toy store. Five floors of fun and excitement. Here's Thomas (made out of lego) waiting to say hello to all the grandchildren....

Doin the Labrynth Walk...

2009-08-22T09:24:00.000-07:00

We left Poulsbo and crossed back across the sound, anchoring for a lunch stop north of Pt. Wells. There was a beautiful beach and above on the cliff you could see humungous English style manor houses. As interesting as that was, we discovered the beach activities to be much more entertaining.

Our unfettered friends were drawing a labrynth in the sand and we watched them walk the maze while we ate our lunch.

We fancied that the men (about 10 of them) were monks from the manor house above -- makes for a good story doesn't it.

After an afternoon push up the sound we anchored in Tulalip Bay (near Marysville) and had a swarm of birds around the boat as the sun was setting. They clearly found a cappella's handrails a superior perch!

As the sky greys, the sun sets on Tulalip. It's Friday and we're off to finish our weekend with a trip to Coupeville and then wend our way home for Sunday night.

Dyes Inlet and Poulsbo

2009-08-22T09:13:00.000-07:00

We left Bainbridge for the Pennisula to spend some time at Dyes Inlet which we had not been to before. It is quite uninteresting. The town of Silverton didn't draw us in and we anchored out in the middle of the inlet enjoying the antics of the water skiers and speedboats and eventually a quiet and beautiful evening.

Next morning early (to take advantage of the current) we sped our way to Poulsbo. We anchored toward the end of the bay and dinghed over to the dock for a good stretch and walk about.

My dear late, late great great something.... the Viking in front of the Sons of Norway Hall.

We strolled by the SON Hall and drat -- they had a norwegian lunch that day open to all but closed 5 minutes before we arrived.
After our amble around town, we stopped at the new restaurant overlooking the marina (Latitudes) and had a quenching beer (Dad) and Iced Tea (me). It must have been close to 100 F -- a real hot one. The restaurant had something I've not seen before -- misters on the deck to cool the patrons. Quite effective. After our stop, I HAD to go to Sluys bakery to pick up my fix of lefse, down then to the used book store and back onboard for another salmon summer.

Evening begins over the pretty town of Poulsbo -- note the white church on the hill.

and to all a goodnight....

Eagle Harbor

2009-08-22T09:03:00.000-07:00

Another great sunny day and as we put out from Seattle Bell Harbor Marina about noon Tuesday. We cruised the short hop across the sound to Bainbridge's Eagle Harbor.

Rather a deceiving picture -- this taken from Eagle Harbor -- it has the view of Seattle downtown across the Sound. The Eagle Harbor community is much like one would think of the Hamptons - very chi chi. We had a hamburger at the local pub on the dock at Winslow, then cruised the harbor gawking at all the gorgeous waterfront homes.

On our way out of the harbor, we caught some boys in their summer-time fun, diving of the channel marker.

As we made our way to Dyes inlet for the evening anchor -- Mount Rainier provided a gorgeous backdrop!

Seattle - more attractions!

2009-08-18T10:43:00.000-07:00

The market was up 3 blocks from the new marina - very convenient. Of course what would a trip to Seattle be without that other main attraction -- Nordstrom's.

Mom outside Nordstrom's rack. Unfortunately there was nothing to entice me today.
We walked further and found our spot for dinner at the Brooklyn Cafe and Oyster Bar. After a satisfying meal (and I didn't have to cook it!), we rambled around to the Harbor Steps, down to the Amusement Park Pier and back to the Marina.

Dad in the evening sunset watching the Washington State ferry put in to port.

Tuesday morning now and after a delicious and free shower at the marina, I'm using the free marina internet to update the blog. Great amenities here -- worthy of many return trips. The only tricky thing will be the weather since Ellliott Bay can get quite stinky in the winter time.

Dad has taken a walk up to Pioneer Square to peruse the Art Galleries. We'll leave around noon and head over to Eagle Harbor on Bainbridge Island for lunch and possibly overnight.

If this is Monday, it must be Seattle!

2009-08-18T10:36:00.000-07:00

The Seattle skyline greated us as we entered Elliott Bay to try out the new downtown Bell Harbor marina. Although we've never been before, the entrance to the marina was quite straightforward and the facilities great. It is located near pier 66 and the new convention center. Just at the top of the dock is Anthony's restaurant.

Lots of fun at the waterfront. Here is one of the more adventuresome activities. Buffy do you remember parasailing on Lake Okanagan?

What would a trip be to Seattle without a visit to Pike Place Market?

The colors, sights and sounds were as entertaining as ever.

August 16 - Back on the Boat Again

2009-08-18T10:28:00.000-07:00

Saturday night we returned to LaConner and were back on the boat again after the Birthday party festivities. We left Sunday morning to fuel up at the LaConner Marina and were just in time to see the parade of boats exiting the marina from the weekend wooden boat festival. The entertainment was welcome since there was quite a line up at the fuel dock.

We meandered our way down Skagit Bay to Possession Sound and anchored north of Possession Point on the East side of Whidbey Island for the night.

Monday morning's sunrise was beautiful.

We discovered that this spot is an ant magnet and spent the morning ridding the gunnels of the little beasties before we made our way down Puget Sound.

Along down the Sound we came across this purse seiner -- a rare sight these days on West Coast waters. He was just bringing up his purse net so we stopped to eye the catch.

The purse in now, full of mostly pinks.

But the big treat for us was the silver coho that the skipper flung over to our back deck. This lushious 15 pounder was gratis -- and worth every minute of the anticipation of the net coming up. We'll be eating salmon all week!

Birthday: Fun in the Park #4

2009-08-18T10:14:00.000-07:00

Can you believe that they all held still for this one? All the grandkids (except for Solomon who was sadly at home in bed with a cold) - Emily, Wesley, Grandpa, Mattie, Michael, Simon and Aaron.

Mattie loved the wave slide.

I'm next Grandpa..

Wesley and his favorite girl!

Birthday: Fun in the Park #3

2009-08-18T10:11:00.000-07:00

Peek-a-Boo from Mattie

Peek-a-Boo from Wesley

Peek-A-Boo from Michael
At the Alouette River beach in the park.

But I have more stones to throw, I can't go home.....

Birthday: Fun in the Park #2

2009-08-18T10:07:00.000-07:00

The children's adventure playground was fascinating -- it also including a spray pool that some Grandma's had a hard time keeping kids out of in their day clothes.

Wesley the monkey and his faithful pal Emily climb the monkey bars.

Fun on the merry-go-around.

I'm right behind you!

TA DA! Oh Grandma, I have to pause for a photo op at the top of the slide?

Birthday: Fun in the Park #1

2009-08-18T10:01:00.000-07:00

The weather was kind to us and after a short dibble of the wet stuff it was time for fun.
Grandpa Tomkinson and Aaron ready themselves for a game of Bocci.

The big wide open field next to the river was a perfect spot for a bit of soccer.

Mattie was very sucessful keeping the ball away from Grandpa -- probably has something to do with his Auzzie heritage.

Emily, Wesley & Aaron try out the balance beam.

Grandpa shows the boys how the wave maker works -- to their delight.

Birthday: The Watermelon was scrumptious

2009-08-18T09:56:00.000-07:00

Helen and Emily enjoying slurping down the Watermelon. Too bad I didnt' catch Grandma Joan doing it!

Grandma Thomas and Leslie take five for a watermelon break.

Grandpa Thomas lays back to enjoy the treat.

Paul waits for Mattie to come back and take another bite.....

Mmmm the Cake was Delicious

2009-08-18T09:48:00.000-07:00

The Maple Ridge park has great facilities -- we had a large covered picnic area and of course an abundance of food.

Grandpa Tomkinson and Uncle William sample the birthday cake.

Paul and Aaron in the background, Emily and Briana in the foreground all agree that this cake was yummy -- especially the Oreo cookie decorations.

Matthew says 'everything I eat looks so good on me' -- as he gobbles up his Birthday cupcake.

Aaron is exhausted after eating all those treats. Mom Buffy holds the remnants in her hand -- something only a Mother would do!

Michael's 16th Birthday Partaaay!

2009-08-18T09:39:00.000-07:00

All the family gathered on Saturday August 15 to celebrate Michael's big day -- his 16th birthday party. Steve was the chef du jour and barbequed delicious hamburgers and smokies.

Steve cooks while Michael watches -- getting a few tips on the BBQ?

And what would a birthday be without a cake -- Mike, are you ready to make a wish? Grandma and Grandpa Thomas look on....

One of the many presents -- a welding mask, perfect for this coming year's industrial arts program.

Am I cool or what?

Wesley's Visit to Martha's Beach

2009-08-17T21:09:00.000-07:00

We came home on Sunday after a week with Michael and Aaron with us on the boat. A shift change happened at 419 Umatilla Drive and Les, Steve and the boys left as Will, Briana and Wesley arrived. Will went on to 'busyness' in Seattle and we spent a great few days with Briana and Wesley. Our little guy is in to everything -- music, poems, building towers and the big favorites -- the Excavator and the Beach.

The commander of Martha's Beach

The busy excavator.

Grandpa and Wesley examine the crab.

... and the sand fleas!

The very best trick was throwing stones and sticks into the water as the tide came in. Although it was very traumatic for Wes to leave the beach, Grandpa took him again the next day and they once again cleared the beach of stones and sticks.

Sand Sun and Sea

2009-08-06T11:02:00.000-07:00

Ah, the feel of hot sand through one's toes.... sublime.

And so is a snooze on the beach.....

Grandpa and Grandma still smiling.....

Michael gets a reprieve as Grandpa rows back to the boat.

We're in Friday Harbor today -- Aaron has been waiting all week for it. They plan on seeing a movie and mucking about town. More later as we wend our way through the Islands....

Beach Time - Indian Cove

2009-08-06T10:57:00.000-07:00

We all joined back up again to walk the beach and feel the sand between our toes. Unfortunately there is a burn ban in the park so no weinie roast on the beach tonight as was planned.

The Michael

The Aaron

Teenagers can sleep anywhere....

Indian Cove Shaw Island

2009-08-06T10:53:00.000-07:00

We left Eastsound in the early morning to wind and clouds as we made our way over to Indian Cove. By the afternoon the sun had come out and it was off to the beach. This time, Michael rowing the dinghy with Grandpa and Grandma and Aaron in the kayak.

As the dinghy arrived, Aaron came out to tow us in.

Grandpa, Grandma and Aaron took off for a walk through the woods -- and found a tree decorated with Christmas balls. Quite a site in the middle of nowhere.

Eastsound -- Orcas and the Kayak Mishap

2009-08-06T10:47:00.000-07:00

The short trip from the boat to Eastsound dock was made in both the dinghy and the kayak. Michael opted for the kayak and the rest of us took off in the dinghy. As there was no room on the tiny dock for even our dinghy we beached it and Grandpa, Aaron and I scrambled up the bank to the road. I then took off for town, leaving them to wait Michael's arrival. When he did finally arrive on land he was dripping wet. He launched the kayak off a cappella and forgot to tie the painter rope to the boat before he plunked it in the water. The result -- the kayak floated away and he had no recourse but to jump in and swim to retrieve it. Once captured, he paddled to shore and dried off in the heat of the sun. He was one salty dog!

Meanwhile, unbenownst to me of all this mayhem, I arrived at the local internet cafe to this sign.....

It turned out not be be a problem for me as I sat on their empty veranda and was able to get emails and blog -- fortunately, unlike the refigerator and the employee, the router was working.

Horsing around Eastsound -- note the drenched Michael.

These islands are full of interesting mother-earth type people -- and equally interesting vehicles. This one called the scootkar.

After a very pleasant walk about town, a stop at the ice cream shop and the grocery store we made our way back to the boat and settled in Judd Cove for the evening.

Michael back onboard with dry clothes!

Leaving Sucia

2009-08-03T15:40:00.000-07:00

After the picnic - Mike, Grandma and Aaron ready to depart Shallow Bay for the boat.

Mike steers Grandma in the Kayak back to the boat.

We pulled anchor mid afternoon and headed down the west side of Orcas Island to West Sound. We anchored near Skull Island in Massacre Bay for the night. Victim island is close by. These eerie names come from the circa 1850's attack on the Lummi tribe by the dastardly Haidas who raided from the north taking slaves and killing the rest of the inhabitants.

This noose hangs eerily on a tree on Skull Island.

After a pleasant evening and two games of Sequence (1 won by Grandma and Mike; 1 won by Aaron and Grandpa) we had a sound night and off today (Monday) for East Sound and some internet time. More later.....

Sunday Hike - Sucia

2009-08-03T15:31:00.000-07:00

Well, by now most of you that are in the know have realized that I have spelled Sucia incorrectly on my last two posts. Now that's out of the way, here's some pics from our hike over to Little Shallow Bay.

Mike an Aaron on the beach below taken from the cliff above.

Skipping stones at Little Shallow

Grandpa hiding out in one of the caves....

The three musketeers along the hiking trail.

Sunday Fun on Sucha

2009-08-03T15:26:00.000-07:00

We woke to a glorious Sunday morning, hot and bright. Most of the morning was spent on the water with Michael and Aaron taking turns in the kayak and dinghy.

Aaron to the rescue, towing the dinghy which became untethered and floated away from the Mother Ship.

Michael is on his second book in as many days.....

We gathered a picnic together and went to the marine park and walked over to the Echo Bay side and then up the trail to Little Shallow. Here are the boys overlooking Echo Bay.

Saturday Evening Sucha island

2009-08-03T15:20:00.000-07:00

As the sun sets on our glorious day, the greens, blues, pinks and oranges entertain Richard and I on the back deck.

The grandchildren are fascinated with their environs as well as you can see......

My favorite spot!

Natural beauty.......

Off Again -- with Grandchildren Onboard

2009-08-03T15:15:00.000-07:00

We had a good few days at home to do our laundry, pay bills and restock the boat's pantry before we boarded Michael and Aaron on Friday night. While at home, our Magnolia (Victoria) delighted us with it's blooms. Everything in the garden was bone dry with this wonderful weather we've been having.

We left early Saturday morning and after 6 hours of crusing north, anchored for play and hi-jinks at Sucia Island. The weather was hot and sunny with warm breezes. It felt very much like the tropics.

Not long after anchoring, the boys were on the water again -- Michael in the Kayak, Aaron & Grandpa in the dinghy. Disappointlingly, the kicker motor that we just had repaired, conked out after 5 minutes. Not a enjoyful situation!

Grandpa and Mike readying the kayak.

Aaron and Grandpa in the first 5 minutes while the dinghy motor was still working!! They had to row back.

Nothing better than being a teenager enjoying the solitude away from cloying grandparents.

We watched the sun go down over the entrance to the bay and came into the boat to find the young'uns had already expired -- too much fun I guess.

Oak Bay and Blethering

2009-07-29T12:19:00.000-07:00

After a short cruise over to Oak Bay we docked at the Marina for a day and night in Oak Bay. The Marina facilities were many, however their washrooms and showers left much to be desired. For $55/night it was disappointing. The town of Oak Bay is a short hike away - about 1/2 mile amongst pretty little and large homes and condos. Many of the older homes were very English in their architecture and all a delight to the eye.

Our first stop had to be the Blethering Place for lunch! Dad had bangers and mash, while I had Welsh Rarebit.

A stroll around town and a visit to Starbucks for internet for me and a roam around the art galleries for Dad. Delightful street scapes here, very typical of the Island.

We couldn't resist a trip back to the Blethering Place for late 'tea'. I blew my otherwise healthy diet by treating myself to scones, clotted cream and strawberry preserves.

Dad satisfied his sweet tooth with a generous portion of treacle pudding.

Both were yummy and well worth a special trip to Oak Bay just to enjoy some English favorites.

Saturday we made our way back home first a stop for customs at Friday Harbor where we yet again get a new questions from the customs agent -- how long have you known her (question for Dad)? do you have any rum? did you have any guests on board while in Canada? So, I guess they're suspicious of Canadians marrying Americans, demon rum and Canadians leaving germs on board when visiting the boat. Should have told them we were importing the Canadian Health Care system..... that would have caused near apoplexy.

We crossed Haro Strait and made Deception Pass at slack tide and then anchored in Skagit Bay to enjoy the rest of the afternoon and were entertained in the evening with thunder and lightning storm. Sunday dawned hot sunny and clear so we stayed to soak up the day before heading home after dinner. Cate and Dan saw us at the dock from their sailboat Mythirandr (sp?) and we were given great welcome home hugs at the dock. After sharing a glass of wine with the world's best neighbors -- and catching up, we ended a delightful day.

Dad and I will be home for 4 days getting chores looked after. The dinghy engine became quite unreliable and it's in getting an overhaul. We'll pick it up on Friday along with our big guys Mike and Aaron and be off again Saturday morning to enjoy the Islands with our grandsons. Leslie and Steve will enjoy a peaceful week sans enfants at home in LaConner.

It is sweltering hot in LaConner and although enjoyable it does slow us down. The evenings have been cool enough to sleep though.

More over the weekend as we cruise the San Juans with the boys.......

The Sun Shines on Cadboro Bay

2009-07-23T14:34:00.000-07:00

We beached the dinghy near the children's play park at Cadboro Bay and walked to town. Does anyone know what this tree is? The flowers are a gorgeous purple -- can you spot the bee? Spent some time wandering around the town, a visit to Starbucks to internet the last blog post and then to the English Pub for a beer before returning to the beach.

The kids on the beach sure knew how to make sand castle forts!
In the evening we enjoyed the sailboat races in the Bay -- I'm sure the sailors were happier to be able to see their marks. This morning (Thursday) we had a leisurely cruise over to Oak Bay and after checking in the at the marina, we took a walk to town. More later about Oak Bay.

To Cadboro Bay on Vancouver Island

2009-07-23T14:21:00.001-07:00

Relaxing on the afterdeck enjoying the sunset at Sidney Spit, we had a visitor come join us. He wasn't easily shooed away so we just let him sit there and squawk at us - obviously he had something on his mind.....
We left Sidney Spit in the morning under beautiful sunny skies -- a half hour later we were in the fog soup. Here's Darcy Island looking as eerie as its past. It was a leper colony in the 1800's - primarily inhabited by Chinese immigrants. When the whites started coming down with the dreaded disease, they moved the Chinese to Little Darcy - a separate island - so as not to mix the two. And, that is the way it was in those days - thankfully gone. We didn't anchor at Darcy for lunch as planned since the bay looked extremely unappealing - rocks everywhere.

The view from the bow of the boat shows you that we were socked in with fog all the way to Cadboro Bay. Thank heavens for an experienced skipper, electronic charts & GPS and the radar officer (me). We arrived safe and sound in Cadboro Bay and amazingly they were having a sailboat race!
The fog did lift and we dinghed to the beach and took a walk to town.

Sidney Spit -- nothing better!

2009-07-22T15:12:00.001-07:00

Here we are at Sidney Spit. The sun is shining, the sand is warm and the picnic on the beach was great. Here's Dad applying some of his 50 weight lotion.

It seems that the sand goes on forever here. We take a walk right out to the end of the spit and on the way, Dad practices his high wire act.

Hey, Jocelyn -- this one's for you! The Canadian Navy ship anchored near the spit gave some of their hotties a bit of shore leave......

The walk to the end of the spit is about 3/4 mile both ways. Our dinghy is docked where you see the trees in the back of the picture.

And here we both are at the light at the end of the Spit. Buffy -- the picture you have of Aunt Marian and girls was taken at this same spot (only about 70 years ago...)

Princess Margaret Island, Moresby and Brethour Islands

2009-07-22T14:55:00.000-07:00

We left Cowichan with another stellar day of sunshine! We've been lathering ourselves with what Dad calls 50 weight sunblock and so far we've avoided any burns. The winds have been fair today and we've spent a lot of time gunkholing on our way south. The huge house in this picture is the Duke of Sutherland's estate near Duncan, B.C.

We cruised the various bays on around Princess Margaret Island now called Portland Island. The province gave her the island as a gift when she lasted visited B.C. and she in turn gave it back to the province to be a marine park. Dad found an adventurous little bay to tuck into for the afternoon and we enjoyed watching all the marine traffic go by. It wasn't a good place for the night so after dinner, we went over to Moresby Island and tucked into another of those 1 boat bays we love so well. Here's the sunset!

As we head over to Sidney Spit the next morning we pass by the Brethour Island of our family connection. Thar being many rocks on the north end we swing round to the end and pass between Domville and Brethour and "surf" to the spit at 11 Knots at one point - helped by 3knot current in both directions. Dad was grinning.

Cowichan

2009-07-20T08:34:00.000-07:00

The wind continued yesterday but we had a hot sunny morning at Genoa and an EXCELLENT lunch at the cafe. The marina is very comfortable -- also very pretty with lots of flowers. Cate, get a load of these lillies!

Jocelyn was bragging to me about her bedding out plants and how prolific they are -- well how about my bedding outs!

We left after our lunch at the Genoa cafe and headed over to Cowichan -- a very short run so we decided to spend a night on the dock to get properly charged up.

We docked at the Fisherman's Wharf -- you'll recognize the typical Government Dock red rails and behind the gangway, A cappella is sitting pretty.

Cowichan is a funky little town with shops tucked in here and there and down the "main street".
Among other notables -- an all organic bakery which is fabulous, and aroma drifting out enticing us in to spend $9.00 on a bag of molasses and ginger cookies; an old fashioned ice cream parlour called "Udder Guys", little boutiques with Asian type fabrics, a shop named "The Mud Room" where a sculptor displays her wares as well as her much developed fabric felting skill.

The highlight was a maritime museum built out over the docks on the waterfront. A First Nations carver was demonstrating his work, 'guys' were restoring old wooden boats and on display were many restored launches, dinghies, boats, engines and boat models.

Dad in front of the Maritime Museum showing off an old tug boat engine.

Main Street Cowichan in front of the bakery (Dad is by the telephone pole) -- the bicycle above the door has loaves of bread haning from it - strange....

Weatherman calls for more sun and we call for more fun -- we're off to Princess Margaret's Island (Portland) today and further anchorages in the Canadian Gulf Islands -- perhaps we'll stop at Brethour Island (named after a relative -- well specifically named after Grandpa George Cochran's sister who married a Brethour -- are you keeping track?)

Beautiful Genoa Bay!

2009-07-19T10:39:00.000-07:00

After a big wind up to Cowichan Bay on Vancouver Island, we decided to put in to Genoa Bay -- somewhat more protected. We "danced" with a triamaran who couldn't get his anchor set correctly so we did the fender dance while the winds still shifting. He finally tied to a mooring buoy and we felt safe enough to go to the dock for a lookaround and a walk.
This huge tree is just up the road from the Marina. Dad looks pretty small compared to the trunk of the tree! This is a great place and would be quite a lovely spot to live.

Some boats take no chances anchoring! This guy macramed himself to the buoy! The windy night kept the skipper busy as many boats drag anchor. A cappella, and her new anchor, stay put despite the will-a-waws!

Sunday morning brings us no wind and a stellar day -- we dinghy over to the dock for email and lunch at the well recommended restaurant.

The restaurant at Genoa Bay.

After lunch today, we'll try Cowichan Bay again. It's reported to be a "funky" marina and lots of unique shops in town.

Sidney - Friday Morning.

2009-07-18T09:04:00.000-07:00

We leave Garrison Bay on another bright sunshiny day and wend our way north to customs at Port Sidney on Vancouver Island.
A good walkabout town shows the amazing changes even since we were last here. This is the building named 'The Sidney Cannery' which stands on the same block as the old cannery did which was (for you Tomkinson children) owned and operated by Colin Caird Cochran and George Anderson Cochran (Colin being your 2nd great uncle, George being your Great Grandfather.

Richard finds someone he remembers from visiting Sidney as a tot -- she's rather a permanent fixture! He is no doubt pointing to a painting in her book and telling her all about it.....

We are leaving Sidney today (Saturday) and heading out to Cowichan Bay and perhaps Maple Bay. Our thoughts are that we will also visit Princess Margaret's Island before heading south again.

English Camp Part 4 - Leaving

2009-07-18T08:56:00.000-07:00

The history of English Camp at the park entrance.

The gorgeously gnarled bark of the Gary Oaks.

An Osprey is captured minding her nest. The Park attendant tells us that the babies are not flying yet.

We depart English Camp in the same manner as the Royal Engineers did in 1870 - peacefully and well satisfied with our time at the Camp.

English Camp Part 3 - Cemetery

2009-07-18T08:51:00.000-07:00

After about a 3/4 mile hike we arrive at English Cemetery where 7 souls are buried. These seven men died while the English were at Garrison Bay during the Boundary dispute.

The plaque commemorates the 7 men and was put up by the BC Maritime Museum Association.

The Tombstones - standing but difficult to read. They have been transcribed and plaques have been mounted on the fence. Most died of drowning, while the one below particularly caught my eye.

William Taylor -- shot by his brother by accident at 24 years of age.

Richard is holding up and pointing at the "spirit stone" we found in front of the tree. This will be added to our rapidly expanding collection of stones.

English Camp - Part 2

2009-07-18T08:42:00.000-07:00

One of the first things the Royal Marines did when they established the camp was to build a vegetable garden. Later when the camp was established, they turned it in to a formal walking garden much like at home in England. It was done to please the wives of the soldiers and beautify their surroundings. The trail above the formal garden was the officers quarters.
View of the formal garden from the Officer's Quarters.

This beautiful maple is 340 years old, predating the camp and enjoyed by not only today's tourists, the farmer who owned the land after the English left, the Royal Marines and the Native peoples before them. A midden was dug here the last time we were on the site (about 25 years ago if you can imagine that) and many remnants of the Salish peoples were found. There is also a beautiful shell beach at low tide.

Richard in the field on Young Hill surrounded by Gary Oak trees that have been reforested to approximate the original flora on the island.

English Camp, Garrison Bay

2009-07-18T08:32:00.000-07:00

Lunch done, we head over to the National Memorial Park dock on English Camp.

Great to see the Union Jack flying proud. This is a bit of history that, if nothing else, is quite fun. There was a boundary dispute in the 1840's between the English and the Americans. Both insisted that they owned San Juan Island as part of the original boundary agreement -- at the time the surveyors didn't realize that it was there -- they thought that there was only one strait between Vancouver Island and the mainland.

This dispute caused both sides to occupy the island -- the English on the north side; the Americans in the south. This carried on for some time until one day one of the American's shot a pig that belonged to one of the Englishmen. This so enraged the English that they petitioned to Governor Douglas in Victoria to send troops to defend their claim to the island. So, in 1860 Governor Douglas sent out a party of 120 Royal Marines who had just previously been fighting in Shanghai and called them to build a fort on the San Juan Island to defend British ownership. Likewise, the American's sent their considerable army force to the south end of the island. Not long after the President sent the Commander of the Army in American to negotiate a peaceful conclusion. It was decided that the territory dispute would be adjudicated by Kaiser Wilhelm of Germany. During the many years that the dispute was under consideration by the Kaiser, the Americans and British lived in respectful harmony. The British built their camp up with fine buildings, gardens and homes for the officers. The American camp was woefully unkempt and very rough living.

Outside and inside the block house at English Camp.

Turn Point - Stuart Island

2009-07-18T08:15:00.000-07:00

We leave beautiful Prevost Harbor on Stuart and make our way around the top to Turn Point. The cute little lighthouse marks the 'turn' for all of the freighters heading into Canada.

We, however are going back down to the San Juan Island, this time on the West side.

We set our anchor in Garrison Bay and I feed the captain -- meals onboard have been terrific if I do say so myself. This one is a prawn salad!

The view of English Camp, Garrison Bay from our dining window.

A walk through the forest on Stuart

2009-07-17T19:39:00.000-07:00

The sunshine was dappled through the trees on the island -- it was a very hot day -- about 80 F, but the road was cool and easy to walk -- until Dad mentioned that the Cougars probably can't spot us......

Grandpa the hiker -- he looks like a tourist doesn't he?

Jocelyn -- how do you like your fashionista Dad now?

Only the shadow knows......

Prevost Harbor Stuart Island -- Walkabout

2009-07-17T19:25:00.002-07:00

The post office on Stuart Island at the head of Prevost Harbor.

Matthew, Simon, Wesley -- what are these guys doing??

I bet Aaron would like to ride these horses. I couldn't get them to look up for the photo op!

This was the road that we walked up through to a lovely forested area. You can't see a cappella -- she's anchored at the other end of this Harbor. More next....

Prevost Harbor Stuart Island -- FEDEX or ??

2009-07-17T19:17:00.000-07:00

Once anchored in this gorgeous Harbor, we took the dinghy over to the park dock to go for a walkabout.

Out the channel and across the water is Saturna Island in Canada.

Here's the FEDEX drop off for the Island! Each box has a family name on it. This is also the school boat pier.

Johns Island

2009-07-17T19:08:00.000-07:00

What gorgeous weather we are having. We left our pretty anchorage near Gossip Island in Reid Harbor and made our way through John's pass and on our way spotted this Indian Village camp on Johns Island.

There were many Teepee sites that ran across the west end of the Island and I can imagine what fun it must be to be one of their campers. From the size, they look to be smaller than John and Melissa's Teepee -- but there must have been over 100 of them.

The dug-out canoe was moored in one of the small bays.

The long house was beautifully painted.

A sign on the island says that it is a "self-sufficient" island -- no electricity, no phone, water or sewer services.

Quite a unique site to find as we cruise by and up to Prevost Harbor to find another adventure.

Reid Harbor

2009-07-17T19:03:00.000-07:00

If you're wondering how the hay gets delivered on the island, your questions are answered! Here's the barge complete with truck and haystack delivering food for the cattle on the island. There are no utilities on the island, other than those made by the owners (generators, solar, wind, etc.)

At our anchorage near Gossip Island, Mamma Deer encourages her babies to swim the narrow channel to the island and off they go across!

Friday Harbor to Stuart Island

2009-07-17T18:33:00.001-07:00

Friday Harbor and it's time to look after the necessities - laundry, water up, pump-out and fill up the larder. We are directed three blocks up the hill in town for the laundry so off we go toting our togs -- the bonus is that it is right behind our favorite cafe for breakfast!

We spent a relaxing day in town and at the dock overnight. The next day, off we go north up San Juan Channel past Spieden Island to Stuart Island.

Shiver me timbers -- on the way up the channel we encounter a pirate ship. Where is Solomon when we need him??

Fortunately, they were a friendly lot -- we found out that they are here to re-enact the landing of the Royal Marines at English Camp at Garrison Bay in 1860.

Once safely past, we are treated to the wild-life on Spieden Island. The flora and fauna of the island are both quite remarkable.

We made our way through Spieden Channel up to Reid Harbor on Stuart Island and anchored between the tip of Stuart and Gossip Island. You can see the white shell beach on Gossip. A pretty background for our evening!

Fisherman's Cove, Lopez Island

2009-07-13T13:26:00.000-07:00

A grey day with forecast of a thunderstorm and we make our way over to Fisherman's Cove at Lopez for Sunday morning. We walked to town (about 3/4 mile) and arrived in time to attend church service at the Lopez Community Church. It was full to over-flowing and I got to sing a familiar Lutheran tune -- Beautiful Savior as well as a hymn sung to Bach's Ode to Joy. There was also a praise choir -- Jocelyn take note -- complete with words of songs on the powerpoint projection screen. The pastor was young and energetic and the sermon was more of a bible study (again complete with projection and bullets of importance) on John 18:1-8

A fresh cod boat looking quite sprightly in Fisherman's Cove, Lopez Island

The skies were looking dark so we grabbed a couple of lattes and walked back to up the anchor and get ourselves tucked into Friday Harbor -- which is where we are today -- doing laundry, filling water, etc. etc.

Love to all of you and more as we reach another internet site. This week we plan to re-explore English Camp and Roche Harbor and perhaps slip over to Victoria.

Indian Cove, Shaw Island

2009-07-13T13:17:00.000-07:00

Evening time at anchor on Shaw Island. A wonderful state marine park and the sandiest beach we've seen in the San Juans. We spent a warm afternoon -- high 80's and a windy evening at anchor in this beautiful bay while watching the traffic string up and down Harney Channel.

Dad configures his touch to the new speakers and enjoys a symphony of sounds.

From Market to Mountains and Indian Cove

2009-07-13T13:12:00.000-07:00

Radishes and raspberries -- plump and juicy!

Traversing Harney Pass, Mount Baker breaks through and sparkles.

Our anchor mates practise their sailboarding skills while at Indian Cove.

Market Day -- Eastsound, Orcas Island

2009-07-13T13:08:00.000-07:00

A cute little customer at the market! We're gonna get us one of them come October!!

A gorgeous display of produce -- Will would be impressed!

We loaded up our basket with fresh vegs and enjoyed the music, smells, sights and sounds of a bustling Saturday morning market.

Who knew onions could look so beautiful!

Adios Olga, Hello Eastsound!

2009-07-13T13:03:00.000-07:00

Dad enjoys a chocolate ice-cream as we leave Olga and head out to Rudd Bay -- close to Eastsound on Orcas.

Acappella anchored in Rudd Bay, Eastsound, Orcas Island. Our dinghy trip takes us to the bustling community of Eastsound, the major commercial area on Orcas Island. It's about the size of Ganges on Saltspring Island and has many services for the tourist and boaters. We spent the night on the hook in Rudd Cove and took the dinghy over to town in the morning. Breakfast and internet consumed enough time to spend before the Saturday morning market opened.

The Episcopal Church annex has a labyrinth on the lawn overlooking the sound. Stay tuned for scumptious pictures of the market!

Olga, Orcas Island

2009-07-13T12:54:00.000-07:00

From our bustling cove at Shallow Bay on Sucia we headed over to Orcas Island. After gunkholing a number of lovely coves, we headed up Eastsound and stopped for lunch and a walk at Olga -- a cute little town on the eastern side of the sound. They have a lovely Co-Op gallery which entertained us for some while. The signs above advertise their community fair -- Olga Daze.

On our hike around to the next bay -- a clam and oyster farm.

Acappella at the Olga dock, Orcas Island

What a great store and lunch spot at the top of the dock. Friendly people and good eats too. Notice the little window inset in the roof -- it's a reproduction of the storefront.

Olga is well worth the visit, although the dock is small and it would be miserable in a SW wind, we had calm winds and seas for our 3 hour stay.

Little Bay, Suchia Island

2009-07-13T12:47:00.000-07:00

Dad takes a gander through the trees on our Little Bay Hike.

I'm pointing to the boat in the Harbor -- not too obvious though!

San Juan Meanderings

2009-07-13T12:35:00.000-07:00

We've spent a marvelous 6 days meandering the San Juans. From Shelter Bay we cruised up to Matia Island and spent the night in a no-name bay, which we now will dub "1 boat bay". The cove was just big enough to accommodate 1 boat and many little birds flitting around spiral diving for their food. The cove had a a beautiful little sandy beach and along the shore-line a "monster" carved in the rock.

After a pleasant night on the hook at Matia, we headed over to Suchia Island and circumnavigated the island slipping in and out of the coves, finally settling in Shallow Bay. Dad and I took a dinghy ride to shore and then hiked the trail from Shallow Bay to Little Shallow Bay. Many boats of all sizes and shapes. A gorgeous sunset was provided as a backdrop to our evening meal!

Aboard with the "Scholastic Achievement Award Winner"!

2009-07-11T09:29:00.000-07:00

Our own Emily Kate and her Mom spent a few days with us aboard Acappella cruising Whidbey Island. We were quite honored to have this award winner aboard!

We left bright and early Sunday morning and cruised to Langley town on Whidbey and gunkholed all the stores in town. Captain and Emily gunkhole the marina -- we were packed in like sardines, as usual! After a very pleasant dinner it town, we went back to the boat, played upteen games of Skip-Bo and to bed. Next day we cruised off to Penn Cove for a restful night on anchor -- we had a few visitors too.... we dropped Helen and Em back at Shelter Bay, had showers and restocked at home then off again first to Matia Island, then Sucia and now on Orcas at Eastsound Cove for the Saturday farmer's market. More later as internet is available -- love to you all!

Thirtaaay!

2009-07-11T09:05:00.001-07:00

On July 4th our very independently minded daughter, Jocelyn, turned 30! The whole family gathered for a surprise party in Queen's Park in New Westminster to fete her and the day! Although she knew she was going to a picnic, we hadn't told her that we were coming in from the sea to join in the festivities! So, brother, and brother in-laws, sisters and sister-in-law, extended family and friends joined together to mark the milestone.

We dined on burgers and hot dogs and watched the young'uns cavort. A great day!

Jocelyn looking at her quilt made out of old Tshirts from her pre and teen years - her Mother's attempt at domestic sewing skills.

And a gift from Dad -- the painting that she salivated after for some time -- she's finally arrived -- and has one of Dad's best paintings.

The "cousins" get in some good play time together!

You da boss Simon!

Solomon's scooter was a big hit!

Wooden Boat School Port Hadlock

2009-07-02T13:12:00.000-07:00

We woke to a bright sunny morning leaving the historic town of Port Townsend to make our way over to the Wooden Boat School at Port Hadlock.

Dad was keen on gunk-holing the school and chatting up the locals. The school was busy sanding, scraping and generally getting on with teaching folks the art of wooden boat building. The tug in the picture is from 1906 -- she's visited LaConner during the wooden boat show and is looked after by the school. The buildings you see just behind her are those of the school. We docked in front and did a stroll around past really unique little cabins and the sights and sounds of people working diligently on their projects. There is an interesting cafe here as well but unfortunately it doesn't open until 5:00 PM so we'll have to try it another time.

The "Ajax" Cafe, Port Hadlock.

Now off we go again on a beautiful sunny afternoon heading over to the "Lagoon" and a stay at Mystery Bay -- more later!

Pleasant Harbor -- Hood Canal to Port Townsend

2009-07-02T12:52:00.000-07:00

We spent a "pleasant" afternoon and evening in Pleasant Harbor tucked in the North side of Hood Canal. There are two marinas here as well as a state park dock. Acappella anchored -- we're still enamored with our new 45 pound anchor -- it works superbly!

Here I sit having that pleasant time -- don't ask me what I'm doing, it's the only picture we took at Pleasant Harbor for some reason!

We picked up the anchor in the morning and headed north, under the Hood Canal bridge heading for Port Townsend to replenish the larder.
The bridge is a significant span as you can see. It makes it easy for the folks to get back and forth to work at the Bangor Navy Station where they have the Trident nuclear sub-marines. We gave the base a wide berth and saw the 'watch dog' boats making sure that no one comes too close!
Further up the shore and we take the inside waterway through the Port Townsend Canal.

There is another naval station on the east island and a ship is loading at the dock. She heads out accompanied by two Coast Guard dogs.

Lots of busy boats around as we head toward Port Townsend and anchor off the old town close to the city dock -- the old Union Dock. There was a fish processing plant here for many years and one day they were loading a semi trailer truck from the dock and it fell into the drink-- thus ended the fish processor's business and the city now uses it for the transient boaters.

We took the dinghy into town and strolled the main streets in search of a grocery store which ended up being about 2 miles down the road. A good bit of exercise after a long stint on the boat. With our goodies purchased we took a taxi back to the dock and settled in for a quiet evening.

Union Washington

2009-06-28T07:11:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning brought us a picture postcard day and we hoisted the anchor for a short run over to the town of Union, right at the bend of the canal on Annas Bay, just on the edge of the Skokomish River tideflats. The visiting dock at the marina was great, as was the harbormaster - friendly and accommodating. Our 'host' gave us a run-down on the little town and pointed out a walking trail so off we went.

The trail took us up a very STEEP hill above the marina, but rewarded us with spectacular views of the canal, mountains and the Great Bend as well as a gentle slope downward back toward the water. In this picture you can see acappella moored on the outside dock.

We had worked up enough appetite for a mid morning brunch at the local cafe -- it was delicious all 'round.

We enjoyed the glorious sun and warmth ashore for a few hours then aboard again to head back up the canal northbound to Pleasant Harbor -- which is indeed very pleasant. There is a marina as well as a state park float but we chose to anchor and were rewarded with a warm, lazy afternoon - finally updating the blog.

Today is cloudy and overcast but no rain so far and we plan to run up to Port Townsend, stopping at the wooden boat school on the way. More later as we make our way up the Olympic coast to search for new sites!

Exploring the Hood Canal - southbound

2009-06-27T16:11:00.000-07:00

Friday, June 26th -- Now, winding our way south, we have a beautiful sunny afternoon cruising down the canal to the big bend at the end. There are so many beautiful cottages and homes on the shore and many, many sand & shell beaches. Both the captain and the owner are enjoying the rays and deep into recovery mode.

Perfect spot for afternoon tea!

Along the way, we meet a beautiful sailboat just as we turn the corner of the "Big Bend". She is certainly a pretty sight in full sail.

We meander by Union (a town to be explored next day), past a fancy resort newly restored called Alderbrook and make our way for our night's anchorage across the canal at Tahuya Cove.

The captain in repose at anchor in Tahuya Cove as he sketches a record of our arrival.

The dinner gong is sounded and the captain is presented with a large filet mignon steak and trimmings for his day's effort. This will help to fatten him up!

Seabeck Cove

2009-06-27T15:51:00.000-07:00

Seabeck Marina -- all that's left from a raging winter storm....

Thursday, June 25 we left Port Gamble in a cloudy bit of drizzle and made our way further down Hood Canal to Seabeck Cove where once there was a marina, but tis no more. A winter storm took it out some years ago and by the time all the environmental & cultural impact studies, state and federal bureaucrats gave the okay to rebuild but by then the investors had been lured elsewhere. Want remains is a great little restaurant, general store, espresso bar and antique/gift shop.

Seabeck - Conference Center
Also, a note to Will & Bree -- this is the likely spot where the Unitarian church camp is in August that you spoke of -- they have a conference facility that is rented to various groups throughout the summer. It is right across the street from the restaurant and grocery store.

Needless to say, with no docks, we anchored overnight and took our new dinghy complete with motor attached to check out the locals. We are VERY lucky -- the motor started the first time -- not having run it since last July 1st which I remember very well because I got a thoroughly soaked bottom in the old dinghy when we were at Lagoon Cove last year. This dinghy landed us safe and dry! After a wander around, coffee and apple pie for Dad in the restaurant, we made our way back to the boat and then off to further adventures down the canal.

You can't go there.....

2009-06-27T15:08:00.000-07:00

Port Gamble, Mill Manager's Home

Thursday June 25th -- slightly cloudy this morning! Armed with our trusty boater's guide books telling us that there is nowhere to land a dinghy near the quaint town of Port Gamble, we set about to find a spot to land. Just south of the old mill, which is now getting the final touches to clearing it off, we landed the new dinghy. Scrabbling up the tideline full of oysters and mussels, we made our way through the bramble and on to the mill yards. Quite sure that this was not allowed, we stood tall, shoulders back and pretended that we had every right to be walking through the debris, heavy equipment, bolders and old recovered logs -- right past the temporary office hut and up to the town.

Town Hall, Post Office

The effort was rewarded! Port Gamble was the oldest operating Mill in the USA. In 1853 two strong-willed and smart businessmen, Andrew Jackson Pope and Frederick Talbot ventured west from East Machias, Maine and landed on the shores of the Hood Canal. They found their home in "Teekalet", meaning brightness of the noonday sun". Modelled after their own New England hometown, Port Gamble still reflects this architectural style -- and the entire town on 120 acres is still owned by the Pope & Talbot Company. They lease the historic homes to merchants who have stores on the first floor of many of the homes and their residences on the second floor. Lot's of shops, boutiques, a bookstore, general store and a museum. Quite charming all in all!
One of the many stately old Mill town homes

On our visit to the museum we find that the mill started in 1853 and sawed it's last log in 1995. Originally the timber went primarily to San Fransisco as the city was being built, but during the course of the business it shipped timber to many overseas markets as well.

Our savvy young businessmen almost went bankrupt when their workers quit to join the Alaskan gold rush leaving them with few workers. The men made a trip back to Maine and offered a job to any man who was fit, married and had children or the prospect of them, transportation to their west coast mill, all the free timber they needed to build them homes in return for a lease payment of $1.00 per year for the land and steady work. The men built in the style they knew to shelter their families and that is why the town architecture is a New England delight.
The General Store, Port Gamble -- note Dad's spiffy boots -- necessary for crawling up and down tidewater flats....

-- and a matching pair inside the general store -- but my cap matches of course.

Port Gamble

2009-06-27T14:57:00.000-07:00

Wednesday June 24th - up anchor at 7:25 a.m. to head out before the winds stirred up for our cruise across Admiralty Channel -- which can be stinky sometimes when the winds are high. Our crossing was quite comfortable and the captain pronounced a nap near Foulweather Bluff at the entrance to Hood Canal. After said nap, and with the ever increasing wind we left for our evening anchorage at the south end of Port Gamble. We spent a few hours doing the anchor macrame before we decided to up anchor and move further east along the shore of the bay. That was much more comfortable and we had a quiet night.

And we're off....

2009-06-27T14:35:00.000-07:00

Tuesday June 23rd - After staying onboard overnight at the dock, we ticked off a few last minute things and we were off! Possibly the lowest tide of the year but we got through the bay without a problem. It was a sunny day and both Dad and I immediately started to feel great -- our colds and flu magically forgotten as we basked in the sun on the bow. We arrived at Langley on Whidbey Island in time for a nice stroll through the town. There are a suprising number of shops closed down -- must be the times. Our favorite grocery store was open though and we bought a feed of mussels to enjoy for our dinner. Mmmm they were great!

As the day came to a windy end, we re-anchored in a more favorable spot and listened to a few of the many CBC and NPR podcasts that we've downloaded to entertain us while afloat.

So, it's that time of year again

2009-05-01T13:09:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's Tulip Time in the beautiful Skagit Valley and last weekend was prime! Grandson's Matthew and Simon were with us while the parents visited Sin City. The weather was great all weekend and we had a terrific time. It was truly deja vu for us -- past reminders of the times that Michael and Aaron spent summer weeks with us roaming around Martha's beach and the playground of Shelter Bay.

Once again our thoughts and plans turn to getting the boat prepped for our summer sojourn. I thought I'd start up the blog again to keep everyone up to date on where we are going and what we are doing.

I'm not quite sure where we are going but both of us have said we want to go to Hot Springs Cove so perhaps we'll find ourselves in the Barkley Sound area for a while.

More later,
Mom

Update --- the end of the boat trip!

2008-08-31T08:20:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted for quite a while! Richard and I had a great tour of the Brother XII house in Nanaimo that was for sale. It was intriguing but an awful lot of work to restore it to it's former glory. We spent an unexpected overnight and day at the Nanaimo fisherman's dock as our raw water intake pump broke -- just as we left the dock. No damage to anything but a delay of 6 hours while we tracked down a mechanic to refit a part to a spare that we had on-board.

On our way, we went to Butchart Gardens, grabbing an anchor buoy and touring the Gardens in the hot summer sun. It was in full bloom and a real treat to see again.

We went off to Fulford Harbour the next day and that is where the beginning of the end of our trip occurred. As we were walking into town to have lunch, I sprained my ankle quite badly, tearing ligaments and pulling tendons. Lot's of drama but the synopsis is that we headed home early the next day as my ankle continued to balloon and turn a range of red, blue, green, orange and yellow. It will soon be two weeks since it happened and I am just now off crutches for short distances. It does get better every day but has been a real frustration.

Our little grandson Matthew, had his open heart surgery postponed to Sept. 8th. Rich and I will be up in Canada for that week looking after the family. After Matthew gets out of the hospital in about a week, we will come home and bring brother Simon with us for a week so that Matthew can have a quite recovery time at home.

Hope you all enjoyed the boating blog!

Away Heriot Bay Quadra Island

2008-08-14T16:14:00.000-07:00

Coming back to civilization is a bit of a shock. We docked at the Heriot Bay Hotel Marina, got our laundry done and had a scrumptous halibut and chip dinner. Next day we replenished the larder, visited the second hand store and Rich and Jack went off to the Indian Cultural Center. Donna made a terrific prime rib dinner and we said our goodbyes for the summer as they will now go off to Desolation to join up with other RCYC members and we will travel south.

We leave at 6:00 a.m. -- with a beautiful sunrise coming down from the heavens.

With a course dead straight south, we cruise 5 hours down to Hornby Island where beautiful Tribune Bay offers a wonderful sunny afternoon of relaxation. The white sandy beach is littered with kids, dogs, parents and all type of watercraft for having fun. It's great to hear kids voices again -- makes us miss our grandkids even more.

Reading and relaxing up on the Command Bridge

Skipper takes a rest too.....

And we end our day with a gorgeous sunset on the bay -- and almost a full moon. We will head off to Nanaimo tomorrow and then through the southern gulf islands once more.

Octopus Wandering - Again!

2008-08-12T07:42:00.000-07:00

Richard, me, Pat Bernie inside the art shack at Octopus Island -- you gotta love Dad's yellow boots....

Gunkholing in the Octopus Islands -- Our boats are rafted ahead.

We found the memorial plaque to Joy and Al Rothstein -- they were RCYC members and friends of ours who died within six months of one another in their early 60's.

From the beach where the plaque is mounted in stone you can see our boats basking in the sun.

The Cabin at Octopus Island Marine Park

2008-08-12T07:35:00.000-07:00

It's hard to pick only a few of the pieces to show everyone...

Here is a little Mermaid

Wilson and friend....

The Octopus greets us at the front door...

We hang our momento -- next time we'll spend a little more time creating ......

Adventures in Octopus Island Park

2008-08-12T07:30:00.000-07:00

We spent a great (and hot!) afternoon and morning exploring in the tender. On our way across to the "Art Shack" we discovered some barely submerged rocks -- one of the many that are in the park but these have a 'blue' paint that is strongly similar to the bottom of Mya II..... Hummmmmm

Jack's rock.....

We disembark for a quick hike up to the "Art Cabin" in Octopus Island Marine Park

Here we are -- or at least Bernie and Richard -- a closer look inside follows. This is a private island in the park but the owners have made this older cabin available to hikers and boaters alike. Everyone creates an original piece of art with their name on it and hangs it in the cabin. We have found a piece of drift wood and leave Acappella's name there too....

On the Way Back Down

2008-08-12T07:22:00.000-07:00

Our last stop in the Broughton's before we head back down south is the Lodge on Cordero Channel. It is owned by a German couple who also have a restaurant on the dock and serve up a fantastic German meal. The Schnitzel is out of this world.
The dock at Cordero Lodge

We are up and off by 10 am to make sure we have a smooth trip through the two Oskiollo Rapids and arrive at Octopus Island Marine Park -- a terrific spot, albeit crowded.

A few from the dinghy in the Octopus Island Group

The Bos'un Chair -- Will, do you remember doing this same thing?

Here we are all tucked in our corner of the Octopus Group.

Potts Lagoon & Lagoon Cove Encore

2008-08-09T14:53:00.000-07:00

From Kwatsi, we make our way to Potts Lagoon and we have a quiet, restful evening. We pick up our trap in the morning to find, yet again, a zoo has found us -- here's about the biggest sun fish we've ever seen trying to smother our catch of prawns.
It needs a lot of encouragement to leave the trap.

Next day it is over to Lagoon Cove. We're in luck! It is potluck and Bill & Jean have cooked up prawns and crab and made fresh home-made bread. The boaters add the sides and we all meet in the shed to devour the delicious banquet.

Jack Scannell and I take a break from filling our faces on crab and prawn....

and home I come to Acappella with left-over crab for tomorrow's lunch!!

Kwatsi -- Adieu!

2008-08-09T14:45:00.000-07:00

Anika and Max's home at Kwatski. Their children are now at the age where they will have to move in to Port McNeill to go to high-school versus continuing with correspondence courses. Anika will move in to an apartment with them in Port McNeill and they will commute home on the weekends.

Leaving Kwatsi in the morning we pick up our prawn trap and find a vertible "zoo". The octupus, once released, inked as it hit the water. We had a crab and two sun fish as well as about 12 prawns -- not much after the feed that the octupus and sun fish had in our trap!!

Sun Fish in our Trap at Kwatsi Bay

Somewhat ragged around the edges -- here we are at the Kwatsi Bay pot luck dinner.

Kwatsi Bay - Tribune Channel

2008-08-09T14:34:00.000-07:00

The trip to Kwatsi is filled with more remarkable scenery.

Last year's slide and huge waterfall adjacent to the Kwatsi Bay Marina

Cuddled up in the mountains and Kwatsi Bay Martina run by a lovely family -- Anika and Max and their two children.

Docked at Kwatsi

It's pot luck night and about 30 other boaters join in for the evening meal. As you can see, Acappella is front and center of the entertainment!! It was a great smorgsabord.

Leaving Moore Bay and off to Kwatsi

2008-08-09T14:27:00.000-07:00

Mya II (38' CHB), Golden Days (48' C&L) and Acappella (40' Ocean Alexander) snuggly rafted and stern tied in Moore Bay.

The fog eerily claims the landscape in the early morning. This is the port side of our anchorage in Moore Bay before we embark on our travel down to Kwatsi Bay.

Mya II seems to float in the air!

But before long the fog is gone and the sun is shining -- this rock wall is in Tribune Channel on our way to Kwatsi Bay

Moore Bay -- the Picnic!

2008-08-09T14:19:00.000-07:00

Moore Bay is a wonderfully large bay with a number of little crooks in it to safely anchor. Prawning is said to be good here so the first order of the day was to set the prawn traps down.

The sun is hot and there isn't a cloud in the sky -- a perfect day for a picnic. B.C. Forest Services has a little dock and a park for boaters and kayakers on the other side of the bay and we make our way over to check it out, picnic in hand.

Bernie and Richard checking out the old growth forest trees. This one is an "Eternal" Tree where enough wood was carved out to use for whatever purpose (canoe, shelter, etc.) and the tree was left to continue growing...

It's hard to explain how this forest reaches the sky!

We find a table of rocks and enjoy our picnic lunch.

A view from our picnic spot -- Moore Bay

Happy Wanderings....

2008-08-09T14:10:00.000-07:00

As we make our way further up Retreat Passage, to Cramer Pass we deke into Echo Bay to "hover" and pick up some email. We can't help but smile at Carol and Gerry's bright purple float home and beside it their bright yellow boat.

We stop for a lunch anchor in the Burdwood Group -- a delightful group of islet's, many with real white sand beaches.

Guess who ran out of Oatmeal/Raisin cookies -- so here I am baking up a batch to keep the Skipper happy. Now we're off to rejoin our friends as we head toward Moore Bay which is just right of the entry to Kingcome Inlet.

At the entry to Kingcome Inlet

Leaving the Chief to bathe in private....

2008-08-09T14:01:00.000-07:00

Here's Richard pointing at the Chief's Bathtub as we leave him to his privacy and head over to Crease Island.

We arrive at our anchorage between Crease Island and Goat Island. Richard went for a long row and on shore built an Inushuk to leave behind.

The Inukshuk built by Acappella's skipper grandly sitting on the point at Crease Island

After our usual evening of pot-luck goodies and merriment with Golden Days and Mya II, we awake to the usual fog this time of year to make our way further up the northern end of the Broughton's.

Indian Village in Health Bay on Retreat Passage

August is "Fogust" and the typical fog stays with us until 11:00 am or so, after it either rains or the sun comes burning through!

The Chief's Bathtub

2008-08-09T13:51:00.000-07:00

We made our way through to Village Channel and on the north side of Berry Island to find the Chief's Bathtub. It is a sculpted-out depression in a rock cliff, a little below the high water line.

We arrived at almost high tide to find the bathtub almost full!
According to legend, to become a real chief the candidate had to sit in this bathtub four times a day for four days as the cold waters of the tide washed in. You can also see the pictograph just above the bathtub and the petroglyph side it.

The pictograph carved right above the bathtub

Almost faded out -- the petroglpyh on the wall faceto the left of the bathtub

Catching up to now....

2008-08-09T13:38:00.000-07:00

We whiled away the days waiting for the storm to blow itself out -- here I am yet again, scraping varnish!! We played lots of games and had many good dinners together with Mya II and Golden Days as we waited out the weather.

We left Big Fry Pan with the storm now resolved and took off into the open ocean and over to Port McNeill. Richard had a part shipped up for the boat (and elbow for the engine which after 30 years developed pin hole leaks). The part was waiting for us after our uneventful crossing over to Port McNeill. We had a chance to get laundry done, restock the larder, fix the elbow and to have a great dinner out at the Sportsman's Cafe as we joined Pat and Bernie and Donna in celebration of Jack's birthday.

We left the next day with slightly windy skies but a short trip back over to the Broughtons.

This is the site of "New Vancouver" where the Tribe from Mammaliculla was moved. It's a wonderful village full of nicely architected houses and a great dock.

The Long House at New Vancouver

New Vancouver as seen from the Point

We are told that they will "tolerate" Yachties mooring on their docks and taking on water but do not look kindly on any walking about on shore. This is not in our plan in any event and we make our way to our next point of discovery -- the Chief's Bathtub!