SSpirit home.....

Hi all, thanks for your notes and messages... just wanted to let you know, after one night at Bute Island, the good ship SSpirit is now resting peacefully in her slip at MBYC. We're going to enjoy one more BBQ dinner and then head home for the night. Thanks for joining us on our rather unique month long cruise. Take good care. CJ

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Took the ‘ Jump’

Madeira Park was a good experience... and we met nice folks... but, it was time to go! One boat left (bigger, stronger and faster than ours) and ourselves and another waited one more night. We both headed out on Saturday morning with the intention of heading home (they to Richmond and us to the other side of the Strait). Luckily for us they got to south of Merry Island first and radioed back. They were turning around as the wave over swell was just too much. As we had no set plans, and didn't feel the need to get 'all shook up' we slowed down and joined them in Secret Cove for one night at the Buccaneer Marina. Sunday morning, bright and early, both boats headed out and south. Winds were light (on the nose for us) and seas were kindly. Both boats arrived at their destinations comfortably. We have enjoyed Sunday afternoon and Monday at Pages Marina and plan to head through Gabriola Pass tomorrow morning. Where we are headed remains to be determined and when we go home... well, we'll know once we're there :-). Rest assured we are safe within the Gulf Islands and enjoying, finally, some days of sunshine. Hope all is well with each of you. CJ

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SSpirit is hunkered down at Madeira Park

Quick update for those of you following the weather. Yup, the wind event appears to be getting a little worse and for a little longer, but we are safe and secure, hunkered down at the public dock in Madeira Park. Over the next several days the winds are forecast to bounce around between 20 and 40 knots which of course has turned Georgia Straits into a cauldron of wind waves and swell. We don't wish to play in that and will remain here until things calm down. All is well on board. We have shopping nearby and are secured to a strong dock with power.

We hope all of you are also safe and warm. This storm will pass and we'll be on our way home once the trip will be more comfortable. Best to all... CJ

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Plans in sand... voila! Madeira Park.

Hi everyone, just wanted to let you know...plans in sand = changed our minds. Mother Nature demanded attention and we decided to listen to her. SE 30-40 are forecast for Wed and, not wanting to get trapped at Westview (too far north compared to where to cross the Strait from) we continued south as far as Pender Harbour (Madeira Park). Based upon the swells and how wet we got today, motoring into the SE 15s, we're waiting until the weather reports first thing tomorrow to decide whether or not we'll cross. If we decide not to cross, we'll enjoy a few days here in MadeIra Park and head across once the dastardly breezes have abated. That's the latest plan...in sand... :-)

Hope all is well with all of you. We are fine. TTFN. CJ

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Brightening... a little

We are in beautiful Laura Cove... and the smoke has lightened... a bit. At least we can see out past the entrance today. Prawn trap is down and crab trap will follow shortly. We'll be here for a few days.

We are fine.... and thinking of the folks devastated by the fires, as well as the fire fighters and other first responders involved. Hope all is well with you and yours. CJ

Update (while post sits in outbox waiting for connectivity :-)

Loose plan is heading to Lund tomorrow (Saturday) and starting our south bound loop that will see us home by the end of the month (weather permitting). Destinations are 'in the wind'.

Grey, it’s all grey...

I think for a blog to maintain its credibility, one must be prepared to share even the grey parts of the journey; and oh boy is it grey up here. We've had limited access to news for quite a while but, even without a newscast to warn us, it's pretty clear the smoke from the major fires has caught up to us.

We had warm, sunny days when we started out... lots of sun in Smuggler Cove, Fox Island and Maude Bay. When we left our friends in MBay we headed to Westview (in sun) and then up to Lund. The smoke began to make its presence known just before we arrived in Lund and, by the next day, it was obviously moving in. Undeterred, we headed to Prideaux Haven (which became Melanie Cove by the time our hook was down... better depth for anchoring and very peaceful and calm). While the smoke was around us, it wasn't socked in and we enjoyed a beautiful afternoon, swimming in 70 degree water and drying off on the sunny foredeck. Unfortunately the next day dawned in thick smoke.

We lounged in Melanie Cove for another two days of grey. The shadowy shoreline and grey shrouded trees remind me of our trip down the west coast in fog. It was a time (and is again) when your whole world is within your visual space...what you can see...which isn't very much. I wrote a few words to try to shake off my melancholy and I ll share them with you later. We're doing better now.

We left Melanie Cove intending to head to Roscoe Bay (you know, so we could hike to Black Lake and enjoy the views). Ha! once we'd left Melanie Cove we realized the smoke was even thicker than we'd realized (couldn't see the shore, never mind the 'view') ... turned on the radar and running lights. And, we turned left (er, to port) and headed for Refuge Cove. Lots of smoke equals no sun, equals no solar panels. We're at Refuge now so we can charge up the batteries and decide what to do.

So, for those wondering what it's like cruising in smoke...here is one girl's vision.

"To say it's like visiting a parallel universe would not be an over-statement. Travelling in a constant haze with the shorelines and beautiful trees reduced to paler shadows of themselves was not the splendour of Desolation Sound we had travelled for several days to explore.

No brilliant blue skies, no vibrant green shores, and no birds swimming on the breeze. Instead, millions of moths falling from the sky, twittering of small birds in the trees but not sailing the wind currents, and silence, eerie silence, amongst the boats resting at anchor. Very little laughter or swimmers splashing about, just quietness. Even shore leave for canine crews are quiet, deliberate.

Anchored two-thirds of the way into Melanie Cove, we can barely see the boats anchored just outside the entrance; a stones throw for an A League pitcher.

Not the premier tour we had envisioned."

OK, enough said :-). life goes on and so shall we. We're safe and sound (and trying not to breathe too deeply) in Refuge Cove. Will see what the weather gods have in store for us over the next few days... before we decide where and when we will go.

Hope you are all keeping safe and well. Know you are in our thoughts. CJ

PS: the photo is Maddie offering suggestions as to where we might head...

Quick update...Wed. September 9

After a great visits with friends (old and new) in Maude Bay we have moved on and expect to arrive In Lund tomorrow. From there we'll be heading in to the 'Sound' for up to two weeks of gunk-holing, resting, reading, hopefully swimming, kayaking, etc. Will write again but not for a while. Take good care everyone... and stay safe. TTFN CJ

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Fwd: 1030 Hrs. Sept. 03... Musket Island Marine Park

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> It seems we have the place to ourselves this morning... well, except for the large seal just at the entrance, talking and splashing and totally entertaining Maddie.
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> Yes, what an amazing, and quiet experience. The last boat left at 1000 and all you can hear now are crickets, birds, and seal splashes. As well as the beautiful scenery, we've met some great folks, including Laurence and Anne on SV Dreamspeaker.. yes, one and the same... authors of the Dreamspeaker cruising guides. We thanked them for their terrific books.
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> Yesterday we feasted on seafood; clams and oysters in abundance... and today has dawned beautiful and warm. All is well. May try prawning... you just never know.
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> Update: 1100 hrs. Joined by friends Dave and Dawn on MV C'mander 1. We shared some walks, clam spots, and a fun, socially distanced, dinghy raft up happy hour. It was great to reconnect and, no doubt, our paths will cross again in the future.
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> That was something we had to get used to in the Sea (the Sea of Cortez). We met many amazing people; most having arrived in the Sea the same way we did, by the seat of our pants, hanging on for the ride of a lifetime as we sailed south down the coast to Mexico. Our paths would cross and recross over the seasons as we explored the coasts of the Sea; and we would have wonderful visits when we shared an anchorage. But, each time we left to carry on our explorations, we never knew if we would ever see them again. We said goodbye each time, knowing we might not, and cherishing the memories.
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> Must run now... things to do (chores, reading, napping, hiking, prawning, clamming, repeat 😀). TTFN. CJ
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> Saturday, Sept. 5
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> Our original plan was to spend a couple days at Smuggler's Cove and another couple at Pender Harbour... but we didn't and, as a result, we are ahead of schedule. We've now been at Musket Island for five lovely days. The winds are forecast to build and it feels like it's time to move along, so... today we plan to hoist anchor and head to a small private dock in Maude Bay, owned by a friend of a friend. She has kindly offered us moorage for a couple days and we're looking forward to meeting her and to a visit with our friends Deb and Ian. So, provided our anchor comes up (many years ago I anchored in almost the exact spot and managed to stick our anchor into a large log. That took such force to break free we actually bent one of the tines on a Danforth anchor), we shall be on our way about mid day. Our destination is only 4-5 NMs away and I said we'd be in by early afternoon. Hopefully we will have some connectivity there and be able to catch up on emails. For the past five days we 've had to take the dinghy out and around to the west side of Musket Island in order to send texts or emails... not particularly efficient :-( All part of cruising this wonderful coast.
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> Hope all is well with each of you. Adios for now. CJ

Update: Sept 6

Comfortably settled in at friend's dock in Maude Bay. Wonderful community, good friends, and a chance to enjoy peace and friendship while the NW continues to build in the Strait. All is well.

1030 Hrs. Sept. 03... Musket Island Marine Park



SSpirit has left the dock...

SV Shannon's Spirit has finally left the dock on an adventure! After waiting for many weeks and months, SSpirit has crammed her lockers full of vitals and grog (mustn't forget the grog!) shaken off her dock lines, and set sail with two (well 2 and a half if you count Maddie the pup) motley crew... headed for parts unknown (quite well known actually but who cares!).

We slipped our marina Sunday morning and headed up through Dodd Narrows to Newcastle Island, just off Nanaimo. After a rainy overnight we left early Monday morning and crossed the Strait. Had a lovely sail for the first half of the crossing and then motored up to Smuggler Cove where we were able to anchor and shore tie at a spot we'd eyeballed last time we were here.

You won't likely remember the last time we were here, but we will never forget. It was on dear Shannon and we had anchored in the small cove in back of the main anchorage. The winds blew like stink that night, our shore line proved too light and the boat started to veer back and forth as she slowly began to whip the anchor out of its secure location. Did I mention? It was midnight, pitch black, with the wind howling through the shrouds and the two other boats in the Cove hadn't turned their anchor lights on... we had to go by memory. As well, the tide was so low we couldn't leave the small bay and there was a shoal right across from us. Anyway, we ended up breaking all the rules.

Yup, we managed to retrieve our shore line and anchor and, going by memory of where the two boats had been, we moved down to the head of the bay, dropped the anchor while going forward, it dug in, the boat swung around with her nose into the wind, and there we were, anchored on a lee shore with the wind howling down on us. And then the biggest and brightest full moon I've ever seen, crept up from behind the trees, lighting up the scene like a theatre stage. It was amazing. We sat up for the rest of the night, nestled under our knee blankets. Kathy watched the depth sounder as the bottom was within inches of our keel and I watched our swing and the anchor set. What a night that was... but we survived and we learned a few things too. We now have a much larger and stronger shore line for one. That was the last time we'd been here; so it's nice to have had a good experience this time. Guess maybe we'll come back again :-)

Today we are heading up to one of our favourite anchorages behind Fox Island on Hardy Island. We'll hang out there for several days enjoying an anchorage protected from the NW. At least that's the plan for now...remember, all plans are made in the sand, just below the high water mark.

Hope you are all well and staying safe. In case you're interested, I now have a couple websites along with this blog. (www.cjdaley.ca and www.ruddyduckpress.ca )

The photo is out our 'back door' looking out the gap towards the Strait.

TTFN. CJ
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The call for unity in these troubling times continues...

Bev Busson is a friend of mine.  She started her career in the RCMP the year before I signed up with the VPD. Not only did she have a stellar career, she was the first woman to serve as Commissioner for the RCMP. She now serves her country as a Senator for British Columbia. I hope you will embrace her message.

Commissioner (ret) Beverley Busson

STATEMENT BY THE HONOURABLE BEV BUSSON, SENATOR FOR BRITISH COLUMBIA ON THE CURRENT SITUATION INVOLVING OUR POLICE

July 2, 2020 (Ottawa, ON) – The Hon. Bev Busson, Senator for British Columbia, issued the following statement:

I cannot stay silent any longer.

I, like so many Canadians, regardless of background, have been shocked, saddened and shaken by the tragedies of the last few weeks. I do not want to argue about semantics. Our country was founded on the principal of colonization and many injustices have been committed over the years that must be confronted.

The movement to declare that Black Lives Matter, Indigenous Lives Matter, and Racialized Lives Matter should be a call to action, uniting each and every Canadian to become the change they want to see. But we must equally be vigilant that it not become a rush to judgement, denying due process and the rule of law that underpins our society.

I am the first person to want accountability for anyone who has disgraced the uniform. I wore one proudly for 33 years and hold distain for anyone using their power unlawfully.

Disturbingly, I see a tendency by some to stereotype equally each and every police officer with the same criminal motives. I am referring to the wave of hatred and disrespect directed at our police forces generally and specifically at the RCMP, that many members are experiencing.

Canada is a diverse country, arguably the best country in the world in which to live, and yet, instead of coming together to protect that legacy, we are being divided by our differences rather than celebrating them. There are many things to be done to improve the police model we have but kindness, trust and mutual respect must be at the root.

I am calling on each Canadian to remember the courage and dedication of our police officers. Not two months ago we were celebrating these first responders, who were coming to work to protect us, risking their own health and that of their families in order to do their duty. Are we so convinced the actions of a few, who have yet to be afforded the right of due process, colors or describes the whole profession. The vast majority of police officers are the finest people you will ever meet, and even at this tragic and unprecedented time, and despite the vitriol focused at them, are dedicated to keeping Canadians and their communities safe.

We must remember that racism and stereotyping are wrong in all its forms and must be eradicated. Police are people, they are mothers, fathers, sons and daughters. The vast majority became police officers to make a positive contribution to society, and despite finding themselves in an ever more hostile environment, serve with honour every day.

I believe we should all stand strong together, ensuring that those who abuse their authority feel the fullest extent of the law. I also urge that we recognize the dedication of the literally thousands of police officers in Canada who go to work every day to protect the same citizens who now vilify them. Through this difficult time in our search for a path forward, we must also find a way to be kind and compassionate to each other, and to all work hard, together, to confront and eradicate all forms of racism, systemic and otherwise from this great country.

In case you missed it... please read while link available.

Good morning everyone. 

As I am sure you are aware, there has been a lot of discussion and opinion flying around about North American law enforcement. Sadly, those with the loudest opinions are often the least informed and those without time to research the facts tend to pass the false information along.

Media seems to have played a role in this sad situation. Those loud opinions are often finding their way into news headlines, while the reality of Canadian law enforcement continues to take a beating without being allowed a fair voice in the matter.

The Vancouver Sun has finally published an article from the Chief Constable of the Vancouver Police Department.  I have a ton of respect for this man and I am very glad that those of you who choose to read the article will come to know him and his department much better.  You will also come away with a better understanding about policing in British Columbia in general and Vancouver specifically.

Please read the article and forward this message to others as you see fit.

Thank you for your support.

Carolyn

 https://vancouversun.com/opinion/adam-palmer-vancouver-has-progressed-further-than-some-jurisdictions-but-police-must-continue-to-evolve/wcm/784941aa-6b95-4375-b03c-8fe47c0836d1

Fwd: Not about sailing, but definitely about challenges...

TADA !!!   After 18 years I have finally completed what began as an investigation and journey into the past - and then became a manuscript and now is about to be published as a book. I'm delighted to introduce you to... 

Vancouver's Women in Blue

Trailblazers of the Vancouver Police Department 1904-1975.  

For those of you who journeyed with us as we bravely took on Mother Nature and the forces of the Pacific Ocean...this might sound like a bit of a 'yawn', BUT I can tell you that, even I, did not fully appreciate the challenges faced by the women who marched boldly into law enforcement between the early 1900's and right up to 1975. Women still face resistance in various forms today, but the environment has improved considerably.

So, for those of you interested in learning about the often twisted path the evolution of women in the largest police department in B.C. took; and about the individual women who served and some of their stories, please visit www.ruddyduckpress.ca and find more information about the book and how to order it.

While you're there, check out the author's website ( cjdaley.ca) and have a peek at the books I'm working on now.  

Carolyn

Not about sailing, but definitely about challenges...

TADA !!!   After 18 years I have finally completed what began as an investigation and journey into the past - and then became a manuscript and now is about to be published as a book. I'm delighted to introduce you to... 

Vancouver's Women in Blue

Trailblazers of the Vancouver Police Department 1904-1975.  

For those of you who journeyed with us as we bravely took on Mother Nature and the forces of the Pacific Ocean...this might sound like a bit of a 'yawn', BUT I can tell you that, even I, did not fully appreciate the challenges faced by the women who marched boldly into law enforcement between the early 1900's and right up to 1975. Women still face resistance in various forms today, but the environment has improved considerably.

So, for those of you interested in learning about the often twisted path the evolution of women in the largest police department in B.C. took; and about the individual women who served and some of their stories, please visit www.ruddyduckpress.ca and find more information about the book and how to order it.

While you're there, check out the author's website ( cjdaley.ca) and have a peek at the books I'm working on now.  

I have attached a link to an Information Sheet about the book.  Hope you enjoy it.

Carolyn

Isolation Art Puzzle Answer

I want to thank all of you who ventured a guess as to what those three haphazardly stacked pots were. M and M win the most entertaining and imaginative guess. Their submission read "It's obvious, a baked clay sculpture of a World War One Warship speaking tube from the bridge to the engine room!" Bravo!!... an excellent description.

For those of you still interested... the structure is... a self-draining, cascading bird bath. It was created quite by accident. I had emptied the pots and stacked them carelessly in  preparation for putting them away. When I looked at them from a distance, I could see they might have a use this season after all. Picture if you will .... wait, first of all let me tell you each pot has a drain hole dead centre in the bottom. Now picture what would happen if you ran water into the top (tipped to the side) pot.  The pot would fill with water but only to the drain hole level. The water then drains from the top pot, down through the lower pots, and onto the flat base... where it then cascades off.  We will be hooking up the automatic water system to feed the top pot (and keep the water from growing stagnant).  

All you need is water and gravity... lots of that around :-)

That's it for today... have a great day everyone and stay safe, please.  We must all be careful not to relax too soon. There is too much at stake.

Isolation art work

Hello out there in fantasy land... yes, it's me. And I'm hoping you are all well, staying safe, and enjoying all the little joys each day has to offer. We have been busy, tidying up lonely Shannon's Spirit who sits quietly at her dock waiting for not just attention, but the chance to test BC's waters. She hardly knows the place and, now, we've had to cancel most travel and sailing plans for the summer at least.... sigh. Ah well, this time of staying home has popped up other opportunities instead... like working in the garden and catching up with friends by email, Skype, and zoom... marvellous stuff. And, as many of you know, we've been working on 'the book'. More about that later.

For now, today, your challenge is to figure out what the marvellously artistic, well balanced, and delightfully situated artifact in the photo is. It was created quite by accident but... so, what is it? Bye bye for now. CJ. 😀
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Laughter is one of our human gifts...

Hi everyone, I'm pretty sure you're all going through the same angst as we are with respect to our changing world. While there are hundreds of "this is funny" videos, jokes, and stories circulating at a furious rate, we have found one that is, for us, a great way to start the day... with advice from Pluto. If you don't agree, then just delete. If you're already a fan, welcome. If you haven't met Pluto yet, I suggest you start with the oldest one and I hope you enjoy them as much as we do. CJ and K

> Here's a puppy in isolation who shares some advice to help us all get through our days at home...
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> Pluto Living: https://www.youtube.com/user/NJWight
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So what does a Capricorn do while on C-19 ‘stay home’?

Long, long ago... when I was a little girl, we lived in a small and very old house. It was so cool, when mom came home from shopping and I was assigned to deliver the canned goods down the narrow stairs to the dark and spooky basement. There, at the bottom of the stairs, was a carefully laid out collection of cans, ordered and segregated according to content, nestled between the the studs holding up the main floor. It was so easy to see where things went and what we had. The whole set up was only wide enough for one row of cans so you could see exactly what was there.

I've often dreamed of replicating such a system and, voila, yesterday... using a few boards cut to size, it appeared on the wall of our garage (Kathy's side; mine is full). Now, with just a glance, we can select a can of choice, make up a grocery list, or empty a bag of groceries. An even better advantage is that we have now cleared out three cluttered and crowded shelves crammed with who-knew- what cans of food. Our pots and pans are happier in their new quarters.

Should you decide you want something like this, all you have to do is select your favourite Capricorn... and give them the green light!
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Maddie’s First Birthday

Nothing like a 3' chew and a fine leather chair to celebrate a girl's first birthday!
Oh, and a long walk on the river trails, a play at the park, and a visit to the boat, all of her favourite things.
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