Mother Nature Rules

 There’s nothing like the rock and roll of a boat gently responding to the rubber snubbers you remembered to install fore and aft. And, there’s nothing better than being snug as a bug in a rug below decks… while the SE winds roar through the rigging. I am very happy with our decision to tuck in and let Mother Nature continue her rant without our participation. Those that claim to know, predict the winds should calm this afternoon and the seas should be ready for us to transit Gabriola Pass and head to Pirates Cove tomorrow. 🤞 I sure hope so. These have been easy days at Pages, catching up on small projects, going for walks in the forest (Kathy and Maddie long walks, myself shorter ones) and having time, finally, to sit quietly and enjoy our books. With time to consider our options we have decided to stay at Pages today and, hopefully, head over to Pirates for one or two days before heading home. This has been an interesting summer cruise, much like our spring maintenance sojourn, with very few of our carefully crafted plans actually working out. While it is a humbling experience, it has caused me to pause and think about what’s important and what can be left to sort itself out. That being said, I shall try to relax more and enjoy the moment(s) 😉. I hope each of you are enjoying good times and special moments….and not running full steam ahead into contrary winds. Until next time… CJ

The view from our floating home today.

Sailing is a wonderful way to spend time on the water…

unless you’re running up and pounding down through the swells of a south east wind ‘on the nose’. Now don t get me wrong; it wasn’t a vicious wind, but it was enough to keep our attention, soak our decks from time to time, and necessitate the distraction of singing loudly songs of the sea and taking turns cuddling the dog (she was warm) while the other helmed. Steering by hand was a smoother option as you can work with the waves vs. the self-steering machine that just steers the course no matter what configuration of waves is about to hammer you. It took 8 rather cold hours to make the crossing from Pender Harbour to Pages marina in Silva Bay on Gabriola Island. We are happy to be here (it’s been a long time since our last visit) and we will likely stay here for a couple days while an even stronger SE breeze blows through. We’ve studied the options and this one won. As well, it’s a chance for us to have a visit with old friends who live here. We still plan to be home by Sept 7 and our course between now and then remains in the wind. TTFN. From sunny Silva Bay…. CJ

Sat Aug 29: They say tomorrow will be a good day to cross the Strait…

  We shall see. Until then,then. CJ

Quick Update…

and not the end of the world. Rather an unusual cloud size and shape, passing over the sun. Hello good morning; checking in from Madeira Park, Pender Harbour. We’ve had a good run so far and are currently settled at our favourite dock in PH. Robin, the wharfinger is a gem and it is always good to catch up with him. We will be here for a few days it seems, waiting for the winds and seas to calm down a bit. Like most sailors we enjoy a good sail but climbing up and down moderate swells, beating into a SE wind and burying the rails in the water …is still not a welcome experience (unless you’re racing ;then it’s fun! ) Nothing exciting to report, except the fact Mother Nature continues to treat us with her magnificent beauty as we travel along our coast. We are indeed blessed. Hope the winds and rain near you also offer up some fresh beauty for you to enjoy. We may decide to cross tomorrow (Friday) or wait another day or two. There are worse places to hang out and we still have some days without commitments left TTFN. CJ

August 21: Destinations are not always where you intended…

they are where you end up :-) Yesterday, when we headed out of Lund, we headed for the nearby Copeland islands. We’ve been wanting to stop there but circumstances usually prevent us from doing so. Yesterday was no different with boats in every conceivable anchoring spot and shallows everywhere else :-(. Sucking it up, we carried on, not really sure where we were heading. With our limited time, Gorge Harbour and Read Island were no longer on the planning board. One thing we did notice was the increased number of boats heading south. 😁 which meant usually busy anchorages might not be full to overflowing. We poked our noses into a couple of possibilities and/but settled on an anchorage we hadn’t even considered until we arrived. Prideaux Haven is not normally on our list of places to visit because it’s usually chocker block full of big boats. Yesterday was different. We were able to anchor well and swing (which is lovely as it means we don t need to shore tie with all the complications that entails). The water was warm for swimming and, when we woke up this morning, half the nearby boats had left (heading south, I presume). We’ll stay here today and, sometime during the afternoon, we’ll figure out where we ‘think’ we’re going tomorrow. Many of you who know us well will recognize this is not our usual MO (modus operandi) so you will understand when I say “we are stepping out of our comfort zone with our fingers and toes crossed that all will unfold without too many more surprises. This is CJ signing off for now and wishing you all a good day with only pleasant surprises that keep you smiling. 😊

Our journey through life continues

 We are not just lucky… we are blessed Blessed to have been born to boating parents ; blessed with the courage and drive, inherited from our parents, to reach out and sample as much as life has to offer…as often as we can, and blessed to be surrounded by supportive siblings and friends who stand by us no matter how whacky we sometimes appear to be. All that to say, thank-you all for your care, your love and your support…which means so much, particularly when the day to day stuff can become somewhat challenging. Thanks too for the complete strangers we meet, like George, our go to guy up here, who helped us through a challenging time with our galley plumbing last year and our cranky windlass this year. It seems the damp atmosphere surrounding the windlass as well as salt water, overly-tight bits and pieces and other parts that were cracked, seized or corroded just couldn’t do the job anymore; so they just quit. All fixed already and we’re prepping to go. Fact is, today, right now, we are packed, healed and chomping at the bit to get going again. Lund has been a pleasure to visit but it really is time to move on. Unfortunately, due to the time delays, we will be reducing our original itinerary as necessary. As always we must allow extra days for foul weather and unruly sea conditions and the ‘cast in stone’ date we must be home by. It’s all good. We are happy, Maddie is having fun and SSpirit (the boat) is in the best shape ever 🤞. This is CJ signing off for now… it’s time for Maddie to practice fetching floaty things at the wee beach nearby. TTFN. Tatafornow. CJ > >  >

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Sometimes bad things happen… for good reasons

Good morning from the good ship Shannon’s Spirit. We are finally on our 2026 Summer Cruise. You haven’t heard much from us as we were rushing to prep, pack and get moving after a lengthy stay in the boat yard. As you may recall, our two week booking for annual maintenance on June 1st became a marathon of an overhaul, delaying all our plans for six weeks. To finally get away and begin our long awaited vacation was a huge relief and we looked forward to fair winds, sunny skies… and a perfect performance from our dear old boat. 

 We began with a stop-over in Pirates Cove and then moved to New Castle before crossing the Straits on August 6th. Our first stop was in a small bay on the south end of Texada Island. From there we continued up to Sturt Bay and on to Powell River where we enjoyed a marvellous visit with dear friends. The plan moving forward was to stop in the Copeland Islands for one night on our way to Gorge Harbour where we had reservations and a date with some old friends. 

We had a comfortable run up to the Copeland’s, including the sighting of two Humpback whales who popped up not too far from us. We were heading north and they were heading south. Our intended anchorage had already acquired two boats at anchor but there was still room for little old us, so we moved slowly shoreward and even executed the ‘lower and set anchor while moving slowly forward’ maneuver friends had shown us years ago but we’d never tried with Spirit. It worked very well, except that Kathy sensed something different when lowering the windlass. Thank goodness she did because when she double-checked she determined the windlass was indeed not doing well.

 For you land lubbers, the windlass is the very expensive, very heavy and very necessary hunk of metal that most of us use to lower and raise the other chunk of important metal on a boat… the anchor. What to do??? Without too many options, Kathy single handedly hauled in the 75’ of anchor chain and the 35lb. anchor from the deep and back on board while CJ maintained the boat’s position with gentle adjustments from the helm. Thankfully all went well and we headed to nearby Lund Harbour. 

We are very lucky for so many things. They include; the anchor didn’t get stuck on the bottom, Kathy didn’t hurt herself hauling it all in, the day was sunny and warm without significant wind, Lund had room for us on their dock and with friendly staff, we like Lund, and George, the wonderful fellow who helped us out last year, was available and ready to check out our windlass for us. We are also lucky that the windlass didn’t fail us in some remote anchorage…miles away from anywhere with a mechanic.

 It’s now late morning and George has been, inspected and diagnosed our problem. The windlass is one problem and he thinks he can get it repaired well enough to continue. The platform the windlass is mounted on (created in Mexico when we bought the boat) is another and will need to be re-created when we get home. The good news is, we should be able to carry on in a few days. We will find out this afternoon…stay tuned. 

 I just want to take a moment to say thank you to YOU. I keep this blog going because I enjoy sharing our adventures with family and friends and anyone else who enjoys the ‘read’. So, thanks for coming along and sharing our good and not so good times with us. I hope you enjoy the pics as well. Always CJ > >  >

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Seal feeding on anchovies

Look what we discovered as we were walking down the dock last night in Lund!

This seal was happily feeding on a large school of anchovies. We stood on the dock and watched it for 20 minutes.  This truly was a rare opportunity to see how gracefully they swim …

There’s nothing like the slap of water…

… on the hull of a sailboat beating its way through what ever the tides churned up. And so it was when we finally broke free from the land-based challenges and worry. We weren’t exactly sailing; the winds met us head on as we crossed from Nanaimo, heading for Jedidiah and then settling for a quiet anchorage on the south end of Texada Island. With time to catch our breath, we paid homage to those who had gone before us; remembering the lessons learned from the knee of a sailing father (my dad) along , with his equally competent mate, my mom… and the other senior boaters in our lives, like Kathy’s mom and dad who led us into and around the Broughton's and shared several anchorages with us and then, in 2011, (along with my dad) supported our biggest adventures (even the one down the west cost to Mexico on the good ship Shannon). Yesterday marked the start of our 2026 summer cruise. It is safe to say we resurrected our summer plans after many setbacks and here we are. Our course takes us to visit dear friends in Powell River and then on to Cortez Island to rendezvous with other dear friends from a different time of life. It feels so good to be, finally, out here, under our own steam, with a somewhat relaxed plan. I hope each of you have developed summer plans that meet your needs and find the strength to adapt as needed in order to see them through. Adios for now…. CJ, K and Maddie > > 

PIrates cove

Was relatively calm last night, particularly considering the forecast of 25 knot winds. No excitement except for the fellow who backed over his dinghy painter. He was lucky. HIs neighbouring vessel had a young fellow who dove down and freed the line. Smiles all around. We’re here for a few more nights. It’s a great place to hangout, help folks, care for the marine park and decompress after a busy spring. Hope you are all decompressed and enjoying where ever you are. Always.. CJ

> > > svshannon.blogspot.com > cjdaley727.wixsite.com/cjdaley

Shannon’s Spirit is on the move….finally

 to hopefully warmer days dripping in sunshine. After almost two months receiving updates, upgrades, repairs and TLC, SSpirit is loaded up and on the move. Today we braced ourselves for a cold and somewhat lumpy motor boat ride…into the face of a Nor’wester and joined numerous other boats in Pirates Cove. Our Club members volunteer to serve as park hosts and have the use of a small dock to tie up to while serving. Given the forecast of the upcoming weather that includes gusty and strong winds, we have opted to ‘host’ for three days in the hopes the NW will have calmed down before we leave and cross the Straits (a petulant body of water that cares little for creature comforts, warm and dry conditions, or smooth and gentle breezes). Best part? At long last our repairs are completed and we are free to begin our summer cruise. The not so good news? The time left for this year’s cruise is half what we had hoped for and the challenging weather isn’t helping. getting on with it? We’ll do as much as we can as long as it feels safe and is enjoyable. We’ll also do more sailing this fall…as much as we can in our beautiful Gulf Islands. As far as challenging weather goes… my dad always said “while you can’t do anything about the wind… you can always adjust your sails”. Here’s hoping you have your sails aligned with your dreams and you days go well. Adios for now. CJ

svshannon.blogspot.com

Shannons Spirit is…

back in action !!! Yabadabadoo.! ( for you younger folks, that s a good emotion…for you older folks…well maybe check in with Yogi Bear. Finally, after 48 long and expensive days, SV Shannon’s Spirit has tossed the dock lines, backed slowly out of her temporary slip, spun her wheel and made a run for it; Before anything else could possibly go wrong!! Some might say I’m a pessimist others may call me paranoid. I must admit I am little shell shocked. It appears to me we’ve either removed, repaired or replaced almost every essential item responsible for being safe, comfortable and a darn good sailboat. The important feeling is freedom. Free from systems we don t know well enough to discuss, free from the most expensive boat maintenance and repair I have ever experienced with this boat or any one of the previous 9, and free to begin to seriously plan our summer cruise. Phew…. Our shake down cruise has us currently enjoying two nights at Otter Bay Marina sharing time with dear friends on their boat. Tomorrow we head to Montague, aiming to arrive about 1000 hours which is when many of the current occupants of the mooring balls will be leaving… and the next day we point our collective noses north to head up and around the north tip of Saltspring Isl. and then on to our home in Maple Bay. Shaking off the angst of the delay, we shall happily firm up our plans for our 2026 summer cruise. We won t be travelling great distances but we will be visiting some of our favourite anchorages as well a new-to-us anchorages. Dates and timing are still in the sand, waiting to be firmed up prior to our day of departure. Loose and local will be our key goals this year. Until I write again, I wish you carefree days and happiness…and good quality sunscreen. CJ > >

> > svshannon.blogspot.com > cjdaley727.wixsite.com/cjdaley >

Not out of the woods yet

Good morning. Many of you have been wondering where the heck we are… north of Desolation? Nope. frolicking in Desolation Sound?? Not there either. VIsiting good friends up the coast??? Not even there. The three of us (K, C and Ms. M) are still at home and re-writing our cruising plans on almost a weekly basis. Shannon’s Spirit remains in the van Isl marina. At least she’s back in the water but she s not ‘free to go’ yet. I admit, it feels like almost everything has been repaired or replaced… except her hull, but the good news is, she should be good to go for as long as we care to keep sailing. I desperately hope she will be released in the next week or so and we can proceed with cruising plan number 537. Until then… wishing you all a warm and healthy summer. I’ll let you know when SSpirit is released and we are free to go….CJ over and out. >  >

> > svshannon.blogspot.com > cjdaley727.wixsite.com/cjdaley >

OK! So I’m not a world class traveller…

…and I haven’t been to even one 5 star hotel, but I do get around in my own way. Today though, at a well known marina in the Saanich area, I found myself in need of a visit to the ‘facilities’. I had a rather large chunk of standupish hair on my head and it needed to be wetted down and flattened. I entered the (obviously 5 star…ish looking) facility and ,lo and behold, came face to face with an instrument I had no idea how to use. Talk about a country bumpkin, I thought to myself… what now. So, based on previous experiences, I waved my hand under something that looked like it would dispense water and when it did, I quickly applied it to my hair, near where the sticky-out tuft was located. To my horror I quickly realized it wasn t water but a sticky glob of some clear gel I assumed was soap. I quickly moved to the next choice…..more soap and the third arm…same thing. What to do in this rather alarming situation?

What could I do but wave my hands under every square inch of the apparatus and finally, off the nearest corner, came a trickle of water; no help at all. Back to the toilet stall, out with some TP, wipe off as much as possible, pat the rest into hair to hide the mess, and head quickly back to the boat. Luckily the water was still warm from the motor boat ride earlier and, after a nice hair wash,(it s clean and shiny now) there s only one thing to do. It involves cold beer and sharing this story of my lack of worldly skills with you. Hope you giggled at least once. It’s been a while since I’ve written. LIfe has indeed been busy. The good ship Shannon’s Spirit will be on her summer cruise from mid June to mid August and I shall be back to sharing stories soon. Hope all is well with all of you and hope you always get what you expect when you wave your hand at something. Adios for now. CJ. 

After a lovely visit with friends in Punta Pérula…

We are safely home; tired, but home, and already getting busy addressing the challenges of Spring 😃
The grass is growing, the garlic's up and Shannon's Spirit is patiently waiting for her once a year overhaul. Hope your gardens rise as planned and you're enjoying the Olympics. Happy spring! Always, And... wishing you all a very happy Valentine's Day  CJ

The persuasive draw…

> Of deeply moving music and song.
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> I went for a walk yesterday morning. I wasn't heading anywhere special and I hadn't gone very far down the dusty dirt road leading away from where we're staying in Perula. It was a beautiful morning, complete with crystal blue sky, a light breeze and warm sun. I wasn't far down the path, heading to nowhere in particular, when I was surrounded by beautiful music. It felt like a soft orchestra blending with the strings of a well-played guitar and it filled the air surrounding me. Then, to perfect this magical aura, came the perfect voice of a gifted tenor. That's when I realized I was walking by a church and I slowed my pace so as to hear more… longer. I neared the intersection of my road and crossed… and then I stopped. My feet would go no further in that direction but turned slowly around and carried me back towards the music. There was a set of stone stairs, up the rock and gravelled slope in front of the open church doors and an older man lounged on the top step, also enjoying the music. I moved on so as not to disturb him. I stood for a while, enthralled by this beautiful, soul searching music and song, and I looked for somewhere I might sit but I found no such throne. Shortly thereafter I saw the man had moved on and, somewhat surprisingly and despite my cranky knees, I scrambled up a loose rocky path from the street where I stood, to the steps in front of the church door…and I sat to listen with my ears and with my heart. I can tell you this. I have never, in my rather long life, been so moved by church music and I will try never to forget the feeling. The music ended not too long after that and I moved on to continue my walk, as it turned out, down to the sea where I sat again - thinking about that music and my love of salt water… and all that has brought me to this place. Finally, and as the sun was getting very hot, my feet carried me back to where I started and I carried on with my day… like you do… even after experiences that are so moving.

I hope that each of you have the chance to be so enchanted… always, CJ

PS:  We have had a wonderful visit with dear friends from home; here, in Perula. Long walks for Kathy and time for contemplation for me, along with great happy hour discussions about almost everything have filled our days and, far too quickly… it is time for us to head home. Burda picks us up at 0800 and, by the time you read this we will be well on our way to PV where we will catch our plane for the first leg (to Calgary).

Best driver ever… we made it to Perula!

Our driver, Burta, is an amazing young woman (of 55). A mother of two and grandmother of four…a taxi driver and caring for her mom…she set off from Perula to pick us up in Melaque and then return to Perula; despite the major tanker truck accident and warnings the highway was closed. True to form, she convinced the chap holding back traffic on her end of the closed portion, to send her via a rough path down around the accident and back up onto the roadway…and she arrived at our address within 20 minutes of when she had predicted she would arrive. We loaded all our stuff, including two suitcases, two backpacks, one styrofoam cooler and two grocery bags with the dregs of liquids (of the sipping sort :-) into her trunk and settled in for the drive. Burta is an excellent driver and good conversationalist and when we got to the spot where the journey fizzled to a stop at the end of a very long (like a km long) line of big trucks and a few cars…our euphoria slowed down too. The head of this very long line of stopped vehicles was, of course, the accident scene where the bridge was damaged and impassable. Dusk settled in as we sat, telling stories and learning more about each other. As time dragged on and the daylight began to wane, I worked out how we could take turns sleeping in the back seat and how, if we opened both front and back doors on the passenger side (which was handily on the brush and gravel side of the road)…well we could probably relieve ourselves with some semblance of privacy. I even had a collection of tissue and serviettes in my pockets (necessary for my old lady runny eye (another story) that we could use. This may sound like over-planning. Trust me; it's not. Anyway, just as we finished the serious planning on how to survive an overnight stay, the cars in the lineup started pulling out of the line and into the oncoming traffic lane…and ever so slowly, off we crawled past the trucks, past the fellows directing traffic and past the accident scene. Then we slid off the rough road, down and around and back up on a very rough path and….voila! Back onto the highway. We were on our way again!! It was, by this time dark and we were all pretty chuffed that we didn't need to spend the night. Not too long later we arrived at our new digs and Burta got to head home. She had even stopped at a store for us so we could pick up some ice (necessary for a well deserved night cap before hitting the sack). Suffice to say… we have arrived safe and sound at our new address in Perula. Our suite is very nice and we're looking forward to meeting up with our friends and touring this new to us town and beach. There is even pickleball here although I think we are both kind of tired and may just leave our paddles in the suitcase. We're only here for a couple of days and need to rest up for the journey home. This is me wishing you… a good day and safe adventures. Adios for now. CJ

www.cjdaley.ca
svshannon.blogspot.com

Our driver has arrived. A most amazing young woman and a very good driver. We are on our way! The adventure continues. 😁

www.cjdaley.ca
svshannon.blogspot.com

Friendship and kindness…

An interesting situation but we are fine. It's now almost 4:30 and there is still no news that the highway is open. Our friends have been wonderful. Several of them
Have offered us their spare bed(s) and some have made room in their fridge for our fridge stuff. Rosa, the manager, has offered her office space and all our luggage and dry food is now stacked in there and we wait for news…. Not the most exciting day so far. On another note, a Norther has just arrived. I ve spoken of them before. They are the strong winds that wreak havoc with cruising sailors who haven't found an island to hide behind until they pass. My thoughts are with those sailors as I have experienced what they may be going through.

Adios for now. Will write again when there is more news.
www.cjdaley.ca
svshannon.blogspot.com

Feb 7: Our last day in Melaque and on our way to Perula…

as soon as the big accident on the main highway is cleared. We've had a great time in Melaque, met friends, old and new, ate too much and played lots of pickleball. We are packed and have abandoned our room as you can see in the photos. Currently camped out in the courtyard and plating cards. Isn't life exciting 😉. CJ

Enjoying Melaque and having some fun…

Hola mis amigos… the experience continues. There is no lack of things to do here. Sorting out what to do and what to leave for another time is the challenge 😎. We have met lots of people, many who are now friends and will likely stay in touch. There's a very active pickle ball group here and they've been very good to us. We have played several times a week since arriving. Kathy's game has become very strong and she has drawn some nice compliments. Mine tends to have good days and not so good days… nothing consistent yet. But, we both enjoy the game and the camaraderie with the folks we have met. The beach and the water continue to draw us in every day. The view and the memories blend into our consciousness… we even took a day trip down to Barra de Navidad and had lunch after wandering the town and working through yet more memories. I have to admit, I really do miss sailing in the Sea of Cortez…wish I could wiggle my nose and be transported back on board the good ship Shannon and continue exploring all the beauty the sea has to offer. Maybe in my next life 🌞. I must also admit the life we are living now is pretty darn lovely…so, no complaints. It's just the memories… and thank goodness we have them.

We have also met several US couples who have actually teared up while apologizing to us for their country and all that is going on. I will stick with my mantra… I do not hate Americans, but I do feel very sorry for them and now the world… I will never likely be able to forgive those who choose to ignore what is going on and continue to support the actions, nationally and internationally their vote has created. Nuff said.

In a few days we will begin to prepare for the next leg of our journey. We head to La Pirula on the 7th and will meet up with a couple friends who winter there. We're looking forward to the visit, after which we will point our noses north and head home. Luckily La Pirula is about half way between Melaque and PV so our trip up to the airport will be much shorter and more relaxed than the trip down. This visit to Mexico has been a great experience. Old friends, new friends, healthy activities… and, did I mention? We have discovered the smoothest tequila I have ever had… and for some reason it may be the least expensive too… a very dangerous situation 😇

So my friends… I hope your days are going well. I've read of the flooding in the Comox Valley and hope it calms down soon. As for the state of our world… hang in there. We humans may not be the smartest creatures on earth but we're pretty tough and adaptable. Our hearts also go out to dear friends, too many, who have lost loved ones, many in the very recent past. You're in our hearts and our thoughts. ❤️ Always, CJ



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Pics for ‘A day in the bay’

A day in the Bay…

> I hope you are all safe and staying warm and dry during the extreme cold this winter. We've been watching the politics and the weather forecasts, both demanding some attention, with concern.

> Despite national and international concerns, we had a fun, busy day yesterday. It started early for Kathy. She headed off in time to arrive for a 0730 pickle ball game. That's the timing for the first wave of regular games and they are followed by 0915 and 1000 games. We sign up every Saturday to play each week. I would normally be playing but have managed to strain my right hamstring a bit… so no PBall for me for a few days. We love playing and have been well received by the group of regular players. We've been playing three times or more each week. There was also a wee tournament for the advanced regular players and, after games yesterday, we all headed to Joyce's place for a social. She is the head honcho and chief organizer of Melaque Pickle Ball and throws a good party as well. Kathy and I have been well received by the group and are enjoying the exercise and the friendship.

We had a little extra exercise yesterday (Friday). We had heard (and so decided to check out) reports of corn hole (bean bag toss) games down at the end of the beach at a beach bar called TiTo's. We went. There was. We played, and CJ and her assigned partner made it to the semi-finals. We had met Leevee (spelling?) the previous week and I was glad to be partnered with someone I had already met and liked. Kathy and her partner did well too. Fun was had by all. The 'fun factor' was bolstered by the fact it was 'Happy Hour' all day. We were also impressed to learn that all proceeds (entrance fees and a raffle draw) were donated to a seniors home and used to provide groceries for them. After our games and lunch we headed home along the beach (which may not have been the wisest for me as my knee is aching this morning). Hopefully the ice wrap will fix it up quickly. We (the novice players) have a PBall tournament this Monday. I've had to withdraw because of my knee and have been assigned to manage the scoreboard; definitely not as much fun as playing 😵‍💫.

I mentioned the cruising sailboats the other day. Well, over the past two days, we've watched three different boats enter our bay and anchor; riveting stuff for us land-based sailors. During our walk home, along the beach, we were able to meet and greet one couple as they arrived at the beach and hauled their inflatable dinghy out of the water. We had fun swapping stories for a bit and then we all continued on our ways. The weekend looms and will be filled with more pickle ball, more walks, more tacos 😱etc. etc. Hope your days are filled with good friends, and warm hugs. Adios for now… CJ
 

Crashing thunder, sizzling lightning and pelting rain…


Mother Nature was in a mood last night.

We had gone to one of our favourite, small restaurants. We went carefully as the thunder and lightening were still around albeit becoming quieter and our dinner had just arrived. We were one of three or four tables spread over the sidewalk and we were protected by a material tarp of some type - set up I imagined to protect diners from hot sun and wet showers. The world was at peace…or so we thought. All was quiet, like a soft hush. That’s when the rains arrived, like a high wave or, more accurately, like a wall of falling water stampeding up the road, through the shade trees, through the protective tarp and, finally, through the roof itself… well, actually the seams of the roof.

What a flurry of activity followed. Heavy comfortable chairs and diners tables were picked up off the sidewalk and carried or dragged into the narrow walkway inside the restaurant. Staff and customers worked together to save what could be rescued from the torrential downpour. We were at the one table that only needed to be moved a few inches back. After helping with the other furniture we returned to our meal, which we enjoyed very much… even with a few drops and sprinkles from above as the water found its way through the woodwork.

It was actually fun. We all pulled together. We all enjoyed our dinners and we all shared a chuckle over our situation. Miraculously, Mother Nature pulled in her claws just about the time we finished our meal which allowed us to walk home, skirting large puddles as we went and enjoying the fresh, clean smell of the air and earth.

The photos show the skies just before the storm hit and the beautiful sunset we enjoyed tonight, complete with a largish sailboat that came in and anchored while we watched from afar. They are like magnets to our eyes anytime we see a sailboat come near the bay. I only wish I could go out to greet them, but then what would they do with an aging ol' lady like me anyway? Oh well. Time to catch some bunk time. Adios from hot, sunny, windy, wet, and warm again… Melaque. CJ

Fun in the sun…

> A few more photos

Sun, sand and salt water 👍

January 13, 2026
We are slowly getting used to the 'volume' and the heat (mostly) and today began with our debut at the local pickleball courts. Registration is required and the people who showed up were very nice. After two hours in the hot and humid air, we called it quits and scuttled back to our homes and the shade. Great fun! We'll be keeping this up while we're here.

As today is Kathy's birthday she decided we should head to the beaches of Coastemate, another bay we had anchored in so many years ago. A nice taxi driver delivered us there with a promise to return in three hours; which he did.
We enjoyed watching the pelicans doing their coordinated dive bombs and some actually dove right into groups of bathers lingering near the shore; quite entertaining. There was also a fellow spin casting from shore who managed to hook, not a big fish, but a wayward pelican who must have thought his lure looked edible. it took the help of three other fellows to remove the hook. One held the pelicans beak while the others did their best to keep the flapping wings under control. The operation was successful and the pelican rejoined his group (rather sheepishly I expect). Kathy had a quick swim after which we enjoyed lunch on the beach before it was time to head back.

Our day wound down, closer to home and we enjoyed some quiet time on the patio. it's been muggy and cloudy all day and this type of hot and humid weather is expected to last for at least a week. Thank goodness we have ceiling fans in our suite. That's it for now. The next several days will be relaxing time by the pool or on the beach; interrupted by forays into town to visit stores and the Market…and then home again for quiet time with our books, on the patio, overlooking the ocean. This kind of repetition is delightful and just what we needed. We've been reading about the atmospheric rivers at home and hope they slow down soon. Wishing you all dry days and tall gumboots.
Adios for now… CJ
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