And Willie Said: The Charming Jennis Bay Marina -- 8/4/2014

Our 6:00A view outside at Greenway Sound Resort is the typical overcast morning with fog bathing the spruce and cedar tree tops. The water is like glass. Fog slowly lifts in the next two hours and solar panels on the boat adds electricity for our house batteries.

Over our coffee this morning I wonder about the docks, why they are so dilapidated and so sad that the owners' dream was not realized here. High winds? Snow load? I don't see evidence of overt vandalism. Some of the flowers in the hanging baskets along the side of the dock are still blooming.

There is life here.

The dog Yacht Club has been watered with rain and grows nicely; however it hasn't seen a lawnmower in a while. So sad, but maybe someone can restore it one day.

Amazingly Herb gets a 'missed cell phone call' notification on his phone, but we have no signal to return it. By 10:30A it is time to cast off for Stuart Narrows and we cruise a little ways off the dock to see if service is available in the cove. Then Herb increases speed to 18 knots to have extra time for the cell conversation if we get a signal.

Then we turn east into the sound, which separates Broughton Island and North Broughton Islands. Then to port into Sutlej Channel. As in previous days we see high and not so high mountains, which -- except for the sheer steep cliffs -- are clothed with stately trees in various shades of forest and spring green .

As we continue toward Stuart Narrows, we come to the confluence of Wells Passage, which leads to Queen Charlotte Strait, and I am in awe of getting a peek at the large northern body of water that eventually flows into the Pacific Ocean.

Wildlife abounds. On the rock with the yellow light are loons and sea gulls feeding.

And an eagle sitting on a limb just to delight me.

My eye thinks the loons have their beaks open, but the camera shows a different kind of face than I have ever seen. I love hearing their calling and singing. Chris tells me they sit lower in the water and have dark necks, so are more easily differentiated from the sea gulls at a distance.

Catherine Grace comes through the Narrows well before the recommended time. We hail her, but do not get an answer.

Three more come toward us, and as soon as they are safely through, we go. Transiting is a non-event today.

Following the charts, Garmin and travel guides, we steer clear of the rock just beneath the surface of the water, and notice it is identifiable by the trash collecting on top.

The relative silence of the trip is momentarily interrupted by a plane flying down the channel.

True to our experience at this time of day, a layer of blue slices an opening through the defined clouds and promises a warm afternoon.

Nearing our turn off to Jennis Bay, we see a classic boat coming from that direction and recognize Deerleap, which we saw at Pierre's Echo Bay.

Logging Operation

In sight of Jennis Bay Marina now, we call on 66A and are invited to come in. Space is available at the dock.

When dock hands are available to catch our lines, it is usually one, or at the most, two. What a welcome we get here. There must be at least eight or nine people who come rushing over to secure Willie's Tug and move us one way or another to fit the space.

I can't tell who is in charge, but the lady in the red blouse and black sweater (I now know her as Karen) seems to know where we should be. I am overwhelmed at the hospitality, but no one seems to be concerned about taking our money for moorage.

We are right in front of the Happy Hour float and like everywhere in The Broughtons, 5 o'clock is gathering time. Our hosts grill a fresh salmon to share.

It doesn't take long to get to know most of the guests, especially when there is food around. In this photo I see Gary, Carol, Jim, Karen, Roger and Jim.

Wyman and Robyn

Jim and Elaine of Fly Away

Peter and Robyn tell me how they came to own Jennis Bay. Peter was born in Vancouver BC and his father moved the family to Jennis Bay to work as a logger.

When that industry went into a slump, they moved to northern Idaho to mine silver. Peter, the eldest of the children, was 12 when he learned of the gold and diamond mines in South Africa. He was so excited and got a degree in mining. When he was 27 his mother told him to follow his dream and go; leave the family to the silver mines. There in South Africa he met Robyn, whose parents were missionaries there.

Peter's sister Allyson called one day to tell him Jennis Bay Marina is for sale at auction. The rest is history. We feel fortunate to meet them today and enjoy the charm and friendship of the community here.

Wyman and Peter

Man with a nice handshake!

Fresh Veggies for the Marina Cookhouse

Herb calls to me from Carol and Gary's Magic, but we recognize it as the former Hobomack, a 38 ft. Helmsman that we have seen at boat shows in Washington. Stepping aboard reminds me of the fabulous memories we have of visiting with David and Maureen on their Helmsman, Destiny. My heart sings! I know Carol and Gary will have many, many happy cruises on Magic.

I make one mistake by sitting in Diesel's chair, so I quickly find another.

Diesel says, "This is my chair!"

While trying to compose a photo of all the boats on my side of the dock, Debbie and Doug call to me from their flybridge and invite me to shoot from there. I do, and we have a wonderful visit sharing stories and experiences .