Homfray Lodge, BC - 8/2/2012

Another skippers' meeting this morning results in a decision to try Laura Cove before it becomes too busy this Summer, with Circle T, Sunrise, Alletrope, Sea Ranger, Sand Dollar, Zephyr and Willie's Tug in the group.  


We leave Gorge Harbour on Cortes Island at 9:30 A.


Capt. Lincoln calls for the intended speed.

We get wind on the beam as we approach the bell buoy.

Sea Ranger makes the turn around the buoy.

Three Islets seen as we turn east toward Desolation Sound.

Most of the traffic we see are pleasure craft, but not all.  This propane barge is evidence of marina life ahead!

Keith on Sand Dollar radios us to look behind at the ice fields on Vancouver Island.  They are beautiful!

And the scenery ahead -- lovely Canada!

We get a first glimpse of the Prideaux Haven area with a boat peeking out.  We hear on 68 someone in another group announce that Laura Cove is so full, but if you grease the boats you could squeeze more in!

Lots of boats here already.  May be too busy.

As we approach Laura Cove, Alletrope gets in and radios there is space beside her to raft.

Zephyr checks out Melanie Cove and says it is full.

Herb sets Willie's Tug's course on Homfray Lodge, and we leave a message on  their phone to see if we can get space on the dock.  

We see Homfray Lodge and approach the dock.  Scott is there to catch our lines and welcome us.

We make new  C-Dory friends, Casey and Mary of Katmai.

Scott goes to Lund to get friends and supplies.

Roger Clark of C-Dory Dreamer comes back from a day cruise.

With him are Betsy and Bob of C-Dory Sea Pal.

Happy Hour begins with a small group, then the others join us.

The propane truck finds Homefray Lodge.

Dinner is on the dock.

Jake, Mayor of the Dock

Willie of Willie's Tug,

   and of Walldog, Willie and Jake

   Wednesday, August 2, 2012

Gorge Harbour Again - 8/1/2012

Many Ranger Tugs are still at Gorge Harbour for the second day.

The ramp is not very steep; however the hill up to the store gets my attention.  Great exercise!  The grounds are unbelievably beautiful.

Zephyr joined the flotilla yesterday, and I finally have a chance to meet Mike and Mary with sons Henry (13) and William (6).  They live in Vancouver BC, but originally are from Chicago.

Zephyr

Impromptu Happy Hour moves to the Promenade by Sand Dollar, and Bob made reservations for a seat in the spacious cockpit.  He is welcomed by Capt. Keith!

Ray tells me how they decided on the name of Nudibranch for their boat, and shows me a photo in a brochure on the office bulletin board.  Compared to a previous boat they had, the Ranger Tug goes slower, like the nudibranch slug. The photo shows a very beautiful and graceful organism, daughter Brenna likes it, so hence the name.  I am impressed.

Nudibranch

Our circle gets larger and larger so the marina golf cart stops short of the office to deliver its load.  

Nancy of Lazy L conducts the 'skippers' meeting, asking each where he plans to go tomorrow.  Several opt for Laura Cove (before it gets too crowded for the Summer) and others name fun places to go.

and Sally said........

Kathy holds a 'Guess the Flavor of Jelly Belly' contest for the children and young adults.  Parents give permission for the sugar high!  One contestant got two out of about ten correct, but everyone won a prize -- a bag of different  flavors. 

The Winners

Dinner is in the restaurant up the hill and Kathy selects a bottle of Blasted Church red wine.  The link tells the story of the old wooden church which inspired the winery's name.

When the waitress tells us their specials for the evening, Herb and I are surprised to hear a starter of Baton Rouge Seafood Chowder.  Really, now!  We are not sure that is 'legal.'  We order it, and it is wonderful!

For an entree, Lee chooses oysters from the awesome menu.

Sally orders mussels.

Everyone else has the special of halibut with spaghetti squash.

Willie of Willie's Tug,

   and of Walldog, Willie and Jake

   Wednesday, August 1, 2012