Prior commitments kept us from the previous squadron rendezvous, so we’d been looking forward to this one; we’d pick up Lisa after work and then head out to catch the slack tide occurring at 1800 through Active Pass. Then Lisa came home sick from work on Thursday. Friday she felt the same. We began looking for contingency plans, and a way of making things still work. Lisa insisted on us going, so I started checking into ways that she could catch up later. If she felt up to it, she could take one of two ferries scheduled to Mayne Island on Sat.
So without having to wait for the end of Lisa’s shift, we quickly prepared for heading out, trying to get as close to the 1100 slack as possible. The weather for the day (Friday) was supposed to be really hot, but as we departed Point Roberts, there was a high overcast, and what looked to be areas of shower activity on the island side of the Strait of Georgia. The wind had picked up considerably in Tswassen, and flags were outstretched as we approached the marina. I was a little concerned how the kids would be taking this, but out on the water things were fine. There were long, slow, swells, with little wind wave development. The worst of the crossing was the 3 knt current through Active Pass. We did have to make a stop at Miner’s Bay to clear Canadian Customs, but after circling the dock until the appointed time waiting for a customs officer to appear, we were on our way with our pre-approved clearance number.
In our haste to get going, we had some snackfood on the way over, but the first thing needed to take care of was lunch. After that, the girls headed up to the pool, while I touched base with Jeff, the cruise director, and then the other squadron members that had already arrived. We started having wagers on whose boat would be last to arrive -especially with the car fire on board a BC Ferries vessel that tied up the Tswassen terminal- so it was down to Jim and Terry. Jim was in relatively by their standards, and Terry was in by about 2300. So we were all in early tonight.
I had spoke with Lisa the Friday night, and she felt good enough to catch the early morning ferry; nothing was keeping her from the afternoon’s wine and cheese party! But Saturday morning began with the past commanders’ pancake breakfast, where they served up a wack o’ pancakes and sausages for everyone there. It was a great way to start the morning. Lisa made it in at 1130, but wanted to rest for a while. I was a little concerned, but she perked up again afterwards, and that was that.
The wine tasting was great. Jeff managed to get one of the local vintner’s to come by and offer samplings. The plan was to offer tastings at $5 per person. Well, he sold enough wine that he waived his fees entirely -I’m not sure if that should be considered a good or a bad thing
The evening consisted of visiting and chatting away.
Sunday morning most were away in good time; the Maple Bay boats having to allow for a ferry trip home, the mainland people wanting to catch the 1100 slack at Active. There was a lot of chatter and good natured ribbing with us being the last boat away, but passing all but the first boat out before we reached the west entrance to active pass.... and our fuel bill will still be less
Another great weekend.
So without having to wait for the end of Lisa’s shift, we quickly prepared for heading out, trying to get as close to the 1100 slack as possible. The weather for the day (Friday) was supposed to be really hot, but as we departed Point Roberts, there was a high overcast, and what looked to be areas of shower activity on the island side of the Strait of Georgia. The wind had picked up considerably in Tswassen, and flags were outstretched as we approached the marina. I was a little concerned how the kids would be taking this, but out on the water things were fine. There were long, slow, swells, with little wind wave development. The worst of the crossing was the 3 knt current through Active Pass. We did have to make a stop at Miner’s Bay to clear Canadian Customs, but after circling the dock until the appointed time waiting for a customs officer to appear, we were on our way with our pre-approved clearance number.
In our haste to get going, we had some snackfood on the way over, but the first thing needed to take care of was lunch. After that, the girls headed up to the pool, while I touched base with Jeff, the cruise director, and then the other squadron members that had already arrived. We started having wagers on whose boat would be last to arrive -especially with the car fire on board a BC Ferries vessel that tied up the Tswassen terminal- so it was down to Jim and Terry. Jim was in relatively by their standards, and Terry was in by about 2300. So we were all in early tonight.
I had spoke with Lisa the Friday night, and she felt good enough to catch the early morning ferry; nothing was keeping her from the afternoon’s wine and cheese party! But Saturday morning began with the past commanders’ pancake breakfast, where they served up a wack o’ pancakes and sausages for everyone there. It was a great way to start the morning. Lisa made it in at 1130, but wanted to rest for a while. I was a little concerned, but she perked up again afterwards, and that was that.
The wine tasting was great. Jeff managed to get one of the local vintner’s to come by and offer samplings. The plan was to offer tastings at $5 per person. Well, he sold enough wine that he waived his fees entirely -I’m not sure if that should be considered a good or a bad thing
The evening consisted of visiting and chatting away.
Sunday morning most were away in good time; the Maple Bay boats having to allow for a ferry trip home, the mainland people wanting to catch the 1100 slack at Active. There was a lot of chatter and good natured ribbing with us being the last boat away, but passing all but the first boat out before we reached the west entrance to active pass.... and our fuel bill will still be less
Another great weekend.