April Moon in September

As summer trundled toward its yearly death, we boarded the 'April Moon' at 1 PM on Friday, September 1 at one of Nanaimo's marinas. This particular marina is thoroughly Schecklerized (sort of a Windbag West), but the boarding was nevertheless accomplished safely. Our hosts, Tom and Karen, evidently not wishing to be ostentatious, had hidden their other 11 sailboats 'May Moon' through 'March Moon'. Somehow, April seemed out of phase with the season.

We soon got underway and sailed to the north, finally tying up in White Rock Bay, an anchorage on Jedediah Island, now a provincial park. The homesteads, not abaondoned all that long ago, seemed eager to tell their stories - but even after a second night there, I couldn't quite hear them. We visited the unkempt orchard with its apple, walnut, etc. trees. Eli threw apples to the now-feral sheep, we looked through the stout wire mesh into the forbidden buildings, and we even visited the ornate grave of Will (the chestnut horse). All in all, it was a delightful, uninhabited island.

The third and final night was spent in Scottie Bay on Lasqueti Island, mostly occupied by abandoned cars, bicycles, and other machinery ... and a few people. Some were tourists, but most were local. I think one would need to live there for several years to appreciate the various mindsets that make Lasqueti a viable home. The beauty is readily apparent, but the necessary survival skills are less so. The island has ferry service (foot traffic only) and there is a primary school, a restaurant, honesty booths, etc. My guess is that the locals come in three varieties, the indolent wealthy (faux local) who have 2nd or 3rd homes there (and their own high-end boats), those who commute by the ferry, and the locals who somehow make their living on the island.

Athough the anchorages were on fascinating islands, we also sailed and dieseled in the fair weather. We had, at best, light winds - as arranged by Tom and Karen for their land loving guests. However, we enjoyed our stay on board immensely. More important than being gracious, Karen and Tom were fun. We made excellent meals, drank fine wine, had meandering conversations, and went for stimulating walks when the ship was anchored. From my viewpoint, we were a very compatible foursome. Ruby behaved as cats do.

The mix of sun, sea, and forested hilly islands is quite special. We spotted seals, a heron, eagles, ravens, etc. - but no elk, bear, moose, or giraffe.

As a lad,I took perhaps 6 to 10 canoe trips into the Quetico. This had a similar effect in that it captured the mind, letting every day cares float away. Now we're ready for school.

Richard
2006.09.05