Vancouver - We're home

We left Port McNeil in dense early morning fog, with the radar on and fog horn ready. When we arrived at the Pearse Islands (still early in the morning) we could see two other boats anchored (on the radar: still didn't have enough visibility to see across the anchorage!). We dropped the hook and waited for the fog to lift. We had a great day exploring the islands and listening to the whale-watching boats on the radio, to see if any Orcas were close by. We did see a humpback out in the Strait from the boat.


Eoin at the helm in Pearse Islands


The visibility in the water was incredible: the kelp looked like it was dancing in the current

While waiting for the fog to lift the boys make "huts" in the V-berth

The sunrise the next day was amazing

as we headed up the Johnston Strait with the tide in the fog.

The fog finally lifts.


We spent the night in, Port Neville where Laura the post mistress showed us around the old family store and introduced us to the local deer.

the boys really enjoyed the tree house and the chance to run around.

We explored the inlet in the dinghy and found an amazing little sandy beach that looked like something out of a desert island movie.

Until Conor spotted the bear tracks in the sand!


We got a great boost from the current the next day as we headed down the last of Johnston Strait. We were a little early for clearing the rapids (they can run at 8-10 knots) but what a treat: a pod of Orcas - male, female and young calf - were there to entertain us for the half hour.















After a night in Pendrell Sound we headed to Roscoe Bay to chill at the lake for a few days and celebrate Eoin's birthday.


The boys met a new friend there - Tomasz - and he and his folks joined us for Eoin's birthday celebrations.



the weather forecast was sunshine for a few days, so we decided to end the trip with some beach days at some great beaches recommended by Laurie and Greg. The 1st stop was Tribune Bay on Hornby Island. We even managed to sail there!

What a great spot.

The boys try to convince Ian to sit on a towel ...guess what's underneath. Conor did end up in the hole later!

the boys try Skim Boarding.



On the last day the boys' friend Tomasz arrived. We did a potluck dinner and the boys brought blackberry crisp with the berries we'd picked earlier in the day.

After Hornby we went to Bucaneer and spend a day on the beach



before heading into Vancouver.


It's strange to say it but we are home! We have moved into the house and the boys start school in 9 days!!