07/31 - 08/02 - Nanaimo, British Columbia

ok the Susan E just confirmed with the harbor master for a dock space. We will be leaving thrusday night after work and headed to poet cove to clear customs and then depending on light I would like to get as far as montague to drop anchor. Friday will shrimp and fishing and crab on the way up and arriving around 7pm. See you all there.
 
Getting very close for the Nanaimo event! Friday arrivals with visiting and getting organized and settled in. I have lots of maps of the city with bus schedules etc and info as to what is nearby downtown for museums and galleries etc. I will be available with a small truck if anyone needs to go to the boat store for stuff or needs a ride. I have arranged with my District Manager a 10% discount on general merchandise and 5% off electronics if you need anything at West Marine. Shopping for groceries is right across the road in the Port Place mall and has a liquor store etc. Friday evening is a free for all type deal with visiting and if folks want to go to variuous nearby restaurants. Saturday West Marine is sponsoring donuts and muffins at 0830 bring your coffee, there are excellent coffee shops nearby also. Saturday evening is the potluck on the dock we have a very wide concrete dock available, anyone with umbrellas or shade devices most welcome to bring them lots of room for chairs . I am working on reserving for Sunday breakfast at the Lighthouse Bistro at the marina, a very good breakfast place. I am seeing if they have room for about 30 folks as I assume not all will want to go, but will hear later today. I'll make sure they are flexible in case more want to come. See you all soon, George
 
Tom,

We're spending the night at Poet's Cove, so if you have a second after clearing customs look for Pingu! We're heading up to Poet's Cove early Thursday morning and then leaving for Nanaimo early Friday morning.

If you don't have the time, I understand. We'll see you in Nanaimo!
 
We settled the last of our trailer business this afternoon, flew the Blue Peter, and Halcyon left harbor with her bow pointed northerly. Nanaimo here we come. Looking forward to some good times.

Then on over to Pt Alberni and some west coast cruising next week.
 
Sorry, it does not look like we will be coming to Nanaimo this year - we have decided to kick back at Birch Bay for the week this year instead of trying to make two gatherings in two weekends. You all go get a Nanaimo Bar, Patty makes them, so we will be enjoying ours! Have a great time, maybe next year!
 
Anyone up for cruising Barkely Sound after the Gathering? If not, do you have a Garmin west coast chip we could beg, borrow or steal? (NO - not steal-maybe rent?)

It would be nice to have company to share the cruise.
 
Yall are killing me.....

At least I have had several great times with the most of you at either the Seattle, Blakely Island, Bellingham....and other quick gatherings in the NW corner. Yall make it hard on a guy down in the SE.

I sure wish I was making this one.. Look forward to some pics of Tom & Susan's hauls.... and other pics of the fun too.

Byrdman...
 
Is anyone else concerned about the heat this weekend? We've never cruised beagle in this kind of heat. It looks like it will be in the 90s. How do you stay cool?

Ron & Rose
 
How do you stay cool?/ take turns dragging your feet off the swim step?? or you could do what we did in japan when it got to hot to sleep.. drink until you pass out so you can sleep.

When near fresh water swimming is always good but I don't like swimming in salt water that much. i have spent many evenings standing chest deep on a boat ramp with a drink and friends watching the sun and the temps go down.
 
I sat on the swimstep with my feet in the water. It not only cooled me off, it helped with the swelling. :wink:

And I hate to say it, but man was meant to live in temps like this. I hate the cold. 8) And being out on a boat only makes it more enjoyable. Trust me, you could be like me and be working. :x
 
We will not be heading to Nanimo as we originally planned. After Bellingham we spent two nights on Matia. Karen got bit by something and it started getting infected. We decided she needed to see the Doc so now she is on antibiotics and we are spending the night in Friday Harbor.

She feels fine and we caught it early, but just want to be safe and stay close until it starts to improves.

Hope you guys have a great time.

Steve
 
Glad she's feeling better and she caught it early. No sense taking a chance IMO. Meredith and I have both seen some nasty infections (career choices :roll: ) and one can never be too careful nowadays.
 
Sorry to hear you'll miss it Steve.
On the heat thing, shade is a definate plus. I have an anchor shade that extends over the house and shades the cockpit keep it above the house for airflow. I always have a canvas bucket aboard my boats and use it to sluice the deck down. Keeping the deck wet helps a lot. I have also found it useful to locate an air conditioned pub for the hot part of the day and enjoy a pint or two.
There is also a really nice spot just east of the docks at Newcastle Island with a nice sand beach and clear water that is really nice and cool.
 
Well, I just cancelled our reservation with the Nanaimo Port Authority - suggest anyone else who cannot make it do the same, they appreciate it.

George - maybe next year! Hope this becomes an annual event!
 
Sorry you won't make it Pat and crew. Definately will be an annual event.



Here's the event plan

Friday all day arrivals and getting settled in. Visiting exploring etc. I have packages with maps info on museums shopping etc for each boat

Saturday 0830 muffins and donuts on the dock, bring your beverage.

Free time visiting etc


Saturday 1730 onwards Potluck on the dock bring your goodies, chairs etc to the event table by the dock tent (I'm putting up a shade tent hope the port guys don't shoot me) I have dessert covered with a big cake After dinner a trivia contest for some door prizes

Sunday morning Brunch at 11 am at the Lighthouse Bistro in the marina. I've reserved for 30 folks they are ok with plus or minus numbers upstairs in the pub overlooking the water. A very nice place for breaky


Sunday afternoon departures or staying for more visiting.

Only one more sleep everyone I'll be down early Friday to assist with arrivals etc


On approach contact the Port at vhf channel 67 or on cell at 250- 754-5053


Be careful in our harbour as it has a lot of floatplane traffic, a stobe flashes in the marina if aircraft are on final


See you all there. George
 
Just a quick note from Silva Bay. It has been HOT up here. We have been swimming four or times. We have bumped into Sea Queen & Goyo a couple of times. We are looking forward to seeing the rest of you .
I called home yesterday, the boys said it was 108 on Tuesday. At least we can jump into the water to cool off.
Our stop in Cowichen Bay was uneventful, Except for a lost crab pot. I would skip Maple bay. Chamannis was a nice treat, no room at the public dock, but good anchorage just off a city park. It was too hot to try Ladysmith. Next time.
Stay cool.
 
For those trailering into Canada, don't forget about "purple gas". It is fine for any gas powered engine that is not used on roads. It does not have the road tax component in it. Do not use it in your truck. Huge fines!

It is selling for about 97 cents a litre / us$3.67 a gallon on South Vancouver Island.

For those of you trailering via Swartz Bay or via the Coho and heading up Island, purple gas is available at the outside northeast pump at the Mill Bay Shell gas station, about 35 mins north of Victoria.

There is a Costco gas station in Langford, about 3 mins off the highway, on the north side. Turn left before the Home Depot. No purple gas, but easily the cheapest gas in the Victoria area.

Have fun.
 
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