We ate at the Grasshopper Pub Wednesday evening – adequate food…spectacular view. You can see Touch of Gray anchored in Garden Bay.

We’ve spent some time researching and inquiring at various locations and now have a plan. We were able to get reciprocal moorage at the False Creek Yacht Club, Vancouver, instead of Quayside Marina. Before that, we’ll head to Gibsons Marina & Fuel Dock for two nights and then head into Howe Sound for reciprocal moorage at Squamish Yacht Club.

The weather has been so nice. Hot in the sun – no time spent on our top deck lately – but pleasant in the shade. Around 80 degrees. Glad to be missing the heat wave in Tacoma!

Was not expecting to see this small float plane in Garden Bay as we were hauling anchor:

One thing you don’t want to hear on the VHF radio is a MAYDAY call. We heard just that on our way out of Pender. A report of a float plane crash around a couple of corners in False Bay, Lasqueti Island. I did see a picture of it upside down in the water but sounds like the two people aboard were okay. Don’t know what happened.

It was quite sloppy in the strait yesterday but at least we were going with it!

Seems Squamish is unattainable for us this time. Due to a sailing event, neither the Squamish YC nor the Boat Harbor have space. So, we booked two nights night at Gibsons Marina, and then a third night at Gibsons Landing (Harbour Authority). The facilities don’t look much different but the Harbour Authority has been much better to deal with. It’s been one thing after another with Gibsons Marina. Just not the greatest customer service. And who uses eye bolts on their docks?!

The town is very nice – lots of shops and restaurants. This wonderful garden barge is at Gibsons Landing. A lot of the stuff is fake but there is enough live vegetation to make it really lovely, and it attracts a lot of birds.

There is a sailing event here this weekend, so the harbour is very busy. Today is windy, so good for them! We moved the boat from the marina next door to Gibsons Landing this morning. So now we have power, free garbage and recycling, and a better experience overall. We also walked up the very steep hill to Upper Gibsons – bought some shoes and blueberries. 😊

Looking forward to dinner at Smitty’s!