Fun boating trip so far! Except for the fridge; more about that later.

We left home on Tuesday morning with no firm itinerary, just a general idea of heading into B.C. and the Gulf Islands. After loading our stuff we took off across Rosario Strait toward the San Juans, still with no particular destination in mind.

Deer Harbor (Orcas) won out and we spent our first night on the hook. We planned to dinghy to shore for a walk the next morning but that plan was foiled when we noticed how close we were to nearby Pleiades!

We thought it best to pull the anchor at that point, so rather than drop it again, we just left. At 7am. We are certain we did not drag anchor, and there was no bumping in the night, so not sure what happened. Anyhoo, it was a lovely evening.

We thought we’d head to Sidney, and then along the way we changed that to Ganges. One of our considerations was the fact that it may blow on Friday so want to be tucked in somewhere for that day/night for sure. I then realized that we would be going right by Otter Bay on Pender Island, which is where our good friends aboard Coorie Doon were. (Along with some other Ranger Tug owners.) So we changed course again!

We have been to the Otter Bay Marina once before, with Coorie Doon, as it happens, several years ago. We remember liking it but didn’t remember just how nice it is. They have done a great job with this marina. It’s not inexpensive, at $2.30/foot (CDN) and $10 for power, about $86 U.S., but it’s worth it. The docks are good, the grounds are nicely kept, and they have created so many lovely spots to gather including a raised deck above the breakwater.

There are two pools, a small store, lots of games, and good places to walk. The staff are friendly and helpful.  There is also a park (Roesland – Gulf Islands National Park Reserve) across the small bay, with a dinghy dock.  

Here’s the four of us – like old times!!! So happy we adjusted our cruising plans.

More photos of Otter Bay Marina:

The Zedekars and the other Ranger folks headed to a gathering at Poets Cove this morning. We hope to meet up with Jeanie and Steve again in Desolation Sound in July.

We are now in Ganges, Salt Spring Island.

Oh, the fridge. Not working as well as we hoped. We are using a cooler again for some items and will most likely move forward with obtaining a new one. Stay tuned for the riveting details. ☹