This is sunrise over Lasqueti Island in the middle of the Strait of Georgia. Two nights previous we pulled into Port Neville, off Johnstone Strait. We anchored across the inlet from the full dock for a not very restful night. The current was strong causing a vibration and occasional slapping of the anchor rode against the hull. Dog Star swung a full 180 degrees and back again during the night as the current changed with the tide.
In the morning, a new challenge for weighing anchor. It took a while to untangle, but soon we were headed back into Johnstone Strait.
It's still raining.
Keeping a sharp lookout in the fog and rain can pay off when you spot a disturbance in the water up ahead and it is a superpod porpoise!
We exited Johnstone Strait late in afternoon into Discovery Passage. The timing at Seymour Narrows for slack was a little dodgy, so we pulled in to Kanish Bay, navigating around the numerous rocks and islets in the dense fog and dusk. The next morning we passed through Seymour Narrows alongside two tugs towing log booms and a tug with a barge. The Strait of Georgia greeted us with blue skies at Cape Mudge Lighthouse.
This Humpback whale was happy to see us as well!
We had a beautiful cruise to False Bay on Lasqueti Island. This anchorage in the middle of the Strait of Georgia was a perfect setup for a dash back to civilization. We entered the protected waters of the Gulf Islands through Gabriola Pass under these interesting clouds and our first views of Mount Baker.
We made landfall at the Port of Sidney on Vancouver Island, the port where we cleared customs over 3 months ago at the beginning of our expedition to Alaska.
We had been gone so long, it appeared Christmas was already here!
(A holiday movie was being filmed.)
Notice Mr. Hummingbird.
Below is the 2.5 km Heart Smart Walk.
Ah, the wine and cheese bar. How civilized.
Rosario resort on Orcas Island: there's our friends Ronnie and Brian on their new boat, Clara.
This is the view from Mount Constitution, the highest point in the San Juan Islands. Bellingham Bay is in the distance when the view is not blocked by these two explorers.
After a stay at Hunter Bay on Lopez Island (below) to stock up on crab, we crossed the Strait of Juan de Fuca for a visit to Port Townsend.
Our friends the Common Murres seem to have followed us south.
(Notice all the blue sky in the pictures!)
Walking back to Dog Star, we noticed these rascals getting into trouble.
Sailing through a regatta off Shilshole Marina with Seattle in the background felt like home.
Back in our new slip at Elliott Bay Marina after 115 days and 3300 nautical miles, it was time for a crab feed.
I love all these photos! You both look marvelous—so relaxed and healthy! ❤️