With the haul-out done we were looking forward to spending some time relaxing on the boat.  We still had a few days before Deb showed up so we decided to head out sailing and after we launched Treylya, we headed towards Ganges, Saltspring Island.

We steamed out past Swartz Bay and although the wind was fairly light but we decided to raise the sails and enjoy the peace and quiet of the gentle breeze.  Ryan took the helm for most of the trip as we progressed towards Ganges.

We enjoyed the light breeze and Ryan handled her like a pro.  After tying up at Ganges Marina we headed up for a beer and a bite to eat.  We hung around Ganges for a few days.   The weather was nice and we hung out drinking coffee in the mornings and watching hockey in the evenings.  Ryan is an Ottawa Senators’ fan and we headed up to the pub in the evenings to watch them.  They beat the New York Rangers in the 2nd game of the 2nd round of the playoffs 6-5 in the second overtime period.  Great hockey and everyone at the pub was pretty pumped.  The summer crowds haven’t descended on Ganges yet so we were able to enjoy a quiet little community and the warm spring temperatures in peace.

On April 30th we decided to head over to Montague Harbour, Galiano Island for a night.  The winds were light so we motored most of the way but the weather was very pleasant for the end of April and it was nice to be out on the water.

Upon arriving at Montague we tied up to a mooring buoy as one of the only boats in the marine park.  Montague is pretty sleepy this time of year and we enjoyed a walk in the park there and a nice BBQ on the boat afterward.

Once the sun went down the evening grew cool so we put a fire in the Dickinson and went on deck for a cigar.  These are the moments that you realize all the hustle and bustle are just noise and when you slow down and take it all in you realize that life is pretty sweet and has so much good to offer.

The next day we got up, made some breakfast and headed back to Ganges.  Deb arrives from back east in a few days and I’ll catch the ferry over to meet her at the airport.  We were able to get a bit of nice sailing in as we left Montague but the wind dropped off and we motored most of the way back to Ganges.

We arrived in the early afternoon and headed up to Moby’s Pub for dinner.  Next morning I left Ryan on the boat, said goodbye to Ganges and headed over to meet Deb at the airport.

After a quick trip on the Saltspring Island bus and a short ferry ride and I was back in Sidney.  I caught a taxi back to pick up the truck and headed to the airport to pickup Deb.  She arrived looking chipper and in good spirits after her long flight across the country.

Our friends James and Sue had decided to head to Ganges today so we hitched a ride over.  It’s always a good time hanging out with James and Sue and their dogs aboard Hounds’ Hollow.  There wasn’t much wind so we passed the afternoon under motor as we eat and drank wine, played with the dogs and caught up on missed time..

We got back to Ganges and met up with Ryan.  He had spent the afternoon in the pub cheering for his fav team The Ottawa Senators….  They are having a good run in the playoffs this year so he’s a happy fan.

Sue and Ryan set out some crab traps the next day and we enjoyed fresh crab later that day.

The next morning we cast off and headed back to Sidney as Ryan’s flight was later that day. We got Ryan to the airport on time, said our goodbyes and watched as his plane disappeared out of site.  It was great to have him join me for a few days and I appreciate all the help with the boat over the past few weeks.  Thanks bud.  Hope you’re up for it again next year…  🙂