Wind light.

Sunny.

As Tania finally emerges from the winter of her convalescence, the Fernwood Five set sail in Trouper 2 for the first time since we took the kids to Sidney Spit in late August, 2014.

Thinking that Tania would not be able to board T2 from the dinghy, I met the crew at the Oak Bay Marina gas dock. We on-boarded and left for my mooring buoy in Cadboro Bay and a day on the water. Tania had been put through her paces with Havana that morning, and on top of her anxiety over taking her babies out on the water, resorted to a few snorts of Rum right out of the bottle.

Barnucka joined us on our cruise. mostly as moral support for Tania who continues to worry about our ability to handle the three kids by ourselves. Fair enough. The kids were ecstatic, all wanting to steer and explore the boat. They were in and out of the cabin from the time we left until we returned.

Rio brought along his fishing rod. He made it out of a rainstick, a piece of string and a plastic hook. India added a piece of pepperoni and they all took turns fishing. Very cute.

Once we were tied up in Cadboro Bay, we enjoyed bar-b-qued smokies and potato salad for lunch. Then it was 'quiet time' for the children. Ya, right.

The girls were content to do some colouring below deck but Rio was raring to go. And go, and go, and go... So I took him out on the inflatable dinghy and let him steer. He was living the dream!

Once quiet time was abandoned, we loaded everyone on the dinghy and hit the beach for an hour of frolicking in the sand before it was time to head back to the Oak Bay Marina. I am so impressed that Tania was able to board T2 from the dinghy. I didn't think she'd be able to yet so I'm delighted because it means we're good to go cruising.

The world is our oyster.

Rio at the helm with Havana and Mommy in the cockpit.

Rio's home made fishing rod.

Bringing out the Sea-B-Que.

India takes her turn at fishing.

The Captain enjoys some turkey pepperoni.

Ever vigilant, Mommy holds on to Havana and India. 'Bums on seats.'

India adds some pepperoni for bait.

Yay! India, Havana, Rio and Mommy on the fore deck with Barnucka in the background.

India on deck.

A happy Havana.

My crew.

The Rum's working.

Rio deploys the fender as Havana and I look on.

Rio enjoys rowing in the dinghy.

Approaching the beach with Barnucka and Rio.

Who wants to go for a ride?

Havana is in her element, on the beach.

Havana in the V berth during quiet time.

Rio loved the forward hatch.

First Mate takes a selfie.

Rio doesn't have to look for other cruising kids with motors cause we have our own!!!