I was awake by 06:00 but remained in the sack until just after 8. Luxury! I awoke to a galley full of dishes so I began the day washing them. I prepared bacon, eggs and hash browns for breakfast along with the vital, daily dose of coffee. I struggled with the eternal question among sailors. Should I leave now and sail home to Cadboro Bay? Or should I stay long enough to go ashore and enjoy Portland Island?

I chose the latter. I left the dishes and took the dinghy around the South end of Portland to shell beach. There I collected shells for the kids, and one for Tania too. The parks branch or someone left a plastic Adirondack chair under a big fir tree in the camp ground so I relaxed in the morning sun before retiring to the commode to deposit last nights groceries.

Not wanting to be rushed when I got back to Cadboro Bay, I left Portland around 10 and motored down the East side of Sidney Island before crossing over the strait. Trouper 2 took full advantage of the ebb tide and we made incredible time coming home.

I removed the safety netting on the way home. It took hours. I had forgotten how much lashing was involved in the installation. Now that the netting is gone, I like it a lot better. Much better visibility and no obstructions. Very nice.

So here I sit after just arriving home. The boat has been put to bed and I’m going to enjoy the sun for another hour before calling home and arranging a pick up. I have to admit, one night on the boat just isn’t long enough. No down time. I’d have really enjoyed spending the whole day at Portland enjoying this incredible fall weather.

It’s the kid’s 7^th birthday party next weekend and then I’ll arrange to take the cushions off the boat. Fall is here and storm season is just around the corner.

Click for chart view

Breakfast of Mariners at Portland Island.

Enjoying some quiet time in the sun on Portland Island before departing for Cadboro Bay.

Adirondack chair under a big ol' pine tree.