SV Cariba

Winter projects on Cariba

So as we docked last September we did have plans for some fall and winter cruising, but it becomes challenging as the boat transitions to more of a house than a vehicle to move around in. The dock lines magically become velcro and so here we sit at the dock. Covid and some other issues contributed to the inertia…but that didn’t mean we sat idle. Since we didn’t head south as planned, we started to tackle some projects that were on the “nice to do” list as opposed to the “need to do” list which was done as part of the prep for cruising offshore.

A new year: some new hope and plans?

Caution.. some pensive musings ahead! But first to sum up our world currently- lock down and social isolation sucks! Don’t get me wrong, it is all very necessary and if we all do it ‘right’ life might be able to return to some semblance of normalcy – what ever normal is in this new world.

Staying warm, staying dry!

As the temperatures start to drop into the single digits and even below at night, many of our friends ask if we are warm and ok on the boat in the fall and winter months. My answer is we are.. but there are several strategies in use to keep us this way.

Last night was colder and windy – so the inspiration for this post!

Home again, home again…..

North side of the creek barely visible from Granville Island

It is hard to believe that we have been at home on the dock for a month now. Desolation Sound feels like a distant memory as the fog hangs over the creek. It has turned cooler this week, but we did have some lovely warm days and great sunsets – mostly due to smoke but you have to look for a silver lining!

Sense of direction?

When I look at our track on PredictWind, it looks like all we have done is travel in circles in Desolation Sound and the surrounding area this summer. The track alone doesn’t tell our story, but I think is a a good metaphor for life in general right now.

Elworthy Island 2.0

View of Waddington Channel from the hammock

Summer camp for adults, hike, fish, prawning, swim, rinse & repeat!

A short update

We made our way to Von Donop with the larder full of fresh produce from the farmer’s market at Mason’s Landing. The cabbage was the size of a basketball! We had enough provisions to last for a while until we hit Comox for a big stock up.

Octopus Gardens!

In our past travels to anchorages north of Vancouver, we had never made it to the Octopus Islands before. We are so glad we came here on this trip. We finally started to have better weather and really enjoyed our stay here

So many places… and lots of time!

Elworthy Island looking out to
Waddington Channel

We motored in the rain to Refuge Cove and took a spot on the dock. We needed to address a few boat chores: laundry, provisions and off loading of garbage. All was achieved in the 24 hours we had there. We were disappointed that the restaurant wasn’t open.. they have the best pizza and view going. We will be back to enjoy their patio next year as they are doing an extensive renovation. The patio space looks like it will be more than double!

Prideaux Haven and friends!

We have been to Desolation Sound many times but have avoided the more popular and populous anchorages such as Prideaux Haven and Melanie Cove. We prefer spots with some elbow room and don’t like feeling we are in a RV park. Covid 19 has changed many things this year but there are a few silver linings…one being less crowded anchorages. But more about that in a minute…..