The storm has now passed and while it was exciting, it wasn't that bad, nor did anyone in Sisters' Creek have any problems. We hear later that a number of boats in the inner anchorage dragged anchors and there was quite a bit of excitement.

As is usually the case following a tense and challenging event, there is a palpable sense of relief and calm. Judy and I decide to invite our neighbouring boats over for happy hour to debrief and relax after this strenuous event. We each start mentioning it to boats and when we confer we realize that we've invited 16 people over. Now we consider our boat commodious but it's just not that big. No worries, they won't all show up right?

Wrong,! Soon after the appointed hour of 4:00, a swarm of dinghies approaches our boat and, yes, 16 people (18 including Judy and I) descend on Sea Sharp for a wonderful afternoon of mirth, stories and getting to know each other.

These are very interesting people, from varied backgrounds and places (although most were Canadians). They were most open and forthcoming when I probed them about their backgrounds, thoughts on cruising and other nosey questions on my part. One cruiser appoints me the Mayor of Sister Creek. Another modifies this to Prime Minister of Sisters' Creek. I accept the nomination.

The crowd thins out but several couples remain and we retire below to the cabin to share more stores and adventures. It's been a really fun day and an ideal counterpoint to the tense day the day before.