The public marina is run by the Harbor Authority of Salt Spring Island - or more commonly known as the HASSI. Everyone knows that - right?

We came into the marina to do some chores, get water and other supplies and to see a little more of Salt Spring than we had on our previous trips.

It was time to change the oil and filter - just like a car - only there is no Minute Lube for boats. We actually used a small pump similar to a soccer ball pump to get the old oil out. There were only 2 places on the island to recycle oil, and thankfully the good old HASSI was one of them. So new filter on and new oil in and we then cleaned up the boat. Took on a load of water too. We are still figuring out how to best manage our water and use the water maker efficiently.

We rented a car this time and drove around the island. There are many farm stands all over the island. They put the goods for sale out on the roadside stand along with a cash box and you take what you are shopping for and make change as necessary. All on the honor system; very cool. Similar to what we have experienced at our friends' Jan and Karl's cabin on Lopez Island in the San Juan Islands.

We got a good supply of things including lamb chops, lamb sausage, pork sausage, bread, beets, and cheese. We also got a great recommendation for a local dinner spot for fish and chips, the Seaside Restaurant, which turned out to be very good.

We also took a trip up Mt Maxwell - with Kirsten hiking up the last mile and a half. The view from the top was great all around and we got several good photos. The road up and back is really rated for only 4 wheel drive, and upon returning the rental car - I noticed a sign that said 'our cars are not suited to go up Mt Maxwell'. I said nothing, turned the car in, and off we went from Ganges to Montague Harbor on Galiano Island. Whew!