So what do we do with ourselves when the weather turns drab and drizzly (in the anchorages that is) while the wind howls and seas roar out on the coast as it did for almost three days while we were anchored in Bacchante Bay and another three nights in Quait Bay, both in Clayoquot Sound towards the end of August? We read, play Cribbage, bake cookies, read some more, plan our next leg, bake bread, write, putter with boat projects, do some sewing, enjoy the solitude, watch the wildlife, and continue to catch and consume crab (mostly Rock Crab at this point). Good thing we aren't in a hurry to return to a routine life or we would have had to take risks traveling back in stormy conditions.

The weather finally broke somewhat and we made it to Ucluelet where we reprovisioned, made phone calls, and updated blogs and emails. Then on to Effingham Bay (see Kirk's Reflections of 9/9/13).

Soon after those events, we arrived in Victoria, BC and confirmed our winter moorage at the Causeway Marina in front of the Empress Hotel starting October 1. It was a whirlwind three days beginning with the initial shock of being surrounded by many people (mostly tourists), lights, water taxis, and a plethora of buskers and vendors after spending almost three months in very remote areas around the Island. Victoria is a bustling city full of life, sights and sound. We travelled, by foot of course, around town, talking to residents when possible, and realized how fortunate we are to be able to spend the winter season in such a unique city.

So until October 1, we are out cruising again exploring some areas not previously visited such as Princess Louisa Inlet (reachable only by boat or float plane), a very popular cove at the end of Jervis Inlet on the BC mainland known for its pristine scenery, waterfalls, and solitude. Hopefully, the high season has ended and we will find fewer crowds as we visit this and other anchorages in the Gulf Islands and San Juan Islands before returning to Victoria for the winter.

The accompanying photo is what greeted us this morning from our cockpit at anchor in Mark Bay in Nanaimo.