Karen and I have been sailing north through Canada's Gulf Islands for the past two weeks. As we left Victoria Harbour (Canadian spelling of harbor) with a southeast wind that built to 25 knots, we sailed Polar Mist up Haro Strait and anchored in Sidney Split late in the evening to enjoy the sunset.

After a couple of great days at anchor in Sidney Spit, we motored to Todd Inlet and visited the incredible Butchart Gardens. We anchored in a VERY small harbour with 50 other boats that we actually counted! We had to stern tie to the shore to keep from swinging into each other. After enjoying the gardens, we watched the last night of the seasonal fireworks. Both the gardens and the fireworks were spectacular!

As we continue traveling north, we have had beautiful warm weather and sunny skies. We visited Ganges Harbour on Saltspring Island; anchored in Montague Harbour on Galiano Island; stern-tied in Princess Cove on Wallace Island and watched the full moon rise over Ruxton Passage Cove on DeCourcy Island (see photo). The anchorages have had beautiful hiking trails where we can get off the boat, stretch our legs and just enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Today is far less adventurous. We're catching-up on boat projects (and laundry) in the Silva Bay Marina on Gabriola Island. On Saturday we will be heading further north, across the Strait of Georgia to the B.C. mainland and Jervis Inlet. We'll continue up the inlet to Louisa Inlet to experience the beauty of Chatterbox Falls. After this 100 nautical mile adventure we'll be heading south to the San Juan Islands.

We have taken hundreds of pictures and more movie video than I can edit. We hope to share both with you later in the year.

Sailing north,

John and Karen