Time passed without our paying attention for awhile there, and suddenly it was the 17th! We tried to call but couldn't get a cell phone connection, and the Internet connection we're using fades in and out, so Skype won't work.

We've been anchoring out since we left Kwatsi Bay on the 13th until yesterday afternoon when we got a place at the dock in Sointula. That's only three nights, but we put quite a few hours on the engine: some was traveling, but most were fishing.

John's been trying to catch a halibut. The north side of Malcolm Island is supposed to be good for them, but so far, no luck. Lots of people were fishing, but it looked like they were after salmon. For the most part, the weather has been nice, and I certainly don't mind reading or napping while we're drifting around and John's looking for the elusive fish. We turn the engine off (now that we can do that again), so it's quiet. John did limit on kelp greenling the first day we were off Malcolm Island, so we've had our fish tacos for the week.

We did finally see some whales, both orcas and humpbacks. The orcas were across the channel from us and lots of boats were blocking our view. The humpbacks swam right by us (followed by several whale-watching boats), and the spray from one's blow even got my glasses. That's how close we were. We've also heard and seen them from a distance while fishing.

Sointula is a nice little town. Since we've been here, we've been out for dinner, John has changed the oil, I've done a load of laundry and vacuumed, and we've restocked the larder. Tomorrow we're going to take the ferry into Alert Bay.