Vancouver to Pender Harbor

May 1, 2016

The skies were clear and the winds light as we decided what to do.  Spirit needed rinsing from the crossing the day before, oysters needed to be purchased on Granville Island at “The Lobsterman”, and some specialty spirits awaited at the Coal Harbour Liquor Store, close to the finish of the Vancouver Marathon.  We also planned to partake of “Tappy Hour” at Provence Marinaside later in the afternoon.

The weather continued to be clear and sunny, with just enough breeze to keep the temperatures comfortable, so snagging an outside table at the restaurant was a pleasant choice.

Supper later on was in courses between rounds of Mexican Train, and we had the ray oysters purchased earlier in the day, along with shrimp and salad and a fresh baguette.

May 2, 2016

Another sunny day greeted us as we filled the tanks with water and cast off the lines at 0800.  Heading out False Creek we prepared to put the Grady White in tow outside the Granville Street Bridge and realized we had not returned the key fobs, so at 0820 Patrick ran back to the marina in the tender while Miriam, Ted and Lisa continued on course to Pender Harbour.  

Patrick’s round trip took about 45 minutes due to the 5 knot speed restriction in False Creek, but shortly after 0900 the tender was back alongside and Spirit continued north to Pender Harbor under sunny skies and calm seas.

Entering Pender Harbour we brought the tender back alongside and anchored in Gerrans Bay at 1442, having covered 46 nautical miles.  Following a tour of Pender Harbour in the tender, under warm sunny skies, we then grilled pork chops marinated in pineapple habanero sauce for our main course. 

Rainbow over Pender Harbour before the rain began

Later that evening, the wind shifted to the north and the rain began, sometimes hard.